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From the Pyrenees to the SeaDescend from the hills to Cape Creus
Framed by the Pyrenees and gloriously remote feeling, northern Catalonia has many different faces. Within a relatively short distance, the secret, volcanic hills of the Garrotxa give way to a more gently rolling landscape coated with olive groves, vineyards and woods of cork oak. Cross the final ridge before the coast, and you discover yet another scene - rocky coves, sandy bays and rugged headlands. To walk here is a revelation as no two days are the same, and there is a real sense of discovery as you walk through the picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean and cross the beautiful Cape Creus Natural Park to reach Cadaqués, one of Catalonia’s prettiest fishing villages. The accommodation is as diverse as the walking, a mix of stylish hotels and welcoming inns. Nights: 7
Starting point: La Central (2*), near Maçanets. Converted from a hydro-electric power station on the shores of Lake Boadella by an eccentric millionaire, the hotel - praised for its friendly atmosphere and good food - is a celebration of Art Deco architecture and décor set superbly in a valley surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. There is plenty of space to relax, including a sauna and jacuzzi, an outdoor pool and lovely gardens. Day 1: on your day here you can relax in the indoor pool (and in the spa) or we suggest you explore the network of local paths that lead you through shady cork oaks to the pretty mountain village of Maçanets de Cabrenys where you can stop for lunch. (14km, 4hrs) Accommodation: La Central, as above. Day 2: a long but thoroughly enjoyable walk through rolling, ochre-coloured hills. There is an option to shorten the route by 6km by taking a taxi (pay locally) if you would prefer a slightly easier day. (23km, 8hrs) Accommodation: Can Xiquet (4*), Cantallops. Stylishly converted from an old farmstead, Can Xiquet is an idyllic hotel offering an outstanding restaurant and excellent facilities that include an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, solarium and small gym. The views from the terrace often stretch right down to the coast. Day 3: today’s very varied walk starts with a short transfer, after which you walk through a variety of scenery that includes farmland; open countryside dotted with granite boulders; vineyards; olive groves; cork-oak woods; and drier areas characterised by clusters of prickly pear, agave and cypress trees. (15km, 6hrs) Accommodation: Can Coll (rural inn), Garriguella. Run by the charming Emilia Sánchez, who creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, this is a small inn with just four pretty rooms. As there is no restaurant, you dine in Garriguella (pay locally) using our restaurant recommendations as a guide. Day 4: from Garriguella, your route rises into the coastal hills, past olive groves and vineyards, then continues to ascend over a high ridge to the magnificent monastery of San Pere de Rodes, which perches high above the sea and is worth a short visit. During both the ascent and the subsequent descent to Port de la Selva, you pass numerous wonderful viewpoints overlooking the Empordà plain and the sweeping Gulf of Roses. Alternatively, for some coastal walking, you could take a different route that heads more or less due east across the hills to meet the sea at the port of Llança, from where you walk along the coastal path to Port de la Selva. (19km, 7hrs or 18km, 6.5hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristo (3*), Port de la Selva. The spacious, well-appointed rooms of this smart hotel are individually decorated, and some have a small balcony. For most of the season guests dine in the seafront restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. Day 5: this superb highlight of the holiday takes you across Cape Creus, the rugged promontory that forms Spain’s easternmost point, to the delightful fishing village of Cadaqués. The headland has been declared a Natural Park, and the dramatic, rocky landscape is particularly beautiful early in the season, when flowers carpet the ground. (13.5km, 5hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Playa Sol (3*), Cadaqués. A well-appointed hotel that overlooks the bay. There is a pool, several seating areas, and a bar. The rooms are spacious, many with balconies with tables and chairs. Breakfast only is provided, leaving you free to try one of the port’s many seafood restaurants. Day 6: on your last day, explore the cobbled streets of Cadaqués (once described by Dalí as 'the most beautiful village in the world'), and enjoy one final walk. Paths lead north via the village of Port Lligat to Dalí's house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September; pay locally) then hug the coastline, passing numerous small, sandy coves to reach the lighthouse at Cape Creus. There is an excellent bar/restaurant at the lighthouse here, where you could stop for lunch (pay locally) before retracing your steps back to the hotel. (12km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Playa Sol, as above. Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Recommendations for extra nights: La Central (Maçanets) is a great place to relax as the hotel has a spa (including facilities for massages etc – pay locally) and can arrange for boating and fishing on the lake. For extra walking, choose Hotel Can Xiquet (Cantallops), from where you can explore the picturesque Albera Natural Park. Extensions: why not stay in the city from which you are flying home? Experience the vibrancy of Barcelona from the 4-star Hotel Colón, or the beauty of Girona from the 2-star Hotel Peninsular. Alternatively, for an exciting two-week journey, join this walk to our Pyrenees to the Garroxta walk. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Pyrenees to the Garrotxa (grade 2), Collioure to Cadaqués (grade 2), Alps to the Mediterranean (grade 2), Secret Algarve (grade 2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Barcelona & Girona Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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Around Maçanets
de Cabrenys
