Walking the Catalan Coast in Style
- Relaxed walking staying in stylish boutique hotels on the Catalan Coast
- Salvador Dali's former haunt, the white-washed town of Llafranc
- Mouth-watering Catalan cuisine such as pintxos and "mar i muntanya"
- The medieval town of Begur with its 10th century castle
- A wine-tasting at the beautiful country house estate of Bell-lloc
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive BegurThe charming old hilltop town of Begur is a world away from the busier Costa Brava resorts so well known to many. Its narrow streets are lined with colonial-style buildings, Moorish and Spanish architecture, colourful fishermen’s huts, and is overlooked by a 10th century medieval castle.
Arriving at either Girona Airport, or Figueres Vilafant Train station, a short transfer (1h or 20 min respectively), will take you to Begur. Wander through the lively town, before tucking into an authentic Catalan dish of “mar I muntanya”, a delicious mix of sea and mountain flavours.
The Hotel Aigua Clara is a charming boutique hotel and a former colonial-style mansion from 1866. Located in the centre of Begur, and rated the number one hotel in Costa Brava by Trip Advisor, it features a romantic restaurant under a glass pergola, and just 10 individual rooms.
A walk through the Catalan countryside and past lots of little neighbourhoods will bring you to Sa Tuna and Cala d’Aiquafreda. Sa Tuna is the perfect place to stop for lunch and a glass of Tinto de Verano. Then pause at Cala d'Aiguafreda, located on a beautiful bay and surrounded by pine trees, before making your way back to Begur.
Ascent/Descent: +/-269m
The Hotel Aigua Clara is a charming boutique hotel and a former colonial-style mansion from 1866. Located in the centre of Begur, and rated the number one hotel in Costa Brava by Trip Advisor, it features a romantic restaurant under a glass pergola, and just 10 individual rooms.
Today's walk offers just a little bit more of a challenge with some interesting and diverse terrain. Leaving Begur behind, you head down from the hills through pine forests, breathing in the fresh sea air as you make your way to the beautiful Mediterranean coast. At Aiguablava you’ll pick up the coastal trail that traverses the coast to the seaside village of Tamariu. A quick dip in the sea and a stroll on the sandy beach, then onwards inland into the hills before descending down into Llafranc.
This beautiful white-washed seaside town was a regular haunt of film stars and artists, including Salvador Dalí himself, throughout the 20th century.
Please note: A short section involves navigating around some rocks and boulders on the shoreline. If you prefer not to do this, there is an alternative route available.
Ascent/Descent: +303m/-483m
The Hotel Terramar is a seafront hotel offering panoramic Mediterranean views from its bright, spacious and modern rooms. As well as offering great views and relaxing surroundings, the hotel also has a restaurant serving fresh seafood and seasonal cuisine.
Heading inland today gives you the chance to explore another different side of Costa Brava, the beautiful Catalan interior. The historic market town of Palafrugell is well worth a browse (open every day apart from Mondays). Perhaps pick up some fresh fruit for lunch, and then wander around the old town walls, before continuing to the seaside town of Calella de Palafrugell.
Ascent/Descent: +81m/-69m
Hotel Sant Roc is a friendly, peaceful hotel located in the heart of the Costa Brava. On arrival it’s a quick and easy few steps to the beachside bar or onto the sandy bay for a refreshing dip. The Sant Roc also boasts an international restaurant with far reaching sea-views.
Hotel Alga is set in 7,000 m² of gardens, just 200 m from Calella de Palafrugell Beach. It features an outdoor swimming pool. Each of the Alga’s rooms is bright and spacious. All air-conditioned accommodation has satellite TV and a safety deposit box. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a range of international cuisine, including traditional Catalan dishes. The bar features a terrace, offering views of the hotel grounds. Guests at the Alga can make use of its paddle tennis court, TV and games room.
Beautiful sandy coves combined with pastel-coloured buildings make it easy to see why Calella de Palafrugell is often named as one of Spain’s prettiest coastal villages.
Take it easy and enjoy some time lazing on the beach. Or we highly recommend a visit to the botanic gardens at Cap Roig. Wander through its terraces connected by a cypress stairway which lead all the way down to the sea, accompanied by the sweet smell of geraniums and bougainvillea.
Hotel Sant Roc is a friendly, peaceful hotel located in the heart of the Costa Brava. On arrival it’s a quick and easy few steps to the beachside bar or onto the sandy bay for a refreshing dip. The Sant Roc also boasts an international restaurant with far reaching sea-views.
