Holiday Overview
From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes in Catalonia exert a powerful attraction to walkers.
This two centre self guided walking holiday will give you the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, you will:
- Walk along the “wild rugged coast” with its miles of golden beaches and secluded coves.
- Walk along stunning mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.
- Discover Romanesque and Gothic buildings and the region’s acclaimed gastronomy.
- Discover medieval villages.
- Visit the beautiful whitewashed coastal town of Cadaquès and the famous Salvador Dali house museum and much more…
- Visit the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, one of the most important of all Catalan Romanesque sites.
Itinerary:
Catalan Self Guided Mountain and Coast Walking Holiday (Grade 3)
Nights: 7
Grade: 3 (click here to see our walking grades)
Terrain: rugged coastal and mountain trails
Day 1 (Arrival)
Arrive at Girona Airport or Figueres Train Station where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera.
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, immerse yourself in the history and culture of this traditional Catalan farming village, take a walk through the local countryside and discover all the details that go together to make up everyday life in this beautiful part of Catalonia.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel, B&B, Palau Saverdera. This lovely family run Boutique Hotel, it was renovated in 2006 to a very high standard and is in keeping with a traditional Catalan village. It is situated in a small Catalan farming village, only 5km away from the sea.
Day 2
Today you will depart on a magnificent circular mountain walk into the Verdera Mountain Range, you will ascend up a beautiful ridge line with stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the Alt Emporda. You will eventually arrive at the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery (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 and 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 on a clear day you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountain Range, the Cap de Creus headland (the most easterly point of mainland Spain) and far into the high Pyrenees. You will then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre perched precariously half way up the mountain and finally back to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera . (16km, 6hrs, accumulative ascent 2556ft)
Day 3
Today’s we will transfer you to Cadaquès, you will make you 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 descending down in El Port de la Selva. We will then colllect you and transfer you back to Palau (13km, 4.5 hrs, accumulative ascent 1800ft)
Day 4
Today you will leave Palau behind, you will head east through fields lined with olive groves, you will pass a beautiful fresh water lagoon, perhaps a good place to stop and cool off (depending on the time of year). You will then head up over the Ala de Pen Mountains and finally descend down a lovely trail to the beautiful coastal town of Cadaqués. (18km, 6hrs, accumulative ascent 2000ft)
The beautiful whitewashed coastal village of 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”.
Note: Cadaqués is a great place for eating out; there is 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 Star Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Cadaqués. This beautiful 3 star hotel located right on the beach, complete with swimming pool (open May to October) this is the perfect place to relax after a days walking. You’ll have a sea-view room with a terrace and fantastic views of Cadaquès and the stunning Catalan coast.
Day 5
Free day: On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways, a visit to the parish church from the 17th century should not be missed. Perhaps a walk to Port Lligat and a visit to Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally) would be in order. (4km, 50 mins)
Day 6
Today you will walk to the Cap de Creus Peninsula. The most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula is spectacular; the rock 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 of the Creus cape right up to the present day. You could also have some lunch at the wonderful restaurant there. (16km, 6hrs, accumulative ascent 2200ft )
Day 7
Today you will take the bus to Roses (approx 30 minutes). You will then 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 back to your accommodation in Cadaqués. (22km, 7hrs, accumulative ascent 3250ft)
Day 8 (Departure)
Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres train station.
What your holiday includes:
- 7 nights’ B&B accommodation
- Transfer from Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Transfer to Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling back to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- 24/7 support
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- Detailed route notes and route maps
- GPS files
- Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Holiday Insurance
- Lunch and evening meals
Prices 2024
Dates | Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) |
---|---|
14 Mar to 25 March | €995 |
26 March to 1 April | €1145 |
2 April to 30 June | €1025 |
1 July to 31 Aug | €1145 |
1 Sept to 30 Sept | €1025 |
1 Oct to 1 Nov | €995 |
Optional Extras
Extra night before or after the holiday in a 3* hotel in Girona
€75 (per person based on 2 people sharing a double twin room)
€131 (single person)
Single Supplement (Please Ask)
What your holiday includes
- 7 nights’ B&B accommodation
- Transfer from Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Transfer to Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling back to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English speaking guide
- 24/7 support
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- Detailed route notes and route maps
- GPS files
- Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Travel Options
Arrival Girona Airport
There are regular flights from many European cities to Girona airport, the closest airport for this holiday, most of which are operated by Ryanair & Jet2. The transfer from Girona airport to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hr. If you are staying in Girona before the holiday/tour we can also collect you from your accommodation.
Arrival Barcelona Airport
There is a wider choice of airlines flying into Barcelona see here. You need to take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants from the airport; they leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 mins. You then change trains at Sants and take a train to Figueres or Figueres Vilafant depending on the train you catch. The transfer from Figueres or Figueres Vilafant to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hr.
The fastest train is the AVANT from Barcelona Sants to Figueres Vilafant , there are approx. 9 trains a day, take 53 mins and cost approx. 20.20 euros. You can buy the tickets at the station before you board the train. https://www.renfe.com/es/en.
Departure
Your departure transfer to Figueres Vilafant (if returning to Barcelona), Girona centre or Girona Airport is included.
Other information (what to bring etc):
What to bring:
With regards to equipment to bring, your most important item is of course a pair of comfortable walking boots with ankle supports if possible and soles that grip, as some of the terrain can be rugged at times. And, just in case . . . a waterproof, we hope you won’t need it, mostly you will be walking in dry warm weather, so casual, comfortable walking clothes will generally suffice. A hat and sun protection cream is essential and a small rucksack for carrying lunch and water is also recommended, and you might consider a walking stick, as some of the ground is a little rough.
This holiday is Grade 3:
Grade 1
Walks: 3-6 hours
Ascent: 50-600m
Paths: Good paths, not too steep.
Walks have a relaxed pace with time to take in the views and surroundings. If you’re a fit and active person these walks will be perfect for you.
Grade 2
Walks: 5-8 hours
Ascent: 450-750m
Paths: Good with some steeper sections
Slightly longer walks than grade 1 with routes still on good paths and at a relaxed pace although there are a couple of steeper sections.
Grade 3
Walks: 5-10 hours
Ascent: 700-1200m
Paths: Rockier, steeper paths
For those that like longer days in the higher mountains. Routes are steep in places and a good standard of fitness is required.
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