In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCatalonia / Cadaques
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions88.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a journey to discover the authentic Mediterranean , where nature and culture meet and become one. From Collioure to Cadaqués , you'll be welcomed by coastal towns brimming with history and inspiration. The trip begins in Collioure, a jewel nestled between the sea and the mountains, immersing you in the land of Dalí . Throughout your stay, as you hike, the azure sea, blue skies, and Mediterranean vegetation will set the rhythm of your journey, punctuated by villages and landscapes typical of the South , fragrant with bougainvillea, mimosa, and rosemary.
The highlights
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Beautiful hikes along the seaside
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Easy steps and comfortable hotels
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A complete guide to exploring the region independently
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The concept of "difficulty" of hikes is often mentioned.
A little training in mountain walking may be necessary, especially to cope with the elevation gain and the length of the walk.
The path is not always in good condition and there may be sections with stones, making the walk a little more difficult and strenuous.
4 to 6 hours of walking per day (excluding breaks)
High-top hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing are necessary.
Positive elevation gain between 500 and 700m: It is better to be in good shape, or at least somewhat athletic, but it is still quite doable if you are used to a little physical activity, even light.
You are self-sufficient, there may be some off-trail sections, but the route generally remains obvious.
Some sections may be exposed at times, and slips or missteps should be avoided by walking carefully.
It may be necessary to pay attention to the practicability of the route depending on the weather conditions.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 528 m
- Average daily descent: 528 m
Management
Program
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Collioure
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
- Arrival in Collioure : stroll through the narrow streets, self-guided tour following in the footsteps of Fauvism (explanatory paintings in the open air).
- The Museum of Modern Art, discover or rediscover the artistic history of Collioure.
- Discover the royal castle and the church of Our Lady of the Angels , emblematic of Catalan history.
- A convivial evening with tasting of local specialties (anchovies, Banyuls wine).
Practical aspects :
- Arrival : At your convenience (by train or car - secure parking).
- Luggage : To be left at the hotel.
- Visits : Visit to the Museum of Modern Art - Immersive tour of the village (with our app guide).
- Accommodation : Charming hotel in the village centre.
- Meals : Not included.
Day 1 -
Collioure - Banyuls
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Distance : ~13-19 km depending on the route.
- A coastal hike offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and terraced vineyards.
- Visit to a wine cellar to discover the history of Banyuls and Collioure wines , with tasting of the AOP wines.
Practical aspects :
- Choice of route :
- Along the coast (~13.5 km): Discover Cap Béar and Anse de Paulilles, with possible swimming.
- Via the Madeloc Tower (~19 km): This iconic tower has stood at 670 m since the 13th century.
- By train : 8 minutes to extend your visit to Collioure.
- Luggage : Left at reception in the morning, delivered to your hotel in Banyuls.
- Accommodation : Hotel*** with swimming pool and wellness area.
Easy walk along the coast:
The path winds between terraces and olive groves before reaching the sea. Along Cap Béar, waves crash against the rocks, sculpting the coastline for millennia. After passing the Cap, you'll discover a different atmosphere with the coves of Sainte Catherine and Paulilles, sheltered from the strong winds. Here, in the gentle Mediterranean climate, you can stop for lunch. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in Banyuls.
Distance : 13.5 km
Walking time : 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 450 m
Dynamic hike via the Madeloc pass:
The path begins among terraces and olive groves, then climbs towards the fort overlooking Collioure. The hike continues along the ridge, passing through Mediterranean villages, before reaching the Madeloc tower. At the end of the day, the trail descends towards Banyuls.
Distance : 19 km
Walking time : 5h30 to 6h30
Elevation gain : approximately 700 m
Day 2 -
Banyuls-sur-Mer - Portbou
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Distance : ~14-19 km depending on the route.
- Crossing the Spanish border, following in the footsteps of the exiles of the Retirada .
- Visit to the Walter Benjamin Memorial in Portbou, a tribute to the writer-philosopher.
- Enjoy the typical Spanish atmosphere of the coastal villages at the end of the day.
Practical aspects :
- Choice of route :
- Along the coast (~14.5 km): Cross vineyards along the sea.
- Via the Torre de Querroig (~19 km): Follow the old Lister road, used by refugees and smugglers.
- Luggage : Left at reception in the morning, delivered to your hotel.
- Transfer : Taxi to your hotel at 5pm.
Easy walk along the coast:
Banyuls, famous for its legendary vineyards, stretches across thousands of small terraces that cascade down the steep slopes of the Pyrenean foothills to the Mediterranean. From Banyuls to Cerbère, the landscape plunges into the sea, where beaches and headlands follow one another, offering sheltered picnic spots by the wind. In the evening, you can enjoy tapas and savor seafood in one of our favorite restaurants.
Distance : 14.5 km
Walking time : 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 650 m
Dynamic mountain hiking:
The Banyuls vineyards stretch across spectacular terraces that plunge down to the Mediterranean. This hike offers a commanding view of this landscape, crossing the border at the heights of the Querroig tower and the Surro pass. In the evening, you can enjoy tapas and seafood at one of our recommended restaurants.
Distance : 13.5 km
Walking time : 6 to 6.5 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 750 m
Day 3 -
Llançà - Port de la Selva
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
- Distance : ~10-18 km depending on the route.
- A hike between land and sea, crossing coves, pine forests and wild landscapes.
- Discover Port de la Selva , a fishing village, and Vall de Santa Creu, a former agricultural village.
Practical aspects :
- Choice of route :
- Along the coast (~10 km): Mule paths and arrival at the fish auction.
- Via San Pere de Rodes (~12 km): Discover this perched Benedictine monastery, an unmissable historical site.
- Luggage : Left at reception in the morning, delivered to your hotel.
- Sightseeing : The Sant Pere de Rodes monastery is a must-see.
- Accommodation : Hotel**** with spa, or hiker comfort option according to your preferences.
Easy walk along the coast:
Entering Spain, you'll pass through landscapes where terraced vineyards, orchards, and olive groves reclaim their place. The stone of the villages, like Vall de Santa Creu, tells the local story. In the village square, four plane trees offer welcome shade, perfect for relaxing by the refreshing fountains. At the end of the day, you'll head back towards the sea and arrive in Puerto de la Selva, just as the fishermen are returning to port.
Distance : 9.5 km
Walking time : 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 400 m
Dynamic hike via the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery:
This hike takes you into the heart of the Spanish countryside, where terraced vineyards, orchards, and olive groves shape the landscape. High above, the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes has watched over these lands for centuries. At the end of the day, you descend back towards the sea, reaching Puerto de la Selva just as the fishermen are returning to port.
Distance : 12 km
Walking time : 6 to 6.5 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 700 m
Day 4 -
Port de la Selva - Cadaqués
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
- Distance : ~15-20 km depending on the route.
- Passing through the wild landscapes of Cap de Creus .
- Arrival in Cadaqués , with a guided tour of the places marked by Salvador Dalí : his house in Portlligat and the picturesque alleyways.
Practical aspects :
- Choice of route :
- Through the maquis (~15 km): Crossing the Cap de Creus natural park.
- Via Cap de Creus (~20 km): Hike to the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.
- Luggage : Left at reception in the morning, delivered to your hotel.
- Sightseeing : The Santa Maria de Cadaqués church and the typical narrow streets.
- Accommodation : Hotel*** in the heart of the village, 50m from the beach.
- Meals : Not included.
Walk through the Maquis:
Your route takes you to Cadaqués, a small fishing village that has kept its secrets for centuries, protected by the sea. To get there, you'll cross the Cap de Creus Natural Park, where maquis shrubland, rocks, garrigue, and sometimes strong winds, finally give way to tranquility and the dazzling white of Cadaqués' houses. The blue of the sea completes this scene, which might even inspire you to paint...
