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Home , El Port de la Selva, Girona, Sant Pere de Rodes, Vilafant

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One Foot Abroad VISIT THE GREEK AND ROMAN RUINS OF DSeconde Floor,tail 16/17e Suffolkd Streettrip file EMPURIES Dublin 2, Ireland WALK ALONG THE WILD COAST WITH ITS MILES OF GOLDEN BEACHES AND UK: +44 (0)20 3411 0701 SECLUDED COVES Ireland: +353 (0)1 687 2141 WALK INLAND THROUGH THE USA: +1 916 287 8651 AIGUAMOLLS NATURE RESERVE WHERE France: +33 (0)1 82 88 31 76 INNUMERABLE SEABIRDS AND SONGBIRDS HAVE SETTLED [email protected] Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea

Summary

From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes of Catalonia exert a powerful attraction to walkers. This walking trail holiday has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will walk along the “wild coast” with its miles of coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled.

You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees. You will have the chance to discover Greek and Roman ruins, gothic buildings, the region's acclaimed gastronomy, and the wines produced by the vineyards you pass en-route and much more!

We have chosen accommodation that fit the character of the walk. We believe they offer the best quality of service and value for money from the choice available. The accommodations vary, from a beautiful 4* rural converted farmhouse surrounded by orchards to a large rustic family run 4* hotel close to the beach in a traditional whitewashed fishing village surrounded by mountains.

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Itinerary 8 days itinerary

Day 1: L'Escala Day 2: Sant Martí d’Empúries Day 3: River Fluviá/Aiguamolls Natural Park Day 4: Platja Canyelles Day 5: Cadaqués Day 6: El Port de la Selva Day 7: Castell de Sant Salvador Day 8: Palau Saverdera to Girona/Figueres

Day 1: L'Escala

Arrive at Girona airport or Figueres train station where you will be transferred to your accommodation in L’Escala. The old centre of the town still retains the character of a typical Spanish working town with its bustling narrow streets and good selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are two small, popular beaches in the old town that add to the overall charm and atmosphere of the area.

Day 2: Sant Martí d'Empúries

Leaving L’Escala behind you will make your way onto the coastal trail. You will pass the walled settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards.

From Empúries, you walk along the southernmost part of the Bay of Roses, past several beaches where you could pause for a swim. You will finally arrive at Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by a wonderful landscape and natural interest, and crossed by the River Fluvià, St. Pere dates back to the year 974 when it was still a possession of the Monastery of St. Pere de Rodes.

Day 3: River Fluviá/Aiguamolls Natural Park Today’s walk takes you along the banks of the River Fluviá, along the beach at its mouth and then through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.

You will eventually arrive at Castello D’Empuries. Castello is a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture.

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Day 4: Platja Canyelles

You will be transferred to Platja Canyelles. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular coastal trail that is destined to fulfill every walker’s hopes and dreams. You will pass many secluded beaches and coves with ample opportunities for a dip in the crystal clear sea. Eventually you will cut inland through hillsides packed with tiers of old olive groves and finally on to Cadaqués Cadaqués was a favourite of both Picasso and Salvador Dalí where Salvador Dalí once famously said in 1920: “I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour”.

Day 5: Cadaqués

On your free day in Cadaqués you could spend the day exploring the numerous small winding alleyways, and a visit to the Parish Church from XVII. Century should not be missed. Perhaps a walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid- September; pay locally) would be in order.

You may want to walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula is spectacular; the rock outcrops are one of the most significant features of the Parc Natural, with its complicated and beautiful forms which often cause the visitor’s imagination to get carried away. One sees images of real or mythical animals in the area (lions, dragons, camels, eagles, cats, rats…), despite the fact that it is the wind and the sea, and not the Gods, which have gone on shaping the geological landscape of the Creus cape right up to the present day. You could also eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant there.

Day 6: El Port de la Selva

Leaving Cadaqués behind you make your way north through the heart of the famous Cap de Creus national park. You will follow a deeply rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan countryside before arriving at El Port de la Selva.

El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and its mountains. The first historic references to the settlement go back to 974, although it did not become a fully- fledged village until the 18th century, with the construction of its first church. The village retains the charm of a small fishing village and a great many monuments and historical buildings remain such as the Taballera Dolmen, and the Serra de Rodes medieval site, made up of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, Sant Salvado Castle (13th century), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu and Sant Fruitós Church. The village has some of Catalonia’s best beaches.

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Day 7: Castell de Sant Salvador

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, travel South West ascending up to the Sant Pere de Rodes cloister (Open Oct 1st to May 31st 10am – 5.30pm, June 1st to Sept. 30th from 10am to 8pm, closed on Mondays). Its origins date back to the first century after Christ. Christian doctrine understands Sant Pere de Rodes as one of the most important Monasteries in Spain.

You will then make your way up to the ruins of Castell de Sant Salvador, from here you will have a breathtaking view of the Alt Emporda, across to the Albera Mountains and far into the Pyrenees. You also have stunning views over the Bay of Roses and the entire Cap de Creus. You will then make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera and finally the end of your journey.

Day 8: Palau Saverdera to Girona/Figueres

Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres train station.

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How to get there

Way in & back: L’Escala

The closest airport from L'Escala is Girona-Costa Brava airport. However, it's also easily accessible by flying to Barcelona.

To Girona - Girona-Costa Brava airport Major airline flying to Girona: Ryanair

To Barcelona (then Figueres) - Barcelona-El Prat airport Virtually all airlines fly to Barcelona.

To Figueres From Barcelona, you need to take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants from the airport. They leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 mins. You then change trains at Sants and take a train to Figueres or Figueres Vilafant depending on the train you catch. The transfer from Figueres or Figueres Vilafant to your first accommodation takes approx. 20 mins.

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What is included?

Included Optional Not included

Flights/train/bus (see how to get 7 nights in 2*, 3* or 4* Post-stay days there tab) 7 breakfasts Insurance Roadbook Lunches Emergency phone number Drinks Customer service Welcome meeting with local English speaking guide Luggage transfers Transfer from/to airport or train station

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See you soon

 Keeping in touch

Thank you for choosing “One Foot Abroad”. We are committed to provide you with the highest quality of service. For this reason, we would be really grateful if you send us your feedback by completing a simple and quick questionnaire at the internet link:

We use your answers to continuously improve the quality and accuracy of the walking notes and, more generally, of our services. We look forward to hearing from you again, so please contact us for information about your walking holiday:

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One Foot Abroad Second Floor, 16/17 Suffolk Street Dublin 2, Ireland

 Loyalty discount for returning customers

10% off all bookings for returning customers.

Discounts apply exclusively to basic package.

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