Headwater - Catalan Coastal Self-Guided Walk

9 days
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£1,159
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5 / 5 from 1 review >
Leisurely / Moderate
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Trip code: 
W08CL
Way to Travel:
Self-Guided
Activity:
Walking & Trekking
Min age:
8

Mainly coastal walking also taking in sweeping green valleys, pretty wine villages, hidden white hamlets and colourful fishing harbours. 

This eight-night, self-guided walking holiday begins and ends in the pretty inland village of Garriguella. Once you commence walking around the peninsula, the sea is your constant companion, offering magical views from the high walking trails that lead you through the reserve. The Natural Park protects cork oak, pine woods, bright orange prickly pear, vineyards and terraces of olive groves, all surrounded by magnificent coastal cliffs where shearwaters and swifts wheel on the breeze. 

Highlights

  • Delightful villages, bijou beaches, craggy coves and rocky bays
  • Rich history: Roman ruins, sun-kissed castles and prehistoric dolmens
  • Sea views almost all week from fabulous, high walking trails
  • Cobbled streets, Mediaeval archways, fishermen's huts-turned-restaurants
  • Cap de Creus peninsula, one of the largest protected Natural Parks

Key information

  • 8 Nights , Hotel-to-hotel
  • Departs Every two days from 23 Apr '19 to 11 Nov '19
  • All continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
  • Route notes and maps provided 
  • Luggage transfers between hotels 
  • Walking transfers

What's included

  • All continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
  • Route notes and maps provided 
  • Luggage transfers between hotels 
  • Walking transfers

What's not included

  • Visas and vaccinations
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplements
Call for general departures:
074 340 4587
Call for tailormade trips:
+44 (0)20 8772 3874
Email us >
Request a brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes
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4

Days of Walking & Trekking
Terrain:

Walks on this holiday are mainly on country paths and tracks. Some sections are rocky and uneven so good supportive footwear is essential, and walking poles recommended.

Day by day breakdown
Day 214.0km/9.0miles
Day 414.0km/9.0miles
Day 616.0km/10.0miles
Day 813.0km/8.0miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here… 

Itinerary

Expand all
Garriguella
to
Garriguella

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Garriguella

    Explore the pretty streets of Garriguella before your evening meal. (Staying at Vilamont Spa Hotel)

    Meals included: Dinner

  • Day 2

    Garriguella to El Port De La Selva

    After a 10-minute transfer to Pau, enjoy panoramic coastal views south as you ascend to Sant Onofre, a rocky C14 chapel clinging to the hillside, then crest the peninsula at Castell de Sant Salvador, once a refuge from pirates and now a sunkissed crumbling ruin in a perfect spot for picnics! Descend past the C13 Sant Pere de Rodes abbey, before the Vall river leads to the sea. Dine on the waterfront overlooking the picturesque natural harbour. (Staying at Hotel Porto Cristo)

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 3

    At El Port De La Selva

    Perhaps use the hotel spa today (payable locally) or stroll along the waterfront; this is the only working harbour on the peninsula, where fishermen still land their catch. We also include directions for a 10.5km or 12.5km walk to the peaceful mediaeval village of la Selva de Mar, where you can enjoy a shady lunch in one of the terrace cafes, and some lovely views over the vines. (Staying at Hotel Porto Cristo)

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 4

    El Port De La Selva to Cadaques

    Heading east, you walk through the heart of the Natural Park where neptune grass, shy orchids and bright yellow saxifrage cover the hillsides. Evidence of ancient settlements in the shape of dolmens appear at Cista dels Bufadors along the trail, before the white houses of Cadaques appear below you. it's a short stroll along the harbour to your hotel, complete with pool and private beach. (Staying at Hotel Playa Sol)

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 5

    At Cadaques

    Salvador Dali lived a short walk from Cadaques, and you can make an appointment to visit his quirky house if you wish. The pretty harbour, perfect light and relaxing atmosphere has made Cadaques popular with artists for decades; many art galleries and curio shops line the waterfront, and the narrow alleyways behind are packed with chic restaurants and bars. (Staying at Hotel Playa Sol)

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 6

    Cadaques to Roses

    Leaving Cadaques, you pass a rocky lighthouse outcrop and follow the southern edge of the peninsula, passing below Puig de sa Cruilla. The second half of the walk is all along the seashore, passing a plethora of pretty coves and bays, perfect for relaxing or swimming. (Staying at Hotel Almadraba Park)

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 7

    At Roses

    It will be hard to leave the hotel today; its location is so perfect! Set just above a sheltered beach, with access via steps, it has tennis courts and landscaped gardens shaded by tall pines, not to mention a pool with 180°ree; views and a tempting poolside bar. if you do explore, the centre of Roses has the remains of the C16 Trinitat Castle, a star-shaped redoubt, and the ruined ciutadela, an impressive fortress from Greek and Roman times embellished by Carlos V in the C16. (Staying at Hotel Almadraba Park)

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 8

    Roses to Mas Palou/Garriguella

    You ascend from Roses to a natural balcony, the Pla de les Gates, passing a clutch of dolmens in la Muntanyeta. After descending to the verdant plain below, your walk then takes you on country tracks through apple orchards and sunflower fields, with the high Muntanyes de Verdera as a backdrop, and ends in the wine village of Mas Palou. From here we transfer you (15 minutes) to your hotel in nearby Garriguella. (Staying at Vilamont Spa Hotel, Breakfast at hotel and evening meal in local restaurant)

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 9

    Leave Garriguella

    Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes
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Essential Info

Visas

Spain

No visa required for British passport holders.

