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.

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.

Today you will cross the border between France and Spain. Passports are no longer required! The old border post remains. 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 on the Spanish side of the frontier to Port Bou, a small town just on the Spanish side of the border.

Walk up to Colle de Frare (202m) for wonderful coastal views then descend 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. In normal conditions this can be done in walking boots, but when there is a strong wind, the terrace can be a third of a metre under water.

If we are unable to confirm accommodation here tonight, you catch the train back to Port-Bou which takes approx. 10 minutes.

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.

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.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You are free to continue exploring Cadaques, however note that public transport options out of the town are limited and most buses depart early in the morning to Figueras. For those who wish to visit the Dali Museum at Figueras before returning to Collioure or to the airport at Barcelona or Perpignan, an early start by bus or taxi is advisable. For those travelling direct to an airport the most convenient train station is also at Figueras.

If you would like to extend your stay, ask our team when you book about extra hotel nights.