Begur: Our Cami de Ronda Base

We like coastal walks high above the water. Cami de Ronda is the coastal path of Catalunya that goes all the way to France. What we didn't understand until we were on the ground was that the official Cami de Ronda is in sections. It is not continuous. I blame the confusion and misunderstanding on the official-seeming comerical site. The official sections are the best of trails by any standard. Connecting the official sections are unofficial paths, not always well marked, and sometimes appear to be goat paths. After much agonizing and studying, we decided against multiday linear walks. Instead, we ended up basing ourselves in Begur for a couple of circular walks.

Begur itself is interesting; a hilltop town with a castle at the top, now ruined. It still has a handful of 16th-century defensive towers, rather curious looking, and over a dozen 19th-century mansions built by returning new fortunes made in Cuba. Around town there are a number of viewpoints. John observed that Begur seems to attract visitors that are particularly well off. I'm not convinced, but do concede that it is obviously not a family beach town given the geography; that is, situated a few kilometers inland from the coast and beaches.

Changing buses at the Palafrugell Bus Station on our way from Girona to Begur was easy. You can spot our travel backpacks, with the black and blue covers, just to the right of the bike.

The view to the Castillo from Mirador del poeta Joan Vinyoli with a parking lot and 19-century mansions (right), a glimpse of the Mediterranean (center), and a defensive tower (left).

And a view more to the east.

The sunset view from the terrace of our hotel.

The aptly named Long Stone Bench (Es Pedrís Llarg) is along the side of the Church of Sant Pere and faces the Plaça de la Vila de Begur.

One of the old mansions.

Peeking in the 2nd floor window of an old mansion.

Defensive tower.

Another mansion.

Many of the houses built with money earned in Cuba had New World scenes painted on their porch walls.

Walking up to the Castillo.

The view north from Mirador de Sant Ramon, located just below the Castillo, was amazing.

That's Illes Medes near right, and Cap de Creus in the distance.

The same view from the Castillo.

There was a strong chilly wind at the Castillo ruins, but great views north to the Pyreneese and French border.

View back to Begur. You can see a defensive tower at center bottom.

Back in town after descending from the Castillo.

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