Explore Nature

The greenways, known as Vies Verdes, were established in the 19th century to enhance transportation of goods between towns in the province of Girona. Originally railways or footpaths, they now function as pedestrian and cycling routes, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the region's nature and history. Guests at Camiral can conveniently explore these paths on foot or by bike. With gentle inclines never exceeding 3%, the greenways are accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

The Costa Brava boasts several botanical gardens, each with its own charm – and beautiful sea views. The Santa Clotilde gardens in Lloret de Mar are set on a hillside with breath-taking views of the Mediterranean. 

The Italian-influenced gardens feature a variety of plants – although no flowers – and you can also see the collections of paintings, tapestries and local pottery displayed in the villa there. On the way to Blanes are the Pinya de Rosa botanical gardens with their impressive display of tropical plants, while Mar I Murtra in Blanes specialises in flora from around the world. Venture a little further north, to Cap Roig Gardens in Calella de Palafrugell, for a rich variety of trees and plants from across the continents. The gardens also host the famous Cap Roig music festival.

The Costa Brava at its most primitive: a wild landscape formed of 450 million year old rocks, eroded into a multitude of shapes by the famous Tramuntana wind. This is the most easterly point of mainland Spain and one of the natural wonders of Catalunya. A little inland, hike or cycle through the park to explore its natural fauna – a biological gem. And while you’re here, build in a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués.

Forming part of the Bay of Roses, the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is the second largest wetland in Catalunya and set over 4,800 hectares. The patchwork of different ecosystems provides a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including over 300 different bird species. Look carefully and you’ll spot kingfishers, storks, spoonbills, nightingales, stone curlews and garganey ducks (the park’s symbol).

The Medes Islands off the Costa Brava form one of the largest marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean. The popular scuba diving destination is an archipelago made up of seven islets, less than a mile off L’Estartit beach. The islands boast a rich variety of marine environments, including underwater caves of red coral and entire meadows of Posidonia Oceanica – a species of seagrass common to the Mediterranean. Glass-bottomed boat trips around the islands, and along the spectacular Montgrí coast, can be booked from L’Estartit.

La Garrotxa Volcanic Natural Park, the prime example of volcanic terrain on the Iberian Peninsula, features 40 extinct volcanoes that sculpted the region's unique landscape. The contrast between the red rock and black sand from the coast, just an hour away, is striking. With 28 walking routes spanning 12,000 hectares of protected land, visitors can explore highlights such as the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes or enjoy breathtaking views from Montsacopa volcano and the Batet plateau. Don't miss other treasures in the area, like the enchanting beech forests of La Fageda d'en Jordà or the medieval cliff-top village of Castellfollit de la Roca.