Beautiful and diverse walks through glorious countryside and yomps across some spectacular... david worthington, 2018 See more reviews
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
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.
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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!!