This linear route starts in Collioure leaving the town via paved roads with viewpoints looking back towards Collioure.
Following the road for a while we pick up a coastal trail towards port-Vendres, another historic coastal town with a marina and industrial port. The route continues through the town via the marina and leaves via a paved road towards l'anse de l'Espeluga beach passing via a trail with cannons and small forts.
Behind l'anse de l'Espeluga beach is a trail that leads upwards to a path that parallels the coastline towards Cap bear lighthouse. After visiting Cap bear headland the route follows a rocky trail around Les Ecueils bay and along the top of a cliff on a downwards path to the beutiful Paulilles beach and Forat beach. I recommend swiming in one of these two beaches.
The route next follows the coast to Oullastrell headland which has a fort. This location is another great viewpoint. The trail continues along the coastline along another rocky trail with ascent to Cap d'Ullastrell headland then descent down to Cap Castell de Vello headland. The path continues along the clifftop descending down to Sauna beach and cove then Elmes beach and cove.
Here the route follows a paved coastal road around Banyuls-sur-Mer to a viewpoint of this town. Once level with the main beach of this town we take a road inland towards the train station.
Click on any of the 43 images to open full screen gallery player
This is a medium-hard route along rugged natural coastline shaped by wind and rain. The route has a lot of descents and ascents in and out of the various coves, beaches and headlands.
Allow 6 to 8 hours to complete the route.
If travelling via the R1 through Portbou and there is more than one hour between trains, Just outside of Portbou station are several bars and restaurants to get dinner.
In general Dogs are not permitted on beaches in the summer season between 1st June to the last Sunday in September, except in designated dog zones. This route involves walking along beaches and wild cliff top coastline. If you hike this route in summer season I recommend putting your dog on a leash when crossing the busy beaches. In the smaller coves where people are not bathing it may be possible to swim with your dog in summer. Alternatively you can do this route before the start of summer with a dog.
This route is a combination of sandy beaches and rocky paths with a low chance in spring or summer of finding poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars.
This route involves walking along beaches and close to the shore so I put things that I want to remain dry inside waterproof bag inside my rucksack. I keep my phone inside an IPX8 case so I can take photos from the sea.
Take 2 - 3 litres of water.
Address: Chem. du Cap Bear, Port-Vendres, France. 66660
There are two ways of getting to Collioure from Barcelona by train:
See the Collioure to Banyuls-Ser-Mer Train Map in the documents section for more information.
If visiting Collioure by car, Free parking can be found at Collioure train station, Parking de la Gare, and pay parking, Parking Le Glacis in the centre of town. This is a linear route so you will have to use the train to get back to Collioure.
Click on any one of the 3 PDFs to view in full screen and download.
17Km Medium-hard Linear Cote Vermeille (France) coastal hike via Port Vendres & Cap bear lighthouse along rocky exposed coastal path with beautiful beaches.
Distance: 16.93 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Return Travel Fare: €42.00
Transport Network: Regional + SNCF
