Walking the Costa Brava from Spain to France

Distance: 16km 

Today you set out on a stunning walk to Cap de Creus, the easternmost tip of mainland Spain, where land and sea collide in a dramatic dance of light and stone. From the very first steps, you’re greeted by breathtaking coastal views—cliffs plunging into turquoise waters and rugged headlands sculpted by centuries of wind and waves.

As you wander deeper into the reserve, the rock formations steal the show. Twisted, jagged, and almost otherworldly, they fire up your imagination: lions, dragons, camels, eagles—even rats and cats—seem to rise from the stone itself. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a land of myths, though here the creators are not gods but the relentless forces of nature, still carving this extraordinary geological gallery with every gust of tramuntana wind and every crash of the sea.

Distance: 12km 

Leaving the whitewashed charm of Cadaqués behind, we head north into the wild beauty of Cap de Creus National Park. Our path winds along a peaceful rural trail, where rolling landscapes open up to sweeping views of the Catalan countryside. As we continue, the majestic Pyrenees rise on the horizon, and the distant line of the French–Spanish border comes into sight. The journey ends in the picturesque fishing village of El Port de la Selva, a perfect reward after a day of discovery.

Distance: 14km (via the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes) or 6km (along the coastal path)

You leave the charming fishing village of El Port de la Selva behind and begin our climb northwest, winding our way up to the majestic Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. With origins tracing back to the first century AD, this ancient cloister is considered one of the most significant in Spain’s Christian heritage.

From there, you continue upward to the ruins of Sant Salvador Castle, perched high above the coastline. The reward is nothing short of spectacular: sweeping views of the Alt Empordà, the distant Albera Mountains, and the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees. Turning seaward, the panorama stretches across the glittering Bay of Roses and the dramatic coastline of the Cap de Creus Peninsula.

After soaking in the scenery, you descend towards the welcoming seaside town of Llançà, where the Mediterranean once again greets us at the water’s edge.

Distance: 15km 

In the morning, you’ll transfer from Llançà to Portbou, where your journey begins again. From here, you head north, taking in sweeping views of the Pyrenees, the iconic Canigou peak, the rugged Cap de Creus, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. As you climb into the rolling Catalan hills, the landscape unfolds around you, leading you across the border into France. Your adventure continues all the way to the charming seaside town of Banyuls-sur-Mer, where the mountains gracefully meet the coast.

Distance: 17km 

As you head north, you follow quiet lanes and cliff-top paths that lead you around the rugged Cap Béar headland, where every turn rewards you with spectacular views. Along the way, you can pause for a refreshing swim in hidden coves before winding your way through sun-drenched vineyards that produce the region’s celebrated wines. Your journey ends in the charming French coastal town of Collioure, a place as beautiful as the route that brought you there.

Departure day. Optional transfer from Collioure to the airport.