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Catalonia: Between Mountain & Sea
Walking Holiday |
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A Walking Holiday in Catalonia, France and Spain. This walk crosses the border between France and Spain, where the foothills of the Pyrenees fall into the Mediterranean sea. The Vermilion Coast (Côte Vermeille) and the Costa Brava form the most dramatic part of the Catalan coastline; stretching from Perpignan in France to Tarragona, just south of Barcelona in Spain.
Set against terraced vineyards on the surrounding hillsides, turquoise waters ebb and flow in small rocky coves & sleepy little ports that once thrived on sardine and anchovy fishing. The harbour towns of Collioure (the birthplace of Fauvism painting), Banyuls, Port de la Selva and Port Creus, are some of the highlights in this region where the kings of Mallorca once had their summer residences. |
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This is the land of Catalonia, well-known for its plethora of festivals; where locals dance the "Sardane", hand-in-hand in the streets wearing handmade canvas espadrilles. The undulating hills protecting these ancient port towns still respect a long wine-growing tradition, producing a lively peppery wine that delights the palate and compliments the unique Catalonian seafood dishes. This is also the region in which Dalí grew up, and as you progress in your walk, you too will discover the landscapes that inspired him and see the house in which he was born. In addition, you have the opportunity to visit two museums dedicated to his life and works.
Walking on the route we have carefully selected, from the Vermilion coast in France to the Costa Brava in Spain, offers sun, sea, mountains and the fragrances of the Midi. For 7 days you will follow the coast, and you will have the chance to go for a swim in the warm Mediterranean water every day. At each stage, you are guaranteed maximum comfort and excellent gastronomy. Every evening, you can relax in a friendly and comfortable hotel, typical of this region. Unwind, relax and enjoy! |
| Day By Day |
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DAY 1 - Coming to Collioure*. After your flight to Girona or Perpignan, you will travel to Collioure - a picturesque old fishing village. We will book you into our specially selected 2-star hotel in the heart of town, close to all facilities and 5 minutes from the sea. You may witness the boisterous local card game of "belotte" here!
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Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel with character in the centre of the town, en-suite. A/C. Close to the beach. Meal: Dinner. |
DAY 2 – Tour Madaloc. Today you have 2 options:
1-Tour Madaloc [6h, 15km, +/-656m]. It is a long ascent to the Tour Madeloc (656m), but there are plenty of places to have a break and admire the beautiful “Cote de Vermeille” (Vermilion Coast). Coming down along the famous GR10 (a long-distance trail that crosses the Pyrenees), you can admire the small creeks, hidden beaches and turquoise waters.
2-Cap Bear [6h, 15km, +/-230m]. First we climb to the old "Fort Sant Elme" to admire the coastline. Then it's a rocky walk along the cliffs of the Cap Bear to the massive light house. The rest of the walk is through the vineyard. In Banyuls, a village at the foothills of the Pyrenees, don’t miss the aquarium, the local sweet wine and of course a swim!
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Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel "Logis de France", 5mins from the beach. The restaurant has an excellent reputation & it has 2-star Michelin rating. Room en-suite. A/C. Meal: Breakfast, dinner. |
DAY 3 – The border [5h, 13km, +437m -437m]. From our village at sea level, we walk up to the Pic Joan (437m), for a magnificent view of the coastline. Here we are only a couple of metres from Spain! Going down through the vines and scrub, we arrive in Portbou in the afternoon, just in time for a swim in the clear Mediterranean waters! Not to be missed in Portbou - the "@rt Cafe" to drink freshly squeezed orange juice!
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Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel overlooking the sea. The Manager, Montserat, has a very impressive collection of masks from Bali. They are exhibited in the hall. Room en-suite. A/C. Meal: Breakfast, dinner. |
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DAY 4 – The Coves [5h, 12km +202m, -202m]. Today is probably one of the most enjoyable days of the trip. We start by ascending to Colle de Frare (202m), to get a clear view of the Spanish coastline with its white, sandy beaches. First we follow a balcony trail, then descend to the lovely beach of Colera where you can stop for a drink. From here it's an easy walk under the pine trees past little sandy coves with azure waters!
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Town: Llanca; Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: Family-run 2* hotel, the friendliest place in all of Catalonia! Great port-side restaurant. Room en-suite. A/C. Meal: Breakfast, dinner. |
DAY 5 – St Pere de Rhode [5h, 12km +570m,-570m]. A fantastic walk up to the Monastery of “St Pere de Rhode”, dominated by San Salvador peak (670m). Descend along the scenic ridge of Serrat de la Gerra - the shade of the trees overhead will keep you cool! Tonight will be spent in the very relaxing Port de la Selva. Note: It's also possible to shorten the day by walking along the coast [2h]
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Town: Internet, ATM, shop, all facilities. Hotel: Excellent 3* hotel in the heart of the town, close to the beach. Room en-suite. A/C. Meal: Breakfast, dinner. |
DAY 6 – Cap Creus [6h30, 22km +210m,-210m]. Today we walk in the “Cap Creus Natural Park”, through rugged maquis scrubland. You will have plenty of chances to stop for lunch & for a swim later! En-route you will pass close to the house of Dali in Port Lligat. Tonight we stay in the lovely fishing village of Cadaques, the most pleasant place to stay in the Northern Costa Brava.
Note: it's possible for you to shorten the day by taking a taxi from Cap Creus directly to Cadaques [16km, 5h45, around €20]
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Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: Modern & comfortable 3* hotel with outdoor pool, large garden and tennis court. Located in heart of the town, close to the beach. Rooms en-suite. Meal: Breakfast. |
DAY 7 - Cadaques. End of the adventure*. After breakfast we bid you farewell. You will have plenty of time to visit the beautiful bay of Cadaques today, and the Oliguera peninsula, or you can also visit the Dali Museum in Figueres before going back to the airport.
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Meal: Breakfast |
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| About the hotels |
| Our hotels have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with alternative lodgings of the same standard and price. |
Day 1 |
Day 2
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Day 3 |
Day 4 |
Day 5
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Day 6 |
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| About the lunches |
| Meals are on a half board basis. Lunch can be either taken in a restaurant along the way or picnic lunches can be purchased in the local food shops in the villages. Either way, we recommend that you take some food with you during your walk! |
| About the Luggage |
| Luggage is transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walk, you only carry your day pack! |
| Weather |
Average temperatures (°C) |
Average rain (mm) |
| PRICE & OPTIONS |
Price (€) |
Single room supplement (€) |
Solo Departure (€) (including single room) |
Additional nights in Cadaques or anywhere en route |
Picnic |
750 |
150 |
220 |
Single room (€) |
Double room (€ pps) |
50 |
90 |
70 |
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| *How to get there |
Included / Not Included |
- Fly to Spain or France, and then to "Collioure" .
1 - Fly with Ryanair to Carcassonne (flights arrive at 09.50) and then get a SNCF train at 17.37, arriving in Collioure at 19.30 (check www.sncf.fr for earlier trains, or alternatively visit Carcassonne for a few hours).
1 - Fly with Ryanair to Marseille (flight arrives 12pm) and then get an SNCF train 15.00, arriving in Collioure at 19.42 (change in Nimes).
2 - Fly with Ryanair to Barcelona/Girona [Spain]. From Girona, the train takes 3hours.
3 - BA fly London to Perpignan, France. From there, the train takes 1hour.
- Back to Dublin from Cadaques.
2 - To Girona Airport
- Take a bus to Figueres [1h] leaving from the bus station [7 departures a day from 7.25 to 19.25]. See: www.sarfa.com
- From Figueres, take a direct bus to Girona airport [1h] leaving from the bus station [7am, 12pm and 7am] See: www.sarfa.com
3 - To Perpignan.
Get a direct train
[2h30]. See: www.sncf.com
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- Included
- 6 Nights
- Accommodation on Half Board basis (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Your luggage transported from hotel to hotel
- Detailed Walking Notes
- Not Included
- Flights
- Holiday insurance [recommended]
- Drinks
- Transfers from/to airport
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