The Road Less Traveled: Hiking the Costa Brava: L'Escala

The Costa Brava is undoubtedly one of Spain's best kept secrets. Just over the border from the French Riviera, and far less crowded and tourist-ey, lie a number of tranquil, coastal Catalan towns that spatter the rocky shoreline. This region runs along the north eastern part of Spain, just north of Barcelona, and is the perfect location for a relaxing weekend away from the vibrant city.

We traveled to the Costa Brava a number of times while living in Barcelona and explored many different towns including Tossa de Mar, Begur, Cadaques, Calella de Palafrugell, Roses and many others. Each town has it's own unique characteristics and charm, luring you back time and time again to explore more of the treasures it has to offer.

One of our very favorite things to do is to explore the outdoors. We love hiking and taking our time to stop and enjoy things large and small, from the vast beauty of a sunset to the detail in tiny sea shells! There are a number of different trails that you can take from town to town, each offering breathtaking views from rocky cliffs of the Mediterranean sea, tiny coves to swim and relax in, beautiful green pine trees and shrubs, and a variety of different trails from easy to more strenuous for all ages and fitness levels. You can find more information about the different hikes and beaches to choose from on this website.

The hike featured in this post started in the town of L'Escala and finished at a cove called Cala Ferriol, we explored this trail with our good friends back in November of 2015. The trail is a fairly easy path that winds along rocky cliffs, through pine groves, past an old military bunker, and led us to a turquoise cove where we spent a few hours soaking in the sun and exploring the colorful tide pools teaming with life! There is nothing like spending a day with good friends in the great outdoors!

If you're ever in Barcelona or the southern coast of France and find yourself wanting a more tranquil off the beaten path escape; head to the beautiful Costa Brava, you won't be disappointed!