Like a canvas where nature has intended to combine with exquisite delicacy the intense green of the pine groves, the massive steadfastness of the rocks, the softness of the golden sands and the deep, dazzling blue of the sea - that is the Costa Brava. This hiking tour is perfect for beginners. The route follows the famous GR-92 path for a short time – startingin Italy it follows the Mediterranean coast until it reaches Spain. It crosses the enchanting Emporda-region, which offers everything Catalonia is famous for: picturesque villages from the middle ages, mountains covered with pine forests, little hills and wide beaches… After the day tours there is a lot of opportunities to relax at the beach or have a great dinner at one of the local restaurants. Indeed, Emporda is very famous for its cuisine and especially for the fish dishes. Other highlights includethe coves along the Begur Coast, known as the most beautiful of the whole Costa Brava, the excellent beach of Calella de Palafrugell, Palamos resort set around a harbour full of yachts, Cap Roig botanic garden, the medieval town of Pals etc.
Tour Highlights: Begur - The coves along the Begur Coast, between Aiguablava and Sa Riera, are said to be the most beautiful of the whole Costa Brava; Calella de Palafrugell - This is the first of the three excellent beaches - the others are Llafranc and Tamariu. Its surroundings are considered to be among the finest scenery of Baix Emporda; Palamos - Palamos is a modern-looking resort set around a harbour full of yachts, and last stop on the cruceros boat run; Cap Roig botanic garden was created by Madame de Woevodsky in 1924, they planted 40ha with pines, built a castle and laid out the garden; Montgri Mountains - Three mountains form the Montgrí range; the old quarter of Pals sits atop a hill 6km north-west of Begur. The medieval town was destroyed and abandoned during the Civil War, and then painstakingly restored after 1948 by a local fellow;
Trip plan:
Day 1. Arrival at Girona Airport. Public transportation or private transfer to La Fosca in Palamos. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2. You start walking along the GR92 path up to Calella de Palafrugell, with lovely natural views like the Castell beach, the Iberic Settlement of Castell or the “Formigues” islands. Diner will be in the hotel restaurant from where you have fantastic views over the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell where yo stay overnight. /Walking distance: 10km; walking time: 2.30hrs /
Day 3. Today’s circular track allows you to enjoy the coastline and inland, some ancient remains at the Iberic town of Castell. You will be crossing the interesting natural spot of Cap Roig and visit the botanic garden. Overnight in hotel in Calella de Palafrugell. /Walking distance: 18km; walking time: 4hrs /
Day 4. Walking continues along the GR-92 to Begur. This is a wonderful small village with some «indianos» houses from those local Catalan people. This path has unevenness of 200m and has picturesque sights like the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià and Cala Pedrosa. Overnight in a hotel in Begur. /Walking distance: 13km; walking time: 3hrs /
Day 5. We leave the Mediterranean behind and continue along GR-92 to the little village Sant Feliu Boada. The tour goes across vine- and rice fields, we go through the enchanting village Pals, where we make a stop and enjoy the unique old but amazingly preserved architecture and fantastic views over the Medes islands, Montgrí Mountains and the typical «Empordà» farm landscape. Overnight in Sant Feliu de Boada in agro tourism house. /Walking distance: 10km; walking time: 2.30hrs /
Day 6. Today you make a circular flat tour to visit the Plain of the Empordà with the medieval villages of Palau-Sator and Peratallada. Overnight in Sant Feliu de Boada in agro tourism house. /Walking distance: 19km; walking time: 5.30hrs/
Day 7. Departure to Girona/Barcelona (individually with public transportation or private transfer).
Included in the price: accommodation in 3*** hotels and agro tourism guesthouses with en-suite facilities on 4 days with halfboard and 2 days on bed and breakfast; map and detailed roadbook in English; luggage transfers; 24 hrs phone assistance.
The price does not include: transfers from and to the airport, other meals, entrance fees, tips, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses.
Additional price information: - Single room supplement: 198 euro; - 97 euro supplement for the period 01.07.10-31.08.10;
Accomodation and food: 4 nights in 3*** hotels, and 2 nights in agro tourism guesthouses with en-suite facilities on 4 HB (breakfast and dinner included) and 2 BB (bed & breakfast).
Luggage transport: There is organized transport of the luggage for each of the days with changes in the overnight places.
Practical information: • Trekking of 10-19km per day with an unevenness of 200m maximum above the sea level. • The track is sign-posted with red and white marks (GR92) + direction posts.
Group size: Min. 2
