Walking the Costa Brava Highlights
6 Days Starting in Sant Pere Pescador and ending in Palau-Saverdera.
Visiting: Sant Pere Pescador, Castelló d'Empúries, Roses, Cadaqués, El Port de la Selva, Palau-saverdera
Tour operator:
Tour code:
386
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A five day, self-guided adventure, walking the Costa Brava highlights along ancient trails that take you to both the coast and mountains. This carefully-crafted itinerary is an idyllic mix of Catalonia’s coast, castles and cuisine, with just enough challenges to push those muscles, such as among the glorious land and seascapes of Cap de Creus Natural Park, the easternmost peninsula on mainland Spain. Starting in the coastal town of Sant Pere Pescado and finishing in Palau-Saverdera in the foothills of the Pyrenees, you won’t feel short changed on this short break when it comes to luscious landscapes and sunshine-filled days. Stay in a mix of small hotels and guesthouses, with luggage transfers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Sant Pere Pescador
Location: Sant Pere Pescador
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Molí or similar in Sant Pere Pescador
Meals Included: No Meals
Take a private transfer from Girona Airport or Figueres-Vilafant railway station (if landing in Barcelona) to your accommodation in the ancient coastal town of Sant Pere Pescador. An English-speaking local guide provides a welcome briefing upon your arrival. If time allows, take a walk through the countryside and discover the surrounding landscapes of apple orchards and nature trails, along the banks of the El Fluvià .
Day 2 : Sant Pere Pescador - Castelló D’Empúries
Location: Sant Pere Pescador, Castelló d'Empúries
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Canet or similar in Castelló d’Empúries
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s walk follows the banks of the El Fluvià , heading to the beach at the river’s mouth and then through Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park. Look out for birds such as ibis, herons, tufted ducks, pochards, snipes, redshanks, marsh harriers and sandpipers, which can be spotted at any time of the year. During the spring and autumn migrations there is also the chance to see grey herons, golden plovers, flamingos, black storks and spoonbills. Today’s walk ends in Castelló d’Empúries, a medieval village steeped in history. The landmark of the village and visible from afar, is the BasÃlica de Santa Maria.
Walking for the day: 15.6km, 4h, ↑106m
Day 3 : Roses - Cadaqués
Location: Roses, Cadaqués
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Octavia or similar in Cadaqués
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a transfer to Roses (15mins), where today’s walk starts. Walk east along the coast and pass many secluded beaches and coves, with ample opportunity for a dip in the sea. Head inland, passing hillsides with tiers of old olive groves, before eventually reaching Cadaqués. Cadaqués is a whitewashed coastal town surrounded by mountains, and a former favourite of Picasso and Salvador DalÃ. The town is known for its fine seafood restaurants.
Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h, ↑550m
Day 4 : Cadaqués - El Port De La Selva
Location: Cadaqués, El Port de la Selva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Spa Porto Cristo or similar in El Port de la Selva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Cadaqués behind, make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus Natural Park. Follow a rural trail with views of the Catalan countryside and the Pyrenees, before arriving at the fishing village of El Port de la Selva, where you spend the night. Spend the afternoon exploring the local sights, including the archaeological site of Dolmen de Taballera. Serra de Rodes is another interesting medieval site, which consists of Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes, Sant Salvador de Verdera, Iglesia Santa Elena de Roda, as well as the the ruins of the village of Santa Creu de Rodes and the church, Sant Fruitós de la Vall de Santa Creu.
Walking for the day: 14km, 3-4h, ↑369m
Day 5 : El Port De La Selva - Palau-Saverdera
Location: El Port de la Selva, Palau-saverdera
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Niu de Sol or similar in Palau-Saverdera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave El Port de la Selva and follow the route towards the north-west, before ascending to Monastir de Sant Pere de Rodes, which is considered one of the most important monasteries in Spain (check the opening times before your visit, closed on Mondays). Continue walking, making your way up to the ruins of the castle, Sant Salvador de Verdera, where the views extend over Alt Empordà , across to the Albera Massif mountain range and the Pyrenees, as well as to the Gulf of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. Finally, walk down to Palau-Saverdera, an old farming village located in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h, ↑723m
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Palau-saverdera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay with an extra night in Palau-Saverdera.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights accommodation
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Meals
5 breakfasts
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Welcome briefing from our local representative
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Transfer on day three to the start of the walk
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Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/city centre or Figueres-Vilafant railway station (if travelling from Barcelona)
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Departure transfer to Girona Airport/city centre or Figueres-Vilafant railway station (if travelling to Barcelona)
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Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all walking days
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Detailed tour materials
Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps (digital copy sent in advance and one printed copy provided locally)
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Airfare and connecting land transfers, other than the complimentary arrival/departure private transfers on day one and six
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Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
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Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
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When to go
This trip is available from mid-February until the beginning of July and from the beginning of September until early November. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season. We do not offer this trip between the second week of July and September, as it is too hot for walking and hotel availability is too limited. On the coast, the climate is Mediterranean, with hot and sunny summers and mild and relatively rainy winters.
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Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy to moderate and is suitable for moderately experienced walkers (although no high mountain experience is required), with daily walking distances ranging between 12-16km. A reasonable level of fitness is required to get the most out of this tour. Walks have a relaxed pace, with time to take in the views and surroundings. The walk on day three, from Roses to Cadaqués, is steep in places and so the walk is a little more strenuous than on other days. The trails are a mixture of GR routes and local paths (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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