Vermillion Coast: From Collioure to Cadaques
Vermillion Coast: From Collioure to Cadaques
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Discover the Vermeille Coast, from the picturesque charm of Collioure to the magical luminosity of Cadaques. A coastline steeped in history and sea, where red cliffs merge with villages of white houses, terraced vineyards and the Mediterranean within reach of the senses.
- Start in Collioure, the vibrant Mediterranean port whose pastel houses inspired artists such as Matisse and Picasso. You'll enjoy the sea, the aroma of local anchovies and sunsets reflected in the calm waters of the harbour.
- Walk along coastal paths that skirt hidden coves, rugged cliffs and terraced vineyards until you reach Banyuls-sur-Mer, where the region's sweet wine and sea horizons invite you to take a delicious break, with the warm colours of the sunset.
- Cross the border into Spain, travelling from Port-Bou and Llancà, with breathtaking views of coves, pebble beaches and pine forests, until you reach the imposing monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, overlooking Cap de Creus, and descend to Port de la Selva, a coastal refuge with gentle waves and seafood cuisine.
- End up in front of the Cap de Creus lighthouse, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop and authentic flavours of the sea on your table: fresh grilled fish, suquet de peix (fish stew), seafood rice dishes with homemade aioli and desserts such as crema catalana (Catalan cream) or taps de Cadaqués (tapas from Cadaqués).
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Collioure
The journey begins in Collioure, an ancient fishing village where the Pyrenees plunge into the Mediterranean and the southern light transforms every corner into a palette of vivid colours. With its pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets and a harbour that has inspired artists such as Matisse, this Catalan enclave offers a vibrant and characterful start to your trip.
Easily accessible by train from Perpignan or Girona, Collioure is the perfect gateway to a coastal journey between sea, history and art. Upon arrival, you can settle into your accommodation and let yourself be carried away by the leisurely pace of the Mediterranean, with a dinner by the sea where the famous local anchovies take pride of place at the table.
Easily accessible by train from Perpignan or Girona, Collioure is the perfect gateway to a coastal journey between sea, history and art. Upon arrival, you can settle into your accommodation and let yourself be carried away by the leisurely pace of the Mediterranean, with a dinner by the sea where the famous local anchovies take pride of place at the table.
Overnight in Collioure
Hotel Le Relais des Trois Mas
This modern coastal hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It has a bar and restaurant, as well as an exceptional garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Circular route through Collioure 9,3 miles I 15 km
You will begin your route by leaving behind the lively streets of Collioure, ascending ancient paths until you reach the Madeloc Tower, a 13th-century fortification that watched over the waters of the Mediterranean and the plains of Roussillon. The steep path, flanked by terraced vineyards, requires some effort, but every step is rewarded with sweeping views over the deep blue sea and the gently rolling landscape.
As you climb, the murmur of the village fades away, replaced by the whistle of the wind through the garrigue scrub and the buzzing of insects in the sun. From the top, you can contemplate the immensity of the horizon before beginning your descent down the terraced slopes, between dry stone walls and carefully cultivated fields.
On your return to Collioure, take your time to stroll leisurely among the art shops, shaded squares and small galleries that recall the footsteps of the great painters. You will end the day with another night in this charming corner, where the sea, history and light intertwine naturally.
Ascent: 660m (2,165ft) / Descent: 660m (2,165ft)
As you climb, the murmur of the village fades away, replaced by the whistle of the wind through the garrigue scrub and the buzzing of insects in the sun. From the top, you can contemplate the immensity of the horizon before beginning your descent down the terraced slopes, between dry stone walls and carefully cultivated fields.
On your return to Collioure, take your time to stroll leisurely among the art shops, shaded squares and small galleries that recall the footsteps of the great painters. You will end the day with another night in this charming corner, where the sea, history and light intertwine naturally.
Ascent: 660m (2,165ft) / Descent: 660m (2,165ft)
Overnight in Collioure
Hotel Le Relais des Trois Mas
This modern coastal hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It has a bar and restaurant, as well as an exceptional garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Collioure to Banyuls-sur-Mer 7,9 miles I 12,7 km
After bidding farewell to vibrant Collioure, the route continues along the coast, between gentle cliffs, hidden coves and the constant sway of the sea. The path winds its way to the bustling port of Port-Vendres, where fishing boats and merchant ships coexist in a vivid picture of the most authentic Mediterranean.
From there, you will ascend gently towards Cap Béar, crowned by its pink marble lighthouse, a natural viewpoint over a sea that stretches to infinity. At your feet, small coves and streams invite you to stop, breathe and let yourself be enveloped by the sea breeze.
The day continues with a break at Paulilles beach, whose turquoise waters offer the chance for a revitalising swim before the final stretch. Shortly afterwards, you will arrive at Banyuls-sur-Mer, surrounded by terraced vineyards climbing the sunny slopes. This charming village is known for its sweet wines, made from red Grenache grapes and matured in the sun in open-air barrels.
Here, among quiet alleys and the echo of the waves, you can relax and toast the sunset with a glass of Banyuls, accompanying a seafood dinner that celebrates the flavour and tradition of this unique coastline.
Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 227m (745ft)
From there, you will ascend gently towards Cap Béar, crowned by its pink marble lighthouse, a natural viewpoint over a sea that stretches to infinity. At your feet, small coves and streams invite you to stop, breathe and let yourself be enveloped by the sea breeze.
The day continues with a break at Paulilles beach, whose turquoise waters offer the chance for a revitalising swim before the final stretch. Shortly afterwards, you will arrive at Banyuls-sur-Mer, surrounded by terraced vineyards climbing the sunny slopes. This charming village is known for its sweet wines, made from red Grenache grapes and matured in the sun in open-air barrels.
Here, among quiet alleys and the echo of the waves, you can relax and toast the sunset with a glass of Banyuls, accompanying a seafood dinner that celebrates the flavour and tradition of this unique coastline.
Ascent: 217m (712ft) / Descent: 227m (745ft)
Overnight in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Hotel Les Elmes
This modern hotel offers fully equipped rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant with a beautiful terrace offering views, where local specialities are served.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Banyuls-sur-Mer to Llançà 9,9 miles I 16 km
Today, you will leave behind the sunny vineyards of Banyuls-sur-Mer and venture into a stretch of wild coastline, following ancient paths that wind along the cliffs. The turquoise sea stretches out below you as you make your way between hidden coves and windswept hillsides, in a landscape that becomes increasingly rugged and solitary.
After skirting several sheltered coves, you will reach Cerbère, the last French village before crossing the border. Here, a short break offers the opportunity to refresh yourself and contemplate the marine wealth of its nature reserve, where underwater life flourishes beneath crystal-clear waters.
The path continues to climb towards the rugged Cap Cerbère, where a simple sign marks the passage to Spain. From the top, the views are breathtaking, with the French coastline you are leaving behind on one side and the Catalan hills announcing new lands to discover on the other.
You will descend to Portbou, a quiet village with a frontier feel, nestled between mountains and sea. From here, a short train ride takes you to Llançà, a small fishing port where the pace is slow, the sea is close by and Catalan cuisine awaits you with seafood and freshly pressed olive oil.
You can find all the information about the train on the Rodalies de Catalunya website.
Ascent: 483m (1,585ft) / Descent: 483m (1,585ft)
After skirting several sheltered coves, you will reach Cerbère, the last French village before crossing the border. Here, a short break offers the opportunity to refresh yourself and contemplate the marine wealth of its nature reserve, where underwater life flourishes beneath crystal-clear waters.
The path continues to climb towards the rugged Cap Cerbère, where a simple sign marks the passage to Spain. From the top, the views are breathtaking, with the French coastline you are leaving behind on one side and the Catalan hills announcing new lands to discover on the other.
You will descend to Portbou, a quiet village with a frontier feel, nestled between mountains and sea. From here, a short train ride takes you to Llançà, a small fishing port where the pace is slow, the sea is close by and Catalan cuisine awaits you with seafood and freshly pressed olive oil.
You can find all the information about the train on the Rodalies de Catalunya website.
Ascent: 483m (1,585ft) / Descent: 483m (1,585ft)
Overnight in Llançà
Hotel La Goleta
This family-run hotel is located in the Cabo de Creus Natural Park. With elegant décor, its rooms feature a television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a lovely restaurant where you can try typical dishes.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Llançà to Port de la Selva 9,9 miles I 16 km
The day begins with a peaceful walk by the sea, following well-marked trails that skirt the coastline and reveal, step by step, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Soon, the path turns inland, entering the lush Santa Creu Valley, where the scents of rosemary and thyme fill the air and the shadows of the cork trees offer a cool respite before the ascent.
The trail steepens as you approach the majestic Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, perched 520 metres above sea level on the hillside. This Romanesque gem, built in the 10th century, holds history within its golden stone walls and offers spectacular views over the Cap de Creus Natural Park and the jagged coastline stretching to the horizon.
From there, you will begin the descent to the charming coastal village of Port de la Selva. The path descends between vineyards and ancient stone walls, accompanied by open views of the Mediterranean.
Ascent: 561m (1,841ft) / Descent: 561m (1,841ft)
The trail steepens as you approach the majestic Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, perched 520 metres above sea level on the hillside. This Romanesque gem, built in the 10th century, holds history within its golden stone walls and offers spectacular views over the Cap de Creus Natural Park and the jagged coastline stretching to the horizon.
From there, you will begin the descent to the charming coastal village of Port de la Selva. The path descends between vineyards and ancient stone walls, accompanied by open views of the Mediterranean.
Ascent: 561m (1,841ft) / Descent: 561m (1,841ft)
Overnight in Port de la Selva
Hotel Porto Cristo
This accommodation is located in a restored old wine cellar. In addition to comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, it also has a restaurant and a terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Port de la Selva to Cadaques 8 miles I 13 km
Today, the landscape changes subtly, moving away from the coast into a wilder and quieter world. You will leave Port de la Selva via a rural route that climbs gently to a plateau bathed in Mediterranean light, from where you can see the contours of the sea and the hills of Cap de Creus in the distance.
