Catalonia walking vacation in Spain

Planet

The first hotel of the itinerary is a former rectory which is certified under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. This guarantees a minimal environmental footprint. Original features have been restored to imbue the property with much of the character which had been lost. Solar panels are used to provide hot water and a great effort is made to recycle all paper, packaging, plastic, cartons, cans and glass. Waste liquids are also disposed of in a responsible manner.

In Garrotxa the hotel you stay in is a restored country farmhouse that had been left abandoned for many years. The owners have dedicated a great deal of time in thoughtfully restoring the building to its former glory and maintaining the forest paths, allowing guests to interact with the surrounding environment, without damaging it.

Throughout the trip, detailed walking notes are provided for guests to follow. These are designed to ensure the continued enjoyment and protection of the precious environments through which they pass and are regularly checked by our team members.

People

By working directly with local guesthouse owners, restaurateurs, drivers and guides we ensure that our money goes directly to the people who will shape your vacation. These are our long-term partners, with whom we have developed close relationships. Our vacation guide extends this ethos, sharing our favourite locally-owned restaurants and cafes.

Catalonia is blessed with excellent conditions for growing a bounty of local vegetables and producing outstanding wine. The hotels we use are all small, family-run guesthouses who take advantage of the local ingredients in their cooking. This ensures that much of your money is spread throughout the Catalan economy.

The medieval city of Girona provides a very attractive alternative to over-visited Barcelona. You'll be more exposed to the Catalan identity and the history and cultural heritage of the region. Along with the numerous small villages you'll pass through, you'll gain a far better appreciation of the way people live and think.

The impact of tourism is gradually encroaching on the traditional ways of life along the Costa Brava. However, by thoughtfully engaging with the small fishing communities along the coastline, we can ensure that these villages remain economically viable and their ways of life are given a degree of protection.