Camino Ronda hiking trail near Llafranc

I arrived in Costa Brava the day after I finished walking the Camino de Santiago, it was an abrupt transition – so when my hosts, Visit Costa Brava Toursim board, said that I could go hiking in the area I was excited but my feet had a different plan.  My feet wanted to simply relax and enjoy being driven around!  However after a couple of weeks of enjoying the gastronomy treasures of Costa Brava and seeing the area by wheeled transportation, I was ready to put back on my trail shoes and do a hike.

I was surprised to learn about the extensive hiking trail called Camino Ronda – a 220km walk from Blanes to the northern city of Collioure near the border of France.  This extensive and well marked trail goes by many names – Camino de Ronda, Costa Brava Way, and GR-92 (Grand Randonee).  It is mainly a coastal hike which takes you to the little coves and hidden beaches of Costa Brava as well as fishing villages and inland landscapes.  There is lodging along the way and it appears to be very well marked and supported with resources.

I walked a very small portion of it one day to get a feel for the trail and to stretch my hiking legs again.  I started in Calella de Palafrugell and walked up to the Llafranc light house and then turned around and came back down.  This was enough to get it under my skin and start planning to come back and walk the entire 220k in the next few years.  The views are stunning, and the terrain varied, plus at any moment you can cool off in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean!

I’ll be back for more – but in the meantime, I’ll tempt you with photos of the portion of the trail I ‘test drove’!

Fishing boats line the trail in Calella de Palafrugell

Eye candy – the trail goes right along the beach in Llafranc

The rugged coast of Costa Brava

Get up close to the boats in Calella de Palafrugell

Camino Ronda trail signs keeping you going the right way and estimated times

The trail runs right along the beach in places

View of Llafranc Bay from the trail

Trees provide some shade along the trail

My destination – Sant Sebastia lighthouse

This is not a heavily touristed trail (which makes me even more excited to walk it!), so there are few English resources on it.  The Tourism board does offer a comprehensive trail book that is wonderful.  Plus you can learn more about it in these blog posts and videos.  Maybe you’ll get interested enough to come walk it with me in the future!

The Scenic Costa Brava Coastal Trails

Walking and Hiking in Costa Brava

Video (Spanish) – trekking the Camino de Ronda

Listen to more about the Camino Ronda and Costa Brava on the Amateur Traveler Episode 339 – Travel to Costa Brava, Spain

My travels around the area were supported by  Visit Costa Brava .  However all of the opinions expressed here are my own.