Walking on the Costa Brava - Sunflower Books

Discover the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern Spain, is a perfect destination for walkers.

With its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque villages, it offers a diverse range of hiking experiences.

Our guidebook to walking on the Costa Brava will help you discover the very best that this region has to offer.

Below are some walking highlights of the Costa Brava region.

Mare de Déu de Bruguers – Garraf (Walk 3)

This walk route is: Mare de Déu de Bruguers – Castell d’Eramprunyà – Puig de les Agulles – La Morella – La Pleta – Garraf.

The Muntanya de Montserrat – also known as the ‘mountain of the 100 summits’ – is an implausible jumble of sheer conglomerate rock spires.

Crowds flock to the mountain, but few get far beyond the monastery. This circular route takes you to the magnificent viewpoint of San Jeroni (1236m/4055ft), the highest point of the Montserrat Natural Park.

Collformic circular walk (Walk 7)

This walk route is: Collformic – Coll Saprunera – Matagalls – Pla de la Barraca – Collformic.

The summit of Matagalls (1679m/5566ft) is one of the more tranquil destinations in the Montseny.

We have opted to ascend from Collformic via one of the quieter, more verdant valleys that drain the Montseny to the north and then to approach the peak along a much less-frequented ridge; the descent follows the most popular route.

Can Serra circular walk (Walk 12)

This walk route is: Can Serra – Fageda d’en Jordà – Volcà de Santa Margarida – Volcà del Croscat – Can Serra.

This walk takes you along some of the centuries-old paths which still link the agricultural plain of the Baix Empordà.

Ancient settlements, such as Sant Cebrià de Lledó, are secreted deep within the thick evergreen forests of the Gavarres.

At Sant Cebrià, walkers can dine at Els Metges, a typical Catalan restaurant, which boasts gastronomy more typical of the mountains than the nearby Mediterranean.

Palafrugell circular walk (Walk 14)

This walk route is: Palafrugell – Tamariu – Cala Pedrosa – Far de Sant Sebastià – Palafrugell.

The route takes you through the typical coastal mosaic of fields and woods between Palafrugell and the small seaside resort of Tamariu.

The route follows a combination of the green- and white-marked sender local (SL) linking Palafrugell and the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià, the yellow- and white-marked PR-C/107 from Llafranc to Tamariu, and the red- and white-marked GR-92 coastal path.

Montjoi circular walk (Walk 19)

This walk route is: Montjoi – Cap de Norfeu – Montjoi.

Although essentially part of the pronounced headland of Cap de Creus, the southerly promontory of Cap de Norfeu is of interest in its own right, given that for the most part it comprises pale limestones and houses a rich and distinctive flora.

Furthermore, the tip of Cap de Norfeu is one of the best sea-watching points in Catalonia, especially for Cory’s shearwaters in spring.

Requesens circular walk (Walk 22)

This walk route is: Requesens – Coll Forcat – Puig Neulós – Collades de Parmal – Castell de Requesens – Requesens.

The predominantly schistose mountains of the Serra de l’Albera represent a surprising final flourish to the 400km-long Pyrenean chain before it drops to the Mediterranean.

This circular walk takes you from the middle-altitude holm and cork oak forests up through the high-level beechwoods and out into the ridge-top pastures.

The best time to walk on the Costa Brava

The best time to visit the Costa Brava for walking is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the winter months.

Getting around the Costa Brava

Buses connect major towns and villages, but the schedule can be limited, especially in remote areas.

Renting a car provides the most flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace.

However, be prepared for traffic and limited parking in popular areas.

The Costa Brava is a paradise for walkers, offering a diverse range of trails and stunning scenery. Using our guidebook to walking on the Costa Brava, you can create unforgettable memories exploring this beautiful region.