This greenway’s nickname comes from the so-called “Petit Train,” a steam tramway that linked the localities of the Baix Empordà, starting in Palamós, with the regional capital of Girona. Although this restored greenway section is 6 km long, the railway line had a total length of 49 km. 

It was given this affectionate nickname due to the small size of its coaches, compared to those of other railway lines. And like many tramways, a large part of its itinerary ran alongside the area’s network of local roads.

It formed part of the “Tranvía del Bajo Ampurdán” company, which promoted the concession of a steam tramway between the localities of Palamós and Flaçà, passing through Palafrugell and La Bisbal. This route was essential in order to connect the aforementioned localities to the MZA company’s Iberian-gauge line linking Flaçà with Girona and Barcelona, and with the French border at Portbou. Our narrow-gauge (750 mm) line started operating on March 23, 1887. Its trains transported passengers and freight, especially cork, which was exported from nearby plantations to beyond the Pyrenees.

The railway changed hands in 1905 when it was purchased by the Belgium-owned “Societe anonyme de chemins de feréconomiques en Catalogne,” being renamed shortly thereafter “Ferrocarriles Económicos de Cataluña.” In 1912, the company proposed extending its tracks from Flaçà to Girona, although the project was not completed until 1921. Near the capital, at Pont Major, these tracks joined another steam tramway, which ran as far as Lago de Banyoles.

In 1923, the railway line changed hands again, being operated by “Ferrocarriles Económicos Españoles”. However, the Spanish Civil War resulted in the line’s deterioration due to bombing and neglect. After the war, in 1941, along with many other narrow-gauge lines in Spain, it was incorporated by the state into “Explotación de Ferrocarriles.” 

Although the line started operating again in 1942, it was closed not long thereafter, on March 1, 1952. 

Fifty-seven years later, in March 2009, the Petit Train Greenway was opened, in the section between Palamós and Palafrugell.