Hotel Alga is set in 7,000 m² of gardens, just 200 m from Calella de Palafrugell Beach. It features an outdoor swimming pool. Each of the Alga’s rooms is bright and spacious. All air-conditioned accommodation has satellite TV and a safety deposit box. The hotel restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a range of international cuisine, including traditional Catalan dishes. The bar features a terrace, offering views of the hotel grounds. Guests at the Alga can make use of its paddle tennis court, TV and games room.
Carry on along coastal trails littered with some of the most picturesque coves in Costa Brava, perfect for refreshing dips in the sea. Turn inland and enjoy the contrast of walking through hills clad in pine, olive, and oak trees before returning to the coast at Palamos. Enjoy lunch by the sea before being collected and taken to the Finca Bell-Lloc (transfer of 20min) a stunning country house estate, featuring its own bodega (wine cellar).
Ascent/Descent: +176m/-194m
A delightful Ampordan country house adjoined to a 17th century chapel. Individually designed rooms, a welcoming swimming pool and a beautiful wine cellar make this a really special place to stay.
A full day to spend at your leisure at the Finca Bell-lloc. Enjoy a wine tasting and tour of their bodega (wine cellar) accompanied by delicious tapas (included). And then enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the gardens or relaxing by the pool.
A delightful Ampordan country house adjoined to a 17th century chapel. Individually designed rooms, a welcoming swimming pool and a beautiful wine cellar make this a really special place to stay.
The Elke Spa Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel next to the seafront in San Feliu de Guixols. The grand, traditionally-styled building houses a contemporary interior, two restaurants and a spa complex. There are 66 bedrooms all with climate control, minibar, safe and satellite TV.
The Eden Roc Hotel and Spa enjoys an unrivalled location surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has 170 beautifully decorated bedrooms, plus a large spa area, bar and restaurant.
Transfer back to the centre of Palamos this morning and walk along the Cami de Ronda coastal path. This winding series of paths were used for centuries by smugglers bringing in their contraband. With the glittering Mediterranean on your left, and pine clad hills to your right, make your way to the elegant resort town of S’Agaro.
One of the Costa Brava’s most glamourous enclaves, S’Agaro was made famous by movie stars during the golden age of Hollywood. It is home to some beautiful architecture and beaches, as well as some fantastic restaurants — the perfect place to finish your trip!
Ascent/Descent: +69m/-101m
Enjoy your last night in luxury at this beautiful hotel in the exclusive bay of S'Agaro. Featuring a beatiful restaurant and spa and wellness facilities which have won awards, this is the perfect way to end your holiday.
The Eden Roc Hotel and Spa enjoys an unrivalled location surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has 170 beautifully decorated bedrooms, plus a large spa area, bar and restaurant.
The Hotel Mas Tapiolas is a converted 13th-century farmhouse set in rolling, green countryside. There is an outdoor pool and spa, plus beautiful gardens. The bright, modern rooms feature air conditioning, minibar and television.
Your tour finishes after breakfast and you say a sad goodbye to the Costa Brava. We will transfer you back to Girona Airport (included in the cost) or for an additional cost we can also transfer you back to Barcelona.
This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you enjoy walking but also like a bit of luxury at the end of the day, this may be the perfect tour for you. Enjoy easy-moderate walking combined with overnight stays in stylish, boutique-style hotels. We also include airport transfers to and from Girona to ensure that your holiday is relaxing as possible!
In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years
The walk is graded overall as easy-moderate. However, a couple of the days lean more towards moderate grading - Days 3 and 6. You will walk on a combination of dirt trails, quiet roads, and on beaches which can be a little tiring for between 3—4 hours a day. The ascents and descents are fairly gentle (between 70m and 485m). Day 3 is graded as moderate as it involves 300m of ascent and 485m of descent, as well as having a coastal section that involves navigating around the shoreline and some boulders (there is an alternative for this section if you prefer to avoid it). Day 6 is also graded as moderate due to there being a few tiring sections of walking on sand as well as a short section where you are required to use a handrail to climb up to some stairs and navigate through a hole in the rock. The longest walk is on Day 7 which is 16.5km on an easy coastal path.
8 Nights accommodation is included in stylish, boutique-style hotels of a 3 or 4-star standard in upgraded rooms.
We have handpicked some of the finest hotels in each area, with the best rooms, delicious food, great locations and a real focus on customer service.
We will always try to book the accommodations detailed but occasionally depending on availability, we may need to book alternative accommodation which will be of the same or similar standard.
You can tailor-make your itinerary and add extra nights to suit your requirements —please contact us for details.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This holiday is available to solo walkers, although a single supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request, although it is not generally possible to secure more than three single rooms in a party. A single supplement is payable.
Meals
8 breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation or you can stop on the way. Evening meals are included on Days 6 and 7, as well as a wine-tasting and lunch on Day 7 at Finca Bell-lloc. On the other nights we do not include dinner as there are so many fabulous restaurants to choose from in Begur, Llafranc, Calella and S'Agaro in a region very well known for its amazing gastronomy!
Additional Nights
Girona and Barcelona are both cities well worth a visit, and we will happily arrange extra nights here for you either before or after your trip.
We can also arrange extra nights at any of the overnight stops on your walk. We especially recommend an extra day in Palamos to have more time to enjoy the exquisite surroundings of the Finca Bell-Lloc! Speak to one of our Destination & Adventure Specialists for recommendations.
We will provide you with detailed route notes and some of the paths are way-marked so you shouldn’t have any problems finding your way. The trails are a mixture of GR routes and local paths.
- 8 Nights in 3 and 4 star boutique hotels
- 8 Breakfasts
- 2 Evening Meals (Days 6 and 7)
- Wine-tasting and lunch on Day 7
- Daily Baggage Transfers
- Transfer from Girona Airport/Figueres Vilafant train station (if travelling from Barcelona) to Begur and from S'Agaro to Girona
- Welcome meeting
- Route notes and maps
- 24/7 telephone support from our office and local partners
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to and from Spain
- Lunches (apart from Day 7), and Dinners (apart from Day 6&7)
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
You can start your walk anytime between the middle of March and end of June, and between the beginning of September and middle of October, subject to availability. We do not offer this tour in July and August due to the very high temperatures at that time of year.
Time of Year
In our opinion, the best months to travel are May and September, when the temperatures are nice and pleasant for walking. Flowers will also be in full bloom in May.
By Air: There are regular flights with the low-cost airline Ryanair from many European cities to Girona Airport (GRO), the closest airport to Begur. From Girona airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Begur which takes approx 1 hour.
You can also fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) with Ryanair and Easyjet. From the airport, you can take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants Train Station (every 30 mins, duration 20 mins), and then change trains for a train to Figueres Vilafant Train Station (50 mins). You will be transferred from Figueres to your accommodation in Begur (1 hour).
We will arrange a private transfer to take you from your accommodation in S'Agaro back to Girona Airport, Girona Centre or Girona Train Station (included in the price). Alternatively, if you are travelling on to Barcelona we can also arrange a private transfer there for you at an additional cost.
Your bags will be transferred for you each day so that you don't need to worry about carrying them and can simply walk with a day pack.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights0 Reviews
Catalan Coast and Mountains in Style
Enjoy boutique hotels and superb local cuisine, as you uncover Catalonia's coast and mountains.Highlights- Historic and stylish boutique hotels
- Sumptuous food, ancient ruins and pretty Cadaques
- Walk Catalonia's coast and mountain trails
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Walking the Catalan Coast
Discover an unspoiled side of the Costa Brava, walking on quiet trails between traditional villagesHighlights- The medieval town of Begur and 10th century castle
- Salvador Dali's former haunt, Llafranc
- Wander through the tropical gardens of Cap Roig
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights
Camino in Style
Hike the final 100km (62 miles) of the Camino Frances, staying in upgraded hotels and manor houses.Highlights- Hike the final 100km of the Camino Frances
- Overnight in upgraded hotels and ‘pazos’
- Feast on delicious Galician gourmet cuisine
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights0 Reviews
Douro Valley In Style
Explore a side of the Douro Valley where fewer tourists venture, with walks finishing at wineries.Highlights- Elegant wine hotels boasting spectacular views
- Sumptuous food and wine at historic wineries
- Walks through vineyards, olive groves and villages
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Mallorca Coast & Mountain Trails
Enjoy trails linking the mountain villages of the Tramuntana, staying in boutique fincas and hotelsHighlights- The mountain villages of Fornalutx and Valldemossa
- Walk through the Tramuntana Sierra
- Deia, with its honey-coloured houses