Complete Costa Brava: Hiking from Portbou to Sant Feliu de Guixols

About this tour

Experience the raw beauty, artistic soul, and timeless charm of the Costa Brava on foot. This self-guided journey takes you along the full stretch of Catalonia’s most emblematic coastal trail—from the French border town of Portbou to the sun-kissed beaches of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

Over 13 days, you’ll follow the iconic Camí de Ronda and GR92 paths, traversing protected natural parks, cliffside trails, and coastal villages where time seems to stand still. This route invites you to immerse yourself in Catalonia’s wild Mediterranean essence: hike through Cap de Creus, the surreal landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí; stroll the cobbled streets of Cadaqués and Begur; explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins in Empúries; and dip your toes in turquoise coves hidden between pine-covered cliffs.

With a mix of scenic beach walks, forest paths, and hilltop panoramas, this route is as varied as it is rewarding. Along the way, enjoy carefully selected accommodations full of local character, regional cuisine, and daily luggage transfers that let you walk light and free. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture seeker, or a traveler in search of inspiration, this is a journey made to awaken the senses.

Highlights

Walk through authentic fishing villages and medieval hill towns
Discover three natural parks, including Cap de Creus and Aiguamolls
Hike the coastal Camí de Ronda and the famous GR92 trail
Explore Empúries' Greco-Roman ruins and Dalí’s Cadaqués
Savor local wines, fresh seafood, and Catalan cuisine
End in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, or extend your stay, visiting the historic towns of Girona and/or Barcelona

Included/Excluded

Transfer from Figueres or Girona train station to Llança
Welcome meeting with a local guide speaking English, Spanish, French and German
Accommodation (rural hotels, 3* and 4* hotels)
Breakfast (halfboard optional)
All the tourist information, tracks and maps through an app personalized for your trip
Assistance telephone number 24/7
The transport of belongings between overnight stays

Transfer IN from any other location to the 1st accommodation
Transfer OUT
Hotels touristic tax
Flights
Travel insurance
Extra drinks
GPS and maps on paper: 35€ per pack
Any other activity not described in the present file

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Transfer from the airport of Girona or the trainstation of Figueres to your hotel in Llança. Welcome meeting with our local guide who will explain the tour. Enjoy the rest of the day and/or evening at the beach, the old town or the port of Llança.

Day 2: Portbou - Llançà

Transfer from Llançà to Portbou where you will start our itinerary. You will take the GR92 of the Mediterranean, a fantastic itinerary that goes along the coast and through the hills with views of the sea. Walking through vineyards with a spectacular view over the sea, you walk southwards towards the village of Colera. You continue your way towards the coastal village of Llança along the beach of Garbet Beach and Cape Ras.

Day 3: Llançà - Port de la Selva

13.0 km

Distance:13.0 km

Today we will go from Llança to Port de la Selva by the GR11, passing Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. This breath-taking monument has its origin in 878, although its definitive structure is from the 11th and 13th Centuries, when it reached its highest splendour as a pilgrims centre. Once at the top, it would be recommendable to complete the ascent to the San Salvador de Verdera Castle (671m). Descent towards the Cap the Creus Natural Park to our hotel. Accommodation in Port de la Selva.

Day 4: Port de la Selva - Cadaques

Option 1 – 11 km: From Port de la Selva, follow the GR trail through the rolling hills of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the whitewashed villages that dot the coastline. The walk leads you directly into the heart of Cadaqués, one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Brava.

Option 2 – 23 km: Starting again in Port de la Selva, this longer route follows the coastal path past secluded beaches and striking rock formations. The trail takes you by the iconic Cap de Creus lighthouse before continuing along the rugged shoreline all the way to Cadaqués, the famous village once home to Salvador Dalí.

Day 5: Cadaqués – Roses

20.0 km

Distance:20.0 km

A day of contrasts. As you leave the beautiful village of Cadaques, through the southern part of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, you pass spectacular little coves until you arrive to Cala Montjoi, where you join the Cami de Ronda. From this point, the path continues along the sea and as you get closer to Roses, the rugged coast makes way for the more popular beaches of this touristy seaside town. Accommodation in Roses.

