France and Spain - Catalonia - Walking from Collioure to Cadaques

Description	Dates and prices

Self-guided hike from Collioure (France) to Cadaques (Spain) along the coast

An exceptional walk in Catalonia from France into Spain, discovering the magnificent contrasting landscapes along the Catalan coast.

This self-guided walk combines sea and countryside landscape, excellent even in the mild Mediterranean winter. It takes you along the Côte Vermeille, beloved by the artists like Matisse and Derain, the pioneers of Fauvism and the Spanish catalan coast has attracted painters as famous Dali or Miro and Picasso. In Banyuls you discover the city of the sculptor Maillol.

From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest … a diverse natural landscape full of contrasts, history, with clear emerald waters and charming fishing villages, stunning views, friendly people and unique culture.

This land, overcrowded in Summer, turns into peaceful fishermen spots from Winter to Spring and in Autumn.

This walking tour offers 2 levels of walking each day : 1 moderate and 1 challenging level in our guide book.

Day 1

Arrive in Collioure (France)
At the foot of the Pyrenees and in front of the Mediterranean Sea, Collioure is the capital of fauvism. Its colorful façades, the 13th c. castle and the magnificent altarpiece of the Church will enjoy you. A beautiful place surrounded by pretty beaches that attracted the likes of Matisse and Picasso. Overnight in Collioure.

Day 2

From Collioure to Banyuls (4 h walk/ 12 km / +/- 500m )
A straightforward walk with a mix of coastal paths, orange groves and rural country lanes, scrublands and vineyards. The ascent of the watchtower of Madeloc is possible. Follow a rocky promontory looking out across the clear blue sea before descending through vineyards to Banyuls.
Challenging Option : 5 hours of walking, 13 km, + 700 m ; - 700 m
Esay Option : 4 hours of walking, 12 km, + 500 m ; - 500 m .
Night in a hotel, dinner HB

Day 3

From Banyuls to Cerbère (4 h walk/ 13.5 km/ + 450m/-450 )
From creek to creek, admire the Blue Mediterranean sea, and the Querroig Tower up to the tiny port of the end of the World. Night in Cerbère.
Challenging Option : 5 hours of walking,14 km, + 700 m ; - 700 m
Easy Option : 4 hours of walking,13,5 km, + 450 m ; - 450 m.

Day 4

From Cerbere to Llança (4h30 walk/ 14 km / + 500m/-500m)
Your walk approaches Spain and the Sea shore is closer, the vegetation lower and their fragrance stronger. The colorful Garbet Beach is so peaceful. The path follows the coast up to Llança.
Night in Llança

Day 5

From Llança to Port de la Selva (4h walk/ 12 km / + 450m/-450m)
Amazing ascent by a monk path where you will first cross the elegant Church of Santa Elena and then the imposing Monasterio of Sant Pere de Roda. Nice descent to Port de la Selva with views over the Bay.
Night in Port de la
Challenging Option : 5 hours of walking,13 km, + 700 m ; - 700 m .
Easy Option : 4 hours of walking, 11,7 km, + 550 m ; - 550 m.

Day 6

Port de la Selva to Cadaques (5h walk/ 13 km / +350/-350m)
Today's walk crosses the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a mineral environment with strange animal shaped contours surrounded by the deep blue waters in Dali's land where his house in Port Lligat continues to keep alive the painter's soul. Then you reach the final destination, the mythical white Cadaques. Night in Cadaques.
Challenging Option : 7 hours of walking, 20 km, + 500 m ; - 500 m.

Day 7

Cadaques - (2h15 walk- 5 km- +100m/-100m)
Discover the rocky peninsula s'Oliguera. At 11 in the morning the shuttle will take you back to Collioure.
You can also decide to visit the Dali's Museum located in Figueres. Possible tranfers to the city.
You can also decide to extend your stay and enjoy a few more days the beauty of Cadaques.