GR 92

Understand

The European Long Distance Path E12, or GR 92 in its Spanish segment, is a remarkable trail that traverses Catalonia, showcasing the region's diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Stretching across Catalonia, this trail offers hikers a unique journey through coastal beauty, dense forests, charming villages, and historical sites. The route meanders along Catalonia's stunning Costa Brava, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and hidden coves. It then winds through lush forests in the Montseny Natural Park, offering a glimpse of Catalonia's rich biodiversity. Along the way, hikers can explore picturesque Catalan towns, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the region's vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Prepare

A note on footwear - approximately 80% of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Chaco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on wet and/or sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages, and there are no luggage transport services — everything goes in your backpack. No permits are required.

Eat Most stages end near a village or town with restaurants and shops, especially along the coast. On inland sections services can be thin, so carry some snacks as backup.

Drink Tap water in towns is safe. Natural water sources along the trail are unreliable, particularly in summer, so top up whenever you pass through a settlement.

Sleep Hotels, guesthouses and campsites are available along most of the route. Book ahead in summer on the coast. Wild camping is illegal in Catalonia and fines in protected areas are steep.

Climate The trail is walkable year-round thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate. Spring is the sweet spot — cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy. Sun protection and a light rain layer are worth packing regardless of season.

Get in

By plane You can fly to Barcelona, Girona or Tarragona airports, and then go to desired starting point.

By railway There are many railway station near most parts of the route, being the main exception the Costa Brava from Llançà to Blanes. However you can go to Girona or Figueres and then take a bus to most villages in Costa Brava.

By car The AP-7 covers the whole GR 92. And from the exits, go to desired starting point

Hiking You can follow the E-12 from France into Spain.

Walk

The stage begins at the French border at 1 Coll dels Belitres (Border with France), immediately entering the 1 Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de l'Albera nature reserve, before descending steeply to the sea at 1 Portbou, a historic border-crossing town with a clifftop modernist cemetery, and continuing along the rocky shore to the overnight stop at 2 Port de Llançà.

Leaving Llançà, the trail climbs inland through open scrubland and crosses the 2 Cap de Creus Natural Park, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, through extraordinary wind-sculpted rock formations before descending to the iconic whitewashed village of 3 Cadaqués. From Llançà to El Port de la Selva is coincident with Catalan Way of St. James

A spectacular and challenging coastal traverse through the Cap de Creus headland, passing through 3 Estanys de Vilaüt and ending at the wide bay and modern marina of 4 Roses.

A mostly flat stage heading south from Roses and entering the internationally important wetlands of the 4 Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, a prime birdwatching destination on the Empordà plain, ending at the park visitor centre at 5 El Cortalet (Castelló d'Empúries).

Continuing south through the Aiguamolls and along the Gulf of Roses, passing dunes, lagoons, and the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries, the stage ends at the fishing town of 6 L'Escala.

Entering the 5 Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, the trail makes a strenuous ascent of the Montgrí Massif with sweeping views over the Medes Islands marine reserve, then descends to the inland town of 7 Torroella de Montgrí.

A scenic stage through pine forests and the coves of the Baix Empordà coast, ending at the medieval hilltop town of 8 Begur, perched above a series of secluded coves.

Threading through the Gavarres foothills and along the Camí de Ronda coastal path, the stage passes fishing villages and rocky coves before arriving at the active fishing port of 9 Palamós.

A shorter stage on the classic Camí de Ronda, with sandy beaches and rocky headlands, ending at 10 Sant Feliu de Guíxols at the foot of the 6 Massís de l'Ardenya protected area.

The most demanding stage of the Costa Brava section, r

Stay safe

Sunburn is a particular problem. Wear clothing such as long sleeve shirts and long pants as they protect from the sun, scratching branches, and insects. Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. The track is not always well indicated, so don't forget a walking map or a G.P.S.

Go next

GR 5 Viewpoints Trail in Barcelona province Catalan Way of St. James (Camí de Sant Jaume) starts in Catalonia and is one of the pilgrimage routes that are part of the Way of Saint James as it passes through Catalan and Aragonese lands. Ebro Way of St. James The route offers magnificent views of the Ebro Delta, passing through spectacular landscapes of Terra Alta, the arid areas of Bajo Cinca and Bajo Ebro or next to the great Mequinenza Reservoir.