Camí de Ronda
The Camí de Ronda (Catalan pronunciation: [kəˈmi ðə ˈrondə], Spanish: Camino de Ronda) was a footpath built along the Costa Brava coast to help the Guardia Civil control the coast and stop smuggling.[1]
The origins are located in the 19th century when it was formed from small footpaths through the cliffs along the coast of Catalonia. In the 20th Century, especially in the postwar period, the path acquired a great importance as a method of controlling the country's border, especially in the difficult economic conditions Spain found itself after the civil war.
However corruption ensured the route did not stop smuggling. The continuing border controls and economic situation in the 1940s and 1950s, when even basic foods, tools and other products were in short supply in Spain, allowed the few smugglers to amass fortunes. The improvement of the Spanish economy and eventual entry into the European Union ensured the path lost its importance.
Much of the route is now a series of public footpaths often connecting tourist beaches and resorts.[2]
References
- ^ Hopkins, Adam; Macphedran, Gabrielle (1996-10-29). Fodor's exploring Spain. Fodor's Travel Publications. ISBN 9780679032168. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- ^ Guides, Rough; Lloyd, Chris (2002-09-01). The Rough Guide to Costa Brava. Rough Guides. pp. 153–. ISBN 9781858288024. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- Punseti,Daniel; Rovira,Iban; Camí de Ronda, La Travessa a peu de la Costa Brava, Ruta lineal, Triptek Books-Camí de Ronda® (2014, 2015 & 2016 last edition), Map E/1:25.000 Guide in English,Catalan,Español,French, German ISBN ISBN 978-8460860808 - www.camideronda.com