Getting There & Back
How do I get to the Camino de Ronda & Costa Brava Tour starting point?
Girona, Spain, is the official starting point of the Camino de Ronda & Costa Brava Tour. The best way to get there is to fly into Barcelona, which has an international airport, and then take the high-speed RENFE train to Girona. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes. Girona is also connected by train to Madrid (less than 4 hours). For a sample of prices and timetables, please see:
RENFE Train – Barcelona to Girona
RENFE Train – Madrid to Girona
How can I purchase my bus or train tickets beforehand?
Train tickets can be purchased online through RENFE. Some routes cannot be purchased until 3-4 weeks prior to departure – please be patient. Please note that the site tends to run slowly on weekends due to heavy demand.
If you would like information on trains in Spain (different types of fares, security, food on board, etc.), Trainline is a wonderful resource. You can also buy your tickets on this site if you find the RENFE site to be confusing (just remember that tickets are not available until 3-4 weeks before departure).
How do I get from Girona to Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities?
There are now RENFE trains that will get you from Girona to Barcelona in 40 minutes and to Madrid in less than 4 hours. While routes and availability may vary upon time of booking, click here for sample timetables:
RENFE Train – Girona to Barcelona
RENFE Train – Girona to Madrid
How do I get from Barcelona Airport to the city center?
If you fly into terminal 2, there are local trains that depart every half hour to the Barcelona Sants train station. The journey takes 20 minutes. For more information, please see: Commuter Train – Airport to Barcelona Sants Station
You can also easily find a taxi outside the terminal. The ride costs approximately €35-40.
On the Road
What is the weather like on the Costa Brava Tour?
The Costa Brava has a typical Mediterranean climate—mild sunny winters and hot, dry summers. In general, average temperatures are pleasant throughout the year and mostly sunny, which makes it great for outdoor activities, especially in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).
Visit this link for current and monthly average temperatures of Girona.
What is a typical day like on the Costa Brava Tour?
After breakfast, we lace up and start moving. After walking for a couple of hours, we do a checkpoint to make sure that everything is OK. Then, we continue along the Camino for another 1-2 hours, before indulging in a complete gourmet picnic prepared with the freshest local ingredients. On some days, we walk 1-2 more hours after lunch to burn off dessert.
In the afternoon, we go to our hotels, where we take a shower, have a siesta, and just relax! We finish our day with a glass of tinto and a feast of the local gastronomy. We then retire for the night and get ready to do it again! On some afternoons, we have planned excursions, such as a visit to a Greek and Roman archaeological site.
Does the group stop for breaks on the Costa Brava Tour?
The scenic trail along the Mediterranean Sea offers many resting spots to admire the blue water just off the coast. There will also be checkpoints to fill up our water bottles and get some snacks to fuel us up on our way.
At some points, we will also be able to have a break on the beach and enjoy a drink with our toes in the sand.
What is the terrain like on the Costa Brava Tour?
The trail follows the coast, with short climbs and descents, as well as flat sections along the beaches. The terrain itself is a combination of dirt trails, a bit rocky at times, and some compact dirt footpaths.
What is the change in elevation on the Costa Brava Tour?
We will be walking along the Mediterranean coast, climbing up short cliffs and down to secluded beaches. The elevation varies between sea level and a maximum of 230 meters.
How many kilometers are walked each day on the Costa Brava Tour?
The number of kilometers scheduled for each day varies from 6.5 to 18 km (4 to 11 miles). However, the walks are accompanied by a support vehicle and options for less (or more!) km’s a day are possible. We can tailor the walk to suit your needs!
Will I be able to do laundry on the Costa Brava Tour?
Some hotels offer laundry services on the premises, or you can use local laundromats. We also recommend that you bring quick-drying clothes that you can handwash and dry overnight at the hotel if all else fails!
Before You Go / Preparing
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Once you book your tour, we strongly advise you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. Even the best adventure deserves a backup plan! We suggest using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies must be purchased within a specific time frame – often within a few weeks of booking your tour.
*In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration of your tour with Fresco Tours, you are covered by a very basic insurance provided by Intermundial.
What type of shoes do I need to walk the Costa Brava Tour?
Footwear is a very personal question. A lot depends on how active you are and how much support you need. Since we will be walking on the trail every day, comfort is key – you do not want to get blisters. You probably won’t need a full high-cut boot that covers your ankle (unless you need this support), but rather light trail walkers or even running shoes if you are used to walking. Keep in mind that there may be mud and water along the trail. Most importantly: Make sure that your shoes are well broken in!
What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before the Costa Brava Tour?
We encourage you to start walking before you arrive, so that you can more fully enjoy your experience. However, this is your vacation and not boot camp! During your walk, one of the two guides will be on the trail with the group to ensure that everyone is okay. We also have planned checkpoints along the way with our support van to offer you water, a change of shoes, or a much-needed break. In most cases, you will see the van at least every couple of hours.