Who doesn’t like long walks by the sea? If you’re thinking of walking in Spain, consider walking Costa Brava! It’s a walk a little more on the wild side.
Spain’s Costa Brava is somewhat of an unknown factor – to Americans, anyway – on the Mediterranean. Mention it in the U.S. and you’re likely to get a blank stare. When Americans think of Spain, they think of Madrid, or even running with the bulls in Pamplona. Mediterranean family cousins to the Costa Brava in France, Italy, Greece, and even Croatia typically receive the most love in the American travel press.
All of these places are wonderful, of course, and we’d be the last to discourage travelers from considering a visit to any of them. But we’re throwing our hat in the ring for Costa Brava, in northeast Spain. And we’re going to encourage you even further: to take a walk on the wild side – along its rocky paths meandering beside the sea, and inland through the Baix Empordà region.
Rugged and rocky Costa Brava at Lloret de Mar
When Americans think of walking in Spain, they might think of the Camino de Santiago, a Christian (and now secular) pilgrimage in existence for hundreds of years. We know half a dozen couples, and at least two solo travelers who have walked the Camino. But walking Costa Brava can turn into a personal pilgrimage designed by you as well, if you desire.
Trail To Platja de Fenals – Lloret de Mar
During our recent stay, we had more than one opportunity for walking Costa Brava: in Platja d’Aro along the Cami de Ronda – which stretches 43km from the village of San Feliu de Guixols to another favorite village of ours, Begur – and in other communities in Baix Empordà.
Wandering the Cami de Ronda
As well, we walked the coastal trail in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava’s biggest resort city, perhaps best known for its casinos, late nightlife, and see-and-be-seen beach.
Beach at Lloret de Mar
There’s a lot more we could say about the wild and beautiful scenery in Costa Brava, but words would fail.
Palafrugell
Mist in the morning
There’s definitely a lot more we could say about the outstanding food along the way when walking Costa Brava so we made this video for you to drool over enjoy.
There’s a lot more we could say about the sense of peace and tranquility that comes with walking Costa Brava, but perhaps these photos will convince you. We’ll shut up now.
Serene places to gather
Beached at Lloret de Mar
Stacked and waiting
These colors!
Pinnable Image:
Practicalities, tips and information:
The Cami de Ronda consists of two routes, the linear and the circular at 43km and 140km respectively. The linear route connects coastal villages, and became a pivotal part of attempts in the 18th and 19th centuries to control smuggling and black market activities. In the 20th century, smugglers continued to operate along the Costa Brava well into the 1950’s as war and political unrest affected supply chains from international markets. The circular route begins and ends in Girona, running through medieval villages such as Palamos, Llafranc, and Begur. It traverses a variety of terrain, including the Gavarres Hills, beaches and the Sanctuary of Angels (where Salvador Dalí was married). Information and recommendations for all types of participants – from the physically fit to the sedentary weekend walker – outline different pacing and length of route. Baggage handling services can have your things waiting for you at any number of accommodations along the way. Rental GPS, insurance, transfers and private, certified guides are available.
Informal day walks can be enjoyed all along the Costa Brava. Our favorite villages for short walks: Palamos, Begur, Palafrugell and Platja d’Aro.
Baix Emporda Trail Network App – If you’re planning on walking, cycle touring or mountain biking in the Baix Empordà, download the Wikiloc app for Android or iPhone. Register your email and confirm for access to all the routes on the Baix Empordà channel free of charge. The routes are found in the Tourist Destinations section. The routes can be saved and accessed in your mobile device while offline.
Thanks to Costa Brava Tourism and Visit Empordà for hosting us in this wonderful region. As always, opinions and observations are our own.
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These photos are so pretty, almost makes we want to start walking again – almost. We’re actually open to the idea of taking another walking journey but much shorter – and I want someone to carry my pack for me! 😉 I agree with you though in that Spain has SO much to offer visitors, it’s an incredible country and truly, if you want to get to know a country and its people, walk across it!
Hi Patti – You’re allowed to take a break after finishing the Camino! I agree, walking across a country has to be an incredible way to get to know it. After I read Patrick Leigh Fermor’s series from the 1930’s where he walked from Holland to Romania and beyond, I was convinced.
Hi,
i want to walk really superb place.photos are really so beautiful.hope i visit soon.
Thanks for sharing.keep up it.
