A road connecting Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, popularly known as the "road of the 365 bends", has been named Catalonia's most beautiful road, according to L'Empordà. This 22-kilometre route, built in 1920, offers panoramic sea views and winds through cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation along the Costa Brava.
Spain's road network spans approximately 165,756 kilometres, with certain sections standing out for their surrounding natural beauty. This particular Catalan road, adapted to the local geography, is celebrated for its stunning coastal and mountainous environment, crossing the Cadiretes massif, a significant natural reserve.
While the exact number of bends has not been verified, its serpentine design gives the road its popular name. Beyond the driving experience, the route provides a unique combination of mountain and coastal scenery within a short distance, inviting travellers to pause and take in the views.
Scenic Stops and Hidden Coves
The recommended starting point for this journey is Tossa de Mar beach, known for its clear waters and medieval wall. Along the route, several points of interest and hidden coves offer opportunities to stop and enjoy the landscape fully.
One popular stop is the Pola viewpoint, located between Cala Bona and Cala Pola. It is a good place to rest and enjoy the views. Further along, the Salionç viewpoint provides a tranquil setting with views of Cala Salionç, showing how the road integrates with the cliffs and the sea.
Many hidden coves are found along the path connecting the two coastal towns. Some are difficult to access and lack parking, yet they offer rewarding views. Cala Giverola, surrounded by hills and pine trees, is ideal for snorkelling, diving, and kayaking.
Cala Futadera, situated beneath a cliff, requires descending nearly 300 steps for access. It is small, isolated, and lacks services, but its natural setting makes it a unique and almost deserted spot. For a more accessible, family-friendly option with parking, Platja dels Canyerets is located roughly halfway between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. It features a beach bar, showers, and toilets, and connects via the coastal path to Cala Canyet, a smaller but equally impressive cove.
The road continues to be a popular tourist activity throughout the year, drawing visitors to explore the diverse natural beauty of the Costa Brava.