The GR 92 is one of the extensive Grande Randonnée (or GR) network of paths and trails. The trail crosses Catalonia in Spain, from the Portbou down to Ulldecona , and the follows until Tarifa Andalusia along the Mediterranean coast. The GR 92 in Spain is coincident with the European Ramblers Association E12 path. In summer 2023 only Catalonia and Andalusia have verified segments of this route.
Understand
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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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]By plane
[edit]You can fly to Barcelona, Girona or Tarragona airports, and then go to desired starting point.
By railway
[edit]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
[edit]The AP-7 covers the whole GR 92. And from the exits, go to desired starting point
Hiking
[edit]You can follow the E-12 from France into Spain.
Walk
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10 km
4 hr
325 mThe 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.
19.5 km 7 hr 45 min 475 mLeaving 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.
21.5 km 8 hr 30 min 550 mA 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.
19 km 6 hr 100 mA 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).
20.5 km 6 hr 15 min 120 mContinuing 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.
21 km 8 hr 15 min 560 mEntering 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.
21.5 km 6 hr 30 min 390 mA 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.
22.5 km 7 hr 470 mThreading 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.
14 km 4 hr 30 min 135 mA 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.
23 km 7 hr 45 min 640 mThe most demanding stage of the Costa Brava section, repeatedly climbing over rugged headlands in the Ardenya massif with breathtaking sea views, before descending to the medieval walled town of 11 Tossa de Mar.
14 km 4 hr 330 mA final rollercoaster stage on the southern Costa Brava, following wooded cliffs above hidden coves to the large resort town of 12 Lloret de Mar.
18 km 5 hr 240 mLeaving the Costa Brava, the trail crosses the Tordera river at 13 Tordera, the boundary between Girona and Barcelona provinces, and enters the 7 Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor.
13 km 4 hr 530 mA steep climb into the forested ridges of the Montnegre massif, reaching the hamlet of 14 Hortsavinyà, where the route crosses the GR-5 Viewpoints Trail.
{{RouteSection|length=17 km|duration=5 hr|ascent=390 m|name=Hortsavinyà - Vallgorguina} A ridge walk through oak and pine forest descending to the village of 15 Vallgorguina in the Vallès Oriental.
14.3 km 4 hr 30 min 580 mClimbing back into the Serralada Litoral, the route reaches the pass at 16 Coll de Can Bordoi (Llinars del Vallès), entering the 8 Parc de la Serralada Litoral.
23.1 km 7 hr 812 mThe longest and most demanding inland stage traverses dense Mediterranean forest to the pass of 17 Coll de la Font de Cera (Alella), entering the 9 Parc de la Serralada de Marina.
16.9 km 5 hr 30 min 659 mDescending through the Serralada de Marina park toward the Besòs valley, the trail arrives at the urban town of 18 Montcada i Reixac, gateway to the 10 Collserola Natural Park.
16.7 km 5 hr 30 min 913 mThe most strenuous stage near Barcelona climbs steeply through Collserola Natural Park high above the city, ending at 19 Baixador de Vallvidrera station Barcelona, served by the FGC suburban railway.
13.6 km 3 hr 410 mDescending through the southern slopes of Collserola and crossing the Llobregat river plain to the town of 20 Sant Vicenç dels Horts.
16.2 km 5 hr 764 mClimbing out of the Llobregat valley through vineyards and scrubland, the stage reaches the 21 Ermita de Bruguers (Gavà), a hilltop hermitage at the entrance to the 11 Parc del Garraf.
15.6 km 4 hr 30 min 634 mA rugged traverse of the Garraf limestone karst, with dramatic coastal views, to the small fishing village of 22 Garraf, where the GR-5 Viewpoints Trail crosses the route again.
21.9 km 6 hr 30 min 859 mThe trail follows the Garraf sea cliffs on a technically demanding path before dropping to the flat coastal plain and the city of 23 Vilanova i la Geltrú, the largest centre since Barcelona.
30 km 8 hr 85 mA long, predominantly flat inland stage along the Costa Daurada, passing through 24 L'Arboç and 25 La Pobla de Montornès on rural tracks, ending at the Roman provincial capital of 26 Tarragona.
27 km 6 hr 110 mFollowing the Costa Daurada south past the Roman monuments of Tarragona, the stage ends at the fishing town and resort of 27 Cambrils.
19 km 5 hr 70 mA gentle coastal stage along beaches and wooded headlands to the small resort of 28 Hospitalet de l'Infant.
22 km 6 hr 230 mContinuing south along the Baix Camp coast, passing rocky coves and pine-backed beaches to the fishing village of 29 L'Ametlla de Mar.
15 km 4 hr 50 mA mostly flat stage along the southern Tarragona coast to 30 L'Ampolla, the last settlement before the Ebro Delta.
20 km 5 hr 30 mA flat crossing of the southern Ebro Delta, with views over rice paddies and lagoons, ending at 31 Amposta on the Ebro river.
27 km 7 hr 700 mThe final and most demanding stage of the Catalan section climbs the Serra del Montsià, entering the Valencian Community at the Riu Sénia before ending at 32 Pont de l'Olivar (Ulldecona) .
Stay safe
[edit]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
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