Detailed trip file - One Foot Abroad trips files/Spain Catalan Between...finally on to Cadaqués...
Transcript of Detailed trip file - One Foot Abroad trips files/Spain Catalan Between...finally on to Cadaqués...
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Detailed trip file
One Foot Abroad Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane Dublin 8, Ireland UK: +44 (0)20 8123 0599 Ireland: +353 (0)1 443 3973 USA: +1 917 267 7524 France: +33 (0)4 83 58 05 47 [email protected]
SELF-GUIDED
VISIT THE GREEK AND ROMAN RUINS OF
EMPURIES WALK ALONG THE WILD COAST WITH ITS
MILES OF GOLDEN BEACHES AND
SECLUDED COVES WALK INLAND THROUGH THE
AIGUAMOLLS NATURE RESERVE WHERE
INNUMERABLE SEABIRDS AND
SONGBIRDS HAVE SETTLED
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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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.
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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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.
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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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.
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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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.
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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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.
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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Dates & Prices
Package option Price starts from
8 days - 7 nights - 2, 3 & 4* Hotels -
B&B €740.00
Best prices on the market based on this level of
comfort and standard!
Spain Catalan, between mountains and sea
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See you soon
Keeping in touch
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One Foot Abroad
Guinness Enterprise Centre,
Taylors Lane,
Dublin 8
Ireland
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3% off all bookings for returning customers.
8% off all bookings made 2 or more months in advance by returning customers
(combines 5% early booking + 3% loyalty).
Discounts apply exclusively to basic package.