Hiking the Vermillion Coast

Flower decked Collioure is a very pretty little town set against the foothills of the Alberes Range. It has an idyllic setting with sun, sea and sky attracting many tourists each year. The town consists of two little fishing ports separated by the mediaeval castle on a spur. This former fishing port was the birthplace of the Fauve movement of painters in the early 20th century. Accommodation: For two nights stay in a comfortable 2* hotel, furnished Catalan style. All rooms are ensuite. The hotel overlooks the harbour and citadel of this port which has long attracted artists.

Today you will travel inland (transfer included) to La Vall from where you make the scenic hike back towards the sea at Collioure enjoying views of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. The journey to La Vall takes around 25 minutes. Hike up to the Tour de Massane - a great spot for lunch at 793m/2600ft with birds eye views over the coastline and then descend through cork forest, vineyards and fields to return to Collioure.

Walk up from Collioure to Tour Madeloc (656m/2152ft), then descend to Col des Gascons and follow the GR10 long distance trail among vines down to Banyuls. Banyuls is the southernmost seaside resort in mainland France with 7000 inhabitants and a popular yachting harbour. The resort is very pleasant, backed by hillside vineyards and surrounded by tropical plants. Accommodation: Here we use a 4* family run hotel, by the seashore with a terrace restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. The “gastronomique” restaurant specialises in seafood. There is a sauna (free) and all rooms are ensuite.

Leaving Banyuls, walk up into the hills to Pic Joan (437m/1434ft), a summit with a magnificent view of the indented coastline. There is an optional ascent to the Tour de Querroig/Tour Carroig, a ruined fort on the frontier (670m/220ft). Then a steep descent to Cerbere, the last French village before the border. Accommodation: A small independant 3* hotel perched above the Mediterranean sea. If there is no hotel availability in Cerbere, we will book an accommodation in Port Bou, just on the other side of the border.

Today you will cross the border between France and Spain. Passports are no longer required! The old border post remains. Walk back up to Col des Balistres and descent in Port Bou, a spleepy border town. You'll enjoy wonderful coastal views the from Colle de Frare (202m) for l views before descending to the coast at Colera and then through a chain of pretty bays and headlands to the traditional fishing port of Llanca. This is a small resort development with an attractive old town a mile inland. You must bring sandels, jellies or water shoes today as there is a short section on the trail today where you have to walk in the sea for about 150 metres around a headland. Accommodation: We stay at a small family-run 2* hotel that was one of the first to appear here and has changed through the decades as the historical images show. It's located 50 metres from the beach, the marina and the fishing port. All rooms are ensuite and have air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.

A steep climb from sea level to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes near the summit of San Salvador Peak (670m/2200ft), descending along the forested Serrat de la Guerra ridge to Port de la Selva a traditional fishing village that has largely escaped development for the mass tourism market. Accommodation: We stay at a small 3*hotel on the sea front with a modern, Mediterranean-inspired decor. All rooms are ensuite and have air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. NB For late season departures, you may have to overnight in Cadaques tonight due to limited availability in Port de La Selva. A return taxi transfer is included.

Walk from Port de la Selva through rugged maquis and rocky headlands to the Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Spanish mainland, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. From the cape, follow coastal paths towards Cadaqués, enjoying dramatic sea views and the wild, windswept character of the peninsula. On the final approach you pass near Port Lligat, once home to Salvador Dalí, before reaching the whitewashed harbour town of Cadaqués. This is a rewarding but longer stage, covering 25km / 15.4 miles. Accommodation: We try to book you at our normal 3* hotel overlooking the sea. The hotel has excellent facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool. All the rooms are ensuite. There are good restaurants nearby so you can sample the local local cuisine.