Running Costa Brava
7 days running vacation

Spain

Running by the Mediterranean sea. 

7 days running by medieval villages to cristal water Mediterranean beaches, eating the best food in the world.

RUN TO EAT THE BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD

The Costa Brava is the Mecca of Gourmet Cuisine, and we're only running to get hungry. Check out the video to get a taste of what this running vacation is like.

Our Running Vacation 

 For more than a decade hundreds of runners joined Pablo and Cristina the in their famous 7 days running trip by the Mediterranean.

Running Adventures people in a River in Costa Rica

7 days - 6 nights

We'll be running from Girona to the Mediterranean Sea, sleeping every night in a new beautiful location.

130KM Approx.
The runs will take an average of four hours per day, including stops for beers, wine and jumping into the sea.
1490€
All accommodations, transfers , breakfast, dinners, guiding, and daily luggage transportation are included in the price.

WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP UNIQUE? 

This 7 days experience will transform the way you see running.  

The food

We run just to get hungry

Two astounding facts: there are 16 Michelin-starred restaurants in this area. Two of the world's best nine restaurants, are located in the Costa Brava area. 

Girona

The beautiful city we call home.

Girona is a beautiful city, founded more that 2000 years ago is pack with history and beauty everywhere.

The Villages

Cadaques, Begur, Pals...

The elegance of the landscape make’s you believe it was design by a genius hand. Every village in it’s right place. 

The Mediterranean

Crystal clear water

This is the pure essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. We have the most beautiful coast in Girona, beautiful beaches.

Not our first rodeo

Hundreds of runners before you

Running Costa Brava is not a finished product, it's evolving every month, and it's been doing so over a decade.

Running Costa Brava trip is famous

We've been featured in 10's of running magazines, read what they say about us

Running Adventures people in a River in Costa Rica

WOMEN'S RUNNING

Allison Pattillo

"Running by the Paradise"

RUNNER'S WORLD GERMANY

Dan Patitucci

"Der Costa Brava sind spektakulär"

METRO NEWSPAPER LONDON

Jonathan Thompson

"THE scene before me – all high body counts and ancient towers – would put Game Of Thrones to shame"

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE

Ginny Graves

"Biggest surprise of all"

TRAIL RUNNER MAGAZINE

Elinor Fish

"Dream trip"

RUNNER'S WORLD UK

Joe Mackie, RW Deputy Editor

"Guided trail runs open up the rugged coast between the picture-perfect beaches, giving you stunning stretches all to yourself"

RUNNING FREE LONDON

Dan Green

"BECAME THE RUNNER YOU WANT TO BE"

HEALTH MAGAZINE

Ginny Graves

"A Running Vacation Rebooted My Spirit... I felt strong, confident - almost invincible."

RUNNNER'S WORLD

Joe Mackie, RW Deputy Editor

"THE RW GUIDE TO RUNNING HOLIDAYS... Discover a surprise runner's paradise on the Costa Brava"

BACKPACKER

Rachel Sturtz

"Cover 100 sweet miles"

TRAIL RUNNER MAGAZINE

Elinor Fish

"A trail-running tour of Spain's Costa Brava... and unexpected immersion in Catalonian gastronomy, culture and history"

RUNNING TIMES

Rachel Sturtz

"A new way to see the world"

RUNNERS'S WORLD

Joe Mackie, RW Deputy Editor

"Pablo's enthusiasm measured in per cent 238"

Runners reviews

Their experience taking part in this adventure

2011 – 2022

Santa Van
Santa Van Heerden
about 4 years ago

Wonderful experience! A must do!! I will definitely go back if possible!!

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Paella
Ian Buxton
Ian Buxton
about 4 years ago

Amazing Experience!! Well organized and an amazing trip overall. No better way to experience a country than on foot with amazing guides... See more.

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Paella
Runner sitting by a cliff
Kristene Jordan
about 6 months ago

Run the World Adventures is a fabulous group of people who deliver incredible adventures. Behind the scenes is Cristina who handles the logistics and communication to get you to your adventure. The unsung hero who plans accommodations, arranges dinners, and appears as course support throughout the runs, she is amazing.
The other half of this delightful duo is Pablo, who is equal parts historian, entertainer, story teller, tour guide and amazing runner - often barefoot! Each ...
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Bret Lang
Bret Lang
about 3 years ago

I can’t say enough about how awesome this Costa Brava trip (2018) was! Each day, you run a different adventure. From the city walls of Girona, through medieval towns that dot the countryside to quaint Mediterranean Sea ports, you’ll get it all. Pablo will give you a daily history lesson during all of it. This is just the running portion! Each afternoon you have free time to explore the local culture and in the evenings you’ll be sleeping in some amazing hotels. I’m picky about ...See more

