If you like excursions on foot or by bicycle, you must try the Greenways of Girona! With itineraries suitable for all levels of hikers, they make for an ideal way of travelling through the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. Discover them all and start preparing for your next route!
The Greenways of Girona date back to the 19th century with the construction of the railway network that connected the main cities of Girona, facilitating trade and the transport of passengers.
Today, the old train tracks have become a group of 4 itineraries perfect for discovering the Girona region and its villages and coming into contact with nature. In addition, the Greenways are composed of trails accessible for the whole family, either on foot or by bicycle, thanks to the scant difference in altitude and the peacefulness along the way.
Going on an excursion to the Greenways of Girona can be a very enriching activity for all members of the family. Not only because it is an enjoyable way to experience nature, but it can also be quite interesting because of the significance these important railway lines once held.
On the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, you will find more than 160 kilometres of routes adapted for walking or cycling, managed by the Consorci de Vies Verdes de Girona (Consortium of Greenways of Girona), which works to maintain the good condition of the trails.
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We start off with one of the most emblematic greenways in Girona, for the long path it carves from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava with over 135 km of exclusive paths for cyclists and pedestrians, crossing a total of three counties, twelve towns and the rivers Fluvià, Brugent and Ter.
Due to its length, this itinerary can be divided into two stages, with the city of Girona as the halfway point.
The first stage of this itinerary measures about 54 km in length, which follows the old train tracks travelled by the “Carrilet”, a small daily train running from the city of Olot to Girona.
This stretch offers passers-by impressive landscapes amidst volcanoes, forests, valleys and beautiful villages such as Sant Esteve d’en Bas, Les Preses, Anglès, Bescanó and the impressive city of Girona, a must-see, and where this first stage ends.
The second stage begins in the city of Girona and runs to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where it ends at the sea. This is the old route taken by many an inhabitant of the city of Girona, who summered in the Costa Brava and the beaches of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
This stretch, nearly 40 km over a gentle slope, passes between the counties of Gironès and Baix Empordà; always along a rural landscape of forests and yellow fields, mainly in springtime.
Starting in Ripoll, passing through Sant Joan de les Abadesses, until reaching Ogassa is the Greenway of the Iron Route. A 15-kilometre route with a moderate gradient, it will take you back in time to the greatest splendour of mining and industry in the Catalan Pyrenees.
The origin of the Greenway of the Iron and Coal Route dates back to 1880. Taking advantage of the banks of the river Ter, the rails were laid from the area mines to transport coal to Barcelona.
This route offers hikers a paved path surrounded by forests, which in autumn, turn the landscape a stunning ochre colour.
The Petit Tren Greenway unites, over the course of 6 kilometres, the municipalities of Palamós and Palafrugell. The name of this Greenway comes from the word used to describe the train that connected the coastal town of Palamós with La Bisbal de l’Empordà and the city of Palamós.
This is an ideal route to do with the little ones in the family, thanks to its gentle slope and short duration.
Finally, the Greenway of the Spa Route, offers a 14.8-kilometre route that connects the municipalities of Cassà de la Selva and Caldes de Malavella, offering a wide variety of pleasant landscapes, highlighted by forests, fields, and plains, plus the sight of the Montseny and Guilleries mountains.
The name of this route is no coincidence, as it passes through the municipality of Caldes de Malavella, renowned for the high quality of its spa waters. If you end the route here, it is very important to learn the town’s history, by visiting the Roman baths or having a soak in one of its spas.
Many campsites in Girona are located close to the main Greenways of Girona and offer specific services for people who are on the trail, either on foot or by bicycle.
You will be able to identify the campsites that offer services related to the Greenways with the Bed & Bike or Nature & Active seal, which allow overnight stays for people travelling there, as well as car parks and bicycle rentals.
Now that you know the Greenways of Girona, we are sure that you will take advantage of these fantastic itineraries to make a family getaway and enjoy nature and the peaceful outdoors.