Have a nice week ahead.
Hi Bilal – So happy we can inspire you. 🙂
Betsy: I really like the addition of the video in the post. Sometimes, it’s hard to articulate the beauty and essence of the place; and thankfully we have the technology to help us get the point across. With that said, it’s also a wonderfully written post. Tell your husband, that his idiomatic Spanish is hilarious and can be a video montage in itself.
Hi Andrew – Thank you so much. Pete is really proud of his new Spanish! Even though he can’t speak very much, he is starting to get the gist of conversations, which is really cool. He edited the part out of me snickering. 😉
Looks fantastic. D and I love rugged coastal walks.
Hi Lyn – It really is a gorgeous experience.
Betsy, your photos capture the beauty of the place really well! I’m not much of a walker, but being there, especially in Emporda, made me consider a walking vacation for the first time.
Hi Rachel – This route intrigues me more than others because it goes along the sea. Our group’s experience in the Empordà was really exceptional, wasn’t it?
It was! I’ll write about it soon. Just need a bit more ruminating to figure out a focus.
Betsy, I adore the wild coast, but have never tackled the Camino. Friends who’ve done segments of it say if refreshes the soul, but the old body can take a beating. However, that said…..you remind me that Spain is versatile, diverse, and fascinating. Great pix, too!
Hi Ursula – It’s a tempting walk, particularly with the luggage services. 😉
Very informative and I love your shot of the boat on the beach. Would you recommend hikiing shoes or can you get by with trainers/sneakers?
Hi Suze – We got by with flip flops! Might be a bit slick should it rain, but other than that, you’re never far from the beach, so I think hiking boots would be overkill.
Costa Brava looks like our sort of place. We love walking to really get the feel of a place and those vistas over the rocky shore and sea are so beautiful
Hi Toni – The nice thing about it is you can go as far as you like and not very, if that’s how you feel. 🙂
I am from Sardinia, and I am hardly ever impressed with any coast because I am kind of spoiled when it comes to that. But you did capture the essence of a place that really seems beautiful!
Hi Claudia – I hear what you’re saying. The Mediterranean has impressive scenery!
Spain away from the resorts is such fun isn’t it! I haven’t been so far south but there are similar hikes in the Barcelona region too along the coast from Sitges
Hi Fiona – There is a region close to Barcelona called Maresme, which someone described as land and sea so united he wasn’t bothered to draw a boundary between them. We look forward to exploring more.
We took part of this walk around the coastal villages when we were in Costa Brava. It was gorgeous and my kids even had fun. You’re pictures are stunning.
Hi Dana – Thank you so much. It’s hard not to take a good photo here.
Oh Spain, what a magical looking place! One day I will make it over there to Europe. I love walking too. I walk everywhere I just wish I walked around these kinds of places more often! Great post!
Hi Orana – If this coastline doesn’t make someone a walker, there’s no hope. Here’s to your dream of visiting Europe!
Beautiful pictures of that hike – still can’t believe how clear the water is in Costa Brava. Nice Post
Hi Jennifer – Yes, it’s really surprisingly unspoiled.
So beautiful. Reminds me a lot of California, up near Carmel. I had a big trip to Spain and Portugal planned about 10 years ago, then accidentally had kids and haven’t left the country since! Some day I’ll get back there.
Hi Ralph – I understand how that can happen! 🙂
I can’t believe how blue that water is!
Hi Sophie – Yes, it’s amazing. 🙂
I love the Costa Brava region! I never went walking though. I definitely missed out. Your pictures are amazing!!
Hi Francesca – All the more reason to return! 🙂
Great post, makes me want to start walking Costa Brava!
Hi Nat – We’ll be doing it again, for sure!
We spent some time in this region a few years go. I was blown away by how stunning the landscapes were. I wish we had known about the walks which would have been fabulous to do…and that gorgeous little restaurant! I can taste those sardines now!
Hi Jenny – The idyll at Cap Roig (part and parcel of our stay at the Silken Park Hotel San Jorge) was just breathtaking. I could take that walk down to the beach every day of my life and never get tired.
You were at Costa Brava while we were at Costa del Sol and the French Riviera. The Meditteranean truly fascinates me. I have to see this wild side, much like Big Sur in the American West Coast!
Hi Carol – It’s very similar to Big Sure in terms of the rocky cliffs, but there’s also that Old World layer in the atmosphere. Definitely wonderful.
