Catalonia at it’s finest — wander scenic trails, uncover historic treasures, enjoy luxurious stays and savour its world-celebrated gastronomy.
This tour is more than a walking holiday — it’s an invitation to discover the most captivating treasures of Catalonia. Wander through ever-changing landscapes, from endless sandy beaches and rugged coastal paths to mountain peaks with breathtaking views. Each step reveals a new facet of this remarkable region, where history, culture and gastronomy intertwine.
Highlights include:
Arrive at Barcelona Airport/Centre or Girona Airport/Centre where you will have a private transfer to your first accommodation close to the coastal town of L’Escala. The old center of the town of L’Escala 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: 4* Hotel, L’Escala. Located on the beautiful Catalan coast with stunning sea-views, the perfect location to start your Catalan Adventure.
Meals & Extras: 90-minute access to the Spa water area
Your first walk begins with a true highlight: a visit to the captivating Greek and Roman ruins (entry paid locally). This ancient city served as the Romans’ base for their conquest and control of the Iberian Peninsula. Among its remarkable features are impressive mosaics and other remnants, most dating back to 218 BC and beyond.
From there, you’ll embark on a coastal trail, passing through the fortified settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries. The route continues along the southernmost stretch of the Bay of Roses, where you’ll have lots of opportunities for a refreshing swim.
Your journey concludes at Sant Pere Pescador, where you’ll be transferred to the nearby medieval village of Castello D’Empúries. This charming town is rich in history, with numerous historic sites to explore. Its standout feature is the Parish Church of Santa Maria, often referred to as the “Cathedral of the Empordà” for its grand scale and Gothic architecture. 11.3 km (7.0 miles), 3 hrs walking time
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Castello D’Empuriès. Neighboring the Basilica of Santa Maria, this hotel offers a very idyllic setting and fantastic views over the Empordà region. A plunge in the rooftop pool or a drink in their magical garden will be a perfect way to unwind after your first walk.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast, 60-minute access to the private wellness area of the hotel
Options (pay locally): Spa treatments, Dinner at the Michelin Star Restaurant Empòrium (Opening times: October-May: Thursday – Saturday; June-September: Tuesday – Saturday)
Later in the morning, a short transfer takes you to Perelada, where a day of immersion in the culinary treasures of the Empordà region begins. Your journey starts with a private tour of the New Perelada Winery. With over six centuries of winemaking heritage, Perelada crafts exceptional and internationally renown wines with character and presence. Its state-of-the-art winery, designed by Pritzker-winning RCR Architects, is LEED GOLD certified and offers a premier enotourism experience in Europe. Naturally, the visit is followed by a delightful wine tasting and a leisurely lunch. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the Castle Park, leading towards the hotel. Here you can rejuvenate in the Wine Spa or unwind by the outdoor pool on warmer days. In the evening, enjoy a Michelin star dinner with wine pairing at the Restaurant Castell Perelada, run by the two great professionals, Toni Gerez and Javi Martínez.
Accommodation: 5* Hotel, Perelada. Set against a backdrop of serene and picturesque landscapes, this hotel offers a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and gastronomic mastery, inviting you to indulge in every sense.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast, Lunch & MICHELIN Star Dinner incl. Wine pairing by Toni Gerez & Owen Harel-Roussel at Restaurant Castell Perelada, Private Winery Visit with Wine Tasting, 60-minute access to the Wine Spa aquatic area
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”. 15.9km (9.8 miles), 5 hrs 30 mins walking time
Note: Cadaqués is a great place for eating out; it has a great selection of restaurants, 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, especially enjoyable when washed down with a glass of chilled Catalan white wine.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Cadaquès. Above the centre of Cadaqués sits this elegant and unique hotel with dreamlike views onto the town and the Mediterranean sea.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast
On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways and shops. 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-October; 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. 21.2 km (13.1 miles), 6 hrs walking time
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at Compartir (meaning “to share”), a restaurant helmed by Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruch, internationally acclaimed chefs from El Bulli (voted the best restaurant in the world for several years running). True to its name, the dining experience centers on sharing dishes placed at the heart of the table, blending modern culinary techniques with touches of traditional flavors.
