Cap de Creus Natural Park
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Cap de Creus - by Julien Lagarde (CC BY-SA 2.5)
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
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
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo