8 Days & 7 Nights

Walking in Catalonia

Smugglers' paths along the cliffs with spectacular views to the Pyrenees
Gentle coast and beach walking passing secluded coves
Nature reserves - a wetland profusion of birds and animals
Greek and Roman ruins
Outstanding Catalan cuisine and local wines

Discover the dramatic and wild landscape of Catalonia on this Spanish walking adventure. This area of Spain is a walkers paradise, boasting a wide variety of stunning scenery. From coastal cliffs to medieval mountain villages, secluded coves to densely forested hills there is something to suit everyone. The smell of wild herbs accompany you on your trip, while you can stop to pick fresh figs before stopping to savour the fine local cuisine and world class wines that the area offers. Catalonia is a proud and independent part of modern Spain where traditions hold fast and visitors are warmly welcomed. The Alt Emporda region of Catalonia boasts networks of paths that were created thousands of years ago by hunter-gatherers living in the area. In the past few decades these paths have been cleared, well signposted and opened up for walkers looking for an adventure in an area of true outstanding beauty. With a combination of circular walks and point to point walking, Macs Adventure have developed a trip that highlights the very best of this beautiful region and hopes to provide a real glimpse of Spain that is not usually seen by the visitor.

From £915.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Girona or Figueres & transfer to L'Escala

A transfer from Figueres Vilafant train station is included. We can also collect you from Girona airport and take you to your first nights' accommodation. You will have a welcome meeting with our local partner in Spain who will give you the route notes and maps and make sure to answer any last-minute questions you have.

Overnight L'Escala

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Rallye | Hotel

This family-run hotel sits on L'Escala's seafront, offering superb views over the Gulf of Roses. All rooms feature en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV and balcony. The hotel is just a short walk from the centre of L'Escala and also has a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 2 Walk to Sant Pere Pescador 8.3 miles / 13.4 km

Start your day by making your way onto a (fairly flat) and beautiful coastal trail. You wander along paths with fantastic views across to the Pyrenees and then head to the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries. The ancient city has some well-preserved mosaics dating back to 218BC.

You then head back through the stunning Catalan countryside via the sleepy Hamlet of Cinc Claus and finally to your accommodation in Sant Pere Pescador.

Ascent/descent: 29m/37m

Overnight Sant Pere Pescador

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel El Moli | Hotel

The Hotel El Moli is a modern, family run hotel set in extensive gardens. The 26 comfortable and individually decorated en-suite bedrooms all have air conditioning and satellite TV. Many of the rooms have hydromassage baths and balcony.

Can Mas | Hotel

This attractive 17th-century farmhouse outside Sant Pere Pescador is just 5 minutes from the beach. The uniquely designed rooms all have balconies and are named after a different fruit. Can Mas has well-kept gardens with palm trees. The Roman ruins of Ampurias are just 1.2 miles away.

Day 3 Through Aiguamolls nature reserve to Castello D’Empuries 9.5 miles / 15 km

Today's walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluvia, across the beach at its mouth and into the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. The reserve covers nearly 2000 hectares between the Muga and the Fluvia rivers.

The area is dotted with hides, ideal for spotting Ibis, Heron, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers. Castello D’Empuries is a beautiful medieval town, it has many historic buildings to visit, hidden in the labyrinthine maze of narrow winding streets.

Ascent/descent: 36m/20m

Overnight Castelló d'Empúries

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Canet (Catalan Adventures) | Hotel

This charming restored hotel dates from 1924. It offers fantastic views from its terrace over Empordà and the beautiful Bay of Roses. The outdoor pool is set in the former Sant Agustí Convent, 100 meters 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.

Day 4 Coastal walk to Cadaques 9.3 miles / 15 km

After a short 15-minute taxi transfer you find yourself at Platja Canyelles and the start of a dramatic cliff path that winds up the coastline. Heading east you follow the path as it dips into secluded beaches, great for swimming in the crystal clear water, and crests up over heads and cliff tops that offer 360-degree panoramas.

There's a wealth of flora as you make your way through pine groves, past citrus trees and carefully thread your way around flowering cactus plants. In due course you’ll leave the coastline and head inland, climbing through old olive groves on ancient farmers trails, before reaching the broad track at the top. This twists and turns as it drops down into the fishing village of Cadaques; your stop for the next two nights.

Ascent/descent: 401m/440m

Overnight Cadaques

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Llane Petit | Hotel

Llané Petit Hotel is located in Cadaqués bay, just by the sea. The hotel offers you a garage, free wi-fi connection, a bar with a terrace overlooking the sea and a swimming-pool. All rooms have a terrace, air conditioning, complete bathroom, cable TV and phone. Here you will find a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Octavia | Hotel

Hotel Octavia is located in Cadaqués Port Lligat, in the natural park of Cap de Creus, just 50 metres from the beach and the centre of the village. Enjoy this picturesque seaside location, where white-washed buildings and cobbled streets nestle on a pretty hillside. Walk down the charming street from your hotel which leads to the fishing port with beautiful, clear seas and beach.

