Arrive at your hotel in the heart of Collioure. This beautiful town really is the pearl of the Vermillion Coast with its quaint harbour filled with colourful fishing boats nestled between the emblematic pink-domed bell-tower and Royal castle. It is unsurprising Collioure has a long history of inspiring artists including Henri Matisse and Picasso to name a few.

Depending on your time of arrival you will have time to explore the town and harbour or stretch your legs along the coast on our optional walk to a pretty vantage point see the town a new and the stunning coastline you will discover this week.
9km / 350m ascent / 350m descent / 3 hours walking

Today you have a choice of routes taking you to the prestigious town of Banyuls-sur-Mer, best known for its fine wines. You will have time to explore this fascinating town between vineyards and sea and perhaps sample the wines for which it is famed.

Your first route option will take you along the coastline through the pretty seaside town of Port Vendres where you can enjoy a morning coffee watching the fisherman at work in the harbour or take a paddle at the beach before continuing on to the rugged peninsula of Cap Bear. The lighthouse at the tip of the peninsular provides picturesque views south along the coastline, as far as Spain across the border. You continue to hug the coastline to Banyuls-sur-Mer.
17km / 400m ascent / 400m descent / 5 hours walking

Your second option today requires a little more ascent, but your efforts will be rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree panorama of the region. This route will take you into the mountains behind the towns to the vantage point upon where the Madeloc signalling tower sits proudly, guarding the region since the 13th century. From here you can absorb the views across the vast Roussillion plain, the culture rich Vermeille coastline, and the beautiful Albreres massive. From here you will descend into Banyuls-sur-Mer.
13km / 750m ascent / 750m descent / 5-6 hours walking

Taking the undulating coastal path between Banyuls and Cerbere today, you will be accompanied by wonderful views of the Cote Vermeille through the day. Along the way you will discover several pretty creeks and isolated beaches, and walk through clifftop vineyards basking on the sunny slopes overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

You also have the option of taking an alternative elevated route through the mountains, passing the Querroig Tower from where you will gain magnificent views over the bays of Cerbere and Port Bou. From here you will descend to your hotel in Cerbere for your last night in France.
14km / 750m ascent / 750m descent / 5-6 hours walking

Crossing the Franco-Spanish border on foot this morning, you soon reach the emblematic border town of Portbou nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees. This peaceful port town retains the charm and sleepy character of its past life as a traditional fishing village. With the development of the iconic international railway station here, it opened this beautiful region to visitors in search of quaint fishing villages by the sea. Following the coastal path you will leave Portbou accompanied by the warm sea air and distinct Catalan atmosphere, noises and perfumes. The houses vibrant colours and architecture a constant reminder you have crossed the divide between the two countries.

Your route leads you to Llanca, a picture perfect Mediterranean town worlds apart from the mass tourist resorts of southern Costa Brava. Following part of the Camino de Ronda you will discover the rocky coastline to Llanca. Here, life unfurls in the streets, warm, vibrant and welcoming, surrounded by the splendour of Cap de Creus Natural Park while the more recently built harbour houses expensive yachts side by side with colourful fishing boats. You will stay here this evening, allowing plenty of time to soak in this special atmosphere.

Feeling refreshed your route begins along the beautiful coastline with its hidden coves and rugged outcrops to Platja de la Vall and its tempting beach. There is time for a quick paddle here before heading inland into the Cap de Creus National Park. Your route will lead you up through the rolling hills to the pretty village of La Vall de Santa Creu filled with rustic charm. Ascending a little further you will soon discover the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, perched proudly upon the hillside some 670m above the glistening Mediterranean, and a rewarding panorama awaiting you. Dating back to the 9th century the monastery is a true testament to Catalan Romanesque architecture. The monastery hosts various concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the year and there will be time to enjoy these or perhaps a bite to eat in the café before continuing to Port de la Selva and your home for the evening.

Your route today is the longest of the week as you explore Cap de Creus for dramatic views of the coast and to the neighbouring Balearic Islands of Menorca and Mallorca. Along your way you will discover the history of the region passing old fincas (farms) and brick ovens as you approach the lighthouse at Cap de Creus. Keeping local fishermen safe the light house marks the most easterly point of Spain and the starting point for the famous GR11 long distance trail across the Pyrenees. It is here where the Pyrenees emerge from the Mediterranean Sea. You will have time to absorb the panorama and perhaps enjoy a lunch with a view at Restaurant del Cap de Creus. Leaving the lighthouse behind, you will follow an ancient path leading you to the holiday favourite of surrealist Salvador Dali: Port Lligat. It is possible to pay a visit to his labyrinthine seafront home where he lived and worked for over 50 years. If you would like to visit you must book your tickets in advance at www.salvador-dali.org. From here it is a short walk through olive groves and cacti to Cadaques and your hotel for the evening.

If you would prefer a shorter walk today, it is possible to end your walk at Cap de Creus and take a pre-booked taxi to Cadaques. This would reduce your walk to a 4-5 hour walk of approx. 14km.

Today is yours to explore the charm of this pretty seaside resort as you desire. Take your time to discover its rich heritage, many art galleries and museums and local crafts on sale along the pretty white washed cobbled streets. Cadaques is a town proud of its heritage and culture, showcased through its many festivities throughout the year; from the Carnival in February; the weeklong celebrations of Sant Jordi in April; the celebration of 'An American in Cadaques' in June to celebrate the town's close ties with Cuba; its international music festival in August with free concerts; the national day of Catalonia celebrations in September; through to the celebration of patron saint La Virgen de la Esperanza in December. This is a town that loves to enjoy life and you cannot help but fall in love with its charm and bohemian flair.

You may also wish to take a walk along the coastline around the bay to the Cala Nans lighthouse in the Cap Norfeu National Park. Your route will meander around the headlands with glimpses down to rocky coves and quiet beaches below. Don't forget to pack your swimming costume as you will have the opportunity for a swim in one of the pretty bays along the way. Arriving at the lighthouse you are rewarded with a fantastic view of Cadaques bay before returning to Cadaques to toast the end of a wonderful week of coastal walking.
8km / 250m ascent / 250m descent / 3 hours walking

There will be time to enjoy a final breakfast in this beautiful setting before making your onward journey. It is possible to take a shuttle to Figueres (payable locally), the birth place of Salvador Dali if you would prefer to do a little more exploring along your way.