Distance : 15 km
Walking time : 5.5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 450 m
Dynamic hike via Cap de Creus:
This hiking route takes you to the tip of Cap de Creus before reaching Cadaqués, a secluded fishing village that has long remained hidden from view. You will cross the Cap de Creus Natural Park, where the maquis shrubland, rocks, garrigue, and sea spray finally give way to the dazzling white houses of Cadaqués. The intense blue of the sea completes this landscape, which may well inspire you…
Distance : 23 km
Walking time : 6.5 to 7 hours
Elevation gain : approximately 550 m
Day 5 -
Cadaqués
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 60km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
- Activities :
- Visit to the gardens and the Salvador Dalí house-museum.
- Free time to stroll through the village and its white alleyways.
- Return : Taxi transfer at 3 p.m.
Practical aspects :
- Luggage : To be left at the hotel.
- Visits : Immersion in the world of Dalí.
Day 6
Note
Every day, a cultural or historical visit - From easy to more dynamic hikes to choose from.
Highlights of your stay:
- Collioure, cradle of Fauvism : open-air paintings, Museum of Modern Art, royal castle and Notre-Dame-des-Anges church.
- Mediterranean flavours : tasting of Collioure anchovies, Banyuls and Collioure PDO wines.
- Memory in Portbou : the Walter Benjamin memorial, witness to the history of the exiles of the Retirada.
- San Pere de Rodes : Visit to the thousand-year-old monastery, and breathtaking views.
- Cap de Creus : a wild natural park where land and sea unite to reach Cadaqués.
- Cadaqués and Salvador Dalí : Visit the artist's house.
- Digital travel journal : an interactive guide to enrich your adventure.
Accommodation
Price details
The price includes
- Visits: (subject to availability)
The paintings of Collioure
The Museum of Modern Art of Collioure
Tasting of Banyuls and Collioure PDO wines
The Dali House in Cadaqués (subject to availability)
- Organization and booking fees
- Our assistance throughout your stay
- The digital travel journal
- Half-board from day 2 to day 5 and breakfast on day 6
- Accommodation in a double room in a 2* to 4* hotel
- The transfers of the last day from Cadaqués to Collioure
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Return transport from your accommodation
- The parking lot at the starting point of your hike
- The freedom file in paper format ( unless the option is selected during registration )
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Picnics
- Dinners on Day 1 and Day 5
- Self-guided tour of the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery
- Access to hotel spas and paid services (to be booked on site)
Options
- Freedom file (paper version) : CHF29.27 / reservation
- Round-trip shuttle to the Dalí Museum : CHF181.13 / reservation
- Additional nights in Collioure - Single room in a B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF117.09 / person
- Additional nights in Collioure - Double or twin room to share in a B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF89.65 / person
- Additional nights in Cadaqués - Single room in a B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF117.09 / person
- Single supplement (to be added to the single room supplement) : CHF182.96 / reservation
- Additional nights in Cadaqués - Double or twin room to share in a B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF89.65 / person
- guided tour of Collioure : CHF16.47 / person
- Hiker Comfort in Puerto de la Selva : CHF-25.61 / person
- Traveling with a pet : CHF73.18 / unit
- Transport of one additional piece of luggage. Price per piece of luggage. : CHF43.91 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Hotel
Hotels provide toilet facilities and complete bedding.
Equipment to bring
In addition, to make sure you don't forget anything:
- A pair of walking shoes
- A comfortable change of clothes
- A pair of lightweight shoes
- For picnics: a plastic bowl, cutlery, a cup, a folding knife
- A water bottle or thermos (1L minimum)
- A headlamp
- A camera
- An external battery
- A compass
- A pair of binoculars
Clothing to bring
- A backpack, between 30L and 40L
- One piece of luggage, between 8 kg and 10 kg
- A short- or long-sleeved undershirt (t-shirt) made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket.
- Loose-fitting walking trousers made of lightweight canvas (cotton or cotton-polyester blend)
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
- A swimsuit
