Catalonia and Eastern Spain self-guided walking holidays

For a walking holiday the region of Catalonia and Eastern Spain is all about the Pyrenees and the dramatic beauty of the wild coastline, the Costa Brava, that extends from the French border southwards. In this area there is a combination of the spectacular coastline, flanked by jagged cliffs and secluded bays, behind which are hills of Mediterranean maquis, vines, olives and almond trees. It is a region with rich cultural associations, both historic and artistic, and of course has its own language. There is a strong independence movement in Catalonia. Walking in Catalonia brings a delightful choice between coastal paths and mountain paths, both affording wonderful views and places of interest as you walk. Along the coast, you are never too far from a picturesque fishing village and excellent restaurants, whilst dominating the mountain views perched on the border between France and Spain is Mount Canigou, often snow-topped into the early summer months. Inland there is a wine trail route in southern Catalonia where ancient mule tracks are now wine trails, there is the Route of the Seven Gorges, a 9km-long waterfilled circuit and there is hiking in the strange landscape of dormant cones and craters in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone National Park. Green vegetation, azure sea, dramatic cliffs and seascapes, mountain ranges, peaks and valleys, artists hideaways, fishing villages, secluded beaches in tiny coves, mule tracks, vineyard trails, towers and turrets, all make Catalonia a superb walking destination.