Catalonia Hiking 8 Days

The pine-scented coastal region of Catalonia has long attracted artists (Salvador Dali, among others), writers, and those in search of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. With its multitude of wonderful hiking trails, villages, sunny weather, seaside splendor, art, culture, and gastronomy & wine, this corner of Spain offers everything we look for when traveling. From Girona, to Callela de Palafrugell to Cadaqués, we have created an itinerary that shows you the very best of this region, and hiking is a splendid way to take it all in.

Location

Girona

Girona, Spain

Day 1+2

Calella de Palafrugell

Day 3

Begur

Begur, Spain

Day 4

Torroella de Mongri

Torroella de Montgrí, Spain

Day 5

Cadaqués

Cadaqués, Spain

Day 6+7+8

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Detailed route instructions and maps
Luggage transfers
Area Manager available throughout the tour

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Start any dates between May to October
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights, with 6 days of walking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Girona / Cadaqués

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate Note the daily distances and elevation gains listed on the itinerary to determine whether this trip is suitable for you. The distances and elevation gains are approximate and may change depending on the hotels.

TERRAIN

Varied with some hills

COST

Classic Accommodation: US $2,550
Sing supplement: US $650

Luxe Accommodation: US $2,850
Sing supplement: US $750

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting there

You can reach Girona from Barcelona by rail (38 min) or fly direct into Girona.

You can book trains by visiting their web site at www.raileurope.com or visit the Spanish rail network www.renfe.es The easiest way to reach the hotel in Girona is by taxi and these can be found on arrival outside the train station.

Day 1

Girona

Arrive to Girona, a vibrant city in Catalonia. This is the city Spaniards voted as the most livable city in the country. It’s no surprise as it is full of charming cafes and restaurants and is an easy and pleasant city to discover on foot. Our Area Manager will meet you on arrival and give you an orientation to the trip.

Day 2

Girona

The recommended hike today starts from the historical center and follows a trail east climbing to a sanctuary for astounding views and looping back to Girona in time for lunch and to explore this vibrant city more.
Walking Distance: 13 km, elevation gain 420 m or 23 km, gain 700 m.*

Day 3

Palamos

Transfer to Palamos to begin a coastal walk along the Costa Brava to Callela de Palafrugell. This stunning coastline boasts a pleasant walking trail where you will pass beaches and promontories with stunning views.
Walking Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 200 m.*

Day 4

Begur

Walk from your hotel to Llafranc, with its idyllic setting and then Begur and its prominent hill-top castle. NY Times article describes Begur as a ‘small maze of lanes dotted with excellent fish restaurants, ancient towers and cozy bars, all scattered beneath a dominating fortress…..There are eight official beaches (and many more unmarked coves), almost all of which are linked by a mix of paved and unpaved walking routes, leading to shorelines of rock, pebbles, smooth brown sand, and even volcanic black, almost Hawaii-like, sand.” Add-on a walk to the stunning beach of Aiguablava and the Cap de Begur possible.
Walking Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 300 m.*

Day 5

Pals & Toroella de Montgri

Walk a trail from Begur to the medieval town of Pals, described as the “showpiece of all villages, still dominated by the great Tower of Hours, all that’s left of the castle that once guarded the estuary of the Daro…. Pals has obvious charms – winding gardens and pathways, little squares springing suddenly from the narrow alleys….”. Afterwards continue along a well-signposted trail to Mas Pou, one of our favourite restaurants in the region for a delicious lunch of local specialties before continuing on to Toroella de Montgri and the wonderful Hotel Lo Mirador, housed in a 14^th century palace.
Waking Distance: 13 km, elevation gain 60 m or 9 km, gain 95 m. Add-on to visit fortress and castle: 2.2 km; 200 m gain*

Day 6

Roses

Start the day with a transfer to Roses, another seaside town and walk along a popular trail to Cadaqués, best known for its stunning setting and for the number of prominent artists who have lived here. Salvador Dali spent part of his childhood in this village and in nearby Port Lligat. Pablo Picasso spent time in Cadaqués, as did Max Ernst, Matisse and Man Ray. This village is filled with good restaurants and we will share our favourites with you.
Walking Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 400 m or 15 km, gain 460 m.*

Day 7

Cadaqués

From Cadaqués, walking options are plentiful. Our favourite is to Port Ligat where you can visit the former home (now museum) of Salvador Dali. From Port Ligat continue hiking to Cap de Creus with breathtaking views of the Med. From the Cap, you’ll be able to see across to France- this is where the Pyrenees mountains meet the sea. Another more challenging hike alternative is to the village of Cala Joncols which takes 2-2 ½ hours.
Walking Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 480 m or 22 km, gain 355 m.*

Day 8

Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Buses depart at 7:45 and arrive to Barcelona at 10:30.

On this trip transfers (included as part of the trip) are as follows:
Day 3: Girona to Palamos (45 km; 45 min)
Day 6: Torroella de Montgri to Roses (45 km; 45 min)

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Hotel Nord 1901, Girona

This hotel has the only swimming pool and gardens in the center of the city. Fully renovated in 2009 with contemporary style, and located walking distance to great restaurants.

Hotel San Roc, Calella de Palafrugell

This 3-star boutique hotel boasts sea-view rooms and a great location. It has been in the same family for 3 generations. “Quite simply the hotel has the best position in the most charming resort on the most beautiful and rugged coast on the whole Mediterranean.” Arnold Z, Leeds, England.

Hotel Aiguaclara, Begur

This renovated colonia-style mansion is now a charming boutique hotel. Proprietors Joan and Clara left Barcelona to beome hoteliers in Begur and this is their dream hotel.

Hotel Palau lo Mirador, Torroella de Montgri

This hotel occupies a 14th century, stone-built palace and boasts a restaurant and swimming pool. We love the location, in the historical center of this medieval village. * Luxe

Hotel Playa Sol, Cadaqués

This 4-star hotel is located across from the beach and has been recently renovated and boasts a lovely swimming pool.

Luxe

Hotel Llegendes, Girona

This 4-star hotel is located in the historic center of Girona and is intimate with just 15 rooms. The design incorporates the historic property with contemporary décor. (swimming pool)

Hotel San Roc, Calella de Palafrugell

Hotel Aiguaclara, Begur

This renovated colonia-style mansion is now a charming boutique hotel. Proprietors Joan and Clara left Barcelona to beome hoteliers in Begur and this is their dream hotel. *Classic - superior room booked.