Coast and Countryside: Walking the Wonders of Costa Brava & Empordà

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Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Coast and Countryside: Walking the Wonders of Costa Brava & Empordà

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Duration

8 days, 7 nights

About this tour

Discover a walking adventure that blends the raw beauty of the Costa Brava’s dramatic coastline with the timeless charm of Catalonia’s medieval heartland. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from sun-drenched fishing villages and hidden coves, through Mediterranean pine forests and ancient footpaths, all the way to the rolling countryside and remote mountaintop monasteries of the Empordà region.

Each step of the journey reveals a new face of Catalonia: wind-sculpted rocks along the Cap de Creus, peaceful farmlands dotted with stone villages, sunflower fields, and cobbled lanes that echo with centuries of history. You’ll explore protected nature reserves, trace the footsteps of artists and monks, and soak in sweeping views from the Pyrenees to the sea.

This walking holiday offers not only varied terrain and soul-stirring landscapes, but also a deep sense of authenticity and quiet beauty. It’s a route where time seems to slow down and local life unfolds gently—from the seafood taverns of Calella de Palafrugell, to the golden-stone alleyways of Peratallada, and the poetic seascapes of Cadaqués. For nature lovers, slow travellers and walkers in search of both coastal wonders and mountain serenity, this is the Costa Brava at its finest

Highlights

Walk through authentic fishing villages and timeless medieval hill towns, full of Catalan charm.
Discover the wild beauty of three protected natural parks, including Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, and the Castell-Cap Roig area.
Hike along the spectacular Camí de Ronda and sections of the iconic GR92 coastal trail, with sea views at every turn.
Step into history at Empúries' Greco-Roman ruins and explore Cadaqués, the artistic haven of Salvador Dalí.
Taste the essence of the region with local wines, fresh Mediterranean seafood, and traditional Catalan cuisine.
Finish your adventure in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, or choose to extend your journey in vibrant, culture-rich Barcelona

Included/Excluded

Transfer from Girona to Calella de Palafrugell upon arrival is included to the 1st accommodation
Welcome meeting with a local guide speaking English, Spanish, French and German
7 nights of accommodation B&B (rural hotels, 3* and 4* hotels)
Offline app link with all tracks, maps and information
Optional: maps and information in paper format + GPS with all tracks: 35€ per package and GPS.
Assistance telephone number 24/7
The transport of belongings between overnight stays

Transfer IN from any other location to the 1st accommodation (except the transfer upon arrival from Figueres Vilafant Station to Sant Pere Pescador mentioned above)
Transfer OUT
Hotels touristic tax
Flights
Travel insurance
Extra drinks
GPS and maps on paper: 35€ per pack
Any other activity not described in the present file

Itinerary

Arrive at Girona airport or train station or Palafrugell bus station (direct bus from airport to Palafrugell) from where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Calella de Palafrugell. The old centre of the town still retains the character of a typical Spanish coastal town with its bustling narrow streets and good selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are two small, popular beaches in the old town that add to the overall charm and atmosphere of the area.

Distance: 15km (circular route) Today you are going to cross the Natural Area of Castell-Cap Roig, which houses one of the last unspoilt corners of the Costa Brava, with some small creeks like Cala Estreta. We walk back through a fantastic example of Mediterranean woodland. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of the route since you will pass small coves, a virgin beach of incomparable beauty and Mediterranean forests of pines, oaks and olive trees.

Distance: 14km

Today you will be treated to a wide variety of landscapes. The path penetrates into the Mediterranean forest, crosses small and virgin coves, goes through paths with breath-taking views of the Mediterranean Sea and gets into very charming villages like Llafranc or Tamariu. Calella de Palafrugell, typical fisher’s village. Your end destination today is Begur, a gem of a village with a great atmosphere.

From Begur you are walking inland through pine forest towards the medieval village of Pals, which is well worth a visit. The path leaves the old town of Pals and crosses the fields of sunflowers, passing through tiny medieval villages until you arrive at Peratallada, one of the most beautiful villages of this region. After a visit of the town, our transfer service will pick you up and takes you to the village of Cadaques, where you will spend the night.

Distance: 14 km (circular walk) You walk from Cadaques, along the coast to Port Lligat, where you can visit the museum of Dali. You continue through the beautiful nature reserve of Cap de Creus, with its amazing rock formations until you reach the lighthouse. From here you walk back to Cadaques via the path further inland.

You can also decide to take a day off and spend the day in Cadaques, one of the most beautiful villages along this coast.

Distance: 12km

Leaving Cadaques you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus National Park. You will follow a rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan coastal mountains before arriving at El Port de la Selva.

El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historic 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.

Distance : 6km (following the Coastal Path) or 14km (climbing to Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery)

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South 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 Castell de Sant Salvador, from here you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees. You also have stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. You will then make your way down into the village Llançà.

After eight unforgettable days of discovery and adventure, your walking holiday has reached its final chapter. The journey may end here, but the memories will keep walking with us.”

Guide

Self-guided

Type

Coast

Cultural

Nature

Season

Easter

Low Season (Oct-April)

Mid Season ( 15-30May / 15-30Sept)

Difficulty

1.Easy

2.Moderate

Duration

8 days

Frequently asked questions

Along the coast, the paths go from cove to cove without any technical difficulties, but with occasional short, steep climbs.
Through the countryside, the paths are wider with very little gradient.
The climb to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is the hardest climb of the week.
A good physical condition is required, but this route is suitable for anyone who enjoys and practices walking.
The overall level is easy to medium.

The total distance is 73 km, to be completed over 5 or 6 walking days, with a total of 25 to 30 walking hours.

Transfer from Girona to Calella de Palafrugell upon arrival included.

Airport 1: Barcelona

Airport 2: Girona

Barcelona Main Station: Sants

There is a bus from the Barcelona airport (T1 and T2) which arrives at Palafrugell bus station. By train from Barcelona, there is the regional train (R11) or Ave (high speed train) to Girona or Figueres.

https://rodalies.gencat.cat

To come back to Barcelona, there is the regional train (R11) which goes directly to Barcelona from Llançà.

https://rodalies.gencat.cat