Vaccinations

Spain

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals.

Traditional Spanish food such as paella, chorizo and albondigas (meatballs) can be found on just about every menu in Catalunya, but do
not forget to try the regional specialities too. Local cuisine features plenty of fish, including world-renowned anchovies from L’Escala, and botifarras (black pudding) from the mountains. A good starter might be Pan Catalán (pa amb tomàquet), this is lightly toasted bread, drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomatoes and garlic. Thanks to its geography, the region has developed “Sea and Mountain” - mar y muntana cuisine, combining chicken with lobster, or rabbit with prawns. Fruits are used as well, such as roasted chicken and figs, or pheasant and grapes.

Dishes are rich and hearty, however, it is not just a meat-based cuisine, and there are plenty of vegetable options. Catalan dishes also rely heavily on sauces: Sofrito is an onion and tomato sauce, Picada is made from dried fruits, nuts and herbs, Sanfaina is a sauce of fried peppers, aubergines, onions and tomatoes and Romesco is made with tomatoes, peppers, nuts and garlic. Most menus are written in both Castilian and Catalan and sometimes in English too, but you may find a pocket
dictionary useful in the more remote places.

 

Weather

In April, May and September expect temperatures to average between 17ºC and 22ºC with high chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures between June and August tend to be higher, with averages between 25ºC and 29ºC, and highs reaching up to 33ºC. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds all year round.

Is this trip for you?

Activity level: Leisurely/Moderate

This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. Please bear in mind that although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotels tends to be quite social and they will sometimes place walkers together at breakfast and dinner. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you.

This holiday provides spectacular, yet relaxed walking and is perfect for people wanting to fit as much as possible into a short holiday. The route takes in the winding, sandy paths of mainland Spain's loveliest coast experiencing frequent glimpses of dazzling aquamarine seas through the umbrella pines, as well as heading inland to discover the truly unspoilt landscape of the Catalan countryside. This is a wonderful region for bird and plant life. Over a third of the countryside is now protected under a government scheme to preserve natural habitats, which means a staggering variety of rare species: golden orioles, booted eagles, purple-shot copper butterflies and colourful wild flowers. Hidden deep in the forests are stunning natural curiosities, including the 5000 year old dolmens and sparkling freshwater springs which drew the first settlers to these parts thousands of years ago.

Call for general departures:
074 340 4587
Call for tailormade trips:
+44 (0)20 8772 3874
Email us >
Request a brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Hotels

Your family-run hotels are perfectly situated, with three out of four on the beach. The Vilamont Spa, with pool, sits on the church square in a pretty village and the Porto Cristo is set just back from the sea, with meals enjoyed in the hotel's seafront restaurant. At the sea-front Hotel Playa Sol, in the chic and arty harbour of Cadaques, there are swimming opportunities aplenty and the Almadraba Park is a spectacular cliff-top hotel overlooking the Bay of Roses, with a panoramic swimming pool and steps to the beach.

Call for general departures:
074 340 4587
Call for tailormade trips:
+44 (0)20 8772 3874
Email us >
Request a brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Expert Blog Entries

Reviews

Add your own review
  • Reviewed September 2018
    david worthington
    Trip:
    Catalan Coastal Walk

    Our Catalonia adventure

    Beautiful and diverse walks through glorious countryside and yomps across some spectacular coastlines, this Catalonian coastal walk was a perfect way to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary together. We are newbies to Exodus travel and had been looking for something different and special to do with just to 2 of us. This hit the mark perfectly; the booking staff were so friendly, our tour guides so helpful nothing was too much trouble, even the route guidance was friendly (and top notch in knowing the local areas of interest from prehistoric monoliths to Salvador Dali's house ) And the hotels we visited were first rate, we feel so lucky as first timers to have landed on such a delightful experience. My only concern is how I am going to get used to not finishing a walk with a celebratory glass of the local wine with fresh tapas! The routes were just the right stretch for us between 8 to 10 miles every other day, so that you get to spend a day in your new venue exploring and mixing with the locals. We even ventured into the sea a few times including kayaking in Cadaques. One of the best holidays we've had, and hope to repeat in other exciting places.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    All the surprises! Starting and finishing in spa hotels - excellent idea, food was to die for from rustic to Michelin aspirations, the weather superb, the routes just about right for us keen novices, the staff and venues just top class.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    didn't have one, it was self guided and supported by great route notes.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Do it!! and do it soon because we are telling everybody about our trip!! Don't over pack, you only stay in one place for 2 nights so can rewear evening clothes.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Thanks!!
See all reviews

Dates & Prices

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

 

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London  

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros Cons
  • May be the most direct route
  • Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.
  • As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.
  • You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

 

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.
 
a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination. 

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros Cons
  • Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.
  • Through fare tickets can be expensive.
  • On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.
  • Published fares are non-refundable.

 

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros Cons
  • You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.
  • You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

 

 Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

  • On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
  • On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client. 

 

Next steps? 

Call our Sales team on: 0203 733 0698

Email your query: [email protected]

Call us on 074 340 4587
Chat with us online