detailed trip file - one foot abroad trips files/spain catalan between...finally on to cadaqués...

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Detailed trip file

One Foot Abroad Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane Dublin 8, Ireland UK: +44 (0)20 8123 0599 Ireland: +353 (0)1 443 3973 USA: +1 917 267 7524 France: +33 (0)4 83 58 05 47 [email protected]

SELF-GUIDED

VISIT THE GREEK AND ROMAN RUINS OF

EMPURIES WALK ALONG THE WILD COAST WITH ITS

MILES OF GOLDEN BEACHES AND

SECLUDED COVES WALK INLAND THROUGH THE

AIGUAMOLLS NATURE RESERVE WHERE

INNUMERABLE SEABIRDS AND

SONGBIRDS HAVE SETTLED

Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea

One Foot Abroad – Tel: +353 1 443 3973 – [email protected] Page 1 of 7

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Summary

From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the

diverse and changing natural landscapes of Catalonia exert a powerful attraction to walkers. This walking

trail holiday has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will

walk along the “wild coast” with its miles of coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear

water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and

songbirds have settled.

You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees. You will have

the chance to discover Greek and Roman ruins, gothic buildings, the region's acclaimed gastronomy, and the

wines produced by the vineyards you pass en-route and much more!

We have chosen accommodation that fit the character of the walk. We believe they offer the best quality of

service and value for money from the choice available. The accommodations vary, from a beautiful 4* rural

converted farmhouse surrounded by orchards to a large rustic family run 4* hotel close to the beach in a

traditional whitewashed fishing village surrounded by mountains.




Itinerary 8 days itinerary

Day 1: L'Escala

Day 2: Sant Martí d’Empúries

Day 3: River Fluviá/Aiguamolls Natural Park

Day 4: Platja Canyelles

Day 5: Cadaqués

Day 6: El Port de la Selva

Day 7: Castell de Sant Salvador

Day 8: Palau Saverdera to Girona/Figueres

Day 1: L'Escala

Arrive at Girona airport or Figueres train station where you will be transferred to your

accommodation in L’Escala. The old centre of the town still retains the character of a typical

Spanish working 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.

Day 2: Sant Martí d'Empúries

Leaving L’Escala behind you will make your way onto the coastal trail. You will pass the

walled settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight,

however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The

ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the

Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from

218BC onwards.

From Empúries, you walk along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you

could pause for a swim. You will finally arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by a wonderful landscape

and natural interest, and crossed by the River Fluvià, St. Pere dates back to the year 974 when it was still a

possession of the Monastery of St. Pere de Rodes.

Day 3: River Fluviá/Aiguamolls Natural Park

Today’s walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá, along the beach at its mouth and

then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are

likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, snipes, Redshanks, Marsh

Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the

spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and

Spoonbills.

You will eventually arrive at Castello D’Empuries. Castello is a beautiful medieval village steeped in history.

There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the

Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and

gothic influenced architecture.




Day 4: Platja Canyelles

You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles. You will head east along the coast following a

spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfill every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will

pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal clear

sea. Eventually you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves and

finally on to Cadaqués Cadaqués 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”.

Day 5: Cadaqués

On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding

alleyways, and a visit to the Parish Church from XVII. Century should not be missed. Perhaps a

walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-

September; pay locally) would be in order.

You may want to walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Iberian

Peninsula is spectacular; 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 there.

Day 6: El Port de la Selva

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 path with beautiful views of the Catalan

countryside 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 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. The

village has some of Catalonia’s best beaches.




Day 7: Castell de Sant Salvador

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de

Rodes cloister (Open Oct 1st to May 31st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1st to Sept. 30th from 10am to

8pm, closed on Mondays). 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 past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera and finally the end of

your journey.

Day 8: Palau Saverdera to Girona/Figueres

Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres train station.




How to get there

Way in & back: L’Escala

The closest airport from L'Escala is Girona-Costa Brava airport. However, it's also easily

accessible by flying to Barcelona.

To Girona

- Girona-Costa Brava airport

Major airline flying to Girona: Ryanair

To Barcelona (then Figueres)

- Barcelona-El Prat airport

Virtually all airlines fly to Barcelona.

To Figueres

From Barcelona, you need to take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants from the airport.

They leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 mins. You then change trains at Sants and

take a train to Figueres or Figueres Vilafant depending on the train you catch. The transfer

from Figueres or Figueres Vilafant to your first accommodation takes approx. 20 mins.




Dates & Prices

Package option Price starts from

8 days - 7 nights - 2, 3 & 4* Hotels -

B&B €740.00

Best prices on the market based on this level of

comfort and standard!




See you soon

Keeping in touch

Thank you for choosing “One Foot Abroad”. We are committed to provide you with the highest quality of

service. For this reason, we would be really grateful if you send us your feedback by completing a simple

and quick questionnaire at the internet link:

We use your answers to continuously improve the quality and accuracy of the walking notes and, more

generally, of our services. We look forward to hearing from you again, so please contact us for information

about your walking holiday:

Email: [email protected]

Tel:

By post:

One Foot Abroad

Guinness Enterprise Centre,

Taylors Lane,

Dublin 8

Ireland

Loyalty discount for returning customers

3% off all bookings for returning customers.

8% off all bookings made 2 or more months in advance by returning customers

(combines 5% early booking + 3% loyalty).

Discounts apply exclusively to basic package.

mailto:[email protected]

detailed trip file - one foot abroad trips files/spain catalan between...finally on to cadaqués...

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