Our Catalonian Coast & Mountains Short Break begins in the beautiful medieval village of Castello D’Empuries where there are many historical buildings to visit, the jewel of which is the parish church of Santa Maria often called the “Cathedral of the Emporda” because of its size and gothic architecture. You enjoy a spectacular coastal walk passing secluded beaches and coves with many opportunities to swim before arriving in Cadaques, home to Salvador Dali’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally). Leaving Cadaques, you enter the stunning Cap de Creus National Park which leads you to the charming fishing village of El Port de la Selva.

The Area

This walk has been specifically designed to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia. You will walk along the "wild coast" with its miles of coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.

From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes exert a powerful attraction to walkers; to walk here is a revelation.

Day 1: You take the train from Girona/Barcelona airport to Figueres (payable locally) where you will be collected and transferred to your first hotel in Castello D’Empuries (included). Overnight Castello D’Empuries.

Day 2: You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfil every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal-clear sea. Eventually you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves, and finally onto Cadaques, a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Overnight Cadaques.

Ascent: 950m. Descent: 950m. Distance: 10 ½ miles. Time: 6 hours.

Day 3: Leaving Cadaques you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park. You will follow a deeply rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside before arriving at El Port de la Selva.

El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historic references to the settlement go back to 974, although it did not become a fully-fledged village until the 18th century, with the construction of its first church. The village retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain, such as the Taballera Dolmen, the Serra de Rodes medieval site (made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine and the village of Santa Creu), and Sant Fruitós Church. The village has some of Catalonia's best beaches. Overnight El Port de la Selva.

Ascent: 310m. Descent: 310m. Distance: 8 ½ miles. Time: 4 hours.

Day 4: You will be collected from El Port de la Selva and transferred back to Figueres station (included) where you can take the train to Girona/Barcelona airport (payable locally). 

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Casa Clara, Castello D’Empuries

Hotel Octavia, Cadaques

Hotel Porto Cristo, El Port de la Selva

Availability Information

This walk is possible year-round as far as the weather is concerned. However, July and August are very hot and the hotels are full at this time of year so we do not offer these months. June and September can also be hot, and January and December a little cold, so the best time to go is February to May and October.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.  

When to book your walking holiday in Spain - Mainland - Catalonian Coast & Mountains - Short Break Walks

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