Spain: Classic Catalonia

Self-Guided Walking Tour, Spain: Classic CataloniaSelf-Guided Walking Tour, Spain: Classic Catalonia

Spain

Classic Catalonia

overview

This self-guided adventure takes in all the glories of Catalonia—the pristine beaches of its Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages with inviting markets, historic landmarks, and myriad opportunities to sample Catalan specialties. Follow your chosen route to the 11th-century palace at Peratallada, a medieval village with beautiful arches, secret passageways, and shaded squares that’s known as the best-preserved in Spain. In Monells, tasty options for lunch will fuel you for your visit to La Bisbal, a lively market town recognized for its pottery and historic Old Quarter. The Teatre-Museum Gala Dali in the town of Figueres makes for an inspired visit. Walk through fields of sunflowers across the Emporda plain to the walled village of Ullastret, whose archaeological excavations reveal an ancient Iberian settlement. Move on to Begur, where thousand-year-old castle ruins stand next to shops, restaurants, and impressive villas. You’ll discover the secluded village of Sa Tuna and its sandy cove, and take cool forest paths to the seaside town of Tamariu, where you pick up a gorgeous coastal trail with scenery as sublime as any in Spain.

Activity Level
Moderate;
8-13 miles daily
Meet
Flaçà, Spain
Depart
Flaçà, Spain
Daily Itinerary
Download printable
itinerary
Reading List
Recommended
pre-trip reading
Self-Guided Walking 
7 days, 6 nights Trip Includes 

Trip Includes

  • Continental breakfast and 4 dinners—nights 2-5 (lunches, 2 dinners, and beverages are not included)
  • All accommodations (with private bathrooms) while on tour
  • Local transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • Luggage transfers between the hotels
  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Basic travel insurance coverage
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership.
    Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones
  • The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW staff
Number of Travelers
Total in your party
Price from
  per person double occupancy
Single supplement + $0 
Call  800.464.9255 to book this trip.

gallery

Itinerary and Accommodations

Days
Destination
1
Calella de Palafrugell
View on map
2
La Bisbal
View on map
3
La Bisbal
View on map
4
Begur
View on map
5
Begur
View on map
6
Calella de Palafrugell
View on map
7
Calella de Palafrugell
View on map
Day 1

Calella de Palafrugell

Arrival to Calella de Palafrugell

After settling in your sea-view room (all with private balcony), you might wish to stroll into the charming town (a 5-minute walk) where you have a wide array of restaurants from which to choose.

Hotel Garbi

Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Located on the famous Costa Brava just 5 minutes from a sandy beach, this family-run resort is set on the edge of town in expansive grounds shaded by manicured pine trees. Comfortable rooms have balconies and sea views; also with an inviting swimming pool with chaise lounges and umbrellas. Calella is a relaxed seaside resort town with three sandy coves for swimming and a wide choice of bars and restaurants for your two independent dinners.

Day 2

La Bisbal

Mont-Ras to Castell d'Empordà; 17km/10.5mi/5hr or 19km/12mi/6hr

Today begins with a very short ride to Mont-Ras, from where you have a choice of routes.

Both options take you into Les Gavarres hills to visit three dolmen and offers fantastic views of the Empordà plain. Upon your return to the isolated Hotel Castell d’Empordà, you may wish to swim in the inviting pool, perhaps one of the most ideally located pools in the region.

Hotel Castell d'Empordà

La Bisbal, Spain

A uniquely restored hotel in a castle dating from the 14th century (which Salvador Dalí once tried to acquire!)  located on a 30-acre estate comprised of hundred-year-old forest and olive orchards. Spacious guest rooms are dramatically decorated with a mixture of modern and antique Spanish furnishings, with either a balcony or terrace overlooking the countryside. Dinner is a set menu from the restaurant renowned for its excellent local cuisine, also served on the patio area, weather permitting. An outdoor pool and deck area with chaise lounges looks over the Empordà plain.

Day 3

La Bisbal

Layover at Hotel Castell d’Empordà. Optional 16km/10mi/4hr15min or 11km/7mi/3hr

You may laze by the pool or follow one of our suggested circular walks linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (lovely square and great choices for lunch) and La Bisbal—a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto whose intricate arches are still intact today.

