Arrive at Girona Airport/Center or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be picked up and transferred to your first tour accommodation in L’Escala (1hr ride; included in the tour price). The old center 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.

Leaving L’Escala behind you, and start your self-guided walking tour following a 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 (admission fee payable 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 218 BC onwards. From Empúries, you continue walking 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. St Pere is a scenic little world set in one of the most beautiful bays along the Costa Brava. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of the village’s extensive beaches (7 km of uninterrupted beach, where you can enjoy all sorts of sailing sports).

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 bird observation hides (more than 320 species of birds have been recorded here). Local specialties include Purple Gallinule, Bittern, Stone Curlew, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Roller, Fan-tailed Warbler and many others. If you are lucky, there you can make some really exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migration. 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.

An organized transfer in the morning will drop you off at the trailhead, where you can join the rugged coastal path to Cadaquès. You will head east along the coast following a spectacular walking trail that is destined to fulfil 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 onto the beautiful white-washed coastal town of 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”.

On your free day in Cadaqués you could: A) spend your time exploring the numerous small winding alleyways (adding a visit to the 17th century Parish Church), or B) perhaps take a coastal walk to Port Lligat and Salvador Dalí’s house (closed Mondays until mid-April and from mid-September onwards; payable locally). C) Those who need more challenge can walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse - the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. The nature park is a place of great natural beauty located between land and sea, with an exceptional geological configuration, and rocky structures. The beautiful forms of the latter 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 etc.). You could also eat lunch at the wonderful restaurant there, with spectacular views out over the peninsular. (* the trail to the lighthouse and back is linear/two-way; you can cut the mileage in half (option D) if you take a taxi from Cadaqués to the lighthouse (appr. 25 EUR) and walk the way back only)

Today's stage of your self-guided hiking adventure starts from Cadaqués and proceeds north through the heart of the Cap de Creus nature park. You will follow a deeply rural path with beautiful views of the Catalan interior before arriving in El Port de la Selva. El Port de la Selva is outstanding for its varied landscapes, its beaches and 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 when the first church was built. 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 (13C), Santa Elena Shrine, the village of Santa Creu and Sant Fruitós Church. The village also has some of Catalonia’s best beaches.

Leaving El Port de la Selva behind you, the hiking trail starts 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 - check the monastery's website for up to date information). 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 where 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. Once finished with enjoying the scenery make your way down past the little white chapel of Sant Onofre into the village of Palau Saverdera, which is the last stop of your independent walking holiday. Palau Saverdera is a small medieval village with a beautiful little church in the center. There are a few local bars in the village, where you can enjoy a well deserved drink at the end of the day.

End of services. Pick up and transfer (included) to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona).