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Walking Costa Brava: A Walk on the Wild Side

By Betsy Wuebker 76 Comments

(Last Updated On: January 27, 2020)

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.

walking costa brava

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.

walking Costa Brava

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. 

walking costa brava

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.

walking costa brava

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.

walking costa brava

Palafrugell

walking costa brava

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.

walking costa brava

Serene places to gather

walking costa brava

Beached at Lloret de Mar

walking costa brava

Stacked and waiting

walking costa brava

These colors!

Pinnable Image:

Walking CB Pinterest Vertical

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.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
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Filed Under: Bucket List, Europe, Spain, Travel Tagged With: costa brava

Comments

  1. Patti says

    May 25, 2015 at 6:05 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 25, 2015 at 6:05 pm

      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.

      Reply
  2. Bilal Tahir says

    May 26, 2015 at 3:58 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 27, 2015 at 2:30 am

      Hi Bilal – So happy we can inspire you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Andrew says

    May 26, 2015 at 4:17 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 27, 2015 at 2:32 am

      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. 😉

      Reply
  4. Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields says

    May 26, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Looks fantastic. D and I love rugged coastal walks.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 27, 2015 at 2:32 am

      Hi Lyn – It really is a gorgeous experience.

      Reply
  5. Rachel says

    May 27, 2015 at 8:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:05 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        June 1, 2015 at 5:37 pm

        It was! I’ll write about it soon. Just need a bit more ruminating to figure out a focus.

        Reply
  6. Ursula Maxwell-Lewis says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:12 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:09 am

      Hi Ursula – It’s a tempting walk, particularly with the luggage services. 😉

      Reply
  7. Suze the Luxury Columnist says

    May 29, 2015 at 6:21 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:11 am

      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.

      Reply
  8. Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers says

    May 30, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:11 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Fiona @ London-Unattached says

    May 30, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:16 am

      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.

      Reply
  10. Dana says

    May 30, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:16 am

      Hi Dana – Thank you so much. It’s hard not to take a good photo here.

      Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    May 31, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Beautiful pictures of that hike – still can’t believe how clear the water is in Costa Brava. Nice Post

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:17 am

      Hi Jennifer – Yes, it’s really surprisingly unspoiled.

      Reply
  12. Claudia says

    May 30, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:12 am

      Hi Claudia – I hear what you’re saying. The Mediterranean has impressive scenery!

      Reply
  13. Ralph says

    May 31, 2015 at 9:46 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 1, 2015 at 6:22 am

      Hi Ralph – I understand how that can happen! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sophie says

    May 31, 2015 at 10:34 am

    I can’t believe how blue that water is!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 1, 2015 at 6:22 am

      Hi Sophie – Yes, it’s amazing. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Orana says

    May 30, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      May 31, 2015 at 2:17 am

      Hi Orana – If this coastline doesn’t make someone a walker, there’s no hope. Here’s to your dream of visiting Europe!

      Reply
  16. Francesca @onegrloneworld says

    June 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I love the Costa Brava region! I never went walking though. I definitely missed out. Your pictures are amazing!!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 1, 2015 at 2:47 pm

      Hi Francesca – All the more reason to return! 🙂

      Reply
  17. A Cook Not Mad (Nat) says

    June 1, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    Great post, makes me want to start walking Costa Brava!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 1, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Nat – We’ll be doing it again, for sure!

      Reply
  18. Carol Colborn says

    June 1, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:41 am

      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.

      Reply
  19. Karen Warren says

    June 1, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Hi Karen – Yes, a big surprise. So grateful we were led along the paths, so to speak. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Vicki Winters says

    June 1, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Hi Vicki – Thanks. It wasn’t hard to take good photos here, that’s for sure.

      Reply
  21. santafetravelers says

    June 2, 2015 at 4:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:43 am

      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.

      Reply
  22. jenny@atasteoftravel says

    June 1, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:40 am

      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.

      Reply
  23. Susan Moore says

    June 2, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Hi Susan – Thank you! It is so grounding to walk along the sea. There is not a better way to start any day.

      Reply
  24. noel says

    June 2, 2015 at 2:23 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Hi Noel – This was our first trip to Spain and it was a knockout.

      Reply
  25. Donna Janke says

    June 2, 2015 at 9:03 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 2, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
  26. Paula McInerney says

    June 3, 2015 at 2:01 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 3, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      Hi Paula – A visit to the Costa Brava will inevitably have you plotting to return. 🙂

      Reply
  27. jane canapini says

    June 3, 2015 at 2:23 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 3, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      Hi Jane – We’re going to have to return as well. Just an exceptional region.

      Reply
  28. Kay Dougherty says

    June 3, 2015 at 5:56 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 3, 2015 at 5:47 pm

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  29. Rossana says

    June 4, 2015 at 12:00 am

    Absolutely stunning! Great photos. I am so sad I missed TBEX – looks like it was an amazing time!

    Reply
  30. Irene S. Levine says

    June 4, 2015 at 5:45 am

    I’ve been to Girona but missed seeing the craggy shores of Costa Brava. Your pictures are simply breathtaking!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 4, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Hi Irene – Thank you so much. Easy to take a gazillion shots when wherever you look it’s gorgeous. 🙂

      Reply
  31. Michelle da Silva Richmond says

    June 4, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Great story and wonderful photos. What a lot of stamina you must have to walk the Costa Brava! Well done!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 4, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Michelle – We’d like to do more. We had quite a few food interruptions. 🙂

      Reply
  32. Will Bowie says

    June 4, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Great site and article…great pics too!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 4, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Will – Thanks!

      Reply
  33. Sue Reddel says

    June 5, 2015 at 1:10 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      June 5, 2015 at 4:26 am

      Hi Sue – You’d have loved the entire experience. We can’t wait to return and have that same salad! LOL

      Reply
  34. alison abbott says

    June 8, 2015 at 1:10 am

    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!

    Reply
  35. Murali says

    February 27, 2016 at 9:47 am

    i love to walk beside the sea

    Reply
  36. Ali Haider says

    August 18, 2016 at 12:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  37. Kaviitha says

    September 16, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • CaviarErHvadViHar says

      September 17, 2016 at 4:51 am

      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.

      Reply
  38. Mushiii says

    November 9, 2016 at 6:05 am

    Thanks for this buddy Love to read you 🙂 What a lot of stamina you must have to walk the Costa Brava!

    Reply
  39. iowebstudio says

    November 26, 2016 at 4:54 am

    Thanks I really love your style of thinking thanks 🙂

    Reply
  40. Chocolate Day says

    December 17, 2016 at 3:12 am

    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!

    Reply
  41. sadia khan says

    December 17, 2016 at 6:50 am

    Thanks for sharing Really nice

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Lloret de Mar: A Mini Guide says:
    June 2, 2015 at 9:10 pm

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Aloha! We’re Betsy and Pete Wuebker. We traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited almost 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, we can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

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