Catalan Coast & Mountain (Grade 1/2)

Arrive at Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in L’Escala (1 hour private transfer with a local guide). The old centre of the town still retains the character of a typical Spanish working town with its bustling narrow streets and good selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are two small, popular beaches in the old town that add to the overall charm and atmosphere of the area.

Accommodation: Hotel, L’Escala. At only 300 meters from the historic centre of L’Escala with stunning sea-views and only 30 meters walk from the beach of Riells, you will find it the perfect location for the start of your Catalan Adventure.

Leaving L’Escala behind you will make your way onto the coastal trail. You will pass the walled settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. From Empúries, you walk along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you could pause for a swim.

You will finally arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. St Pere is a scenic little world set in one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of the village’s extensive beaches. 14.8km (9.2 miles), 3 hrs 30 mins walking time

Accommodation: Rural Farmhouse (Casa Rural), Sant Pere Pescador. The 19-century farmhouse is situated next to the River Fluvia and is surrounded by fields of fruit trees. It is located at the beginning of the natural reserve “Parc de Mig de Dos Rius”, where there is a great diversity of flora and fauna. The accommodation has a pool, their spacious rooms have stone walls, tiled floors and views of the gardens or fields.

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’Empuriès. This charming restored hotel dates from 1924. It offers fantastic views from its terrace over the Empordà and the beautiful Bay of Roses. The outdoor pool is set in the former Sant Agustí Convent, 100 m from the hotel. The hotel restaurant specializes in traditional Catalan cuisine, which is served on the terrace or under the arches of the dining room.

Today after breakfast you will be transferred by one of our guides to the start of the rugged coastal walk to Cadaquès. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfil 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 the beautiful white-washed coastal town of 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 great selection of places ranging from small Mediterranean family run restaurants, to fresh fish restaurants, pizza cafes and tapas bars. We would recommend you get stuck in to 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, Cadaquès. 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).

On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways and a visit to the 17th century Parish Church should not be missed or perhaps a walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally) would be in order. 3km (1.9 miles) 45 mins walking time 

You may want to walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula. The rocky outcrops are one of the most significant features of the Parc Natural, with its complicated and beautiful forms which often cause the visitor’s imagination to get carried away. One sees images of real or mythical animals in the area (lions, dragons, camels, eagles, cats, rats…), despite the fact that it is the wind and the sea, and not the Gods, which have gone on shaping the geological landscape right up to the present day. You could also eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant there, with spectacular views out over the peninsular  19.9km (12.4 miles), 6 hrs walking time

Accommodation: As above

Leaving Cadaqués behind 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 interior before arriving in 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, and 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 also has some of Catalonia’s best beaches. 12.6km (7.8 miles), 3 hrs 45 mins walking time

Accommodation: 4* 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.

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister (Open Oct 1^st to May 31^st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1^st to Sept. 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. 

Palau Saverdera is a small medieval village with a beautiful little church in the centre, there are a few local bars in the village to enjoy a well deserved drink at the end of the day. 14.8km (9.2 miles), 4 hrs 30 mins walking time

Accommodation: 3 *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.

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