Catalan Classic Walk

Location: Catalunya, Spain. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Upper 1 boot Duration: 7 days (6 nights)   5 days (4 nights) option available. Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals.   Continental breakfast and 2 evening meals (4 night version). Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 3 Apr '12 to 24 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Beautiful circular walk taking in lovely coastal stretches and unspoilt country landscapes. Fabulous bird and plant life; very good hotels and swimming opportunities every day. 2 nights are spent in a luxury castle.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell

We meet you at Flaca railway station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where all Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with private balcony and sea view. It's just a 5 minute walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we've left evening meals here up to you.

Day 2 - Calella de Palafrugell to Castell d'Emporda 16km/10mi/4hr or 18km/11mi/5hr

You start with a 20 min ride to Mas Frigola from where you have a choice of routes. Both routes take you into the Gavarre hills to visit three dolmens - fantastic views as far as Begur and the Iles Medes - before descending to the peaceful mediaeval villages of Fonteta and Vulpellac. Then on to the hotel at Castell d'Emporda which has one of the finest located pools we've come across.

Day 3 - At Castell d'Emporda

Laze by the pool or follow our suggested circular walk linking the pretty mediaeval villages of Corca, Monells (pretty square and lovely 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 - its intricate arches are still intact today. Alternatively, the local bus goes to Gerona and Figueras if you fancy a longer day out.

Day 4 - Castell d'Emporda to Begur 19km/12mi/5hr

Gentle walking across the Emporda plain, stopping first at Peratallada, possibly the best preserved village in Spain with its beautifully restored arches, arcaded passageways and lovely shaded squares. On through fields bright with sunflowers until you reach peach-coloured Pals - lovely old village with Romanesque church affording stunning views. The final stretch takes you through pine forest to Maria and Narcis' family-run hotel in the old town of Begur. The food here is fantastic!

Day 5 - At Begur

Begur is a fashionable hilltop town with C11 castle, impressive villas and pretty narrow streets made for exploring! It's just 10 mins by local bus (mid Jun - Mid Sep only) or taxi to the coast where four beautiful sandy coves await: Sa Riera, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna and, just over the hill, Aiguablava. For people looking for something a touch more challenging, we provide details of a circular coastal walk which takes in all our favourite sections.

Day 6 - Begur to Calella de Palafrugell 13km/8mi/4hr or 17km/11mi/5.5hr

Shaded forest paths take you to the lively seaside town of Tamariu (great beach) where you pick up the pretty coastal path, passing rocky headlands and chic, Spanish resorts on to Llafranc - spectacular views from the San Sebastian lighthouse. Lunch in one of the beachfront bars - you can almost dip your toes in the water as you eat! Back to Calella, perhaps continuing along the coastal path as far as the botanical gardens at Cap Roig, in time for a swim in the pool or a couple of hours on the beach before dinner.

Day 7 - Leave Calella de Palafrugell

We take you to Flaca at midday to catch your train back to Barcelona - a city add on here is a popular option before heading home.