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Catalan Classic Self-Guided Walk

7 days

from

$1,649 USD

incl. taxes

View Dates & Prices

Walking & Trekking

Suitable for:

Age 8+

Activity level:

Leisurely / Moderate

Trip code:

W06CN

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

Walking & Trekking

Min age:

Varied walking, pretty coastal paths, lush green valleys, ancient cork and pine forest

Catalonia is steeped in culture with its traditions and festivals dating back over thousands of years. Rich in medieval villages, highlights of this region include prosperous Peratallada, peach coloured Pals and fashionable Begur. The rocky coastline is dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches which are all perfect to explore.

Highlights

Stunningly rugged turquoise coast, past secluded coves, hidden bays and outstanding views
Excellent for bird spotting
A fabulous mix of hotels including 2 nights in a 4-star castle
Swimming opportunities every day

Key information

6 nights in 3 and 4-star accommodation
3 days walking; averaging 5.5 hours per day
Altitude maximum 460m, average 200m
Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Spain

What's included

All breakfasts and 2 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
Walking transfers
Luggage transfers between hotels
Route notes and maps provided

What's not included

Travel insurance
Visas & vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

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

Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

The walking is fairly gentle on well maintained paths and tracks.

Day by day breakdown

Day 2 19.0km/12.0miles

Day 4 17.0km/11.0miles

Day 6 18.0km/12.0miles

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

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Calella de Palafrugell

Day 1

Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell

Arrive at your hotel where all guests are accommodated in rooms with private balcony and sea view. It's just a 5 minute walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we've left evening meals here up to you.
Comfortable Hotel
Day 2

Calella de Palafrugell to La Bisbal

You start with a 20 minute ride to Mont-Ras from where you have a choice of routes. Both routes take you into the Gavarres hills to visit three dolmens with fantastic views as far as Begur and the Illes Medes, before descending to the peaceful medieval villages of Fonteta and Vulpellac. Then it's on to the Hotel Castell d'Emporda which has expansive views across the plain from the terrace by the pool.

2 options: Walking time 5hrs, distance 17km/11mi or walking time 6hrs, distance 19km/12mi.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3

At La Bisbal

Laze by the pool or follow our suggested circular walk linking the pretty mediaeval villages of Corca, Monells with a pretty square and lovely choices for lunch, and La Bisbal, a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto; its intricate arches are still intact today. Alternatively, the local bus goes to Girona and Figueres if you fancy a longer day out.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 4

La Bisbal to Begur

Gentle walking across the Emporda plain, stopping first at Peratallada, possibly the best preserved mediaeval village in Spain with its beautifully restored arches, arcaded passageways and lovely shaded squares. Continue through fields bright with sunflowers until you reach peach-coloured Pals, a lovely old village with Romanesque church affording stunning views. The final stretch takes you through pine forest to our family-run hotel in the old town of Begur. The food here is fantastic!

2 options: Walking time 5hrs, distance 16km/10mi or walking time 5.5hrs, distance 17km/11mi.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

At Begur

Begur is a fashionable hilltop town with 11th century castle, impressive villas and pretty, narrow streets made for exploring! It's just 10 minutes by local bus (mid Jun to mid Sep only) or taxi to the coast, where four beautiful sandy coves await: Sa Riera, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna and, just over the hill, Aiguablava. For people looking for something a touch more challenging, we provide details of a circular coastal walk which takes in all our favourite places.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6

Begur to Calella de Palafrugell

Shaded forest paths take you to the lively seaside town of Tamariu, with a fantastic beach, where you pick up the pretty coastal path, passing rocky headlands and chic Spanish resorts en route to Llafranc, with spectacular views from the San Sebastian lighthouse. Enjoy lunch in one of the beachfront bars here, where you can almost dip your toes in the water as you eat! Then it's back to Calella, perhaps continuing along the coastal path as far as the botanical gardens at Cap Roig, in time for a swim in the pool or a couple of hours on the beach before dinner.

2 options: Walking time 4hrs, distance 14km/9mi or walking time 5hrs, distance 18km/12mi.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7

Leave Calella de Palafrugell

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

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Spain

No visa required for British passport holders.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Spain

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.

Traditional Spanish food such as paella, chorizo and albondigas (meatballs) can be found on just about every menu in Catalunya, but there are plenty of tasty local specialities too. Local cuisine features plenty of fish, including world renowned anchovies from L'Escala, and botifarras (black pudding) from the mountains. A delicious starter is Pan Catalan, which is lightly toasted bread, drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomatoes and garlic. The geography of the area has developed regional cuisine mixing 'surf and turf'; combinations such as chicken and lobster, or rabbit with prawns. Fruits also feature strongly with dishes combining chicken with figs, or pheasant and grapes. Dishes tend to be rich and hearty but there are also plenty of vegetable options for vegetarians. Catalan foods also feature sauces in many dishes, which are usually rich in flavour.

The region is also renowned for the production of Cava, around the town of San Sadurni de Noya. There is a herby, smoky, grassy flavour to some of these as a result of the grape varieties and climate. The region also produces some of Spain's best wines. Though we do not cycle through San Sadurni de Noya, try the wine from this region if you spot it on a menu.

Weather

The trips runs from April through to October (except 5-23 Aug) with the early and later part of the season experiencing cooler temperatures, highs averaging 18-20°C and lows averaging 11-15°C. In the height of July temperatures will reach highs of 28-30°C so it is important to be prepared for this. There is always a chance of rain throughout the year, so it is always best to be prepared.

Is this trip for you?

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:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

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

Our hand-picked hotels include the lovely, family run Hotel Garbi in the traditional fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell which is set on the hillside overlooking the sea. The magnificently restored 14th Century castle, Castell d'Emporda is perched on a rocky outcrop which affords breathtaking views from its terrace and the Hotel Rosa in Begur is renowned for its food and is only 3km from the sea.

All prices are based on 2 people sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.