.The “Cami de ronda” or coastal path of Platja d’Aro from Playa de Aro to Torre Valentina in Sant Antoni de Calonge is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of the Costa Brava due to the beauty of its coves. We will show You what for us are the best 9 coves along it
Known by this name due to the fact that it was, in the last century, the route taken by the Guardia Civil patrols to control both the maritime border and smuggling.
This sanctuary of almost 8km will take us from Playa de Aro to Sant Antoni de Calonge through an experience that will make us connect as never before with the coastal nature, both with the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean and the lush pine forests that overhang the sea.
Dirt roads that run along the seashore; rocky landscapes and different tunnels connect sea and mountains to reveal views only found in this Catalan territory.
This Camí de ronda of Platja d’Aro to the beach of Torre Valentina, a 16th century watchtower in Sant Antoni de Calonge, takes about three and a half hours, although it is worth doing it without haste to enjoy each and every one of the different coves along this route. This path is, in fact, a part of the GR-92 and is, therefore, very well signposted.
Start of path:
Starting from the Hotel Bell Repòs, take the seafront promenade and turn left until the end of the promenade, just where the coastal path begins, passing the emblematic rock of Playa de Aro, the “Cavall Bernat“, until you reach the so-called Punta d’en Ramis.
These are the main coves:
#1 Cala (cove) Rovira and Sa Cova
One of the largest coves in Playa de Aro, Cala Rovira is hidden from the town centre, forming two coves with an incisive landscape and crystal-clear water.
The Cala Sa Cova is a small natural private swimming pool, is drawn to the coast.
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#2 Cala del Pi and Cala de la Belladona
We will continue until we reach Cala del Pi, which is usually very popular due to the beauty of its landscape. Made of coarse sand, it is easy to access.
As all along the way, one of the main attractions is the rocky bottom of its waters, which make it an ideal place for snorkelling and diving.
Cala de la Belladona, on the other hand, with its beautiful name (beautiful woman), relies on its crystal clear waters and small size to create a new, intimate and secluded atmosphere.
Cala de la Belladona is the last cove in Playa de Aro and the route continues from here onwards in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Calonge.
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#3 Cala Cap Roig
The picturesque Cala de Cap Roig is a beautiful natural space that owes its name to the reddish rock formation that divides it in two.
It is a fantastic place for snorkellers and divers. It has showers, sun loungers for hire and a bar area.
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#4 Cala Cristus and Ses Torretes
When we arrived at the place, we first found Cala Cristus, a coast of fine sand and golden glow with 100 metres of sand on both sides and, hooked to it is Ses Torretes, a cove with similar characteristics.
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#5 Cala de la Roca del Paller i Punta dels canyers
Continuing along the route, we soon find the cala de la Roca del Paller and Punta dels canyers, which form a continuation creating a single small beach where we find a perfect fusion between the sea of rocks worn by friction and the pine forests that create a magical landscape.
One of our favourite coves, it is so called because it is surrounded by rocks of different sizes that form a kind of haystack that you can reach by swimming.
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#6 Cala Roques Planes
The rocky cove of Roques Planes is one of the most beautiful and peculiar of the route.
The erosion caused by the waves and the passage of time has modelled the rocks to give them their characteristic shape.
This rocky composition of the cove and the proximity of a group of reefs make it highly recommended for snorkelling. It also stands out for being a place where nudism is practised at certain times of the year and which is very positively highlighted by the naturist community.
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#7 Cala dels musclos (Mussel Rock Cove)
The mussel cove is so called because it is located just in front of the mussel rock and it is so called because of the large number of mussels that breed among its rocky composition.
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#8 Cala dels capellans, Racó dels homes and Racó de les dones
The last three coves before reaching our destination have a curious name: “Cala dels Capellans” or Cove of the priests, Racó dels homes or man’s corner and Racó de les dones, woman’s corner. All three are very small coves that can be reached by a flight of steps.
- This name comes from the strict morals of the past. When religion forbade bathing in the sea between people of different sexes and so that the church could keep the distance between its parishioners.
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#9 Torre Valentina Beach
We reach the end of the route entering the Bay of Palamós on Sant Antonid e Calonge’s side, with the first beach which is the Platja de Torre Valentina, which owes its name to the 16th century defence tower, which was part of a system of towers that warned the town of Calonge, located 2.50km from the coast, of pirate attacks,… but this is another story that we will explain you on a future occasion,….
Leave us your feedback in the comments please if you’d like us to do so!
We hope you enjoyed this spectacular excursion.
See you next time friends!
Photos courtesy of the Townhalls of Platja d’Aro and Calonge
