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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights 2, 3 and 4 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1150USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: FOD

Trip highlights


  • Walking in the foothills of the Pyrenees
  • Exploring the stunning Vermillion coast on foot
  • Experiencing interesting villages and towns enroute
  • Enjoying excellent local cuisine and the warm hospitality of family run hotels

Follow in the footsteps of the surrealist painter, staying in hotels situated in charming country towns and coastal fishing villages. The journey begins by crossing the foothills of the Albères, the section of the Pyrenees where the mountains gradually give way to the sea. As you amble along well defined trails, there are magnificent views beyond the rolling hills and terraced vineyards to the sea. Marvel at the stunning Vermillion coast as you arrive by foot in Spain. Discover the coastal villages that inspired many artists over the centuries including the great Salvador Dali. Catalan hospitality provides a further dimension to the walk as you reach the Mediterranean coast. Each walking day there are two possible routes (a higher inland route or a coastal route, and on some days an additional variant) giving you flexibility and a chance to take in the sights, swim in the sea or ascend a high ridge for panoramic views of this stunning pocket along the French / Spanish border.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to Collioure and the joining hotel. Collioure is a beautiful old sea port where the Fauvist art movement began. Dependent on your arrival time, you can visit the city and its surroundings (including some of the coastal walk shown on day 2), discover some paintings by Matisse and Derain, or simply relax by the sea.

Meals:  D

Walking past the Royal Castle and along the seafront and beach, you then climb between the stone walls and cork oaks, the old mill and Fort St Elme, enjoying a magnificent view of Collioure. From here, there are two possible variant walks, shorter or longer, either along the coast or through the mountains. Hiking along the coast you'll pass a typical port, Port Vendres, and walk via Cap Bear with its sublime coves. The Cove of Paulilles offers a lovely place for a swim, before continuing to Banyuls via Cap d'Ullastret among shrubs, coves and vineyards. Taking the higher mountain route, you'll walk between shrubs and vineyards, and climb to the majestic Madeloc tower for a breathtaking view stretching from the border to the plain of Roussillon. Descend towards the sea through vineyards and chestnut groves to Banyuls. Banyuls is an interesting and historic frontier town, which is also the end of the famous trans-Pyrenean 900km GR10 from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Overnight in Banyuls or depending on availability return to Collioure. Walk: 13.9km/8.7mi or 16.3km/10.2mi, +/-700m/2296ft or +/-500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,D

This morning you begin in Banyuls - if you have spent the night in Collioure you take the local bus or train back to Banyuls to begin your walk. The walk takes you along the coast - you'll be near the marine nature reserve of Cap Cerbere, an area rich in fish and clear waters. For the longer route through the mountains, you head steeply out of Banyuls into the heart of vineyards and stone walls. You'll enjoy views of the mountains and the vineyards on one side, and the sea on the other side. Cross into Catalonia via the Puig Joan passage (437m). There is an option to extend the walk and ascend to the Querroig tower ruins, from where there are superb views of the Pyrenees, the sea and the town of Cerbère, your destination today. Descend the ridge and arrive in Cerbère (France) on the Mediterranean coast, where you stay overnight. Walk: 9.2km/5.75mi or 12.8km/8mi, +/-500/1650ft to 700m/2296ft

Meals:  B,D

Following the coast today you'll pass the pretty Garbet beach and the little coves of Cap Ras, before arriving at the traditional Spanish fishing town of Llança. The scenery and local small harbour painted in blue and white create a totally Catalan ambiance. If you prefer a longer walk, from the coast you can climb to Puig Tiffel for a panoramic view of the Cap de Creus and the Emporda and Alberes regions. Walk: 12.7km/7.9mi or 21.5km/13.4mi (option to shorten by taking the train from Cerbère to Portbou, cost approx eur2) from +/-350m/1155ft to +/-1100m/3608ft

Meals:  B,D

Along the coast the path runs past modern villas and the lighthouse of Sarnella before reaching Port de la Selva, a pretty, lively harbour with an air of tranquility. You can extend your walking and discover the intimacy of the Fornells Cove, a superb foretaste of the wild recesses of the Cap de Creus. You can also walk to the Selva de Mar, a lovely little village not far from the sea. Alternatively, the mountain hike is one of the trip highlights, with superb walking and incredible views. Leaving the coast there is a steep climb through 'maquis' and along a pilgrim path to reach the restored Monastery of San Père de Rodes, which has origins from the first century and dominates the bay of Llança and Port de la Selva. Whilst the monastery can be reached by road, the most impressive way to reach it is on foot. With a little extra effort you can reach the remains of the castle of San Salvador, perched 700m above sea level and offering striking views of the Bay of Roses and the Pyrenees. After visiting the monastery, enjoy the scenic descent to Port de la Selva. Walk: 12km/7.5mi or 15.5km/9.7mi, +/-500m/1640ft or +/-540m/1771ft

Meals:  B,D

Another superb day of hiking. The coastal path is more challenging than the high path today, for a change. You cross beautiful stretches of the rugged Cape before reaching the extreme tip of the Cap de Creus and its lighthouse, the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula overlooking the pretty coves of Cala Culip, Cala Jugadora and Cala Bona. Pass by Port Lligat – where Salvador Dali used to live. It's possible to extend and do a loop on the S'Oliguera peninsula. The alternative high route takes you behind Port de la Selva where you descend to the remote Cala Taballera, crossing many dry stone shelters. Continue between low walls and olive trees to today's destination, Cadaques. Walk: 20km/12.5mi or 13km/8.3mi, +/-670m/2198ft or +/-450m/1476ft

Meals:  B,D

If you're up early this moring, you can take a sunrise walk towards Cala Nans, in front of Cadaques (optional, 2hrs walking). After breakfast at around 9am, the trip ends in Cadaques. There is an option to take a departure transfer to Figueres (centre or station), or via Figuéres to visit the Dali Museum (approx. 1.5 hrs visit) before continuing to Collioure. You can expect to arrive in Collioure at approximately 1pm. Note: Departure from Cadaques depends on whether you want to stop in Figuéres. The museum is open every day in June, July & August but closed on Mondays outside these months. Or if you'd like to extend your stay in Cadaques, please ask for our rates. Additional cost applies for transfer and Dali Museum visit (we recommend pre-booking your ticket). Please ask our team for details.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 to 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 1 night 2 star hotel, 4 nights 3 star hotels, 1 night 4 star hotel - on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer - limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per person.
  • Digital information pack including GPX tracks
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Collioure and from Cadaques
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel Insurance
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room. Trip not suitable for solo walkers
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional transfer on day 7 from Cadaques to Figueres, or to Collioure via Figuéres
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 3.5 – 6.5 hours. The walking is graded moderate, however each day there is an option to join a more challenging route (sporty route). There are many ups and downs as you would expect in the foothills of the Pyrenees with nights spent on the coast. Walking poles are definitely a good idea. A reasonable level of fitness is required. IMPORTANT NOTE: Navigation on this trip can be complex at times so good map reading skills and experience using a compass are important. The trip is suitable only for experienced walkers who are proficient in trail finding. The walk takes you up into the mountains during the day and back down to a coastal town for your next nights accommodation. Therefore there are no towns visited enroute and no shops to purchase supplies once you have left town. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar - 30 Jun & 1 Sep - 31 Oct

Notes

Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo walkers. Trip is not available in July & August.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1150USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (1 bag, max 20kg)USD$80
  • Single SupplementUSD$400
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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