Tossa de Mar – Salionç, returning via the Cami de Ronda

It is very difficult to find parking in the blue zone in Tossa de Mar during the high season, and parking fees are exorbitant. Out of season, it is much easier to find a space in the centre, but the rates remain the same. The car park chosen for this hike is a little out of the way and is located in the sports area, accessible from Avinguda de Catalunya (Avinduga de Catalunya). It is shaded and has a few picnic tables.

(S/E) With your back to the football stadium, cross the wooded area, following a wide dirt track that quickly leads to a junction with a signpost.

^GR®92signposting: White and Red + Yellow

(1) Turn left. Follow the path, where rock outcrops are visible in places, as it quickly begins a steady and fairly steep climb through a beautiful landscape of pine and holm oak trees. Stay on this path, ignoring the various adjacent tracks, whilst following the clearly marked signposts. This will take you to Coll del Sastre, where a signpost stands.

(2) Keep left, following the sign for “Puig Cadiretas – Sant Grau” and ignoring another path on the right marked “Cala Pola”. You’ll reach another junction, next to a large boulder with one side painted blue-green, and head straight on.

(3) Continue left at the three-way junction. Several hundred metres further on, ignore a cluttered path on the right and carry on to the next junction, located at a hairpin bend.

No signposting

(4) Leave the^GR® and go straight on. Pass close to a well-marked and very welcome fountain, continue for about a hundred metres to reach a junction, marked by a Green and Blue trail sign: a small wooden post on the right.

(5) Turn left and climb a short, very steep slope to reach a three-way junction: a signpost indicating Coll del Sastre, in the opposite direction.

(6) Continue straight ahead, go straight on at the next junction and walk for about 200 m.

(7) Turn right to follow a path that is initially partially overgrown with scrub. Pass an electricity pylon and then take a sharp right-hand bend before coming to a cross-country track.

(8) Head down to the left, passing a track on the left and then another on the right before coming out onto the tarmac coastal road (GI-682) opposite the entrance to Salionç.

(9) Cross the road carefully, then turn right and follow it on the left-hand side of the carriageway: due to landslides, the Cami de Ronda is using the road earlier than planned. Walk along this road with care, especially if in a group; however, the carriageway is wide and visibility is very good all the way along. Take the opportunity to stop at the many small lay-bys, which offer views of the coast, each as majestic as the next.

Cami de Ronda Green Circle signposting

(10) Just after a car park larger than the previous ones, leave the road for a concrete track that starts on the left. Follow a wire fence on your right until you find an opening to cross it, then take the very steep descent on the right—partly equipped with concrete steps—to reach Cala de Giverola. Go round the beach to the right to rejoin the path where a very strenuous climb begins, due to the numerous steps to be climbed, most of which are too high. Join the GI-682 at a large hotel, which you go round via the reception area to take a concrete path on the left. Follow this path, keeping a close eye out so as not to miss the small signpost indicating Cala Pola.

(11) Turn right onto the path which quickly leads down to the beach below. Then rejoin the coastal path, which runs above the sea, offering numerous views. Pass Cala Bona and rejoin the GI-632 for the last time.

(12) Follow the road to the left for about 150 m, then leave it to take the path on the left, which runs alongside it at first before veering away to reach the first houses of Tossa de Mar, at Avinguda de la Mar Menor. Head down this road to the left and follow it to the large roundabout at the edge of the beach.

No signposting

(13) Turn right onto Avinguda de la Palma and go straight on to reach a large cross-town avenue (Avinguda de Ferran Agulló). Cross at the pedestrian crossing, slightly to the right, to continue, almost opposite, onto Rambla de Pau Casals.

^GR®92White and Red Signposting

(14) Join the^GR®92coming from the left and follow it straight on, staying on Rambla Pau Casals. Continue to the entrance of Camping Can Marti, where the tarmac road gives way to a dirt track, and head for the first junction you came across at the start.

(1) Turn left and head back to the sports area car park (S/E).

The signposting on^{the GR®92}between (1) and (4) is very good and very frequent.
From (10), the signposting on the Cami de Ronda is of variable quality and rather sparse. Some markers are very old and faded. Care must be taken not to stray from the path in areas where it is secured by ropes, to avoid getting too close to the cliff and risking a fall.

There are a multitude of paths and tracks in the hilly area. The mobile app will be very useful.

The Cami de Ronda follows the GI-632 for 2 km between (9) and (10). Although there is no real hard shoulder, the road is wide and visibility is very good. However, you must observe the appropriate safety rules. This section may seem long for those who dislike tarmac, but the stunning beauty of the scenery all along the way quickly makes you forget this inconvenience.

Two clearly signposted water fountains between (4) and (6).

Hiking boots are recommended. Walking poles will be very useful, particularly when climbing the numerous steps.

Despite its moderate elevation gain, this hike remains demanding. The Cami de Ronda features numerous very steep ascents and descents, over stony, earthy or rocky terrain. In several places, you must climb or descend high, challenging concrete steps which add to the fatigue. This justifies the ‘Difficult’ rating.

The entire section of the Cami de Ronda between (10) and (13) is truly magnificent. The coves follow one after another: Cala Futadera, Cala Giverola, Cala Pola, Cala Bona. These are true havens of peace, even during the summer season, and make perfect spots for swimming: reddish cliffs, a rugged coastline, white sand and crystal-clear waters, with plenty of shade. It would be a shame to miss them.

Tossa de Mar is a very charming and lively resort, yet without the crowds. Swimming at Platja Gran is very pleasant.