SPAIN | Spanish Mediterranean: Costa Brava
Eight days of inn-to-inn hiking on Spain's "Wild Coast."
Trip Highlights:
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Explore a highly varied landscape with rugged cliffs, half-moon bays, beautiful beaches and bucolic farmland.
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Relax post-hike in charming Spanish hotels.
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Enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterreanean Sea and take in views of the Pyrénées on a clear day.
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Savor the seaside lunches in sleepy fishing villages and coastal towns.
Rugged cliffs, crystalline bays, and tranquil coves with tucked-away fishing villages and beautiful beaches are just a few of the highlights of this eight-day inn-to-inn hiking tour along Spain’s Costa Brava on the Mediterranean Sea.
Costa Brava literally means rugged, or ‘wild’, coast, but don’t let the name or the abrupt cliffs and cactus-lined trails frighten you. With medieval castles, seaside restaurants, hillside vineyards, and well-appointed hotels, hiking along Spain’s Costa Brava is a very sweet life indeed.
This village-to-village walking tour begins in the lively port city of Palamós in the province of Girona, Catalonia—just an hour and fifteen minute drive north from Barcelona. From Playa d’Aro, hike past ancient ruins and colorful fishing villages, replete with traditional Mediterranean architecture as you alternate between beautiful beaches, quiet pine forests, and red stone cliffs. Visit the Far de San Sebastia, a historic lighthouse perched on a cape and surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Bed down in an upscale hotel in Aigua Blava, a scenic bay with one of the most beautiful, and prestigious beaches in Spain.
Moving up the coast you hike to the intimate beaches of Sa Tuna and Sa Riera on the way to Begur, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the town’s 10th-century “castell” perched above. Spend the evening exploring the historic old town, with its winding streets, lively squares, and captivating charm.Continue on to the storybook medieval town of Pals in the heart of the Bay of Emporada. Visit Palau-Sator, another medieval town along the route before a transfer to the famous fishing port of Roses, where you have the afternoon to wander the ancient Citadel and enjoy the shops, beach and wonderful local cuisine.
A real highlight of this tour is an exploration of the region surrounding the Parc Natural de Cap de Creus, the area that inspired famous artists like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and many others. You’ll stay in the town of Roses, first settled by the Greeks during the Fifth Century B.C. Wrap up your hiking tour in the fishing village of Cadaqués, once the summer residence of Salvador Dali and now host to walkers and hikers celebrating their memorable hike in Spain.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Barcelona (Airport) to Palamós, a lively coastal town known for it’s beautiful beaches, just north of Barcelona. Settle into your hotel and relax.
Set off on a scenic ascent through pine forests toward Cap Gros, where sweeping coastal views await. From there, stroll along golden sandy beaches, passing charming fishermen’s villages adorned with traditional Mediterranean architecture. Visit hidden coves and secluded beaches. Today’s hike ends with a leisurely coastal walk into the picturesque town of Calella de Parafrugell. Dine out this evening.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500 ft.
Today’s trail is a highly varied walk with sections along coastal paths, village promenades, and forested mountainous trails. Visit the most important historic (and most powerful) lighthouse in the region. Arrive at your upscale hotel in the picturesque Aigua Blava bay in the early afternoon.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2100 ft.
Begin your hike through forests dotted with pine and cactus, ascending two small peaks that reveal breathtaking coastal vistas. As you traverse above dramatic cliffs, the path gently descends into the postcard-perfect beach town of Sa Tuna. From there, continue along the coast to the charming village of Sa Riera before heading into town, where a short, scenic taxi ride brings you to Begur.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2100/1500 ft.
Today’s adventure begins with a walk to the enchanting medieval village of Pals, where cobbled streets and historic architecture invite you to explore. Take time to wander through the unique shops and soak in the charm. The journey continues to the quaint village of Palau-Sator, equally steeped in medieval history, where you can savor a leisurely lunch in a cozy local café. Afterward, meet your taxi for a transfer to the coastal town of Roses. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon either unwinding or discovering the nearby ancient ruins.
Distance 9.3 miles. Elevation gain/loss 1600/1000 ft.
Today’s hike is an extraordinary journey with many contrasts. Leaving Roses, hike above coastal cliffs and into secluded coves, which feel hidden from the world. Pass by El Bulli, the most famous restaurant in the world for decades and now a culinary foundation, located on the idyllic Cala Montjoi. When you come upon another hidden paradisiacal cove, Cala Jóncols, you arrive at the end of today’s hike. There is a boat shuttle from Cala Jóncols to the magical fishing village of Cadaqués. Your hotel is a short walk from the harbor. Tonight, you dine out.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1100 ft.
The last hike begins out the door of your hotel in Cadaqués, which was home to Salvador Dali’s summer residence, and has been a favorite destination of Picasso, Miro, and countless others. Your destination is Cap de Creus lighthouse, where you enjoy endless views of the sea before venturing back to Cadaqués. Tonight, you dine out.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800/2500 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Cadaques to Barcelona.
Trip Rating
COMFORT
EFFORT
TERRAIN
Self-Guided Tour
May-June & September-October
Pricing
$3,650 per person double
Single (+$990)
Trip Map
Trip Profile
Duration
7 nights/8 days
Hiking up to 10 miles
Ascents up to 2800 ft
Availability
May-June & September-October
Tour Package Includes
Arrival and departure transfers via Barcelona
Custom route descriptions
GPX routes for each hike
Four-color topo maps
Travel instructions
Luggage transfer (one piece max per person no more than 50 lbs,)
Cultural information and more
Accommodations
7 nights charming hotels
Breakfast + Dinner
Breakfast daily
Dinner provided 4 of the 7 nights
Luggage Transfer
Luggage access all nights
Transportation
Arrival and departure taxi transfers via Barcelona included in the trek price.
Taxi transfers on the standard itinerary are included during the tour between Palamós and Cadaques.
Public transportation costs during the trek are not included. If the itinerary requires public transportation, we provide timetables, schedules, and a link to purchase tickets if available.
Gateways
Barcelona, Spain
