Since 1984, Inntravel has pioneered innovative, immersive travel, and our walking holiday along Catalonia’s tranquil coastline not only embodies this ethos but has also become one of our longest standing holidays. This gentle route leads through the quietest corner of the pristine northern Costa Brava, where pine-clad hills meet sandy beaches and hidden coves, and towns are steeped in medieval charm. Exploring the region on foot allows ample time for uncovering both its rich traditions and distinct local character.
Boasting high-quality, family-run hotels, this holiday consistently receives praise for showcasing the region’s renowned cuisine and hospitality. The vibrant landscapes and beautiful trails make this walk an Inntravel classic, and – like every good holiday – each stay also enriches the local community. This flagship Inntravel holiday helps guests rediscover the joy of travelling mindfully, supporting local chefs, farmers, and family-run hotels en route.
Catalan Coast holiday highlights
Charming Calella
Beyond Calella's famed golden sands lies a charming old town, beckoning with delightful strolls. Wander through its paved and cobbled alleyways, where history whispers from the facades of ancient buildings and towering landmarks. Celebrated for its rich mix of history and natural beauty, Calella naturally boasts excellent dining options.
Hotel Aigua Blava
Located close to the sea on the edge of a tiny natural harbour, this hotel offers some of the finest views in the region, with easy access to the beach, a restaurant and terrace overlooking the sea, a sea-water pool, tennis court, volleyball facilities, and attractive gardens with yuccas and palms. ‘Breakfast with a view’ really is an understatement at this hotel.
Beach perfection
Perched on a secluded cove, Llafranc Beach boasts striking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, offering a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see. The beach itself is often delightfully quiet, allowing visitors to bask in the peaceful ambiance and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves lapping gently against the shore. If you're looking to escape the crowds for a serene spot to recharge, Llafranc Beach is the perfect choice.
Restaurants that wow
Sa Conca Restaurant, S'Agaró
Sa Conca del S'Agaró elevates Mediterranean cuisine with a commitment to innovation. The menu features fresh, succulent seafood and fish from the region's rocky coastline, alongside vegetables sourced from the province's diverse landscapes. For alternatives to seafood, the beef carpaccio and tuna tataki come highly recommended.
A view to remember
Built in the mid-19th century, and standing 169 metres above the sea, San Sebastián offers arguably the best panoramic views of the Costa Brava. From this spot you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas over the sea and inland across to the Pyrenees.
Cultural hotspot
The town of Begur, surrounded by mountains, is a gem of the Costa Brava. The medieval town doesn’t just offer historical significance within the region but also boasts some of the Costa Brava’s most crystal-clear coves.
Q&A with Paqui Lopez
Inntravel's Costa Brava representative
What sets the Catalan Coast apart from other European coastal routes?
The most remarkable thing about the Costa Brava, which makes it different from other European coasts, is its seaside resorts with long sandy beaches, offering a varied panorama of snow-capped peaks in the Pyrenees, small coves, and fishing villages. There’s also so much to explore, including Romanesque churches and Greco-Roman ruins, medieval fortresses and, of course, the Surrealist legacy of Dalí.
How has the Costa Brava’s culture and scenery changed over the years?
The region still retains much of what characterised it before the advent of tourism in the 1950s and 1960s. The essence of the area, its inhabitants, traditions and natural beauty, are unique and very special to us. The awareness of this area has grown, and over the years the Catalan Coast has sparked the interest of artists and writers such as Marc Chagall, Picasso, Rusiñol and Dalí.
What’s the best way to explore the Costa Brava?
Walking the coastal paths of the Costa Brava, at your own pace, is one of the experiences you cannot miss. Take the time to explore the Costa Brava’s endless supply of incredible seascapes and the medieval towns that give the region so much character and intrigue.
What can you expect to see on the routes?
Inntravel’s routes pick up sections of the GR 92, one of the great trails in Catalonia. It crosses Catalonia from north to south along the Mediterranean side, as close to the sea as possible. It runs along the entire Catalan Coast, with landscapes ranging from long beaches to cliffs, as well as coves, and fishing villages. From its beginning in Portbou and to the end in Ulldecona, the path enters the natural park of Cap de Creus, and it also visits important architectural and cultural vestiges, allowing you to get a very good idea of the culture of the Catalan coast.
What must-try dishes showcase the best of Catalan cuisine?
- Pà amb tomàquet: toasted bread, rubbed tomato, seasoned with olive oil and salt.
- Botifarra amb mongetes: flavoursome dish of pork sausage and white beans.
- Cargols a la llauna: snails cooked on a grill or in a tin pan, served with aioli or vinagrette.
- Suquet de peix: seafood stew with slow-simmered squid, clams and prawns.
- Arros negre: cuttlefish (or squid) and rice.
