Footsteps of Dali

Make your own way to Collioure and the joining hotel. Collioure is a beautiful old sea port where the Fauvist art movement began. Dependent on your arrival time, you can visit the city and its surroundings (including some of the coastal walk shown on day 2), discover some paintings by Matisse and Derain, or simply relax by the sea.

Walking past the Royal Castle and along the seafront and beach, you then climb between the stone walls and cork oaks, the old mill and Fort St Elme, enjoying a magnificent view of Collioure. From here, there are two possible variant walks, shorter or longer, either along the coast or through the mountains. Hiking along the coast you'll pass a typical port, Port Vendres, and walk via Cap Bear with its sublime coves. The Cove of Paulilles offers a lovely place for a swim, before continuing to Banyuls via Cap d'Ullastret among shrubs, coves and vineyards. Taking the higher mountain route, you'll walk between shrubs and vineyards, and climb to the majestic Madeloc tower for a breathtaking view stretching from the border to the plain of Roussillon. Descend towards the sea through vineyards and chestnut groves to Banyuls. Banyuls is an interesting and historic frontier town, which is also the end of the famous trans-Pyrenean 900km GR10 from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Overnight in Banyuls or depending on availability return to Collioure. Walk: 13.9km/8.7mi or 16.3km/10.2mi, +/-700m/2296ft or +/-500m/1640ft

This morning you begin in Banyuls - if you have spent the night in Collioure you take the local bus or train back to Banyuls to begin your walk. The walk takes you along the coast - you'll be near the marine nature reserve of Cap Cerbere, an area rich in fish and clear waters. For the longer route through the mountains, you head steeply out of Banyuls into the heart of vineyards and stone walls. You'll enjoy views of the mountains and the vineyards on one side, and the sea on the other side. Cross into Catalonia via the Puig Joan passage (437m). There is an option to extend the walk and ascend to the Querroig tower ruins, from where there are superb views of the Pyrenees, the sea and the town of Cerbère, your destination today. Descend the ridge and arrive in Cerbère (France) on the Mediterranean coast, where you stay overnight. Walk: 9.2km/5.75mi or 12.8km/8mi, +/-500/1650ft to 700m/2296ft

Following the coast today you'll pass the pretty Garbet beach and the little coves of Cap Ras, before arriving at the traditional Spanish fishing town of Llança. The scenery and local small harbour painted in blue and white create a totally Catalan ambiance. If you prefer a longer walk, from the coast you can climb to Puig Tiffel for a panoramic view of the Cap de Creus and the Emporda and Alberes regions. Walk: 12.7km/7.9mi or 21.5km/13.4mi (option to shorten by taking the train from Cerbère to Portbou, cost approx eur2) from +/-350m/1155ft to +/-1100m/3608ft

Along the coast the path runs past modern villas and the lighthouse of Sarnella before reaching Port de la Selva, a pretty, lively harbour with an air of tranquility. You can extend your walking and discover the intimacy of the Fornells Cove, a superb foretaste of the wild recesses of the Cap de Creus. You can also walk to the Selva de Mar, a lovely little village not far from the sea. Alternatively, the mountain hike is one of the trip highlights, with superb walking and incredible views. Leaving the coast there is a steep climb through 'maquis' and along a pilgrim path to reach the restored Monastery of San Père de Rodes, which has origins from the first century and dominates the bay of Llança and Port de la Selva. Whilst the monastery can be reached by road, the most impressive way to reach it is on foot. With a little extra effort you can reach the remains of the castle of San Salvador, perched 700m above sea level and offering striking views of the Bay of Roses and the Pyrenees. After visiting the monastery, enjoy the scenic descent to Port de la Selva. Walk: 12km/7.5mi or 15.5km/9.7mi, +/-500m/1640ft or +/-540m/1771ft

Another superb day of hiking. The coastal path is more challenging than the high path today, for a change. You cross beautiful stretches of the rugged Cape before reaching the extreme tip of the Cap de Creus and its lighthouse, the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula overlooking the pretty coves of Cala Culip, Cala Jugadora and Cala Bona. Pass by Port Lligat – where Salvador Dali used to live. It's possible to extend and do a loop on the S'Oliguera peninsula. The alternative high route takes you behind Port de la Selva where you descend to the remote Cala Taballera, crossing many dry stone shelters. Continue between low walls and olive trees to today's destination, Cadaques. Walk: 20km/12.5mi or 13km/8.3mi, +/-670m/2198ft or +/-450m/1476ft

If you're up early this moring, you can take a sunrise walk towards Cala Nans, in front of Cadaques (optional, 2hrs walking). After breakfast at around 9am, the trip ends in Cadaques. There is an option to take a departure transfer to Figueres (centre or station), or via Figuéres to visit the Dali Museum (approx. 1.5 hrs visit) before continuing to Collioure. You can expect to arrive in Collioure at approximately 1pm. Note: Departure from Cadaques depends on whether you want to stop in Figuéres. The museum is open every day in June, July & August but closed on Mondays outside these months. Or if you'd like to extend your stay in Cadaques, please ask for our rates. Additional cost applies for transfer and Dali Museum visit (we recommend pre-booking your ticket). Please ask our team for details.