The path winds its way between dry stone walls, scattered olive trees and an almost lunar landscape, shaped by wind and time. Along the way, short viewpoints offer glimpses of the distant blue of the Mediterranean.
Finally, like a white mirage between hills, Cadaques appears, nestled between mountains and sea. The path descends comfortably towards its cobbled streets, where whitewashed houses, beached boats and reflections on the water create a scene that seems frozen in time.
This elegant coastal village, closely linked to the creative universe of Salvador Dalí, was a refuge and inspiration for the surrealist artist, who lived a few steps away, in Port Lligat. Today, his spirit still floats among the shadows and lights of this wild coast.
Ascent: 352m (1,155ft) / Descent: 344m (1,129ft)
The path winds its way between dry stone walls, scattered olive trees and an almost lunar landscape, shaped by wind and time. Along the way, short viewpoints offer glimpses of the distant blue of the Mediterranean.
Finally, like a white mirage between hills, Cadaques appears, nestled between mountains and sea. The path descends comfortably towards its cobbled streets, where whitewashed houses, beached boats and reflections on the water create a scene that seems frozen in time.
This elegant coastal village, closely linked to the creative universe of Salvador Dalí, was a refuge and inspiration for the surrealist artist, who lived a few steps away, in Port Lligat. Today, his spirit still floats among the shadows and lights of this wild coast.
Ascent: 352m (1,155ft) / Descent: 344m (1,129ft)
Overnight in Cadaques
Hotel Llane Petit
Located in a privileged setting surrounded by nature, it offers fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar and a beautiful terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Circular route through Cadaques 9,9 miles I 16 km
Your journey culminates with a final unforgettable walk from Cadaques. The trail winds its way through the rugged, mineral landscape of Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. The route follows a broken line between sea and rock, where the land seems to dissolve into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, under a light that has fascinated artists and travellers for centuries.
Along the way, you will pass through Port Lligat, a small cove where Salvador Dalí found his corner of peace and eccentricity. His former residence, now converted into the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, offers an intimate window into his surrealist world. If time permits, a visit to this unique place is highly recommended to end the trip on a note of artistic inspiration.
Back in Cadaques, the cobbled streets invite you to take a final stroll among white façades, bougainvillea in bloom and corners full of life and colour. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner by the sea with Mediterranean flavours and Empordà wines.
Ascent: 549m (1,801ft) / Descent: 549m (1,801ft)
Along the way, you will pass through Port Lligat, a small cove where Salvador Dalí found his corner of peace and eccentricity. His former residence, now converted into the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, offers an intimate window into his surrealist world. If time permits, a visit to this unique place is highly recommended to end the trip on a note of artistic inspiration.
Back in Cadaques, the cobbled streets invite you to take a final stroll among white façades, bougainvillea in bloom and corners full of life and colour. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner by the sea with Mediterranean flavours and Empordà wines.
Ascent: 549m (1,801ft) / Descent: 549m (1,801ft)
Overnight in Cadaques
Hotel Llane Petit
Located in a privileged setting surrounded by nature, it offers fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar and a beautiful terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Cadaques
After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking trail, we recommend flying to Perpignan Airport, as it is the closest. First, take bus line 6 to the city centre and then a train to Collioure.
You also have the option of flying to Girona or Barcelona airports. From Girona airport, take the bus to Perpignan and from there take a train to Collioure. From Barcelona airport, you can take a train to Perpignan and then another to Collioure.
You can find all the information about the bus on the Sankéo website and about the train on the SNCF website.
To return to your city of origin from Cadaques, you can fly from Girona and Barcelona airports. To get to Girona airport, take a bus to the centre of Girona, from where you can take a shuttle bus to the airport. To get to Barcelona Airport, first take a bus to Figueres and then a bus or train to the airport.
You can find all the information about the bus on the Moventis website and about the train on the Rodalies de Catalunya website.
You also have the option of flying to Girona or Barcelona airports. From Girona airport, take the bus to Perpignan and from there take a train to Collioure. From Barcelona airport, you can take a train to Perpignan and then another to Collioure.
You can find all the information about the bus on the Sankéo website and about the train on the SNCF website.
To return to your city of origin from Cadaques, you can fly from Girona and Barcelona airports. To get to Girona airport, take a bus to the centre of Girona, from where you can take a shuttle bus to the airport. To get to Barcelona Airport, first take a bus to Figueres and then a bus or train to the airport.
You can find all the information about the bus on the Moventis website and about the train on the Rodalies de Catalunya website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The route is available between April and June, and again from mid-September to the end of October, coinciding with the best conditions for walking along the Vermeille Coast. Spring is especially beautiful, with an explosion of wildflowers and mild temperatures, ideal for those who enjoy the sea air and colourful landscapes. June starts to get warm, but it is still pleasant for walking, while July and August are not recommended due to the excessive heat typical of the Mediterranean.
In autumn, the weather becomes favourable again from mid-September onwards, although occasional storms may occur. Despite this, the sea breeze and mild temperatures make this a very rewarding time for walking.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 4 to 6 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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