Camí de Ronda: The Best Coastal Hike from Barcelona
Okay, so you've done the Barcelona beaches. Barceloneta was fun but way too crowded. You've seen the city. Now what? Let me tell you about one of the best day trips you can do from Barcelona - the Camí de Ronda.
Imagine this: hiking along dramatic cliffs with crystal-clear turquoise water below you, stumbling upon hidden coves where you can jump in for a swim, and views that make everyone at home jealous when you post them. That's the Camí de Ronda, and honestly, it's one of those things that makes you realize why people love Catalunya so much.
The best part? It's way easier to get to than you think, costs basically nothing, and you can do as much or as little as you want. Whether you're up for a serious all-day hike or just a couple hours of coastal wandering, the Camí de Ronda delivers.
What Even Is Camí de Ronda?
So "Camí de Ronda" literally means "coastal path" in Catalan. Originally these were patrol routes used by guards to watch for smugglers and pirates (yes, actual pirates!) back in the day. Now? It's this incredible network of trails that connects basically the entire Costa Brava coastline, hugging the shore and weaving through cliffs, beaches, and tiny villages.
The full route is massive - like 200km+ if you did the whole thing. But don't worry, nobody's asking you to do that! The beauty is you can pick any section, do a few hours, and then reward yourself with a swim and some seafood. That's the move.
Getting There from Barcelona
The Camí de Ronda runs all along the Costa Brava, which is north of Barcelona. Your best bet is to take a train or bus to one of the coastal towns and start from there. Here are the top spots:
Blanes to Lloret de Mar (Beginner-Friendly)
- How to get there: Train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to Blanes (1 hour, €6-8)
- Distance: About 8km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Vibe: Beautiful but can be touristy, good for first-timers
Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar (The Classic)
- How to get there: Bus from Barcelona Nord station (1.5 hours, around €10)
- Distance: 12km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Vibe: This is the one everyone raves about - stunning views, perfect difficulty
Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu (The Instagram One)
- How to get there: Bus to Palafrugell, then local bus to Calella (2 hours total, around €15)
- Distance: 4km (short but incredible!)
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Vibe: Postcard-perfect, white-washed buildings, turquoise water, unreal views
Begur Area (Multiple Options)
- How to get there: Bus to Begur (2 hours, around €15-20)
- Distance: Various sections from 3-8km
- Time: 1-4 hours depending on route
- Vibe: Less crowded, more authentic, incredible coves
My recommendation for first-timers? Do the Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu section. It's short enough that you won't die, but stunning enough that you'll understand what all the hype is about.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Camí de Ronda is marked with yellow and white trail markers, so you generally won't get lost (though downloading offline maps is still smart). The path varies - sometimes you're on wide coastal walkways, sometimes you're scrambling over rocks, and sometimes it's narrow dirt paths with big drop-offs to the sea.
It's not technical hiking, but it's not a beach stroll either. You'll be going up and down, sometimes on uneven terrain, and in summer the sun is intense. But here's the thing - every time you're like "okay I need a break," you turn a corner and there's this insane view or a perfect little cove and you forget you were tired.
The Coves (The Best Part!)
This is what makes the Camí de Ronda special. Every 20-30 minutes you'll come across these hidden coves with clear water and usually not many people. You can literally just climb down, strip down to your swimsuit, and jump in. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom.
Some coves are easy to access with little beaches. Others are more adventurous - you might need to scramble down some rocks. But that's part of the fun! Just be smart about it and don't go somewhere sketchy if you're not comfortable.
When to Go
Summer (June-September): Warmest water, best for swimming, but also most crowded and HOT. Go early morning (like, 8 AM start) to beat the heat and the crowds. The light is also better for photos.
Spring (April-May) or Fall (October): Honestly probably the best time. Still warm enough to swim (maybe), fewer people, and you won't be dying from heat. The wildflowers in spring are gorgeous too.
Winter (November-March): Totally doable if you're just there for the hiking and views, not the swimming. It can be windy and some sections might be closed, but it's peaceful and the light is dramatic.
My pick? Late May or September. Perfect weather, water's warm, not too crowded.
What to Bring
Swimsuit - Wear it under your clothes! You'll want to jump in at some point, trust me.
Good shoes - Hiking sandals with straps or trail running shoes. NOT flip flops, you'll slip and die. NOT brand new shoes that aren't broken in.
Water - At least 2 liters per person. There aren't many water fountains on the trail.
Snacks - Bring more than you think you need. Trail mix, fruit, energy bars. You'll be hungry.
Sunscreen - The sun reflects off the water and you will burn. Reapply!
Small towel - For drying off after swimming.
Waterproof bag - For your phone/valuables when you swim.
Hat & sunglasses - Sun protection is real.
Light backpack - To carry everything comfortably.
The Perfect Day Trip Plan
Here's how I'd do it:
7:00 AM - Wake up in Barcelona (yeah I know, but trust me) 8:30 AM - Catch early bus/train from Barcelona 10:00 AM - Arrive at starting point, use bathroom, buy last-minute water 10:30 AM - Start hiking 12:00 PM - Stop at first amazing cove, swim and snack 1:30 PM - Continue hiking 2:30 PM - Reach destination town, find a restaurant for late lunch 4:00 PM - Chill at the beach, maybe swim some more 5:30 PM - Catch bus/train back to Barcelona 7:00 PM - Back in the city
You still have evening free, you got an amazing day trip in, and you're exhausted in the best way possible.
Budget Breakdown
- Transport: €12-20 round trip
- Food/drinks: €15-25 (if you pack lunch, way less)
- Total: €25-45 for an entire day
Way cheaper than a lot of Barcelona activities, and infinitely more memorable than another afternoon at Barceloneta.
Going Solo vs. With Friends
Solo: Totally safe and actually pretty common. You'll see other hikers on the trail, and it's nice to just go at your own pace, stop when you want, swim when you want. Just tell someone your plan and check in when you're back.
With friends: Obviously more fun for most people! The vibe is better, you can take photos of each other (not just selfies), and swimming in the coves with a group is way more enjoyable. Plus someone can watch your stuff when you swim.
BIS group trips: We organize Camí de Ronda hikes regularly during the warmer months! It's a great way to meet people, and we usually pick the best sections. Plus someone else plans the logistics, you just show up. Check our events page to join the next one.
Pro Tips
Start early - Seriously. The afternoon heat is brutal in summer, and the best light for photos is morning anyway.
Bring cash - Some small villages don't take card everywhere.
Check the weather - If it's been raining, some sections can be slippery. High winds can make cliff sections sketchy.
Don't rush - This isn't a race. The whole point is to enjoy the views, swim in the coves, take photos, eat snacks. Chill out.
Respect the environment - Pack out your trash. Don't leave anything behind. Stay on the marked trails. These places are beautiful because people take care of them.
The return journey - Make sure you know when the last bus/train leaves! Missing it means expensive taxi or spending the night. Check schedules before you go.
Why You Should Do This
Look, Barcelona is amazing. But after a while, you need a break from the city. You need to see what else Catalunya has to offer. And the Camí de Ronda is one of those experiences that reminds you why you came to Spain in the first place.
The combination of hiking, swimming, stunning views, and just being outdoors hits different. You'll come back to Barcelona tired, sun-kissed, maybe a little salty from the sea, and feeling like you actually did something instead of just scrolling through Instagram all day.
Plus, the photos you'll get? Chef's kiss. Your friends back home will be so jealous.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing flip flops - I cannot stress this enough. People do it and regret it immediately.
Not bringing enough water - There's nowhere to refill on most sections. You'll be miserable.
Starting too late - By midday in summer it's brutally hot and crowded.
Skipping the swimsuit - You'll see an amazing cove and want to jump in but can't. Sadness.
Not checking bus times back - Missing the last bus is not fun.
Bringing too much stuff - Pack light! You're hiking in the heat, you don't need your entire wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
The Camí de Ronda is one of those things that sounds like a lot of effort but is actually totally doable and absolutely worth it. It's not some extreme hike - families do it, older people do it, people who don't really hike do it. You just need to be reasonably fit and willing to spend a day outside.
Will your legs be tired? Yes. Will you be sweaty? Probably. Will you get some sand in places sand shouldn't be? Maybe. But will you have one of the best days of your time in Barcelona? Absolutely.
So grab some friends, check the bus schedule, pack your bag, and go do it. The Costa Brava is calling. And when you're floating in crystal-clear water in some hidden cove that feels like your own private paradise, you'll thank me.
See you on the trail! And if you're doing it solo and want some company, join one of our BIS group hikes. We always have a great crew and it's way more fun together.
Check our events page for upcoming Camí de Ronda trips!