An exceptional self-guided walk from France into Spain, discovering the magnificent contrasting landscapes along the Catalan coast.
This walk combines sea and landscape, excellent even in the mild Mediterranean winter. It takes you along the Côte Vermeille, beloved of the artists Dali and Miro. The path from Banyuls to the border with Spain follows the route taken by Walter Benjamin, the German-Jewish philosopher, on 24th September 1940, and is the route followed by many Jewish refugees during World War II.
Price:
£650 per person
£65.00 supplement for Easter (23 March – 31st March) and 1st – 12th September
Single room supplement: £150
Supplement for single person walking alone: £110
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
17 March to 30 June and 1 September to 10 November.
Day 1: Arrive Collioure. Overnight in hotel***
(Hotel Le Mas des Citronniers).
Day 2: Walk from Collioure to Banyuls-sur-Mer via Cap Béar from where there are wonderful views. Pass the 13th century « Fort St Elmes » and continue to Port Vendres, with its busy port. Continue around Paulilles bay, one of the most beautiful places along the coast. Finally you arrive in Banyuls sur Mer following the old coastguard path. Overnight in hotel in Banyuls*** (Hotel Catalan)
3.5 to 4 hour walk. 12.5 kms/8 miles
Day 3: Walk from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Portbou (Spain) and Llanca. Cross the Banyuls vineyards with their dry stone walls and take the path to the Col de la Rumpissa. Enjoy wonderful views from Carroig over the Pyrenees, Canigou peak, Cap de Creu and the Mediterranean sea. Descend to the typical Spanish village of Port Bou and take the train to Llança. Overnight in hotel** (Hotel Griffeu). 4.5 hour walk. 12.5 kms/8 miles
Day 4: Walk from Llança to Port de la Selva. Climb to the monastery Sant Père de Rodes from where there are exceptional views and where Romanesque art is distinguished by Arab and Carolingian influences. Walk down to Port de la Selva for overnight in hotel**(Hotel La Tina). 4.5 hour walk. 14 kms/8.75 miles
Day 5: Walk from Port de la Selva to Cadaques. Following a deeply rural path you reach Cap de Creus, a magical place where the Mediterranean sea, stirred by the ‘Tramontane’, rushes in as the “Cova de l’Infern”. Following a picturesque path with low stone walls, you reach Port Lligat. Pass close to Salvador Dali’s house and walk down to Cadaques for a two night stay in hotel*** (Hotel Octavia). 7.5 hour walk. 25 kms/15.5 miles
Day 6: Today you may do a circular walk using Cadaques as your base. It will take you up into the hills to Cala Nans, before redescending to the coast. Or you may simply relax and enjoy Cadaques. 20 kms/12.5 miles
Day 7: Departure.
Getting There:
Arrival: Nearest airport is Perpignan. There is a train station in Collioure.
Departure: Bus from Cadaques to Figueras – train station in Figueras has good connections to Girona, Barcelona and Perpignan.
Private Transfers from Cadaques to Figueras €90.00 for 1 – 4 people recommended as the bus service is not very regular.
Transfer Cadaques to Perpignan €180.00 and Cadaques to Collioure €160.00 . All transfer cost is for a vehicle that can carry up to 4 people with luggage.
Hotels
Hotel Le Mas des Citronniers – 3 star hotel Collioure
Hotel Le Catalan – 3 star hotel Banyuls sur mer
Hotel Griffeu – 2 star hotel Llanca
Hotel la Tina – 2 star hotel el Port de la Selva
Hotel Octavia – 3 star hotel in Cadaques
