Excursions

Hiking

Also known as the “Mediterranean path”, the GR92 crosses Catalonia from the north (from its beginning in Portbou) to the south (to the very end in Ulldecona), following the Catalan coast through 31 stages and 560 km. The stage #8, with a route of 23 km, starts in Begur following Tamariu, Llafranc, Calella, Cala del Castell, until reaching Palamós, through seaside and inland paths, but always close to the sea.

In the Baix Empordà there are extensive networks of trails specifically designed and signposted for hiking and cycling. These trails allow you to explore and enjoy the most charming corners of the Costa Brava.

You will find maps in the house for hiking, cycling and driving routes and other itineraries in the Baix Empordà. The local tourist office in Palafrugell can provide more information, maps, and advice on excursions.

cycling routes

This cycle/walking route runs for 6 km between Palamós and Palafrugell, following the path of the old narrow-gauge railway, which formerly linked Palamós with the provincial capital Girona via la Bisbal, through the municipalities of: Palamós, Mont-ras, Palafrugell, Vall-llobrega and the beaches of Castell and la Fosca.

This route is created by converting disused railway lines into walking/cycling routes. The Girona green way extends for a total of 140 km, passing through 5 counties. It is suitable for walkers and cyclists of all ages and ability, and for people with reduced mobility.

An extensive range of linked walking/cycleways connects Girona with the south of France. Some stages involve gentle uphill stretches, and travelling on motorised roads. Altogether, the entire route stretches for 353 km, travelling through 53 towns spread across 8 counties. People can choose to travel the whole route, doing it in stages, or link in to it for shorter excursions.

Nature parks

The beach at Castell is located only a few meters from an ancient Iberian settlement, and forms part of the area of natural interest of Castell-Cap Roig, between Calella and Palamós (c. 9 km from the cottage).

One of the principal wetlands of Catalonia, the Aiguamolls, is situated at the confluence of the Muga and Fluvià rivers (at Castelló d’Empúries, c. 46 km from the cottage). This unique ecosystem nourishes a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is particularly rich in aquatic birds.

The municipality of Pals (c. 8 km from the cottage) has an interesting area with rice paddies, marshes, and dunes, with views of the Montgrí massif, which have been designated an area of special conservation.

The Isles Medes form an archipelago of seven islands just off the beach at l’Estartit (c. 22 km from the cottage). These islands are one of the most important reserves of marine flora and fauna in the western Mediterranean, and a world renowned location for scuba diving.

The Albera’s Tortoises Reproduction Center, located in the municipality of Garriguella, Alt Empordà (c. 70 km from the cottage), focuses on the reproduction of the Mediterranean tortoise in order to ensure its protection and survival.

The Gola del Ter, along with the Molí de Pals, contain habitats typical of Mediterranean estuaries. In these areas, the seawater meets the fresh water flowing out from the river. The salt water floats on top of the fresh water, and intrudes into the surrounding land, creating salt marshes rich with a unique flora and fauna. From the Gola del Ter (c. 18 km from the cottage) you can see the Medes Isles, but a visit to the estuary of the Ter river, where it flows into the sea, is also well worthwhile. Here it forms a unique landscape typical of such saltwater marshlands with their wonderful biodiversity.

Cultural heritage

Enjoy unique cultural experiences:

    • The botanical garden at Cap Roig (Calella)
    • The monumental ensemble at Sant Sebastià de la Guarda (the lighthouse, the Iberian settlement, the hermitage, the watchtower)
    • Josep Pla foundation (local writer and journalist)
    • The Cork museum
    • The Vila Casas foundation – Can Mario contemporary sculpture museum
    • The Modernist water tower at Can Mario

Beaches which allow dogs

    • Palamós, Pere Grau
    • Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Cala del Niu
    • L’Estartit, l’Estartit (entre Griells i la Pletera)
    • L’Escala, Rec del Molí
    • Empuriabrava, la Rubina
    • Port de la Selva, la Vall
    • Port de la Selva, la Ribera
    • Llançà, Sant Jordi
    • Colera, les Barques

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