Catalonia self guided walking holidays
| country: | Spain |
| location: | Catalonia |
| trip type: | Self guided, introductory / moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | Available all year round on any day to suit and can be tailor-made and adapted to your requirements |
| price: | From £399 - £549 (6-8 days) excluding flights, depending on length of itinerary and season. Price includes transfers, B&B accommodation, selected meals and equipment rental (including maps, GPS and mobile phone) |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 7 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes exert a powerful attraction to walkers. To walk here is a revelation.This walking self guided trail holiday has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will walk along the “wild coast” with its miles of coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk 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 and the region's acclaimed gastronomy, and the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route and much more!
Why choose a “Self Guided Trail Holiday” with us? Simple...freedom, you have the freedom to travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are looked after so all you need to do is focus on enjoying every step and taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region has to offer.
Below is our 8 day itinerary, running from L’Escala to Palau Saverdera with an optional extension in Girona.
Alternatively, this trip is available with a 6 day itinerary from £399 - £439 starting in Sant Pere Pescador rather than L'Escala, and without a free day in Cadaques.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Girona Airport. Transfer to your 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: Pension (guest house), HB, L’Escala. |
| Day 2: | Sant Pere Pescador. Make your way onto the beautiful coastal trail. You will pass the walled settlement of Sant Martí d'Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight 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 could pause for a swim. You will finally arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by natural spaces of wonderful landscape and natural interest and crossed by the River Fluvià, St. Pere dates back to the year 974 when it was still a possession of the monastery of St. Pere de Rodes. (11km, 6hrs) Accommodation: Rural Guest House (Casa Rural), HB, Sant Pere Pescador. |
| Day 3: | 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 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 you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: grey herons, golden plovers, flamingos, black storks and spoonbills. You will eventually arrive at Castello D’Empuries. Castello is a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. 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. (12km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Guesthouse, HB with evening meal at a local restaurant. |
| Day 4: | Cadaques. You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles. Head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail to Cadaques. Cadaques 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". (16km, 5hrs 30min) Note: 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 would recommend you try the seafood during your stay in Cadaques- its always very fresh and delicious when washed down with a bottle of chilled Catalan white wine. Accommodation: Pension, B&B, Cadaques. Accommodation Upgrade Option: 3 Star Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Cadaques. |
| Day 5: | Free day in Cadaques. On your free day in Cadaques 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 Salvador Dalí's house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally) would be in order. (3 Km, 45min) You may want to 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 which often cause the visitor's imagination to get carried away. |
| Day 6: | El Port de la Selva. Leaving Cadaques you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park. Follow a deeply 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 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, the Serra de Rodes medieval site (made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine and the village of Santa Creu), and Sant Fruitós Church. The village has some of Catalonia's best beaches. (12Km, 4hrs 30mins) Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel, HB, El Port de la Selva. |
| Day 7: | Palau Saverdera. Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister. 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 Castell de 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 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, there are a few local bars in the village in which to enjoy a well deserved drink at the end of the day. (12.5Km, 5hrs 30min) Accommodation: Guesthouse, Half Board, Palau Saverdera. |
| Day 8: | Depart. Pick up and transfer to Girona airport |
| Extra Day: | Optional Extra. At the end of your holiday you will be transferred to your accommodation (4 Star Hotel) in Girona, a city rich in culture and history and the perfect place to relax and enjoy an extra day. Girona is a beautiful city where you get a real feeling for its history just by walking through its ancient streets. It’s a walled city which dates back to the Roman period; the old quarter is located within the city walls. There is a well known stretch of houses, built in the 19th century, which make up the part of the city wall destroyed by the French in 1807 while the city was under siege. The city's main historical attractions include its Roman ruins, the charming small streets of its Jewish quarter, the Arab Baths and the magnificent cathedral which dominates the whole city. Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Girona. |
travellers' tales
Most memorable were the flamingos etc at Aiguamolls natural park, superb. The views over the bay of Roses seen from the coastal walks. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our self guided walking holidays in Catalonia and tourism in general has benefited the local community here immensely, without tourism many of the local restaurants, hotels, guest houses and craft shops would not exist, all of which employ local staff. Many of the younger generation have also stayed due to the employment tourism brings to the community.
All of our accommodation apart from the last night in Girona is family owned and staffed by locals with their food being sourced locally. As our holidays run out of season they are particularly grateful of our custom. We also believe our guests give a positive impact on the community. We encourage all our guests to interact with the local community, this gives both the guests and locals the change to interact and embrace each other’s cultural differences. In order to limit the social impact of tourism all are guests are sent information packs about the local customs, religion, politics and history. We encourage our guests to visit local craft shops and to buy any provisions locally. With regards to the environmental impact, all our guests are encourage to respect the local flora, fauna and wildlife and to act responsibly. They walk on designated paths and make sure no litter is left behind. All of our business waste is recycled where possible through a local community initiative. All communication via fax is done electronically where possible, saving on paper. On arrival our guests are given information on recycling in this part of Spain. They are also given information in the form of a leaflet on how to minimize waste. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |