The only via ferrata on Europe’s coast is found in Catalonia, more precisely in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Whether you’re a rock-climbing expert or a newbie wanting to give climbing a try, this is the perfect place for an exciting adventure. Astonishing views over the Mediterranean Sea are guaranteed!
The via ferrata Cala del Molí is unique because it’s the only one in Europe by the sea. The route is 480 meters long in total and can go as high as 20 metres, offering an impressive panoramic view of the Costa Brava. As you pause to take a break or wait for people to finish the tricky parts, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent perspective of the Mediterranean sea.
Ready to know more about this adventure in the Costa Brava? Keep scrolling!
Technical details of the via ferrata Cala del Molí
↔️ Lenght: 8.47 km one way
🟢 Level: Easy. This activity is 100% suitable for beginners, although we highly recommend going with a guide if you’ve never done a via ferrata before
⬆️ Height: At some points it can go as high as 20 metres
⏱ Duration: From 2 h 30 min to 4 h
If you don’t think you can do the activity alone, just hire a guide from a tour company. They’ll go with you during the itinerary and explain how everything works. Don’t let fear take the experience of climbing rocky cliffs over the waves away from you!
When is the best time to do the via ferrata Cala del Molí
To do a via ferrata requires good weather conditions, meaning no rain, ice or snow.
Spring and autumn are the ideal months to practise this sport in Cala del Molí. Summer can be too hot.
However, if you do it during the summer months, be sure to either start early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is not so intense.
Another piece of advice is not to do it just after raining. Then, the route can be slippery and dangerous.
Basic gear you need to do the via ferrata Cala del Molí
One of the cool things about this activity is that it is completely free! Who doesn’t like that?
Well, even though the access is free, you need to be equipped. We rented all the equipment to a company called Parc Aventura, managed by the guy who designed and equipped this via ferrata. You can contact them here for more info. Otherwise, you can also rent the material here.
The basic equipment you need for the via ferrata is:
- Helmet: It protects your head in case of a rockfall.
- Gloves: They protect your hands from the friction with the steel cable and also from the rocks. Moreover, they provide a better grip.
- Climbing harness
- Via ferrata set: It consists of two carabiners and a lanyard, which you use to attach the harness to the steel cable.
- Comfortable footwear
How to arrive at the via ferrata Cala del Molí
The fastest way to reach Cala del Molí is by car. It only takes 1 h and 20 min from Barcelona, making it an ideal day trip to the Costa Brava. Take the AP-7 highway to Sant Feliu de Guíxols and follow the navigator’s directions to Cala del Molí. Be aware that this route has tolls.
You can park the car opposite the Triadores lookout (Mirador de las Triadores), where clear signs indicate the start of the via ferrata.
If you’re coming from Girona, it’s even closer, only 40 min by car. You don’t need to take a highway; you just need to follow the C-56 and then the GIV-6621.
There’s also the option of going by public transport. You can take a bus from Estació del Nord in Barcelona, and you’ll be in Sant Feliu de Guíxols in 1 h 30 min (see bus schedules here). The buses run approximately every two hours, costing around 15 € one way.
From Girona, the buses depart every 30 minutes, and the total travel time is 45 minutes (see schedule here). Once you arrive at the bus station, it’s a 30 min walk to the via ferrata’s start (Mirador de las Triadores).
Our experience in the via ferrata Cala del Molí
We dressed with all the equipment at the Mirador de les Triadores, only 50 m from the starting point of the via ferrata, at Cala del Molí.
We did the whole route in 3 hours, but the total duration of the activity can range from 2 h 30 min to 4 h. Time varies depending on how busy the via ferrata is and how experienced you are.
This via ferrata is divided into two parts, being the second one more difficult. If you’ve just finished the first part and decided that you’ve had enough, there’s an exit that brings you back to the start.
This was the first time we did a via ferrata, and after the first part, I (Marina) thought I’d had enough, and maybe via ferratas weren’t made for me. However, after some insistence from Marc, I decided to continue. I can assure you I keep a remarkable memory of the second part. I even enjoyed it more than the first one!
If you’re one of those that loves going to the beach but can’t stand laying on a towel for hours, this is definitely a great plan to move your body while enjoying the beach vibes!
More things to do in the Costa Brava
We’ve written several posts with adventures to do in the area. Here are some suggestions:
- Seven beaches in the province of Girona that aren’t packed during summer: Get away from the summer crowds by hiking to one of these secluded beaches in the Costa Brava.
- Herbocaiac, a foraging and kayaking adventure in the Costa Brava: A kayaking, snorkelling, and foraging experience in Palamós. You’ll learn about the plants and algae of the region, and get immerse in a beautiful landscape while doing some exercise.
- Discovering Tossa de Mar, a historic medieval town in the Costa Brava: Tossa de Mar is an historic city of the Costa Brava, famous for its sandy coves, its lighthouse, and its fortified medieval town.
Did you need to rappel at all? Did you do any other via ferrata in Spain?
Hi Andrew!
No, you don’t need to rappel.
We’ve tried other via ferrata in Andorra and Catalonia, and we loved The Via Ferrada Baumes Corcades (not too far from Barcelona) and the Via Ferrada del Salt del Botanal (in the Pyrenees).
That is very helpful! I am thinking about going to Via Ferrada Baumes Corcades… Any details you can provide would be helpful!!
That’s a good choice!
I’d say that it’s always better to go there during the week if you can. This via ferrata can get crowded on weekends, especially when it gets warmer. The town hall has introduced a booking system (free) to avoid lots of people climbing at the same time, so you should book your spot here: https://centelles.loriun.com/p/reserves-via-ferrada
Last, read about the via ferrata’s variants (Esperó and Tosquera) in the latest sections and choose the one you want to climb according to your level.
Enjoy the climb 🙂