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Cap de Creus Natural Park

Carrer del Cap de Creus, Vila-sacra, Catalunya

Description

Cap de Creus is a headland located in north-eastern Catalonia, close of the French border and at the foothills of the oriental Pyrenees. The Natural Park was the first maritime-terrestrial park in Spain (in 1998) and covers 110 km2 on land and about 30km2 of marine environment. It is highly regarded for its geology and scenery with three formal natural areas of national interest: Cap de Creus (with the Maça Major and s'Encalladora islands), Falconera point on the Norfeu cape and the Rodes mountain range.

Access & Transport

Cadaqués, Montjoi and El Port de la Selva are the main 3 villages within the area and the closest town is Figueres, 35km / 40mins inland; there are some bus services running from there. Figueres is only 25km from the French border and it is on the train line and expressway linking Barcelona to Perpignan (FR) via Girona.

Instructions & Recommendations

In the previous summers, vehicles were prohibited to enter after a certain time (9h30 in 2022) and visitors had to rely on a bus shuttle (https://www.moventis.es/es/servicio-lanzadera-en-el-parque-natural-del-cabo-de-creus). We would recommend staying at least one night in one of the aforementioned villages to have the time to explore the park in depth or at the very least at a more leisurely pace. If you are hiking, make sure to wear proper shoes, sun protection (Cap/hat and sunblock) and bring some water. This activity can be complemented by a visit to Cadaqués, Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery and/or the Dali Museum in Port Lligat

Meta review

Articles on travel blogs and reviews on online portal highlight how scenic the area is with its great hiking options and beautiful small coves. There are however a few negative comments, mostly about the parking / traffic to the lighthouse during the peak summer season and the recent trials to run shuttle buses and keeping out cars are making exploration of the less touristy sections really challenging logistically. Apparently, the restaurant is also overpriced.

Environmental & Social

Green activity Helps preserve the biodiversity of the area and keep residential development at bay

Conclusion

The natural park is scenic and provides the perfect excuse to spend a couple of days in the area around Cadaqués. It is very nice, but don't expect to be blown away either if you are an outdoor enthusiast (you are very likely to have seen more impressive landscapes)

Key positive

One of the most scenic parts of Catalonia (excl. the Pyrenees)

Several interesting sights and attractions in the area

Key negative

Logistically a little painful during the peak season

No shade along the hiking paths

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. The road all the way to the lighthouse would enable visitors with reduced mobility to enjoy some of the views but the hiking paths would not be accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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