Hotel Rec de Palau | Hotel

Rec de Palau offers beautiful accommodation in Llané Petit Bay, within 3 minutes’ walk of Cadaqués centre and beach. These striking villas and apartments offer use of 2 shared outdoor pools and great views of the Costa Brava. The villas and apartments are set in a large estate with gardens, vineyards and fruit trees.

Day 5 Rest Day (or optional walk to the Cap de Creus)

There is no doubt that Cadaques is a popular place. It would be easy to wile away the day exploring the narrow streets that meander through the town, to visit the 17th century church or take a stroll to the museum at Dali's former home, around the bay at Port Lligat (3kms). Being in the middle of the Cap de Creus National Park you may wish to walk out to the spectacular lighthouse at the easterly tip of the peninsula.

Optional Walk: 19.6km, Ascent/descent: 223m/223m

Overnight Cadaques

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Llane Petit | Hotel

Hotel Octavia | Hotel

Hotel Rec de Palau | Hotel

Day 6 Into the countryside to El Port de Selva 8.3 miles / 13.3 km

Today you move north through the heart of the Cap de Creus National Park, following a deeply rural route with stunning views of the Catalan countryside. You wind through this varied scenery before ending up at the small fishing village of El Port de Selva.

The village is famous for its varied landscapes, beaches and the mountain range at its back. Clinging to the mountain is the medieval community of Sant Pere de Rodes, with a castle, monastery, church, and village. Some of Catalonia's best beaches are here in El Port de Selva, offering sun lovers and beachcombers a reason to finish early and hit the sand.

Ascent/descent: 363m

Overnight Port de la Selva

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Porto Cristo | Hotel

This hotel was an old Manor house from the late 19th century, built of stone from the Cap de Creus. Totally refurbished in the past few years it sits metres from the beach and has amazing panoramic views.

Hotel Agora | Hotel

Hotel Agora is located in Port de la Selva, 600 metres from Cap de Creus Nature Reserve. It offers Costa Brava at the best price in a privileged location just 30 meters from the beach. The two rooftop terraces have wonderful views of the sea and the mountains for you to enjoy. There is a fully equipped kitchen where you are able to prepare your own meals.

Day 7 Over the mountains to Palau Saverdera 9 miles / 14.4 km

As you leave El Port de Selva you’ll ascend the hills behind the village. Your first stop will be at the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister, dating back to the first century after Christ. Continuing upwards you now make your way to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. Your reward for the climb is magnificent views across the Albera mountains, to the Pyrenees.

As you traverse the other side of the mountain you wind your way down to the tranquil village of Palau Saverdera, sitting at the bottom of the hills on the flat plain. Here a well-deserved drink awaits you in one of the local bars, giving you time to reflect on your time in Catalonia.

Ascent/descent: 654m/561m

Overnight Palau-saverdera

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

El Cau de Palau-Turisme Rural Niu de Sol-Hotel Rural | Hotel

Tucked away in a side street this charming hotel has individually decorated rooms, rebuilt recently with an eye on local design and traditional style. Individual and character rich rooms cosset you and you’re soon ready to venture for another taste of Catalonian cuisine. Everything made on the premises is sourced locally, is a fresh as can be—either picked or caught that very day.

Day 8 Departure Day

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you are someone that enjoys fine weather, relaxed walking and stunning scenery then this is the walk for you! All the more if you enjoy being rewarded with traditional Spanish food and local wine.

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie

Wine

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

This walk is graded Moderate. The days walk to Cadaques from Platja Canyelles is a little steep in places and may require a little more effort. On these isolated occasions a grade of Moderate to Strenuous is slightly more suitable. For the most part, the entire holiday is on terrain that is either on-farm tracks, coastal paths or mountain trails. Occasionally you may encounter a few moderately steep sections, especially on coastal trails. However, the ascent is not too difficult or prolonged. There are also some sections with steep drop-offs where extra care is required and for this reason, this tour is not suited to anyone with vertigo.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Arrival and departure transfers from/to Girona airport/Figueres train station
Welcome meeting
7 Nights accommodation in ensuite rooms
7 Breakfasts
Door to door baggage transfer
A detailed info pack and route notes
Access to maps, and GPS tracks via the Macs Adventure navigation app
Emergency telephone support from our office in the UK as well as from a local office in Catalonia with English speaking staff

Excluded