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 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 40’s and 50’s, 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]

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