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Catalan Coastal Walk
CATALAN COASTAL WALK | DAY BY DAY
Hotel Porto Cristo
**** El Port de la Selva, Days 1+8
The Verges family own the 50 room Porto Cristo Hotel, which is set back from the beach by around 50m in the fishing port of Porto de la Selva. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable with high ceilings, cedar wood furniture and marble floors, and masses of art work line the spot lit corridors. Evening meals are taken in a seafront restaurant also owned by the family just 150m away so you can have dinner with a view of the harbour, where brass cannons from the 18C point out to sea. The hotels also has a rooftop lounge with sea views, and a state of the are Jacuzzi and spa.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive in El Port de la Selva
After a transfer from the station, explore the pretty streets of El Port de la Selva before dinner.
Day 2 El Port de la Selva to Cadaques 14km/9mi/4hrs
Heading east, you walk through the heart of the Natural Park where Neptune Grass, shy orchids and bright yellow saxifrage clothe the hillsides. Evidence of ancient settlement in the shape of dolmens appear at Cista des Bufadors along the trail, before the white houses of Cadaques appear below you. It's a short stoll along the harbour to your hotel, complete with pool and private beach.
Hotel Playa Sol
*** Cadaqués, Days 2+3
The Playa Sol, owned by the Llado family, could not be closer to the sea. In fact it has a beach immediately opposite the front door so in the morning you can step out the front for a swim in the sea, or use the back door for a swim in the pool, set in landscaped gardens. The 48 rooms inside are comfortable without being showy, half facing the harbour and half facing the gardens. It is a lovely waterfront stroll to the centre of Cadaques (about 10 minutes), and there are many restaurants to choose from for dinner. The hotel also has a steam room, Jacuzzi and tennis court.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 3 In Cadaques
Salvador Dali lived a short walk from Cadaques, and you can make an appointment to visit his quirky house if you wish. The pretty harbour, perfect light and relaxing atmosphere has made Cadaques popular with artists for decades - many art galleries and curio shops line the waterfront, and the narrow alleyways behind are packed with chic restaurants and bars, some of them carved out of the steep rock cliffs that rise steeply from the crystal clear waters in the bay.
Day 4 Cadaqués to Roses 15km/9mi/5hrs
Leaving Cadaques you pass a rocky lighthouse outcrop and follow the southern edge of the peninsula. Shearwaters wheel and dive in the wake of fishing boats below as you ascend to pass below Puig e la Cruilla. The second half of the walk is all along the seashore, passing a dozen pretty coves and bays, each one perfect for swimming.
Hotel Alamadraba Park
**** Roses, Days 4+5
Owned by the Subiros family, the Almadraba Park is in an enviable location. Set above the Bay of Roses with steps down to the beach, it has a fabulous panoramic swimming pool and the most perfect cocktail lawn for pre dinner drinks with 180 degree views. The modern building has spacious rooms simply presented, each of them with a balcony. Great care is taken with customer service and Senor Subiros often greets his guests in the evening before dinner. There is also a tennis court if you feel energetic.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 5 In Roses
It will be hard to leave the hotel today - its location is too perfect! Set just above a sheltered beach, it has tennis courts and landscaped gardens shaded by tall pines, not to mention a tempting poolside bar. If you do explore, the centre of Roses has the remains of a C16 Trinitat Castle - a star shaped redoubt, and the ruined Ciutadela, an impressive fortress since Greek and Roman times embellished by Carlos V in the 16C.
Day 6 Roses to Palau Saverdera 18.5km/11.5mi/5hrs
You ascend from Roses to a natural balcony, the Pla de San Mares, passing a clutch of dolmens in La Muntanyeta. After descending to the verdant plain below. Your walk takes you on country tracks through apple orchards and sunflower fields with the high Muntanyas de Verdera as a backdrop.
Hotel Niu de Sol*** Palau Saverdera, Days 6+7
Palau Saverdera is a typical wine village right at the foot of the Cap de Creus, slightly elevated from the fertile plain below. In the heart of the village you can find the Niu de Sol – a typical townhouse on one of the narrow streets. It has been tastefully converted by Merce Battliori into a series of lovely rooms with exposed stone walls, quirky furniture, wooden beams and tiled floors. With an in-house lounge and library and Merce’s personal touch it is a home from home, and the evening meals are prepared by her Mum in the kitchen.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 7 In Palau Saverdera
Perhaps drop into the wine co-operative in the village for a tipple, or join the locals at the huge outdoor swimming pool - the social hub of of the village from June to September! Relax with lunch in one of the many local restaurants or stroll up to the hillside chapel high above the village for amazing coastal views.
Day 8 Palau Saverdera to El Port de la Selva 13.5km/8.5mi/4hrs
Enjoy panoramic coastal views south as you ascend to Sant Onofre - a rocky C14 chapel clinging to the hillside, then crest the peninsula at Castell de Sant Salvador - once a refuge from pirates, now a sunkissed crumbling ruin perfect for picnics! Descend past C13 Sant Pere de Rodes Abbey, before the lush Vall River leads to the sea. You dine on the waterfront for the next two nights, lined with C18 bronze cannon.
Day 9 Leave El Port de la Selva
We take you to the station for your return train to Barcelona where you can book extra nights if you wish.
CATALAN COASTAL WALK | WALKING DETAILS
Walks on this holiday are mainly on country paths and tracks. Some sections are rocky and uneven so good supportive footwear is essential, and walking poles recommended.
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