If the mountains are still covered in snow and you're craving an early season hike, or maybe you're just in the mood for a change (something a little warmer, a little sunnier), then a coastal hike might be just what you need. Sometimes it's nice to swap the crisp mountain air for the salty breeze of the sea. That’s exactly what we did when we hiked the Camí de Ronda, a beautiful coastal trail in northern Catalonia that follows the rugged Costa Brava. It’s a perfect mix of nature and Mediterranean charm, ideal for spring or even winter days when the Pyrenees are still frozen.
From Patrol Route to Coastal Paradise
The Camí de Ronda wasn’t originally made for hiking. It actually started as a network of footpaths used by the Guardia Civil to patrol the coastline and watch out for smugglers and shipwrecks. The word ronda means “patrol” in Catalan, and the path allowed them to move between coves and cliffs quickly on foot. Over time, as smuggling disappeared and tourism grew, these trails were slowly restored and connected. Today, what was once a practical route for guarding the coast has become one of the most scenic hikes in Catalonia, full of rocky cliffs, pine forests, hidden beaches, and fishing villages that still hold their charm.
The trail stretches for about 200 km, from Blanes all the way to Portbou, right on the French border. In theory, you could follow the Camí de Ronda along the entire coastline. Originally, the path was meant to stay as close to the sea as possible, hugging the cliffs and winding through rocky coves. But over the years, parts of the trail have been lost or rerouted, mainly because of private properties that now block public access, or simply due to poor maintenance in some areas. In certain spots, the official signs lead hikers inland, away from the coast. On the route we share in this post, we made an effort to stay as close to the shoreline as possible, even when that meant ignoring the official route and taking the more scenic (and salty!) way.
Our 2-Day Hike from Palamós to Sa Punta
There are many ways to hike the Camí de Ronda, which makes it super flexible depending on how much time you have. Since the trail constantly passes through villages and small towns, it's easy to split the route into sections that fit your schedule. You’ll find plenty of places to sleep, like hotels, guesthouses, and even a few campsites along the way.
The route we want to share is perfect for a quick weekend escape: two days of hiking through some of the most stunning calas (small beaches typical in this area) and charming coastal villages of the Costa Brava. Our route starts in Palamós and finishes in Sa Punta, a beautiful spot between Begur and Pals. It’s a great option if you want a short adventure without needing to plan too much.
Palamós x Tamariu
The first day of the hike, from Palamós to Tamariu, is full of variety and coastal beauty. You’ll pass by golden beaches like Platja de Castell, quiet pine forests, and hidden coves like Cala Estreta and Cala dels Canyers, perfect spots for a swim if the weather is nice. The trail winds through cliffs and shady paths, offering amazing views of the Costa Brava. You’ll also walk through the lovely town of Calella de Palafrugell, a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee by the sea. After about 18 kilometers, you’ll arrive in the peaceful village of Tamariu, where you can relax and spend the night just steps from the water.
Each hidden "cala" along the Camí de Ronda feels like a secret waiting to be discovered
Tamariu x Sa Punta
The second day takes you from Tamariu to Sa Punta, a slightly shorter but just as scenic stretch. This part of the trail feels a bit wilder, with more ups and downs along rugged cliffs and forested paths. You’ll pass by the small Aigua Xelida cove and then reach the iconic Aiguablava beach, one of the most famous in the area, with turquoise waters that look straight out of a postcard. From there, the trail climbs up to the Cap de Begur area, offering panoramic views of the coast, before descending toward Sa Punta, a quiet and picturesque spot between Begur and Pals.
Hiking the Camí de Ronda from Palamós to Sa Punta was a great weekend adventure, just one of many possible routes along this beautiful coastal trail. With so many villages, beaches, and hidden spots to explore, the Camí de Ronda is the kind of hike you can return to again and again, always discovering something new. This section gave us a perfect mix of sea views, forest paths, and Mediterranean charm, but there's still so much more coastline to walk.
