• charming farmhouse apartments in a beautiful corner of Catalonia
• gentle but scenic walking and cycling, route notes provided
• follow the smugglers’ trail along the coast
• lots to do for all the family
• just 10km from the coast
• 7 days' car hire included if you are travelling by air

Unspoiled Empordà in northern Catalonia is a land of contrasting charms, from the coves, cliffs and sandy beaches of the Costa Brava to the timeless villages, vineyards and fields of sunflowers of the gently rolling inland plain.
 

The Empordà Plain offers a vast network of paths and cycle tracks, meaning you can enjoy a week of gentle activity, with plenty of options for cultural visits or days by the sea to ring the changes.

Walking and cycling
We provide route notes for several leisurely walks and cycle rides – you can hire bikes from your charming hosts. Discover both the beautiful coastline and the patchwork of medieval farms and neat vineyards that lies just inland and which is peppered with ancient villages whose honey-coloured houses of stone cluster round cobbled squares and crumbling castles.

A highlight of our suggested cycle rides is a route which takes you to the beautifully preserved hill-top town of Pals, from where there are sweeping views over fields of sunflowers towards the coast. One of our favourite walks explores the Begur headland, taking in the idyllic bays of Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna, and returning via the botanical gardens of Mas d'en Pinc. 

Sightseeing
There are so many villages and places of interest worth visiting that you would need more than a week to see them all. Just some of the places we recommend are:
• the Greek and Roman remains at Empúries
• the museums which celebrate the life and works of Salvador Dalí in Púbol, Figueres and Port Lligat
• the toy museum in Figueres and the fishing museum in Palamós, which offers trips out to sea on traditional sailing boats throughout the summer
• Sa Tuna, recently voted the most beautiful place in Catalonia
• La Bisbal and its craft shops
• medieval Pals, with its ancient ramparts, cobbled streets, Romanesque monuments and viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean and the Medes Islands
• the beautiful city of Girona, where you can stroll along the walls, explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden courtyards that make up Western Europe’s best-preserved Jewish Quarter, and visit the striking Gothic cathedral

See nature
There are several fascinating nature reserves in the area where you can see a wide variety of wildlife:
• the marshland of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà is home to lapwing, golden plover, flamingo, crane, black stork and the quirky spoonbill. You may also see frogs, newts, terrapins and sand lizards.
• the rugged Cap de Creus peninsula offers dramatic coastal walking and the chance to visit the Dalí museum in Cadaqués.
• the seven islets of the Medes archipelago, a mile out from the popular town of L'Estartit, shelter a few reefs that form one of the most important marine reserves in the Mediterranean. The millions of fish and thousands of animal and plant species that inhabit the shallows, at the base of the island cliffs, can be seen with a snorkel or from one of the many glass-bottomed boat trips around the islands.

Other activities
All the towns along this stretch of coast offer all types of watersports including boat hire, scuba-diving or snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and water-skiing or jet-skiing.

Nearest town
Only 5km away, Torroella de Montgrí is a bustling little town with pleasant squares, tree-lined avenues, a weekly market and numerous cafés and restaurants. The old quarter is laid out in a Roman grid pattern and houses a gothic church, a royal palace and a castle – for centuries, this was the official royal residence for visiting monarchs on their way to or from France. The town also has an archaeological museum that boasts artefacts of the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Iron Ages, the Iberian era and Roman times.

Carnival time
Your holiday may coincide with one of the region’s many colourful and exciting carnivals and festivals, and our notes contain a full calendar of such events, some of which are listed here:
• Fontanilles – the local fiesta is held on the first Saturday in July
• Palamós – it’s the local fair on 24 June and carnival time on 16 July
• Peratallada – enjoy the herb fair in April and the medieval market in October
 

Blau, sleeps 4
Meal arrangements: self-catering

This first-floor apartment comprises one double bedroom, one twin bedroom, a shower room, its own terrace, and a living-cum-dining room incorporating a kitchen corner equipped with a four-ring hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle and toaster.

Verd and Blanc, sleep 6
Meal arrangements: self-catering

Both these apartments are on the ground floor and consist of two double bedrooms, one twin bedroom, two shower rooms, their own terrace and a living-cum-dining room incorporating a kitchen corner equipped with a four-ring hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle and toaster.

Vermell and Groc, sleep 2-3
Meal arrangements: self-catering

Located on the first floor, these apartments consist of a living-cum-dining room with a fireplace and a kitchen corner equipped with a four-ring hob, fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle and toaster; one double bedroom; a second bedroom in the eaves; and a shower room. Each has its own set of table and chairs on their shared terrace. There is a communal washing machine.

*Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais return Channel crossing for your party and one car
Driving time from Calais: 13h
**Property & hire car includes: 7 days’ category C hire car
Recommended airports: Girona & Barcelona
Driving time from airports: Girona 0h45, Barcelona 1h45
Book your flights through us and we’ll find the best route and times to suit you
Start: any day
Last start: by latest date(s) shown above