Spain: Barcelona & Catalonia Walking Tour
Seven nights; six days of walking through the Pyrenees foothills, ancient ruins and the cliffsides and beaches of Costa Brava.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Wedged between mountainous peaks, the beaches of Valencia and the border with France and Andorra, Catalonia is dotted with medieval villages, hidden coves and spellbinding coastal trails
- Walk past centuries-old cathedrals and groves of ancient oaks
- Hitting the coast, you’ll find yourself among the landscapes and forms that inspired the surrealist works of the one and only Salvador Dali
- Catalonia is known for its rich history, and even richer cuisine and exquisite coastal footpaths
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
The mild Mediterranean climate here makes for comfortable walking during all but the hottest days of the summer, and coldest, wettest days in winter. Spring comes early to the region and you can expect a riot of wildflower colors throughout the hillsides from late March until mid-June.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~10km
- DAY 3: ~1.5hr
- DAY 4: ~12.5km
- DAY 5: ~13km
- DAY 6: ~17.5km
- DAY 7: ~6.5km
- DAY 8: Farewells
Spain: Barcelona & Catalonia Walking Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Spain: Barcelona & Catalonia Walking Tour
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Girona, 16:00, day one.
Finish: Girona train station, 10:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Meet in Girona
Meet your support person this afternoon at your hotel for a brief introduction. Set on the confluence of four rivers this medieval city is packed with architectural delights and boasts a rich artistic community, which we encourage you to explore. D
Hotel Llegendes de Girona Cathedral, Girona.
La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park – 10km loop
Start your day with a short transfer from Girona to the Garrotxa region (Costa Brava Girona Pyrenees) where the mountain landscapes, the sun and climate provide a variety of vegetation. The walk through a beech forest from Fageda de Jorda to an old Romanesque church offers views of the most impressive two of 38 dormant volcanic cones in the park. Another short transfer takes you to Girona at the end of the day. BL
Same Lodging.
Hike to Castell del Montgri 1.5hr
After a short transfer, you will hike to the Castell del Montgri, a fortress ordered by the court of Barcelona to control the moves of the counts of Empuriés. Work commenced in 1294 but the fortress was never completed, leaving a historical edifice. The rocky uphill climb is well rewarded with spectacular views from every direction. A half hour transfer takes you to wander the ruins of the ancient Iberian city of Ullastret. Although the Ullastret complex consists of two Iberian villages, it is only the ruins of Puig de Sant Andreu, which are visitable, corresponding to the last stage of occupation of the town by the Indigetes (3rd century BC). Short transfer to your inn. BLD
Hotel Es Portal, Costa Brava.
Begur to Llafranc 12.5km
After a short transfer, your next three days will be spent walking from inn to inn along the Costa Brava coast. The Camino (Cami) de Ronda is a historic coastal footpath built for the basic function of villages communicating and places for fishermen to come ashore and find their way home. More recently it has been to maintained to assist the Spanish Guardia Civil control to stop smuggling. From Begar you’ll see the Orats port, continue to Aiquablava Beach and follow through a forest path, along the cliffs. Before reaching Llafranc, you’ll find a sharp uphill to the mount of Sant Sebastià lighthouse, the most powerful one in the peninsula, a chapel, a watchtower with medieval origin and the remains of an Iberic settlement. BLD
Hotel BlauMar, Llafranc.
Llafranc to Palamos 13km
Today’s walk is along the least developed beach section of the Costa Brava. Castell is the only sandy beach on this part of the coast to have escaped development, owing to vociferous local opposition. There are some beautiful little coves on either side of it, concealed by pine forests. As you approach Palamos you’ll come across the ruins of Sant Esteve castle near la Fosca Beach and the views from Cap Gros are endless. BL
Hotel La Malcontenta, or Casa Vincke Hotel, Palamos.
Palamos to St. Feliu de Guixols 17km
Today’s walk continues along a narrow path that twists between cliffs, crystal clear coves and sand beaches. From Sant Antoni de Calonge you’ll walk along the promenade through the village of Platja d’Aro. Nearing S’Agaro, the Camino becomes a planned novocentist promenade, designed by architect Rafel Masó in 1916. Your walk continues along the beaches to St. Feliu de Guixols, Sant Pol Beach, Cala Maset, and Cala del Moli. After a short transfer arrive in Tossa de Mar, an architectural, medieval masterpiece. BLD
Hotel Diana, Tossa de Mar.
Tossa de Mar, Cala Pola loop walk 6.5km
Enjoy spectacular views of the sea-facing side of the Ardenya Cadiretes Massif. The mountains sweep dramatically down to the sea, along a coastline of large cliffs alternating with small coves in a natural setting of exceptional beauty. Enjoy an afternoon of visiting the markets and cafes of this beautiful seaside village. BL
Same lodging
Farewells
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Apr 23-30
- May 14-21
- Oct 8-15
2024 Guided:
- Apr 21-28
- May 12-19
- Oct 6-13
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4595 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, all transfers as described on the itinerary, maps, trail notes and guide support.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4095 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, welcome briefing, driver for essential transfers as described on the itinerary, maps and trail notes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1095
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
Spring comes early to the region and you can expect a riot of wildflower colors throughout the hillsides from late March until mid-June.
Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid May.
Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 15 to 25 °C range (60 to 75 °F).
BEFORE & AFTER THE TOUR
Getting There:
The best option is to fly to Barcelona (BCN). An easy train ride from Barcelona-Sants station on one of Renfe’s high-speed AVANT/AVE trains will get you to Girona in roughly 40 minutes. Trains leave hourly.
To Do:
If you have one day:
You may wish to get to Girona a day early to get acquainted with this Medieval city built at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar and Güell rivers. Wend your way through the narrow cobblestone streets and numerous stairways in the city’s Jewish quarter to the Cathedral – this impressive example of Catalan gothic architecture has the widest gothic nave in the world at 22 meters! Girona has established itself as a gastronomic powerhouse in an already food-centric region, and is home to El Celler de Can Roca which has been listed as the best and second-best restaurant in the world for a number of years.
We recommend the following accommodations in Girona; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
Hotel Llegendes de Girona Cathedral, Girona
If you have several days:
Visiting Barcelona:
Explore the most popular attraction in the city, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspiring church that has been under construction for over 130 years. Barcelona is also home to a beautiful gothic centre set within walking distance of the main pedestrian area, La Rambla. However, the city is more than just architecture, a 10-minute walk from the Mirador de Colom is the beach at Barceloneta, a great place to soak up the sun and sights of the area. We strongly recommend spending an extra day or two in Barcelona if your schedule will allow.
Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain and mountain-top monastery located only 50 km north of Barcelona. At nearly 1300m above sea-level, the monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding Catalonian lowlands, and if your travel schedule allows, we highly recommend you plan to arrive a day or so early in order to experience this beautiful and religiously significant area.
Finish:
We recommend the following accommodations in Barcelona for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
- Hotel DO Placa Reial , Pl. Reial, 1, 08002 Barcelona
Ph: +36 618 567 874 - Hotel España , Carrer de Sant Pau, 9-11, 08001 Barcelona
Ph: +34 935 500 000 - W-Barcelona , Plaça Rosa Del Vents 1, Final, Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona
Ph: +34 932 952 800 - Hotel Neri , Carrer de Sant Sever, 5, 08002 Barcelona
Ph: +34 933 040 655 - Hotel SERHS Rivoli Rambla , La Rambla, 128, 08002 Barcelona
Ph: +34 934 817 676
