Catalonia: Wild Coast Walking Trail
Catalonia: Wild Coast Walking Trail
7 Nights Self Guided - 39 Miles
1st March to 1st December 2012
£595 Per Person Based Upon 2 Sharing
This holiday takes you to the most beautiful parts of Catalonia where you will walk along miles of wild coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water.
Basic Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Girona Airport
Day 2 L'Escala to Sant Pere Pescador ~ 3hrs 30mins
Day 3 Sant Pere Pescador to Castello D'Empuries ~ 4hrs
Day 4 Castello D'Empuriesto Cadaques ~ 5hrs 30mins
Day 5 Free day in Cadaques
Day 6 Cadaques to El Port de la Selva ~ 4hrs 30mins
Day 7 El Port de la Selva to Palau Saverdera ~ 5hrs 30 mins
Day 8 Transfer to Girona Airport
What's Included:
• Transfers to and from Girona Airport
• Welcome meeting with local English speaking guide
• Five evening meals (one taken at a local restaurant)
• Luggage transfers between accommodations
• Detailed route maps (to be returned)
• Local maps (to keep)
• Spanish mobile phone in case of emergencies (to be returned)
• Information pack on local history, culture, restaurants, shops and attractions
• Emergency support
• 7 nights good quality accommodation
The walk takes you inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees. You will have the chance to discover romanesque, gothic buildings, the region's acclaimed gastronomy, and the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route and much more! We have selected small family run Pensions, Casa Rurals and Hotels that fit the character of the region and offer excellent service.
Grade: Moderate
Getting There:
Fly to Girona Airport. From here, the transfers to and from your first and last accommodations are included in the holiday package.
Fly to Girona Airport. From here, the transfers to and from your first and last accommodations are included in the holiday package.
Day 1 Arrive Girona Airport.
From Girona Airport you will be transferred to your first accommodation in L’Escala. The old centre of the town 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: Located in the old part of L'Escala, the family-run Pension where you stay provides dinner, bed and breakfast in rooms with full bathrooms, telephone and television. Jordi Sabadi Vilaproposes runs the family restaurant, which specialises in empordanesse cuisine.
Day 2 L'Escala to Sant Pere Pescador.
Leaving L’Escala behind, you make your way onto the beautiful coastal trail. You pass the walled settlement of Sant Martí d'Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. From Empúries, you walk along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you can pause for a swim. Finally you arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by wonderful landscape and crossed by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere dates back to the year 974 when it was still a possession of the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. ~ 3.5 hours; 7 miles/11km; accumulative ascent 250ft
Accommodation: You will have dinner, bed and breakfast in a rural Guest House (Casa Rural), which is situated next to the River Fluvia and surrounded by fields of fruit trees. The house is right at the beginning of the nature reserve “Parc de Mig de Dos Rius”, where there is a great diversity of fauna. It was constructed in the 19th century and is completely restored and furnished with care. It has five rooms, all en-suite with heating, television and air conditioning. The dining room is light and sunny with views to the garden; the living room has a chimney, television, music equipment and board games; and in the lounge on the top floor you will be able to relax, read or simply enjoy the view. The Guest House also has a swimming pool.
Day 3 Sant Pere Pescador to Castello D'Empuries.
Today's walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá, along the beach at its mouth and then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with bird hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as ibis, herons, tufted ducks, pochards, snipes, redshanks, marsh harriers and sandpipers, but if you are lucky, during the spring and autumn migrations you may see grey herons, golden plovers, flamingos, black storks and spoonbills. Castello D’Empuries is a beautiful medieval village. There are many historical buildings to visit, however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the parish church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture. ~ 4 hours; 7 miles/12km; accumulative ascent 300ft
Accommodation: You will have bed and breakfast accomodation in a guesthouse, with your evening meal at a local restaurant. Located in the heart of the town, the guesthouse is built on the ruins of the former home of the Count of Castello. Each of the uniquely designed rooms is fitted with fully reversible air conditioning and all have en-suite bathrooms and offer lovely views of the village.
Day 4 Castello D'Empuries to Cadaques.
You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles for the start of today's walk. You then head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail passing many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear sea. Eventually you cut inland, through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves, and finally onto Cadaques. Cadaques was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí where 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". It is worth noting that Cadaques 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 recommend you try the seafood during your stay in Cadaques, which is always very fresh and particularly delicious when washed down with a bottle of local chilled Catalan white wine. ~ 5hrs 30 mins; 10 miles/16km; accumulative ascent 2900ft
Accommodation: Close to the beach and the centre of Cadaques, this family-run Pension where you have bed and breakfast accommodation is simple, clean and friendly. All the rooms are en-suite.
Day 5 Free day in Cadaques.
You could spend today exploring the numerous small winding alleyways in Cadaques. A visit to the 17th Century parish church is also recommended. Or you might want to walk 3km (45 minutes) to Portlligat to visit Salvador Dalí's house-museum (open every day in the summer months, but closed on Mondays before 18th June and after 10th September 2012; price 11 €). You could also walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse. 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.
Accommodation: As above
Day 6: Cadaques to El Port de la Selva.
Leaving Cadaques you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park, following a rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside before arriving at El Port de la Selva. El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscape, beaches and mountains. It retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain. ~ 4hrs 30 mins; 7 miles/12km; accumulative ascent 1600ft
Accommodation: You will have dinner, bed and breakfast in a 3* hotel in El Port de la Selva, which was once an old manor house dating from 1864 made with stones from the Cap de Creus. It has been a hotel since 1960 but was totally refurbished in 2005. The hotel, which is just a few metres from the beach, has two restaurants (one of them faces the sea) and a panoramic lounge.
