The stages

The six crossing points of this trek are Cotlliure, Banyuls de la Marenda, Portbou, Llançà, El Port de la Selva and Cadaqués. The north-south or south-north direction is indifferent, although we explain it to you in a north-south direction for the illusion of walking towards Salvador Dalí’s paradise.

Stage 1

Cotlliure – Banyuls

The departure from Collioure is peri-urban in its first section to Port-Vendres, without prejudice to the good views and wild corners with coves and rocks overlooking the sea. After Port-Vendres the wilder part begins towards the beautiful Cape Bear, the Paulilles sector and the Ullastrell Cape, beautiful stretches of wild nature on the seashore. The arrival in Banyuls is grateful and satisfactory.

• Distance: 15,71 km
• Standard time: 5 – 6 h
• Lowest elevation: 0 m
• Highest elevation: 108 m
• Cumulative ascent: 558 m
• Cumulative descent: 558 m

Stage 1 profile

Stage 2

Banyuls – Portbou

This is the most mountainous stage of the journey, and it climbs to the top, the Querroig tower, a fantastic viewpoint of the entire territorial scope that concerns us. The entire ascent, smooth and constant, will be between vineyards of the Banyuls wine, highly recognized in France, and will offer us panoramic views of everywhere we have walked so far. From the culminating point, defense tower and border crossing, the view opens up to Cap de Creus, and the Portbou train station will guide us down the crest through the emblematic exile passes.

• Distance: 13,5 km
• Standard time: 5-6 h
• Lowest elevation: 0 m
• Highest elevation: 671 m
• Cumulative ascent: 825 m
• Cumulative descent: 825 m

Stage 2 profile

Stage 3

Portbou – Llançà

To get out of the Portbou hole we have to climb the Frare pass, where we can enjoy what we are about to leave behind. From here, we will push ourselves down to Colera, and we will enjoy its entire stretch of coast up to Llançà, with the iconic spots of the Canons mountain, Garbet, Cap Ras and Grifeu. A stage full of coves and little-frequented coastal corners and where, surely, we will return to take a good bath.

• Distance: 11,77 km
• Standard time: 3 h 40 min – 4 h
• Lowest elevation: 0 m
• Highest elevation: 232 m
• Cumulative ascent: 496 m
• Cumulative descent: 496 m

Stage 3 profile

Stage 4

Llançà – El Port de la Selva

From Llançà to El Port de la Selva there is an 8 km coastal path, quite anthropized. We will choose to climb up the mountain to the majestic monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, before going through the highest point of the mountains, the castle of Verdera, with impressive views of the Alt Empordà in its entirety, and up to the Ripollès mountains. A spectacular combination of cultural heritage and landscape of sea and mountains at the same time, a great stage.

• Distance: 15,26 km
• Standard time: 6 h 45 min – 7 h 30 min
• Lowest elevation: 0 m
• Highest elevation: 670 m
• Cumulative ascent: 872 m
• Cumulative descent: 872 m

Stage 4 profile

Stage 5

El Port de la Selva – Cadaqués

The final stage of the journey runs through Cap de Creus from end to end along the GR-92, which reaches Cadaqués, unlike the GR-11, which reaches the Cap de Creus final point. A wasteland, stony and bushy landscape, which rises from El Port towards the Oratori and Torrelló mountains, to reach its culminating point under the Puig dels Bufadors. From here the path leads directly down, with good views over Cadaqués and Port Lligat.

• Distance 10 km
• Standard time: 3,5 – 4 h
• Lowest elevation: 0 m
• Highest elevation: 388 m
• Cumulative ascent: 452 m
• Cumulative descent: 452 m

Stage 5 profile

If after the journey you want to stay and rest in the area, you can extend your stay in Cadaqués and visit, at least, Cabo de Creus and the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat. There are also many other tourist possibilities and the area is full of charming towns.