A hiking and cycling route that runs between Palafrugell and Palamós in the Costa Brava is lovingly called the Little Train Route (Ruta del Tren Petit). At a length of just 6 kilometres, it's one of the shortest Greenways in Catalonia, that has no viaducts crossing over deep valleys, no long dark tunnels, steep climbs or vertigo-inducing drops. For those getting ready for a triathlon, it's definitely not the optimal training route!
But if your goal is a pleasant family walk with plentiful opportunities for visiting beautiful sea coves, encountering archaeological sights, taking great photos and having a delicious lunch, nothing beats the Little Train Route.
All the secret treasures of the route are found in its diversions. There are several:
- Torre Simona
An observation tower built in the 14-15th centuries for protection from pirates, Torre Simona is included on the national list of protected cultural sites. - Platja de Castell
The route branches off towards the Mediterranean sea, leading hikers to the beach of Castell, as well as two more beautiful coves that are marked on the signposts further down the route.- Paratge del Castell
Besides the beautiful beach, here are more noteworthy reasons to visit: atop the cliff next to the cove lies an ancient Iber settlement, discovered by archaeologists in 1953; also, in the forest near the cove, you can take a photo next to an unusual house, called Salvador Dalí's Hut. - Cala s'Alguer
Cove Cala s'Alguer is not the most popular sunbathing destination due to its small size (60x8 meters) and pebble surface. It has no outdoor showers, no loungers, and even the nearest parking is almost 200 m away, separated from the beach by a wooded area. This is why it's such a quiet haven even during the busiest summer months. Visitors will enjoy the quaint fishing village nearby, whose history dates back to the year 1521. Cala s'Alguer has been on the national list of protected cultural sites since 2004. - La Fosca
The beach of La Fosca is beloved by the residents of Palamós, especially those with children. It's a long (500 m) and wide (40 m) sandy beach with a shallow water entry and a very gradual increase in water depth. The area is lightly developed, so the beach is quiet, unlike the central Palamós beach.
- Paratge del Castell
- Vall-llobrega
Walking to Vall-llobrega, taking photos of all the noteworthy sights and returning would take about an hour unless you are interrupted by the restaurant Mas dels Arcs next to highway C-31. The restaurant is exceptional and very popular with locals, so having lunch there would likely overcome your desire for sightseeing and convince you to go take a nap instead.
The starting point of the Little Train Route is technically found outside of Palafrugell, located in the neighbouring municipality of Mont-Ras. Look for the intersection of Carrer Cucala and Carrer de la Granota—a few meters away, a large green board signals the beginning of the route. Parking is possible on one of the nearby side streets. The route is well-marked and the signposts are aplenty, so finding your way won't be difficult.
The Little Train Route was opened on March 29, 2009, replacing a section of an old narrow-gauge railway line between Girona and Palamós that had been in operation since 1887.