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Trail Runner pictures in Spain
Nick Eckestein
Nicky Eckstein
July 20, 2019

We ran the Costa Brava this June and what an incredible experience! Running 7 days through the most beautiful countryside, dramatic coastlines and staying in fabulous hotels situated in picturesque villages, experiencing local cuisine - sublime. Pablo is an amazing guide & easily adapted routes to suit our strengths & weaknesses. Would highly recommend this adventure with Pablo & Cristina!See more

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Matt
Matt Freeman
July 10, 2019

Pablo is a wonderful host. I had the pleasure of being shown the beautiful costa brava in 2013 while we ran some incredible trails and had such fun! I would, without hesitation, recommend one of his many adventures! I will most certainly be back in the future!!!

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Jojo
Jojo Reuland
About 3 years ago

The most incredible experience. Felt like a local, Pablos personalize for our schedule / abilities, and incredible enthusiasm and service. One of the best trips I've ever taken.

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The itinerary

We run from place to place using our legs as a mean of transportation. Some of the terrain is technical, but no worries, this is not a race,13 to 15 miles per day. 4 to 5 hours, 134 kms aprox. in 7 days.

Girona me enamora

Day 1. Girona

ANCIENT CITY RUNNING AND CROSSING GAVARRES FOREST – SANT MARTI VELL 18km (470↑)

The first day will begin with a tour of Girona's ancient city, which will take us through a maze of narrow alleyways, churches, and convents.

After racing around the town on the top of its medieval wall, we'll head to the Gavarres forest, where we'll follow a specially built track all the way to San Marti Vell settlement. We'll return to Girona after a 20-minute journey, and there's a reason for that: we'll dine on a gourmet restaurant.

Runners in Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery

Day 2. The Empordanet

MEDIEVAL VILLAGES 28km (340↑|282↓)

From the same point where we left off the day before, we'll travel through agricultural areas between seven medieval villages and two castles, mostly on level, non-technical trails.

We'll have a light lunch in Peratallada town in the middle of the day, then spend the rest of the day running through small trails to get to our final destination.

Running by a tree in front of the sea

Day 3. Getting to the Sea

FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA 23km (520↑| 687↓)

A short drive will take us deep into the mountains, from where we will ascend to Fitor Church and descend to the Mediterranean via little technical routes. The sea will not be visible until it is right in front of us. The rest of the day will be spent following the coastal line, passing past fisherman huts, the Dal hut, and numerous little unspoiled beaches and cliffs. You'll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

We'll finish the day by sprinting through the Mediterranean village of Calella de Palafrugell, where your seafront hotel awaits us.

Diving from a diving board in the Mediterranean Sea

Day 4. Paella

LIGHTHOUSE, CLIFFS BY THE COAST TO PAELLA VILLAGE 20km (592↑| 707↓)

From Calella, we'll ascend to the Sant Sebastiá lighthouse for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, then run along the coast on a track that passes through some of the most beautiful spots on the journey until we get in Tamariu, where our famous diving board is located. We'll head inland after a refreshing swim until we reach Begur, a picturesque town with a castle on top, and then cross several mountains to Pals, a medieval village where we'll enjoy a traditional Paella. Tonight, we'll be staying in either a modest castle that was previously the home of the local inquisition officer, or an Indian building in the heart of Begur.

Running by a path in front of Cadaques

Day 5. 

5. SHORT DAY – GETTING TO CADAQUES 12 Km (354↑|371↓)

A whole fresh scene awaits you on your first day in the Cap de Creus. A brief 12-kilometer run along the coast will take us through an entirely different landscape area before arriving at Cadaques at the conclusion of the day.

A white remote village notable for hosting artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Its small stone lanes will give you a unique feeling.

Fideua in Pals

Day 6. 

CHALLENGING DAY – CADAQUES, CAP DE CREUS LIGHTHOUSE – DALI’S PICTURES LANDSCAPE AREA – WINE TASTING 26 Km (1015↑|778↓)

Starting in Cadaques, our preferred village, we will sprint through the streets laberint to Dal's house in Port Lligat. From Port Ligat, we'll hike to the most distant part of the Costa Brava, the lighthouse at Cap de Creus, the Iberian Peninsula's most eastern point. After a short break, we'll continue north towards Cala Tavalera Bay and then inland to the top of the area's tallest mountain, where Perafita Winery will be waiting for us on the other side.