Day 7 El Port de la Selva to Palau Saverdera.
Leaving El Port de la Selva you travel south west ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister. You then make your way up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. From here you 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 then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera and finally the end of your journey. Palau Saverdera is a small medieval village with a beautiful little church in the centre and a few local bars where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink at the end of your walk. ~ 5hours 30 mins; 8 miles/12.5km; accumulative ascent 2400ft
Accommodation: The guesthouse, where you will enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast, was renovated in 2006. It is a charming house situated only 5 km from the sea. The rooms offer you all the services of a small hotel. In the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.
Day 8 Pick up and transfer to Girona Airport.
View Catalonia's Wild Coast in a larger map
From Girona Airport you will be transferred to your first accommodation in L’Escala. The old centre of the town 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: Located in the old part of L'Escala, the family-run Pension where you stay provides dinner, bed and breakfast in rooms with full bathrooms, telephone and television. Jordi Sabadi Vilaproposes runs the family restaurant, which specialises in empordanesse cuisine.
Day 2 L'Escala to Sant Pere Pescador.
Leaving L’Escala behind, you make your way onto the beautiful coastal trail. You pass the walled settlement of Sant Martí d'Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. From Empúries, you walk along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you can pause for a swim. Finally you arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by wonderful landscape and crossed by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere dates back to the year 974 when it was still a possession of the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. ~ 3.5 hours; 7 miles/11km; accumulative ascent 250ft
Accommodation: You will have dinner, bed and breakfast in a rural Guest House (Casa Rural), which is situated next to the River Fluvia and surrounded by fields of fruit trees. The house is right at the beginning of the nature reserve “Parc de Mig de Dos Rius”, where there is a great diversity of fauna. It was constructed in the 19th century and is completely restored and furnished with care. It has five rooms, all en-suite with heating, television and air conditioning. The dining room is light and sunny with views to the garden; the living room has a chimney, television, music equipment and board games; and in the lounge on the top floor you will be able to relax, read or simply enjoy the view. The Guest House also has a swimming pool.
Day 3 Sant Pere Pescador to Castello D'Empuries.
Today's walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá, along the beach at its mouth and then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with bird hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as ibis, herons, tufted ducks, pochards, snipes, redshanks, marsh harriers and sandpipers, but if you are lucky, during the spring and autumn migrations you may see grey herons, golden plovers, flamingos, black storks and spoonbills. Castello D’Empuries is a beautiful medieval village. There are many historical buildings to visit, however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the parish church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture. ~ 4 hours; 7 miles/12km; accumulative ascent 300ft
Accommodation: You will have bed and breakfast accomodation in a guesthouse, with your evening meal at a local restaurant. Located in the heart of the town, the guesthouse is built on the ruins of the former home of the Count of Castello. Each of the uniquely designed rooms is fitted with fully reversible air conditioning and all have en-suite bathrooms and offer lovely views of the village.
Day 4 Castello D'Empuries to Cadaques.
You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles for the start of today's walk. You then head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail passing many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear sea. Eventually you cut inland, through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves, and finally onto Cadaques. Cadaques was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí where 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". It is worth noting that Cadaques 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 recommend you try the seafood during your stay in Cadaques, which is always very fresh and particularly delicious when washed down with a bottle of local chilled Catalan white wine. ~ 5hrs 30 mins; 10 miles/16km; accumulative ascent 2900ft
Accommodation: Close to the beach and the centre of Cadaques, this family-run Pension where you have bed and breakfast accommodation is simple, clean and friendly. All the rooms are en-suite.
Day 5 Free day in Cadaques.
You could spend today exploring the numerous small winding alleyways in Cadaques. A visit to the 17th Century parish church is also recommended. Or you might want to walk 3km (45 minutes) to Portlligat to visit Salvador Dalí's house-museum (open every day in the summer months, but closed on Mondays before 18th June and after 10th September 2012; price 11 €). You could also walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse. 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.
Accommodation: As above
Day 6: Cadaques to El Port de la Selva.
Leaving Cadaques you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park, following a rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside before arriving at El Port de la Selva. El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscape, beaches and mountains. It retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain. ~ 4hrs 30 mins; 7 miles/12km; accumulative ascent 1600ft
Accommodation: You will have dinner, bed and breakfast in a 3* hotel in El Port de la Selva, which was once an old manor house dating from 1864 made with stones from the Cap de Creus. It has been a hotel since 1960 but was totally refurbished in 2005. The hotel, which is just a few metres from the beach, has two restaurants (one of them faces the sea) and a panoramic lounge.
Day 7 El Port de la Selva to Palau Saverdera.
Leaving El Port de la Selva you travel south west ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister. You then make your way up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. From here you 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 then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera and finally the end of your journey. Palau Saverdera is a small medieval village with a beautiful little church in the centre and a few local bars where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink at the end of your walk. ~ 5hours 30 mins; 8 miles/12.5km; accumulative ascent 2400ft
Accommodation: The guesthouse, where you will enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast, was renovated in 2006. It is a charming house situated only 5 km from the sea. The rooms offer you all the services of a small hotel. In the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.
Day 8 Pick up and transfer to Girona Airport.
View Catalonia's Wild Coast in a larger map
