ICC Topographic Map of Catalonia / Catalunya, Spain
Below is an ICGC (the equivalent of the OS) topographic map of Catalonia / Catalunya.
GR (long distance paths) and a few local paths are shown at some zoom levels (but, strangely, not the highest zoom level?). However, many local footpaths are not shown at all, especially in National/Local parks. Neither is there any indication of which paths/roads are public or private.
However, this is by far the best online mapping available for Catalonia.
Guidebooks: It's very important to get the latest edition, as there are lots of new developments on this section of coast, as well as right-of-way issues, but also newly opened paths. For example, the Cami de Ronda (coastal GR route) is a fair way from the coast in many places due to access issues - hopefully it will be improved over time.
For walkers
- There is a scattering of National Parks and walking areas in the region, but they are often a good drive apart. The coast is the highlight.
- The Sunflower Walking Guide is OK, but has few coastal walks, which is a real shame as they are a highlight of the area.
- There is also a Rother Guide which has twice the number of walks, but the "latest" (4 years old) edition hasn't been translated into English. You might get a second hand version of the previous edition on Amazon.
- There are some Catalan language websites about the GR-82 coast walk, and the Cami de Ronda paths, which the Chrome browser can auto-translate, e.g.Camins de Ronda - Blog of a coastal walk along the entire Costa Brava. In Catalan, use chrome's auto-translate
For general travel
- Download the Catalunya Offline app (free!), which has topographic mapping for you phone
- Download the map.me app and then the Spain map (free!) which gives free OpenStreetMap topographic mapping.
- The Kindle only Rough Guide to the Catalonia and the Costa Brava is quite good [may no longer be available], but for guide books, paper is much more convenient to use.
- There are also 15 - 20 years (!) out-of-date paper versions of Lonely Planet and Rough Guides to Catalonia (expanded versions of the Catalonia chapter from the Spain Guide).
- I would very strongly recommend a touring map for drivers.
- Note that many Costa Brava hotels charge exorbitant rates for WiFi, but its free in many cafes
Now would be a good time for a cup of tea.