Self-Guided Hiking Tours

SPAIN | Spanish Mediterranean: Costa Brava

Eight days of inn-to-inn hiking on Spain's "Wild Coast."

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  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • Self Guided Hiking Trip Costa Brava
  • Spain- Costa Brava Trek
  • One of the best self-guided trips we have taken with Ryder-Walker. The food and the accommodations were spectacular. We went in May. - Cherie S.

Trip Highlights:

  • Explore a highly varied landscape with rugged cliffs, half-moon bays, beautiful beaches and bucolic farmland.
  • Relax post-hike in charming Spanish hotels.
  • Enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterreanean Sea and take in views of the Pyrénées on a clear day.
  • 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 Palamos in the province of Girona, Catalonia—just an hour and-a-half drive north from Barcelona. From Palamos, 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.

Sip a glass of wine at your seaside lunch stop in the tiny village of Sa Tuna, and take in the views of the Pyrenean Mountains from the hilltop at Quermany Gros on a clear day. Explore the ruins of a medieval castle at Begur and wander the walled city of Pals, with its Romanesque watchtowers, cobblestone alleys, and stone archways.

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 Palamos, a lively port town in the province of Girona, just north of Barcelona. Settle into your hotel and relax. If time permits, we recommend an afternoon stroll through the old harbour. Palamos has multiple beaches, a lively downtown and the Museu de la Pesca, a highly rated museum devoted to the local fishing industry.

Climb through a pine forest to Cap Gros, then along a series of sandy beaches and small fishermen’s villages with traditional Mediterranean architecture. The journey continues through a number of hidden coves and remote beaches before meandering along a coastal walkway to Calella. Tonight, you dine out.

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.

Hike through pine and cactus-filled forests, over two small peaks, and traverse above dramatic coastal scenery. Drop down to the idyllic town of Sa Tuna for lunch, and continue to Begur to meet your ride to Pals.

Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2100/1500 ft.

Today you hike to the charming town of Gualta. Taxi transfer to the important fishing port of Roses. Check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon exploring the ruins.

Distance 6 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 (Airport).

Spanish Mediterranean: Costa Brava | SPAIN

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