Catalonia

L'ESCALA (Arrival)

Arrive at Girona airport or Figueres train station where you will be transferred to your accommodation in L’Escala. Welcome to the first day of your walking holiday through Catalonia! The old centre of the town still retains the character of a typical Spanish working town. Its bustling narrow streets boast a 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.

L'ESCALA

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SANT PERE PESCADOR

Leaving L’Escala behind, you will make your way onto the coastal trail. You will 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. The Romans used the ancient city as their base for the invasion 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. Later, you will arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape and natural interest, and crossed by the River Fluvià, St. Pere dates back to the year 974. Back then, it was still owned by the Monastery of St. Pere de Rodes.

SANT PERE PESCADOR

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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. 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 in the area. If you are lucky you can make some extra exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations; when Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills come through in droves. Arriving at Castello D’Empuries, you are greeted by a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit, including the landmark of the village, the dominating Parish Church of Santa Maria. The Parish Church is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and Gothic influenced architecture.

CASTELLO D'EMPURIES

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CADAQUES

You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Platja Canyelles. Head east along the coast, following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfill every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal clear sea. Later, you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves towards Cadaqués. Cadaqués was a favourite spot of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Salvador Dalí 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”.

CADAQUES

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CADAQUES

On your free day in Cadaqués, you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways, and visit the Parish Church from XVII. Century should not be missed. Take a walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house. 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. These complicated and beautiful forms often cause the visitor’s imagination to get carried away. One sees images of real or mythical animals in them, such as lions, dragons, camels, eagles, cats, rats. Of course, it is the wind and the sea, and not the Gods, which have shaped the geological landscape of the Creus cape right up to the present day. We recommend stopping for a delightful lunch at the restaurant there before you continue on to the next stop of your Catalonian walking holiday.

CADAQUES

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PORT DE SELVA

Make your way north today, through the heart of the Cap de Creus national park. You will 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 will take your breath away with its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historical references to the settlement go back to 974. It became a fully-fledged village in 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. Visit the Taballera Dolmen, and the Serra de Rodes medieval site made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu and Sant Fruitós Church. The village has some of Catalonia’s best beaches.

PORT DE SELVA

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PALAU SAVERDERA

Your walking holiday in Catalonia heads South West today, climbing up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister. Its origins date back to the first century after Christ. Sant Pere de Rodes is considered one of the most important Monasteries in Spain. Make your way from there up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador. The view of the Alt Emporda across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees is worth the climb. You also have stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. Climbing down, you’ll pass the little white chapel of Sant Onofre as you walk into the village of Palau Saverdera. This village is your last stop on your journey.

PALAU SAVERDERA

If you would like to extend your stay in Catalonian walking holiday we are happy to help. You can stay here for a while, or continue walking on one of our other Spanish walking holidays. If you do leave us here we will have you picked up and transferred to Girona airport or Figueres train station.