Catalonia and Languedoc Coastline

Arrive at Girona airport or Figueres or Figueres Vilafant train station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Cadaquès. Once there you will have a welcome meeting with an English speaking local team member. Cadaqués is a beautiful whitewashed coastal town surrounded by mountains and was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí where Salvador Dalí once famously said in 1920: “I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour”.

Today you embark on a beautiful walk out to the Cap de Creus, the most easterly point of mainland Spain with some spectacular coastal views; the rock outcrops are one of the most significant features of the Parc Natural, with its complicated and beautiful forms which often cause the visitor’s imagination to get carried away. One sees images of real or mythical animals in the area (lions, dragons, camels, eagles, cats, rats…), despite the fact that it is the wind and the sea, and not the Gods, which have gone on shaping the geological landscape of the Creus cape right up to the present day. You could also eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant out on the peninsula.

Leaving Cadaqués behind you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus national park. You will follow a deeply rural trail with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside, you’ll have some magnificent views of the Pyrenees and the French/Spanish border before arriving in El Port de la Selva. El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains.

The first historical references to the settlement go back to 974, although it did not become a fully-fledged village until the 18th century, with the construction of its first church.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, and the Serra de Rodes medieval site, made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu and Sant Fruitós Church.

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel North West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister. Its origins date back to the first century after Christ. Christian doctrine understands Sant Pere de Rodes as one of the most important Monasteries in Spain. You will then make your way up to the ruins of Castle of Sant Salvador, from here you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees. Enjoy the stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. You will then make your way down to the seaside town of Llançà.

Today you will take the train from Llanca to Portbou, you will then carry on North. Where you will enjoy wonderful views over the Pyrenees, the famous Canigou peak, the Cap de Creu and the Mediterranean Sea as you ascend up into the beautiful Catalan hills. You will cross the border into France and onwards until you reach the French seaside town of Banyules Sur Mer. Nestled in the heart of the Côte Vermeille (Vermilion Coast), Banyuls is a preserved jewel that combines the authentic character of a town steeped in traditions with the dynamism of a modern city. Originally a fishing village that turned to wine-making and developed essentially with tourism, Banyuls owes its world reputation to its exceptional wines and its spectacular vineyards that plunge down to the sea.

Heading north you follow quiet lanes and cliff-top paths around the rugged Cap Béar headland; the views are truly spectacular. There are a couple of spots where you can pause for a swim before winding your way through the vineyards that produce the region’s wines and finally reaching the end of your journey, the beautiful French coastal town of Collioure. Of the four little salmon-pink towns along the Vermillion Coast, Collioure is the indisputable star, a sensationally picturesque ensemble of the old town, beaches, waterfront castle and church, all set around a beautiful bay.

The resort’s good looks have attracted artists since the early 1900s when Matisse and Derain started painting here, and the streets are full of galleries to reflect this. The small Catalan port is sheltered by a creek where the waters of the Mediterranean meet the rocks of the Pyrenees mountain chain and with several sandy and pebble beaches, creeks and clear waters you have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a  swim.

Depart after breakfast.