Cristina Moret Running in Begur

Day 7. 

Perafita Winery - Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery and Neolitic area (19 km, Elevation gain 1074 m - Elevation loss: 1248m)

We'll begin our final day by running downhill from the vineyard to the coastal community of Port de la Selva at the other end of Cap de Creus, then north until we locate a route that leads to the 12th century Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, from which we'll run down to Vilajuiga town.

Frequently asked questions

Running adventures

Information 

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The cost includes all accommodation, all transfers (not from airport to hotel or hotel airport) , breakfast, dinners, GPS and tracking devices, local guides and daily luggage transportation.

About to eat in Perafita
WHAT’S EXCLUDED?

It does not include personal travel insurance, lunches and tips for the guides. It also does not include any entrance fees to any optional sites or attractions. We strongly recommend you carry a credit card in case of personal emergency.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL I GET?

Group ready to start eating pernill salat
CAN I BRING AS MUCH LUGGAGE AS I WANT?

Your luggage has to be moved every day in the van. Once in the hotel you will need to move it to your room, as the hotel we use are very little, they normally don’t have a lift but stairs. Please be aware of that. Also, space is in the van is limited so we say maximum 1 suitcase/backpack per runner. In case you keep travelling after the adventure and you need to bring more luggage, let us know and we can keep it during the week. You should also bring a small camel bag with you every day to place your water, mobile phone, sun cream or whatever you think you will need while running.

WHAT’S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

We love little places run by locals, that’s the only type of accommodation we use together with homemade food will make you feel like home.

I’M A SINGLE RUNNER, IS THERE AN UP-CHARGE?

Yes, our prices are based in double – triple occupancy room. In case of singles, there’s a 50 euros/night supplement.

 

The adventure

 

Men running by the Mediterranean Sea
 WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN CAN I EXPECT?

When we opened the route, if we had something in mind, that was avoiding pavement as much as possible. We are proud to say 98% of the terrain you will run is trails.

WHICH KIND OF CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Normal running gear, depending on the time of the weather, summer gear or warmer. Please pack sunblock, especially in May, June and September. Once in destination every day, you don’t need any fancy clothes at all!  flip flops, shorts and t-shirts will make it. Don’t forget the swimming costume, sunglasses if you need them and your camelback.
There won’t be laundry service for the 7 days.

BODYCARE

Everyone should have some blister plasters and little first aid kit to help you with any problem in the hotel.

Arros caldos in Pals
ENERGETIC FOOD AND OTHERS

We have breakfast in the morning and the next time we eat is for lunch when the running is finished. Some runners need to eat while running, if that’s your case, please bring your own energetic bars, nuts, pocket money or whatever you think you may need.

Couple sleeping in front of a blue door
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

It much depends on the month, should be nice and sunny most of the time. You can always check it out before arriving.

IS THERE A MINIMUM FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED IN ORDER TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?

This is a running adventure, so we need you to be a runner. Not a super runner but one who has maybe run a half marathon or go for a ling runs twice or three times per week.

Again and again we remind you this is not a race.

In la Costa Brava, as a very safety zone, we tend runners to run at their own pace. That’s why if we have different levels in the same group, then we provide GPS to those fasters or slowers.

DO WE START THE ADVENTURE ON DAY 1?

Yes, early in the morning, that’s why we strongly recommend sleeping the night before in Girona. Those runners who decide to arrive the same morning should know that departing time is what is and we can not have another group of people waiting for those who have not arrive for any delay on trains, traffic or whatever.

TIPPING

We encourage you to tip your guides if you feel you have received excellent service and have had an enjoyable trip.

The Country

THE CURRENCY

The official currency in Catalonia is euros.
Dollars are not accepted in the country. We recommend you to have cash in euros for your little drinks when we stop while running. Try to exchange them in the airpot, thats the easiest way. Aside from lunches, there are no required additional expenses for this trip, but you might like to take cash for such things as souvenir shopping or nightlife. Credit cards are accepted almost in everywhere and ATM’s will be at your disposal in Girona.

Cristina Moret running in Begur
PASSPORT & VISA

A valid passport is essential; it should be valid for at least six months after return from Spain. There’s is currently no visa requirement for USA or European citizens.
Citizens from other countries could require a visa. For more information, please contact your local embassy or passport office.

VACCINATIONS

(Other than Covid) We only need you to have had a Tetanus injection in the last ten years.

Contact Pablo and Cristina

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Pablo and Cristina Moret, running guides

© Copyright 2011 Runcosbra Girona s.l.