Hiking the Vermillion Coast

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

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8 Days From

$1590

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey hiking the stunning Vermillion Coast in France, where coastal and mountain trails along the edge of the Pyrenees offer breathtaking panoramas and charming seaside towns. This self-guided tour takes you from the picturesque town of Collioure to the artistic haven of Cadaques, with opportunities to swim, savor famous Banyuls wine, and indulge in fresh seafood. Enjoy comfortable accommodations ranging from 2-4 star hotels to a quaint pension, with luggage transfers and detailed route notes provided. Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights on this moderate-grade adventure. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Coastal and Mountain Hiking Along the Edge of the Pyrenees

  • Beautiful Seaside Towns & Panoramas

  • Famous Banyuls Wine and Seafood

  • Swimming Opportunities

  • Exploring the pretty town of Collioure

  • Walking the GR10 long distance trail among vines down to Banyuls

  • Visiting the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes near the summit of San Salvador Peak

  • Passing close to Port Lligat, former home of Salvador Dali, on the approach to Cadaques

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Collioure

Location: Collioure

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel

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.
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Day 2 : Gorges de Lavall to Collioure - 14 km/8.6 miles, 6-6.5hrs

Location: Collioure

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer by road (included) to Gorges de Lavall (240m) and walk back past Tour de Massane (793m) to Collioure.

Day 3 : Collioure to Banyuls - 15.7 km/9.8 miles, 6hrs

Location: Banyuls-sur-Mer

Accommodation Name: 4* family run hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk up from Collioure to Tour Madeloc (656m), 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.

Day 4 : Banyuls to Port-Bou - 14 km/8.7 miles, 5hrs

Location: Banyuls-sur-Mer

Accommodation Name: pension

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk up from Banyuls to Pic Joan (437m), a summit with a magnificent view of the indented coastline. Optional ascent to the Tour de Querroig/Tour Carroig, a ruined fort on the frontier (670m). Then steep descent on the Spanish side of the frontier to Port-Bou, a small town just on the Spanish side of the border.
Accommodation: A simple but nice pension. The rooms are not en-suite. Dinner is included in a local restaurant.

Day 5 : Port-Bou to Llanca - 11.6 km /7.2 miles, 5hrs

Location: Portbou

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. 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.

Day 6 : Llanca to Port de la Selva - 12.5km/7.8 miles, 5hrs

Location: Llançà

Accommodation Name: 2* hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A steep climb from sea level to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes near the summit of San Salvador Peak (670m), 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.

Day 7 : Port de la Selva to Cadaques - 25 km/15.4 miles (13.2km/8.2miles), 7-8hrs (5.5hrs)

Location: Port de La Selva

Accommodation Name: 3* hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Port de la Selva through rugged maquis landscape to Cap de Creus (easternmost point on the Spanish mainland). From Cap de Creus follow on paths to Cadaques. You will pass close to Port Lligat (former home of Salvador Dali) on the approach to Cadaques.
*The other option to walk to Cadaques is a shorter route following the GR92. It starts with a fairly steep climb after which you descend to Cadaques (13.2km/8.2miles, 5.5hrs).
Accommodation: Our normal 3* hotel overlooks 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.

Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast

Location: Collioure

Meals Included: Breakfast

There is limited public transport out of the town, just one or two early morning buses. 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.

What's Included

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.

  • Accommodation

    1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel, 5 nights in 2-3* hotels with ensuite facilities, and 1 night in a pension with shared facilities.

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer is provided.

  • Information Pack

    An information pack including route notes and maps is provided.

  • Emergency Hotline

    An emergency hotline is available.

  • GPX Files

    GPX files of the routes will be emailed to you.

What's Not Included

  • Additional Meals and Beverages

    4 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Travel to Start and End Points

    Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.

  • Unscheduled Transfers

    Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    Excess luggage is not included.

  • Solo Traveler Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided holiday; a guide is not included.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in hotels with en-suite facilities, except for 1 night in a pension without en-suite facilities. Most frequently used hotels are described below but alternatives are used on occasion when room availability is limited. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/pension may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less

Grading

This walk (grade 3) is best described as moderate and should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking up and down 2500 feet/700 metres or so in a day. Day stages: Of up to 22 km / 13.6 miles, the daily ascents up to 700m/2500 feet make each day a full one. Some of the trails are rocky in places ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Transfer by road to Gorges de Lavall and walk back past Tour de Massane to Collioure. Walk up from Collioure to Tour Madeloc, then descend to Col des Gascons and follow the GR10 long distance trail among vines down to Banyuls. Walk up from Banyuls to Pic Joan, then steep descent on the Spanish side of the frontier to Port-Bou. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided in hotels with en-suite facilities, except for one night in a pension without en-suite facilities. The hotels are typically 2-3 star, with one night in a 4-star hotel. If the usual hotels are not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed at the time of booking. ...more ...less

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Additionally, 4 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are also included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour package.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available, and you will also receive an information pack including route notes and maps. GPX files of the routes will be emailed to you.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday.

  • What should I bring for the walk from Port-Bou to Llanca?

    You should bring sandals, jellies, or water shoes as there is a short section on the trail where you have to walk in the sea for about 150 meters around a headland.

  • What happens if the accommodation in Llanca is not available?

    If accommodation in Llanca is not available, you will catch a train back to Port-Bou, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

  • What is the difficulty level of the hiking tour?

    The walk is graded as moderate and should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking up and down 2500 feet/700 meters or so in a day.

  • What are the daily hiking distances and ascents?

    Daily stages are up to 22 km (13.6 miles) with daily ascents up to 700 meters (2500 feet), making each day a full one. Some of the trails are rocky in places.

  • What are the transportation options at the end of the tour?

    There is limited public transport out of Cadaques, with just one or two early morning buses. For those wishing to visit the Dali Museum at Figueras or travel to the airport at Barcelona or Perpignan, an early start by bus or taxi is advisable. The most convenient train station is also at Figueras.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

A. Hodonsky(Vienna, USA)  

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

9 Jun 2022

On the whole I was satisfied, but sometimes I found the description of the path to take too detailed (like when the markers were excellent and easy to follow) and other times it left out things that could have been helpful. All of the hotels were to my liking, but at the hotel in Collioure it was impossible to get breakfast before 8a.m. even though your notes stated that, upon request, one could have breakfast at 7:30. ...more ...less

R. Page(Waihi Beach, New Zealand)  

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

14 May 2024

A really interesting part of Europe, the seaside towns on the Costa Brava are a delight.

M. Jowsey(Waihi Beach, New Zealand)  

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

12 Jun 2024

We enjoyed our adventure on the Vermillion Coast, so different to home. Memorable views, cute towns & fishing ports, good accommodation. Real sense of achievement at the end of each day.

H. Watt(Massachusetts, USA)  

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

13 Mar 2017

The meals provided were good, the tour is for seasoned walkers, route notes and maps excellent. The hours / distances covered each day were roughly as expected.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Hiking the Vermillion Coast

8 Days Starting in Collioure, France and ending in Cadaques, Spain

Visiting: Collioure, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Portbou, Llançà, Port de La Selva

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JVC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Swimming

From: $1590 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 29-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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