5 Night Self Guided Catalan Coast & Mountain Walking Holiday (Grade 1/2)

Day 1: Arrive at Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere Pescador keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of its extensive beaches.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the village, take a walk through the countryside and discover the wide-open landscape on the banks of the River Fluvià, with its apple orchards and nature trails, and its glimpses of windsurfers and sand-dunes… discover all the details that go together to make up the everyday life of this village.

Accommodation: 4 * Rural Farmhouse (Casa Rural), Sant Pere Pescador. The house is situated next to the River Fluvia and surrounded by fields of fruit trees. It is right at the beginning of the natural reserve “Parc de Mig de Dos Rius”, where there is a great diversity of fauna.

The house was constructed in the 19^th century and has been completely restored and furnished with care. It has five rooms all en-suite, with heating, television and air conditioning. The dining room is very sunny with views to the garden; the living room has a chimney, television, music equipment and board games. In the lounge you will be able to relax, read or simply enjoy the view. The Guest House also has a swimming pool that is open in the summer.

Day 2: Today’s walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá, along the beach at its mouth and then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.

You will eventually arrive at Castello D’Empuries. Castello is a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and Gothic influenced architecture. 11.1km (6.9 miles), 3 hrs walking time

Accommodation: Hotel, Castello D’Empuries Located in the heart of the town, built on the ruins of the former home of the Count of Castello, each of the uniquely designed rooms are fitted with fully reversible air conditioning and all have en-suite bathrooms, they offer lovely views of the village.

Day 3: You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfill every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal clear sea. Eventually you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves, and finally onto Cadaqués.

Cadaqués was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí, where Salvador Dalí once famously said in 1920: “I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour”. 15.5km (9.6 miles), 5 hrs 30 mins walking time

Note: Cadaqués is a great place for eating out; it has a good selection of restaurants ranging from small Mediterranean family run restaurants, to fresh fish restaurants, pizza cafes and tapas bars. We would recommend you try the seafood during your stay in Cadaqués – it’s always very fresh and delicious when washed down with a bottle of chilled Catalan white wine.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Cadaqués. Very close to the beach and the centre of Cadaqués this family run hotel is simple, clean and friendly. All the rooms have en-suite. Optional upgrade: With this recommended optional upgrade you can upgrade to a hotel on the beach with a sea-view room and terrace (see prices and availability section).

Day 4: Leaving Cadaqués you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park. You will follow a deeply rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside before arriving at El Port de la Selva.

El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historic references to the settlement go back to 974, although it did not become a fully-fledged village until the 18th century, with the construction of its first church. The village retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain, such as the Taballera Dolmen, the Serra de Rodes medieval site (made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu  and Sant Fruitós Church. The village has some of Catalonia’s best beaches. 12.6km (7.8 miles), 3 hrs 45 mins walking time

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, El Port de la Selva. The hotel is an old manor house from 1864 made with stones from the Cap de Creus. It’s been a hotel since 1960, was totally refurbished in 2005 and is just a few meters from the beach. It has two restaurants (one of them in front of the sea) and a panoramic lounge.

Day 5: Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister (Open October 1^st to May 31^st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1^st to September 30^th from 10am to 8pm, closed on Mondays). Its origins date back to the first century after Christ. Christian doctrine understands Sant Pere de Rodes as one of the most important Monasteries in Spain. You will then make your way up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador, from here you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees. You also have stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. You will then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera and finally the end of your journey. 14.8km (9.2 miles), 4 hrs 30 mins walking time

Palau Saverdera is a small medieval farming village with a beautiful little church in the centre, there are a few local bars in the village in which to enjoy a well deserved drink at the end of the day.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel,  Palau Saverdera. The hotel, renovated in 2006, is a charming hotel situated in a small Catalan village, only 5 km away from the sea.

Day 6: Pick up and transfer back to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona).