Coastal and Mountain Hiking Along the Edge of the Pyrenees
Beautiful Seaside Towns & Panoramas
Famous Banyuls Wine and Seafood
Swimming Opportunities
THE VERMILLION COAST
Coastal and Mountain Hiking Along the Edge of the Pyrenees
The dramatic coastline where the Pyrenees tumble to the Mediterranean
has an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. This magnificent route
can be enjoyed almost all year. Stunning mountainscapes, seaviews, bright
skies and seafood to die for, characterise the area. There is plenty of
time for relaxation and to enjoy the off season calm of the pretty fishing
ports you descend to each night. As well as some interesting historical
features.
Our journey along
the Vermillion Coast commences with a short transfer from Collioure up to
the small village of St. Lavall. There is a pleasant stroll following the
shallow Gorge du Lavall, before a steep ascent up to a medieval
fortification, the Tour de Massane. From here you get great views to
probably snow bound Mount Canigou, before dropping steeply back to
Collioure, with its brightly coloured Catalan fishing boats bobbing in the
bay. The next walk takes us once again high on the coastal ridges and a
stiff walk up to Tour Madeloc. There follows a long descent through forest
and vineyards, to the regional wine capital, Banyuls sur Mer. The next day
you walk across the border high above Cerbere at the furthest eastern
extent of the Pyrenees. The landscape rapidly changes with the rain shadow
effect as you descend into Spanish Catalunya. Descend to Port Bou, a
strange time warped duty free town. Then there is a beautiful bay hopping
walking experience to the resort town of Llanca, before a steep climb from
sea level to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes near the summit of San
Salvador peak (670m). Descending through a landscape of ancient
dolmens, you reach the charming fishing town of Port de la Selva. The last
day is a tour de force through a rugged maquis and coastal landscape to
Cap de Creus (easternmost point on the Spanish mainland) passing Salvador
Dali's house in Portlligat and then on to
Cadaques, a beautiful whitewashed town beloved by Dali and
artists worldwide.
Duration: 7 nights/8 days Tour Code: JVC Grade: Moderate Day Stages:
5 to 8 hours with a maximum height gain of approx. 700m. If required, 2 of the day stages can be shortened.
7
nights/8 days -Your first 2 nights are spent in a
comfortable 2* hotel which overlooks the port and citadel of Collioure,
once the haunt of many famous modern painters whose canvases are
still displayed there. We use a 3* family run hotel in Banyuls-sur-Mer, located by the
seashore; it has a terrace restaurant overlooking the mediterranean
and is renowned for its seafood.
Our fourth night is spent in the small town of Port Bou just
on the Spanish side of the border, occasionally it is necessary to
spend a second night here.
Our next stay is in a 2* hotel just a stone's throw from the marina in Llanca. We
then move onto Port de la Selva. This traditional fishing
village has managed to escape the mass tourism market. Here we stay
in a 2* pension in the old part of town.
On our last night in Cadaques, our usual 3* hotel overlooks
the sea and is located at the quieter end of the bays. It offers
excellent facilities, including a pool and sauna.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
On coastal paths and waymarked sections of the GR’s 10,11 & 92.
Accommodation
and Meals Dinner, bed and breakfast 4 nights, bed and breakfast 3 nights, in a variety of hotels and pensions.
Start
and End of Tour
If using scheduled flights with BA take the train from Barcelona to Collioure.
On your return journey take the bus to Figueras and then the train to
Barcelona. Allow €33 for these trains and buses.
Low
cost airline flights to Perpignan and Girona can be used from where
a train journey will get you to Collioure. At the end of the trip
low cost flights from Girona, Barcelona or Perpignan can be reached by
bus and train.
Ryanair fly to perpignan and Girona.
easyjet, bmibaby, ryanair, flymonarch and jet2 fly to Barcelona.