I think the walks were one of the biggest surprises of the Costa Brava – like you I loved the Coastal Path and the Cami de Ronda.
Hi Karen – Yes, a big surprise. So grateful we were led along the paths, so to speak. 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Vicki – Thanks. It wasn’t hard to take good photos here, that’s for sure.
It’s been too long since I’ve visited this area, I prefer this to the wild and very crowded Costa del Sol area and nature walks are truly stunning like your photos!
Hi Noel – This was our first trip to Spain and it was a knockout.
I thought everyone knew about the Costa Brava. I love all the ocean photos – ocean is one of the few things I miss living in Santa Fe. Would love to go there.
Hi Billie – We knew a few vague things about it before we visited, but now we know we’ve only scratched the surface of everything this amazing region has to offer. You would love it if you’re a sea lover like we are.
Your photos of Costa Brava are great. I’d not heard of the Cami de Ronda before, but I think walking part of it would be a great experience.
Hi Donna – Yes, we agree on the Cami de Ronda. Just the fact that it’s alongside the sea puts it at the top of my list.
Wonderful photos of Costa Brava Betsy! While I was in Lloret de Mar I loved my early morning walks along the coast. I would like to get back and do more hiking in Costa Brava – those coastal trails are fantastic – you captured it so well in your photos!
Hi Susan – Thank you! It is so grounding to walk along the sea. There is not a better way to start any day.
Love walking and seeing dramatic scenery and this looks so beautiful. Pity we won’t get the time this trip to see Costa Brava. You have however inspired me for next visit here.
Hi Paula – A visit to the Costa Brava will inevitably have you plotting to return. 🙂
Bravo for Brava! Beautiful photos and as you said, the colours of the ocean!!! I’ve only been to Spain once, and this is making me want to go back again soon.
Hi Jane – We’re going to have to return as well. Just an exceptional region.
I love Costa Brava! It’s odd that I didn’t go to the TBEX there this year but I’d gone to one there a couple years earlier and wanted to do something different this year. But Costa Brava is so fabulous! Two years ago I did a 6 week home exchange of my (then) home in Boston for a lovely condo overlooking the sea in Calella de Palafrugell and that was so much fun! I really enjoyed your pictures – they evoked great memories!
Hi Kay – Costa Brava makes it so easy to fall in love no matter what your interests. Glad we could remind you of your happy stay. 🙂
Absolutely stunning! Great photos. I am so sad I missed TBEX – looks like it was an amazing time!
I’ve been to Girona but missed seeing the craggy shores of Costa Brava. Your pictures are simply breathtaking!
Hi Irene – Thank you so much. Easy to take a gazillion shots when wherever you look it’s gorgeous. 🙂
Great story and wonderful photos. What a lot of stamina you must have to walk the Costa Brava! Well done!
Hi Michelle – We’d like to do more. We had quite a few food interruptions. 🙂
Great site and article…great pics too!
Hi Will – Thanks!
Your pictures are really making me wonder why we passed on the TBEX trip. It looks simply beautiful. I also loved your little video the tone of your voice is very soothing. I’d really enjoy an afternoon at that seaside restaurant. Salad and dessert that’s definitely the way to go!
Hi Sue – You’d have loved the entire experience. We can’t wait to return and have that same salad! LOL
What fun! I’m loving the experience of revisiting Costa Brava through everyone’s posts, but must say yours are especially researched and informative. I enjoyed eating lunch with you both, even if it was vicarious pleasure. That restaurant looks like a hidden gem. Keep it up!
i love to walk beside the sea
Hi,
i want to say really awesome place and photos are really so beautiful.
hope i visit soon.
Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice week ahead.
That’s very impressive. And your write up is lovely with all those pictures. I would like to be there on some day.
Thanks for sharing.
Agreed with Kavitha, great writeup and amazing pictures. @kavitha if you ever make it to Costa Brava be sure to check out some of these amazing sights.
Thanks for this buddy Love to read you 🙂 What a lot of stamina you must have to walk the Costa Brava!
Thanks I really love your style of thinking thanks 🙂
love Costa Brava! It’s odd that I didn’t go to the TBEX there this year but I’d gone to one there a couple years earlier and wanted to do something different this year. But Costa Brava is so fabulous!
Thanks for sharing Really nice