dossier

Catalan Classic Walk

CATALAN CLASSIC WALK  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Garbi  ***
Calella de Palafrugell, Days 1+6

The family team at the Hotel Garbi are certainly very friendly and will do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel itself is located just outside the town, in its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines. The hotel also has a car park- for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel. The hotel has 36 standard rooms, recently refurbished, with complete bathroom, hairdryer, telephone and satellite Television.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1  Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell

We met you at Flaca railway station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where all Breakaway guests are accommodated in rooms with private balcony and sea view. It’s less than 5 mins 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.

Day 2  Calella de Palafrugell to Castell d’Emporda  16km/10mi/4hr or 21km/13mi/5.5hr

You start with a 20 min ride to Mas Frigola from where you have a choice of routes. Both routes take you into the Gavarres hills to visit three dolmen - fantastic views as far as Begur and the Iles Medes - before you descend to the peaceful medieval villages of Fonteta and Vulpellac. The the longer route you can also visit Fitor and the pretty C11 Church of Santa Caloma des Fitor.  Then on to the hotel at Castell d’Empordà which has one of the finest located pools we’ve come across.

Castel Hotel Casell d’Emporda  ****
Castell d’Emporda, Bisbal Days 2+3

The Castell d’Emporda could not be in a better location. The building is a recently restored 700-year-old castle, that is now owned by Albert and Rosy, who are both very friendly and speak excellent English. Every one of the hotel’s rooms has been individually decorated by furniture collected by the owners while they were on their travels around China, India and Morocco. Each of the 38 rooms have spectacular hill-top views, featuring Air conditioning and heating, Fully equipped bathroom, Flat-screen TV, In-room CD/DVD player, Telephone and Mini bar.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3  At Castell d’Emporda

Laze by the pool or follow our suggested circular walk linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (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 Gerona and Figueras (Salvador Dali musuem) if you fancy a longer day out.

Day 4  Castell d’Emporda to Begur  19km/12mi/5hr or 21km/13mi/5.5hr

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

Hotel Rosa  ***
Begur, Days 4+5

Hotel Rosa is a pleasant family run 3* hotel located in the heart of Begur. It has been run by the same family for over 30 years. The 21 rooms have recently been refurbished in a modern and stylish design, all have air-conditioning, satellite TV and telephone. In the bathroom you will find a hydro massage bath tub - perfect for relaxing those aching muscles after a day’s walking!

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5  At Begur

Begur is a fashionable hilltop town with C11 castle, impressive villas and pretty narrow streets made for exploring! It’s just 10 mins by local bus (mid June - 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. Each have their own stretch of beach, shops, cafés and restaurants. For people looking for something a touch more challenging, we provide details on both 1-hour and 3-hour circular coastal walk which take in all our favorite sections.

Day 6  Begur to Calella de Palafrugell  13km/8mi/4hr or 17km/11mi/5.5hr

Shaded forest paths take you to the lively seaside town of Tamariu (great beach) where you pick up the pretty coastal path, passing rocky headlands and chic, Spanish resorts on to Llafranc - spectacular views from the San Sebastian lighthouse. Lunch in one of the beachfront bars – you can almost dip your toes in the water as you eat! 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 .

Day 7  Leave Calella de Palafrugell

We take you to Flaca after breakfast to catch your train back to Barcelona - a city add on here is a popular option before heading home.

WALKING DETAILS

The walking is fairly gentle on well looked after paths and tracks. There is a short detour throught the woods which is not really suited to those who suffer badly from vertigo, although this can be avoided by taking a short road option.

For extra nights we recommend Barcelona, Calella de Palafrugell or Castell d’Emporda.