Traditional Trails of Catalonia

Arrive at Hotel Riu Fluvia in Olot. Free time to unpack and settle in.

Our first morning takes us into one of mainland Europe’s most impressive volcanic landscapes. Catalonia’s volcanoes last erupted just over 11,000 years ago. Nowadays, La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone National Park is ideal walking territory for its canvas of extinct craters and cones carpeted in the region’s rich vegetation. There’s also time spent in Olot in the afternoon - it's a lively municipality that dates back to the 9th century and has some interesting historical buildings and is also well known for its cultural activity. 

Both day three walks start at the charming Church of St Iscle. We’ll explore hillsides littered with beautiful old farmhouses and stop at some impressive viewpoints along the way.

Today we transfer from Olot to Port de la Selva. Our luggage will stay with the coach while we explore the medieval town of Santa Pau. Afterwards, we’ll travel to the eastern edge of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone National Park where our walks begin.

Each week there’s a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax at the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest.

Port de la Selva is a former fishing village to the north of the Cap de Creus which remains largely unspoilt. Take your pick from beaches or rocky coves for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. If you fancy lunch with a view, there’s some excellent seafood restaurants and pizzerias along the waterfront.  

You may wish to take a local bus to Figueres to visit the Museu Dali (pre booking is essential).

2,000 year old Girona is an easy local bus ride away and its well-preserved centre makes it one of the most interesting towns in Catalonia. 

The medieval monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes sits high above Port de la Selva and wows with stunning views of the coastline and Cap de Creus.   The hotel can arrange taxis to take you there.  

Both walks today include a substantial stretch of dramatic coastal path including the spectacular limestone rock formations in the Paraje de Tudela, close to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse. You'll explore Port Lligat- the former home of Spanish surrealist artist, Salvador Dali and round off in Cadaqués to admire its characterful blue and white buildings cascading down the cliffs to the sea.

Our final day explores the northern part of the Costa Brava. Departing from different villages, both walks follow a section of the GR92 long-distance trail. We'll discover areas that were once at the heart of Catalonia's grape growing industry, devastated by the phylloxera plague that killed vines across much of Europe in the late 19th century. On our route there are a few villages where we can stop for a coffee or a refreshing drink at a terrace with sea views.

Return to the airport for your flight home.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.