‘Between the land and the sea’ self guided walking tour of Baix Emporda, Catalonia

1st April to 31st October 2012 (excluding 28th June to the 7th September)
This tour runs from Saturday to Saturday. Other start dates can be arranged but this may alter the itinerary.

Introduction
If you are looking for varied landscapes, medieval village architecture, secluded sandy coves and an opportunity to sample excellent locally produced food and wine then a walking tour in the Baix Emporda area of Catalonia is hard to beat.

Highlights include:
Tapas tour of Palamos
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Seafood Paella on the beach
Visit to Xidors Patisseria and Wine cellar
Visit to Museu de la Confitura
Visit to Can Solivera an artisan olive oil estate
Wine tasting at Mas Oller

Day 1: Palamos
A representative of Cycle Catalan will meet you at Girona Airport or Flaca station if arriving from Barcelona and transfer you to the Hotel Trias in Palamos. Perfectly situated overlooking the sea the hotel has a comfortable colonial interior and is a two minute walk from the old quarter and the port. Palamos is the most important fishing port in Girona Province with a history going back many centuries. The harbour makes a very interesting visit with the Museu de la Pesca and the fish market. A welcome glass of Cava awaits you in the bar where we will introduce the walking itinerary. Early evening why not take a Tapas tour in the old quarter sampling some of Carmen’s delicious tapas at Can Nicanor. Dinner is served in the Hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2: Camins de Ronda
You leave Palamos and follow the old smugglers coastal path “Camins de Ronda” to Calella de Parafrugell via Castells, one of the last totally undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava. Walk past the remains of an Iberian settlement founded in 6 BC before arriving at Cap Roig where we visit the Castle and the Botanical gardens created in 1927 by the aristocrat Elizabeth Webster.

After a packed lunch check into the Hotel Garbi which is perched on a hill with great views to the sea. The hotel is only 5 minutes from the centre of town. Explore this delightful whitewashed village where the narrow cobbled streets meander down to the sandy beach. Tonight we suggest you dine at Fuego, a delightful family run restaurant actually on the beach where Josep’s mother will prepare her legendary signature dish “seafood paella”.
Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 11km

Day 3: Palafrugell
Today is a pretty excursion that runs through the plain and the coast around Palafrugell, follow paths full of history and enjoy the contrasts of the Baix Emporda countryside. Stop in the square at Palafrugell for lunch before heading back to the beach for a swim.

Level: Easy/ Moderate
Distance: 14kms

Day 4: Begur
You pick up the Camins de Ronda path and head towards Begur passing through the picturesque former fishing villages of Llafranc and Tamariu. First stop is Sant Sabastian lighthouse “ El Far”. The views are spectacular and worthy of a photograph. Explore the beautiful chapel, the old watchtower and the remains of another Iberian settlement.We suggest lunch in Tamariu at the pretty little Es Dofi restaurant that serves an amazing variety of freshly caught fish.

Time for a quick swim before continuing the path over to the lively hill top medieval town of Begur.
The narrow streets are packed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and jewellery shops. Arrive at the Hotel Rosa, a traditional Catalan hotel in the centre of town run by Maria and Narcis Rosa. The hotel owns the restaurant across the street, Fonda Caner which has an excellent reputation. We suggest you dine here on the first night of your stay in Begur.

Level: Moderate
Distance: 12kms

Day 5: Cliffs, coves and splendid views
Today’s walk guarantees peace and privacy. Explore some of the unspoilt coves which can only be reached by foot or by boat. The path takes you to Mirador de la Creu. From the viewing point there is a wonderful view over the plain of Emporda and the coast. You then join the old Cami de Ronda which takes us to Marine Reserve of Ses Negres which is a protected area rich in aquatic species. Next we come to Aigufreda, a pretty cove with its own beach. Here we recommend stopping for a packed lunch and a swim in the sea before heading back to Begur via Mas d’en Pine a beautiful fortified house with a 16th century tower. There are plenty of choices for dinner at local restaurants just off the square.
Distance 10km Level Easy/moderate.

Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 10kms

Day 6: Pals, Fontclara and Peratallada
Today’s walk is a little longer, but the good news is that it is a gentle descent to Pals then fairly flat to Peratallada. First stop is Pals a perfectly preserved hilltop medieval village. The old quarter known as El Pedro within the medieval walls contains many historic buildings. There is a Gothic church at the centre surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets leading to the old Castle. The views from the ancient wall to the sea and the mountains are spectacular. After morning coffee your route takes you to Fontclara meaning “clear spring” where you can sample the famous spring water for yourself before lunch at the restaurant Can Pepo. The path takes you on to Peratallada past the pretty village of Palau-Sator.

The next two nights will be spent at the Hotel Aatu, a relaxing oasis set in beautiful gardens with two luxurious swimming pools. Peratallada means “cut stone” and you will see evidence of the way some of the houses have been carved into the rock. This village has many artisan shops, cafes and restaurants making it quite lively but at the same time retaining its charming character .We provide a list of recommended restaurants for you to try in Peratallada.

Level: Moderate
Distance: 15kms

Day 7: Artisan Olive oil producer
This morning you set off for Torrent to visit the Museu de la Confitura where you have a jam making demonstration. Georgina Regas, the owner will give you a short history of the museum. There will be an opportunity to browse through the 107 varieties and make some purchases. Next why not visit Mas Oller in the same village, a highly respected wine producer. The definitive Spanish wine guide Penin has just awarded the 2008 vintage 92/100 which is the highest ever score for a wine from Emporda. Jordi will organise a tasting. Why not stop off at the vineyard and enjoy your packed lunch.

Your route now heads towards Forallac and you can visit Can Solivera, an artisan olive oil producer. In 2008 it was awarded its DOP (similar to an AC for wine in France). Hans de Roos the owner of the estate will provide you with a tasting of the different varieties, before walking back to Peratallada. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in this beautiful gem of a village, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from.

Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 13kms

Your 7 night / 8 day holiday price includes:
Bed & Breakfast for 7 nights
2 Dinners/2 Packed Lunches
1 night in the Hotel Trias Palamos www.hoteltrias.com
2 night’s in the Hotel Garbi in Calella de Palafrugell www.hotelgarbi.com
2 night’s in the Hotel Rosa in Begur www.hotel-rosa.com
2 nights in the Hotel Aatu, Peratallada www.hotelaatu.net
Transfer to and from Girona airport or Flaca station ( if arriving from Barcelona)
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Services of Cycle Catalan. Emergency back up and assistance from support vehicle equipped with water and first aid kit. Maps, water bottles/ rucksacks

What is not included:
Flights
Travel Insurance