Mediterranean Pyrenees Coastal Walk from Collioure to Cadaques

Day 1: Arrival in Collioure

Settle in at this charming old fishing port with a remarkable heritage, which saw the birth of the movement of Fauvist painters. Here, the light bounces off the walls and every hour of the day offers a new dazzling display.

From the quays to the top of the Citadel designed by Vauban, Louis XIV's military engineer, it is in colour that you will breathe the air of the city.
You stay at Hotel Princes de Catalogne *** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 2: Collioure - Banyuls 13.5 or 15 km (8 or 9 MI)

Walk up to the old windmill, then on up to the fort of St Elme where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the coast, both north and south. From there, you have 2 options, along the coast or over the mountains.

The Coastal Walk : you walk down to the typically Catalan and very active Port Vendres, then follow the coast by Cap Bear with its numerous attractive coves and creeks, often featuring vines and delightfully colourful, fragrant flowers. Then Paulilles beach offers an almost irresistible opportunity for a swim and sunbathe before continuing to Banyuls by Cap d'Ullastret with its crystal clear waters and hidden coves. The Foothills Walk : you go over the mountains, you continue climbing up to the majestic Madeloc Tower through alternating 'maquis' and vines, and when you see the breath-taking 360° view running from the Spanish border to the plains of Roussillon you understand why they built this watch tower here. From here you descend through vineyards and chestnut orchards until you reach Banyuls. A very satisfying walk.

Banyuls is an interesting and historic frontier town, which is also the end of the famous trans-Pyrenean 900 kilometre GR10 from the Atlantic to here on the Mediterranean.
You stay at Hotel Le Catalan *** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 3: Banyuls - Cerbere 9.2 or 13 km (5.5 or 8 MI)

Walk right by the sea, but soon up onto the cliffs that form Cap Cerbère with its marine nature reserve (marked by yellow buoys) stretching almost a mile out to sea to protect the consequently numerous fish and many other sea creatures. You pass beautiful creeks popular with yachtsmen.

Alternatively, via the Foothills Walk: from Banyuls small lanes with ancient stone walls enable you to climb comfortably up through vineyards then 'maquis' to enjoy a series of panoramic views of the nearby coast and hills with the higher Pyrenees in the distance, including the nearly 8,500 feet Mount Canigou 30 miles away, which often has snow on its summit right into summer. You walk, however, up to the rather more manageable 2,000 feet close to the signal tower, Tour de Querroig, that marks the frontier before enjoying magnificent sea views as you descend to Cerbere.
You stay at La Vigie** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 4: Cerbere - Llanca 12.7 or 21.5 km (8 or 13 MI)

Cross the Spanish border by longing the coastal path passing by the lovely Garbet beach and coves bordered by pine trees.

Alternatively climb the hills to Puig Tiffel for a wonderful view over Cap de Creus, Emporda, and the sunny Albères.

4 routes according to the level you prefer. Possibility to shorten 2 routes with train journey (on your charge).
You stay at Hotel Gri Mar*** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 5: Llanca - Port de la Selva 12 or 15.5 km (8 or 9.5 MI)

The coastal walk offers some impressive architect designed villas to arrive at the Sarnella lighthouse, and soon after the pretty, white village of Port de la Selva offering both vibrancy and tranquillity. You can now explore the village, and enjoy all that your characterful, waterside hotel offers, or explore the lovely port of Fornells with its golden cliffs and tiny harbour.

The foothill walk is a superb route through 'maquis', up hidden valleys and along pilgrim paths to the beautiful small chapel of St Helena, and the imposing monastery of San Père de Rodes. From there are magnificent coastal views including Cape Creus and the white coastal villages. If you want to climb even higher to San Salvador castle from where you can see the bay of Rosas and the Pyrenees, including, of course, Mount Canigou. Either way, you descend with the blue of the Mediterranean shimmering constantly in front of you in order to arrive at Port de la Selva.
You stay at Cap de Creus*** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 6: Port de la Selva - Cadaques 13 or 20 km (8 or 12 MI)

Walk through the natural park which provides a good view of the massif of Cap de Creus to its furthest reaches, where the Pyrenees fall into the sea with a last gasp. Varied, it starts in the middle of historic relics testifying to the remarkable work in dry-stone, before enjoying a feast of amazing geology that influenced SalvadorDali himself.

After a deserved rest in a beautiful cove, the climax is reached when you arrive in Cadaquès on the beautiful ancient coastal path, lined with stone walls, winding between terraces, with white houses tumbling down to the sea.

Alternatively, cross the wild and unspoilt coastal foothills of Cap de Creus, but also visit the beautiful and steep sided Cala Taballera cove. As you cross the cape you will see ancient dry stone shelters among the trees and other natural treasures of this remarkable landscape. The walk ends with a panoramic descent through stone walls and olive trees to Cadaques, although we would recommend extending it by visiting the Cala Nans lighthouse, not least so as to enjoy the beautiful view of Cadaquès
You stay at Hotel S'Aguarda*** ( Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 7: Leave Cadaques

Optional short walk to Cala Nans facing Cadaques (beautiful at sunrise), 2h30.

Optional transfers to Perpignan or Collioure via Figueres and the Dali Museum (possibility to stop for the visit 1h30).

When you book, please tell us if you want to do the stop at the Dali museum on the way back.