Accommodation: As above
Meals & Extras: Breakfast & Dinner Experience
Leaving Cadaqués behind you head north into the heart of the renowned Cap de Creus National Park, a rugged and unspoiled natural haven. This journey takes you along a tranquil, rural path that winds through the park’s dramatic landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Catalan interior before arriving at the picturesque fishing village of 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. 13.2 km (8.2 miles), 3 hrs 30 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.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast
Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister (Open Oct 1st to May 31st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1st to Sept. 30th 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 and into the village of Palau Saverdera from where a short transfer takes you to your accommodation in Roses. Enjoy your last dinner of this tour at the hotels gastronomic restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 17.8km (11.1 miles), 4 hrs 30 mins walking time
Accommodation: 5* Hotel, Roses. As the most iconic and still the only 5-star hotel on the northern Costa Brava coast, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the unforgettable experiences of your Catalan Adventure.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast & Dinner
Pick up and transfer to Girona or Barcelona Airport / Centre.
Meals & Extras: Breakfast
| Dates | Price Per Person (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Solo traveller supplement | Single Room Supplement (2 + people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Apr to 29 Apr | €3521 | €2823 | €2233 |
| 30 Apr to 21 May | €3641 | €2943 | €2353 |
| 22 May to 11 June | €3728 | €3030 | €2440 |
| 01 Sept to 20 Sept | €3758 | €3060 | €2470 |
| 21 Sep to 4 Oct | €3656 | €2958 | €2368 |
NIGHT 1
NIGHT 2
NIGHT 3
NIGHT 4+5
NIGHT 6
NIGHT 7
Your arrival transfer from Barcelona or Girona Airport/Centre is included.
Arrive at Figueres-Vilafant, if travelling by train from other parts of Spain or France. We provide the arrival transfer from there.
Your departure transfer to Barcelona or Girona Airport/Centre is included.
If you’re travelling to other parts of Spain or into France, we’ll transfer you from your final accommodation to Figueres Vilafant Train Station, where you can connect to onward trains.
At Catalan Adventures, our experienced, locally based team is dedicated to offering you a truly authentic Catalan experience. Every holiday/tour includes round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Our mission is to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
A “self-guided holiday” gives you the freedom to start your holiday any day you want and travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are taken care of, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying every moment, taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region of Spain has to offer.
This holiday includes:
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
Every morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation.
You can find our availability in the Datese & Prices section above. Within these dates you can start your tour at any day you want (subject to accommodation availability).
We provide arrival transfers from Barcelona (Center or Airport), Girona (Center or Airport) and Figueres. If you are staying in between this area before, we can also pick you up from your location there, please contact us to organize it for you.
Accommodations are individual local luxury and boutique hotels that provide all the amenities you’d expect from a 4-star/5-star experience. Each property is distinguished by its tastefully designed spaces and tranquil and natural atmosphere. For more detailed information, please check the accommodation section above.
On this holiday walk 1 is easy (grade 1) and walk 2, 3, 4 and the optional walk out to the Cap de Creus on your free day in Cadaquès are moderate (grade 2).
To see our walking grades, please click here. You can also find a detailed description and walk specifications here.
Note: There is the possibility to modify walk 2 & 4 to make them easier walks.
If you don’t want to walk one day, you can check with us if you can travel with the luggage. If the luggage vehicle is already full, you can arrange a taxi at the accommodation to take you to the next town (pay locally).
Yes, we would be happy to tailor this tour to your needs, be it to add or remove nights or change accommodations upon your request. Please contact us and let us know the changes you’d like to make.
We provide the departure transfer to Barcelona, Girona and Figueres. If you continue to stay within the area after your tour, we can also to bring you to your next location, please contact us to organize it for you.
If you will be leaving to Perpignan / France, you would probably use the high-speed train from Figueres-Vilafant train station. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us