Hotel Castell d'Empordà

La Bisbal, Spain

A uniquely restored hotel in a castle dating from the 14th century (which Salvador Dalí once tried to acquire!)  located on a 30-acre estate comprised of hundred-year-old forest and olive orchards. Spacious guest rooms are dramatically decorated with a mixture of modern and antique Spanish furnishings, with either a balcony or terrace overlooking the countryside. Dinner is a set menu from the restaurant renowned for its excellent local cuisine, also served on the patio area, weather permitting. An outdoor pool and deck area with chaise lounges looks over the Empordà plain.

Day 4

Begur

Castell d'Empordà to Begur; 16km/10mi/5hr or 17km/10.5mi/5.5hr

Today you enjoy gentle walking across the Empordà plain, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. You continue on through fields bright with sunflowers until you reach peach-colored Pals, a lovely medieval village (with a Romanesque church) affording stunning views. The final stretch of today’s walk takes you through pine forest to Maria and Narcis’ family-run hotel in the old town of Begur, where you will settle in for a fantastic dinner and relaxing evening.

Hotel Rosa

Begur, Spain

This family-run hotel located in the heart of the medieval village of Begur is perfectly located for accessing nearby beaches and walking routes. All rooms have been stylishly refurbished and have a hydro-massage bathtub. The hotel’s restaurant, in a separate building across the street, offers dinner à la carte with excellent Catalan cuisine. A tranquil hilltop town, Begur has a charming pedestrian main square and remains of a 17th-century castle from which views extend to the sea and the Pyrénées.

Day 5

Begur

Layover at Begur. Optional 11km/7mi/4hr

Begur is a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th-century castle, impressive villas, and pretty narrow streets perfect for exploring. It’s just 10 minutes by local bus or taxi to the coast where four beautiful sandy coves await: Sa Riera, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna and, just over the hill, Aiguablava. Each have their own stretch of beach, shops, cafés, and restaurants. For those looking for something a bit more challenging, we provide details of a 4-hour circular coastal walk which takes in all of our favorite sections.

Hotel Rosa

Begur, Spain

This family-run hotel located in the heart of the medieval village of Begur is perfectly located for accessing nearby beaches and walking routes. All rooms have been stylishly refurbished and have a hydro-massage bathtub. The hotel’s restaurant, in a separate building across the street, offers dinner à la carte with excellent Catalan cuisine. A tranquil hilltop town, Begur has a charming pedestrian main square and remains of a 17th-century castle from which views extend to the sea and the Pyrénées.

Day 6

Calella de Palafrugell

Begur to Calella de Palafrugell; 13km/8mi/4hr or 18km/11mi/5hr

Shaded forest paths take you to the lively seaside town of Tamariu (which has a great beach) where you pick up the pretty coastal path, passing rocky headlands and chic, Spanish resorts. You may want to stop for lunch in one of the beachfront bars at Llafranc—you can almost dip your toes in the water as you eat! You return to Calella (perhaps stopping off at the botanical gardens at Cap Roig en route) in time for a swim in the pool or a couple of hours on the beach before dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Hotel Garbi

Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Located on the famous Costa Brava just 5 minutes from a sandy beach, this family-run resort is set on the edge of town in expansive grounds shaded by manicured pine trees. Comfortable rooms have balconies and sea views; also with an inviting swimming pool with chaise lounges and umbrellas. Calella is a relaxed seaside resort town with three sandy coves for swimming and a wide choice of bars and restaurants for your two independent dinners.

Day 7

Calella de Palafrugell

Departure from Calella de Palafruge

A scheduled transfer is provided to Flaçà this morning to catch your train back to Barcelona or your next destination.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. If you are currently booked on a CW adventure, an itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call CW at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact itinerary or hotels selected for any of our tours.

Guest Comments

H & M Satterfield, California, September 2011

It was one of the most fabulous vacations we've ever taken. Even the rigorous nature of some of the walks made the time that much more memorable, and of course made arriving at the final destination that much more enjoyable! And our Rep Allan was terrific.