Day 6: Roses- Sant Pere Pescador

20.0 km

Distance:20.0 km

After a good breakfast, you will leave Roses and continue to Empuriabrava. This residential shore is one of the biggest and most original touristic places along the Mediterranean, with a net of navigable grid-shaped canals. Leaving Empuriabrava, you will enter into the heart of Aiguamolls de l’Empordá, protected marshlands that are home to countless seabirds. Arrival at San Pere Pescador.

Day 7: Sant Pere Pescador - L'Escala

You leave the hotel for a pleasant walk along the beach before taking a detour onto the GR92, which leads you inland through peaceful rural paths. Here, you can enjoy the landscape of fields criss-crossed by small canals, remnants of the vast old wetlands of the Aiguamolls. On your way, you pass by the impressive ruins of Empúries – one of the largest Greek and Roman settlements on the Iberian Peninsula – well worth a visit. Your walk ends with your arrival at the hotel.

Day 8: L’Escala – Torroella de Montgrí

21km / 15

Distance: 21km / 15 km without the castle

You set off from L’Escala on the GR92, following the coastline past little coves until you reach Punta Ventosa, where the trail runs right along the cliffs. This is one of the most dramatic and beautiful stretches of the Empordà coast, and you can’t help but pause to take it all in.

From here, the path turns inland and climbs steadily through the Montgrí Massif. At the top, Montgrí Castle awaits — a stunning reward with sweeping views of the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and the vast Empordà plain. The climb is demanding but worth every step.

If you prefer an easier day, you can skip the ascent to the castle, making the route about 6 km shorter and much less challenging, while still enjoying the charm of the Montgrí landscapes.

Finally, you descend towards Torroella de Montgrí, where your accommodation is ready for you.

Day 9: Torroella de Montgrí – Begur

18 km

Distance: 18 km

Today you journey through the stunning landscapes of the Montgrí Natural Park and the Medes Islands. You follow the gentle flow of the River Ter, walk throught the apple groves until you meet the sea, then walk along the golden sands of Pals beach, with the sound of the waves accompanying your steps. The day finishes with a rewarding climb up to the charming hilltop town of Begur, where you spend the night.

Day 10: Begur – Calella de Palafrugell

14 km

Distance: 14 km

Today you’ll experience one of the most varied and rewarding days of the trip. Your path leads you deep into the Mediterranean forest, where the scent of pines and wild herbs fills the air. Soon you emerge onto hidden, untouched coves where turquoise waters lap quietly at the rocks. As you follow the trail, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views over the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you wander through some of the Costa Brava’s most enchanting fishing villages—Tamariu, Llafranc, and finally Calella de Palafrugell, with its whitewashed houses and colorful boats resting on the sand. Tonight, you stay in Calella de Palafrugell, surrounded by the charm and spirit of a true Mediterranean village.

Day 11: Calella de Palafrugell – Palamós

12 km

Distance: 12 km

You are about to walk along one of the most breathtaking stretches of the route. As you follow the coastal path, you’ll discover hidden coves and a pristine, untouched beach of incomparable beauty. The trail leads you through fragrant Mediterranean forests, where pines, oaks, and olive trees create a tapestry of colors and scents. Your journey ends in the lively town of Palamós, home to an authentic fishing port still bustling with daily activity. If you arrive on a weekday, you can witness the fish market reserved for professionals, a fascinating glimpse into local seafaring life. You may also choose to visit the captivating Fishing Museum, which reveals the deep connection between the town and the sea. Tonight, you will stay in Palamós, letting the charm of this coastal town be the perfect close to your day.

Day 12: . Palamós – Sant Feliu de Guíxols

14 km

Distance: 14 km

On your final day, you set out from Palamós and follow the beautiful coastal path of the Camí de Ronda, which here also forms part of the legendary GR92 trail. The route leads you past golden sandy coves and rocky stone beaches, where the waves break against the cliffs. You squeeze through small tunnels carved into the rocks, adding a touch of adventure to your walk, and wander through charming seaside towns that capture the essence of the Costa Brava. Your journey ends at the wide bay of Sant Pol beach in Sant Feliu, where the sea opens up before you in shades of turquoise, a perfect place to celebrate the completion of your trek.

Day 13: Sant Feliu de Guíxols

End of the route. Possibility of hiring a transfer back or staying more days at the Costa Brava.