Costa Brava & Barcelona Sunflower Sunflower | 9781856914963

Both the text and the maps for this Fourth edition have been thoroughly revised to reflect recent changes in the region. Free downloadable GPS tracks are available, too, for all the walks. The Costa Brava — literally the ‘rugged coast’, in reference to the rocky, inhospitable nature of much of the shore — runs from the French border southwards towards Barcelona. Behind the coast lie the Serralada Litoral and Serralada Prelitoral. These ranges include such varied landscapes as the extraordinary conglomerate pinnacles of Montserrat, the dormant volcanoes of the Garrotxa and the subalpine heights of the Montseny. It is this very variety, coupled with its proximity to Barcelona and the coastal towns, that makes walking in the Costa Brava hinterland so attractive. The authors describe the best walks in this part of Catalonia, be they the classic routes that form part of the repertoire of any self-respecting Catalan walker, or some of their personal favourites way off the beaten track. A special feature of this guide is the focus on the enormous variety of wildlife on offer, and the authors, keen naturalists, urge you to carry a pair of binoculars and the appropriate field guides. Area covered: from Portbou, Colera, the Serra de l’Albera and Port de Llança in the north down to Barcelona in the south. The book does not cover the Costa Dorada (which is south of Barcelona). Best months for walking: September to June.