Cadaqués to Collioure (Grade 2)

Overview

Holiday Overview:

Bathed in warm Mediterranean sunshine, and with the final peaks of the Pyrenees providing a dramatic backdrop, the coast either side of the Franco-Spanish border invites exploration on foot. This is Catalonia, vibrant and proud of its distinct culture, and to walk between the charming fishing villages that nestle along its coast on both sides of the frontier is a joy, passing small, rocky coves, craggy headlands and rugged cliffs, below which the sea sparkles in the bright sunlight.

Unsurprisingly, the coast (in French the Côte Vermeille, in Spanish the Costa Brava) and its fishing villages have long attracted many artists, among them Dalí, Picasso and Matisse, who were drawn by the bright Mediterranean light. By walking from Cadaqués to Collioure along the coast, you will discover for yourself the lure and enchantment that this delightful area has held for so many artists.

Bathed in warm Mediterranean sunshine, and with the final peaks of the Pyrenees providing a dramatic backdrop, the coast either side of the Franco-Spanish border invites exploration on foot. This is Catalonia, vibrant and proud of its distinct culture, and to walk between the charming fishing villages that nestle along its coast on both sides of the frontier is a joy, passing small, rocky coves, craggy headlands and rugged cliffs, below which the sea sparkles in the bright sunlight.

Unsurprisingly, the coast (in French the Côte Vermeille, in Spanish the Costa Brava) and its fishing villages have long attracted many artists, among them Dalí, Picasso and Matisse, who were drawn by the bright Mediterranean light. By walking from Cadaqués to Collioure along the coast, you will discover for yourself the lure and enchantment that this delightful area has held for so many artists.

Itinerary

Itinerary:

Cadaquès to Collioure Walking Holiday (6 Nights)

Like all our holidays this walking holiday can be tailored, so if you would like a longer or shorter holiday let us know via our contact form or give us a call and we’ll provide you with a price.

Nights: 6

Grade: 2 (click here to see our walking grades)

Terrain: farm tracks, coastal paths and mountain trails

Day 1: Arrive at Girona airport or Figueres or Figueres Vilafant train station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Cadaquès, once there you will have a welcome meeting with an English speaking local guide.

Cadaqués is a beautiful whitewashed coastal town surrounded by mountains and 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; 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 when washed down with a bottle of chilled Catalan white wine.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Breakfast, Cadaquès. Very close to the beach and the centre of Cadaqués this family run hotel is simple, clean and friendly.

Day 2: Today you embark on a beautiful walk out to the Cap de Creus, the most easterly point of mainland Spain with some spectacular coastal views; 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 eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant out on the peninsular. (16Km, 5hrs 30mins)

Accommodation: Same as above.

Day 3: 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 trail with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside, you’ll have some magnificent views of the Pyrenees and the French/Spanish border 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 has some of Catalonia’s best beaches. (12Km, 4hrs 30mins)

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, it 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 4: Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel North 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 Castle of 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 down to the seaside town of Llançà. (14Km, 4hrs 30min)

Originally Llançà was divided between the original tenth-century settlement — built inland as a defense against pirates — and the harbor of Llançà, however with tourism brought lots of growth to the town, and the village and harbor soon joined together to create one beautiful resort.

Accommodation: 2* Hotel,Llançà. This family run hotel enjoys an exceptional location, set right in front of the sea and with direct access to the beach. All the rooms are bathed in plenty of natural light and from the hotel terrace you can marvel at the view out over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

Day 5: Today you will take the train from Llanca to Portbou, you will then carry on North, you will enjoy wonderful views over the Pyrenees, the famous Canigou peak, the Cap de Creu and the Mediterranean Sea as you ascend up into the beautiful Catalan hills, you will cross the border into France and onwards until you reach the French seaside town of Banyules Sur Mer. (15Km, 5hrs)

Nestled in the heart of the Côte Vermeille (Vermilion Coast), Banyuls is a preserved jewel that combines the authentic character of a town steeped in traditions with the dynamism of a modern city. Originally a fishing village that turned to wine-making and developed essentially with tourism, Banyuls owes its world reputation to its exceptional wines and its spectacular vineyards that plunge down to the sea.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Banyuls-Sur-Mer. Run by the welcoming Madame Rède, this well-equipped hotel perches on the slopes above Banyuls, with splendid views over the village and the Mediterranean from the restaurant and spacious bedrooms. There is an outdoor pool in which to cool off.

Day 6: Heading north you follow quiet lanes and cliff-top paths around the rugged Cap Béar headland, the views are truly spectacular. There are a couple of spots where you can pause for a swim before winding your way through the vineyards that produce the region’s wines and finally reaching the end of your journey, the beautiful French coastal town of Collioure. (17Km, 5hrs 30mins)

Of the four little salmon-pink towns along the Vermillion Coast, Collioure is the indisputable star, a sensationally picturesque ensemble of old town, beaches, waterfront castle and church, all set around a beautiful bay. The resort’s good looks have attracted artists since the early 1900s, when Matisse and Derain started painting here, and the streets are full of galleries to reflect this. The small Catalan port is sheltered by a creek where the waters of the Mediterranean meet the rocks of the Pyrenees mountain chain and with several sandy and pebble beaches, creeks and clear waters you have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a  swim.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Breakfast, Collioure. Centrally located, just a short stroll from the harbour, this friendly hotel offers comfortable, relatively simple, air-conditioned rooms. As your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis here tonight, you are free to take your pick of the local seafood restaurants.

Day 7: Homeward bound (see the travel options section)

What your holiday includes:

• Transfer to Cadaquès from Girona airport or Figueres/Figueres Vilafant train station
• Welcome meeting with local English speaking guide
• 24/7 local support
• Six nights’  B&B accommodation
• 1 x evening meal (night 5)
• Moving of luggage between accommodations
• Detailed route notes and maps
• GPS files
• Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc

Availability and Prices

Prices and Availability:

Prices 2020

Prices 2021

Optional Extras

Evening meal on night 3 & 4 (evening meal already included on night 5)

€42 per person

Upgrade to a hotel with a sea-view room, balcony and outdoor pool in Cadaquès (2 Nights)

€86 (per person based on 2 people sharing a double twin room)

€145 (single person)

Extra night(s) before or after the holiday in a 3* hotel in Girona

€60 (per person per night based on 2 people sharing a double twin room)

€96 (single person per night)

Extra night(s) in Collioure at the end

€62 (per person per night based on 2 people sharing a double twin room)

€120 (single person per night)

What your holiday includes:

• Transfer to Cadaquès from Girona Airport or Figueres/Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
• Welcome meeting with local English speaking guide
• 24/7 local support
• Six nights’  B&B accommodation
• 1 x evening meal (night 5)
• Moving of luggage between accommodations
• Detailed route notes and maps
• GPS files
• Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc

From €737 Book Now

Travel Options

Travel Options:

There are regular flights from many European cities to Girona airport, the closest airport for this holiday, most of which are operated by Ryanair. The transfer from Girona airport to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hour.

There is a wider choice of airlines flying into Barcelona including Ryanair and Easyjet. 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. 20 mins.

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 each way. You can buy the tickets at the station before you board the train.

The other option is to take a Regional or MD (Medium Distance) train from Barcelona Sants to Figueres, there are approx. 20 trains a day, they take between 1 hr 50 mins and 2 hrs 10 mins and cost between 11.20 euros and 15 euros each way. Tickets can be purchased at the station before boarding the train.

Other Info

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.

Our walking grades:

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.

Grade 4
Walks: 6-10hours
Ascent: 700-1400m
Paths: Steep!

High mountain paths that may require the use of crampons during certain months of the year. Previous hiking experience in the mountains and a very good level of fitness essential.

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