Bike Tour in Catalonia - Cycling Girona and the Costa Brava
Discover the essence of Catalonia and Costa Brava through the exhilarating lens of a road cycling tour. Renowned as a haven for pro cyclists, this region unfolds a tapestry of diverse landscapes, stretching from the majestic Pyrenees to the picturesque coastal stretches. Get ready for an adventure that seamlessly blends rugged coastal rides, the undulating terrain of the wine-rich Empordá region, challenging ascents in natural parks, and legendary climbs leading to the summit of the Pyrenees.
The Riding Experience: A Cyclist's Paradise. Catalonia and Girona are synonymous with cycling excellence, attracting pro cyclists for its varied riding options. Pedal along the rugged and breathtaking coast, conquer the flats and hills of the Empordá wine region, and take on challenging climbs in natural parks, including some of cycling's most notorious ascents leading to the Pyrenean peaks.
Culinary and Viticultural Delights: A Gastronomic Voyage. As you traverse Catalonia, indulge in a culinary tapestry ranging from intimate family-run eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants. Experience the region's gastronomic prowess with each meal, savoring the diverse flavors that make Catalonia a global culinary destination. Complementing this culinary odyssey, explore the Empordá wine region—bordering the French Roussilon—with its renowned reds, whites, and robust sweet wines. The Mediterranean climate and the gentle embrace of the Pyrenees infuse these wines with distinctive character, providing a true taste of Catalonia's terroir.
Mediterranean Splendor: Costa Brava and Cap de Creus. Your cycling adventure unfolds against the backdrop of the enchanting Mediterranean, where the Costa Brava's rugged coastline meets the mystical landscapes of Cap de Creus. Pedal along the azure waters, exploring hidden coves and seaside villages. The Costa Brava offers a perfect blend of challenging coastal routes and tranquil stretches, while Cap de Creus invites you to conquer its scenic roads. Embrace the panoramic views, feel the Mediterranean breeze, and experience the unique charm of this coastal paradise, making each cycling day an unforgettable journey through the soul-stirring landscapes of Catalonia.
Hospitality in Select Accommodations: A Restful Oasis. Experience true Catalan hospitality as you unwind in carefully selected hotels. Begin your journey in Girona, a cycling and gastronomic stronghold, before immersing yourself in the rural charm of Torrent and Pau. Conclude your adventure in Cadaqués, where a coastal hotel overlooks the azure sea, providing a perfect retreat after days filled with cycling, gastronomy, and exploration.
Where to start? I tagged along with my friends on a 6-day bike tour. We had e-bikes, although our guide, Ricardo, ...
Pick up from the airport of Girona for a transfer to your hotel in Girona. Tour briefing and bike setup. Optional short ride in Girona to test the bikes and enjoy the spectacular cycling scene and lifestyle. Free afternoon/evening to enjoy the beautiful Girona medieval city centre and taste the brilliant food and wine of this region. Hotel – Hotel Nord 1901 Superior or Hotel Montjuic Boutique ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; Your first ride of this tour is an introduction to riding in Girona. It's one of the classic routes for the local cyclists, a loop ride that will take you from your hotel in Girona to the Banyoles Lake or El Place de l'Estany as the Catalans call it. This loop will take through the backroads just outside of Girona leading you to the lake, contouring it and return to Girona after enjoying the quiet roads that surround the lake and the city of Girona. Make sure you take time in the afternoon to walk around the old city, visit the monuments, the cycling cafés and especially to walk on top of the city walls for some fantastic views. Hotel – Hotel Nord 1901 Superior or Hotel Montjuic Boutique ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; This is one of the most beautiful rides in the Girona area and will lead you out of Girona to the Empordá region through the Els Àngels mountain, another classic climb of this area. Soon after you exit Girona you're already climbing this gentle and steady climb to the Els Àngels Sanctuary, from where you'll have great views of the town and the mountains. Riding down you'll enter the Empordá region, a flatter agricultural and wine area where you'll visit the small and absolutely beautiful villages of this area in succession. Go through Madremanya, Monells, Pubol with its Salvador Dali-Gala House and Museum, as well as Peratallada, just before reaching your hotel for the day. All this historic medieval villages are just a wonder to visit and enjoy. Take your time to stop for a coffee or lunch, soaking in the great atmosphere, especially in Pubol and Peratallada. Hotel – Hotel Mas Rabiol or Hotel Mas de Torrent ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; This ride will take you from Torrent to the Costa Brava, for some great coastal views of the small seaside villages and coves of the region, returning to the Empordá via the lovely medieval village of Pals. Today you'll leave your tranquil rural retreat to see some of the great little coves and beaches that lie on the coast so near the Torrent and Peratallada area. As you leave Torrent, you'll first go past Palafrugell, getting to the coast in beautiful Tamariu. From here onwards and while you're at the coast you'll ride this very hilly part, visiting the small seaside villages of Aigua Blava and Fornells, shortly coming inland to get to very picturesque and historical Begur, returning to the coast until Sa Riera where you'll be slowly veering towards your rural hotel. Just before you arrive to the tranquility of Torrent you'll have the opportunity to visit beautiful Pals, another gem of the Baix Empordá, with its historic village centre so worth a visit and certainly many photographs. Hotel – Hotel Mas Rabiol or Hotel Mas de Torrent ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; Today you'll have the longest ride of the tour but also the flattest one. This ride will connect the Baix and Alt Empordá regions, going from the south towards the northern part to get close to the Cap de Creus natural park. You leave Torrent towards the north through the agricultural area and villages of Palau Sator and Bellcaire d'Empordá, detouring to the coast to go to the just beautiful Sant Marti d'Empuriés, a great place to have a seafood lunch. You'll then return inland continuing to ride north to St. Pére Pescador and Castelló d'Empuriés, entering the rural backroads that will lead you to the small village of Pau, on the foothills of the Sierra de Rodes and where you hotel is located. Enjoy the quietness of this picturesque village and its beautiful hotels. Hotel – Hotel Can Massanna or Hotel Mas Lazuli ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; Today is one iconic ride that will lead you to Cap Créus and then to seaside Cadaqués, tackling the climb to the Monastery of St. Pere de Rodes and the Cap de Creus super scenic road. You'll have a few short kilometres to warm up before the start of the climb in Villajuiga, this is a steady climb with beautiful views of the the whole Empordá region as you go up. Getting to the top means you've reached the Monastery, from where you'll have, again, magnificent views, this time to the Mediterranean Sea and the town of Port de la Selva. The downhill section that leads you to this village is no short of amazing, the deep blue views of the sea are special. Enjoy the seaside village and prepare for another climb to Perafita, this a gentler and shorter climb, again with great views, that lead to you this higher altitude winery of Perafita. From here you'll have a long downhill section to Cadaqués and Port Lligat, incredible villages by the sea, made famous by Salvador Dali and where you'll find his House/Museum. You'll pass the Cadaqués centre and your hotel without stopping as you'll need to go to Port Lligat and the to Cap Creus, to ride this brilliant hilly road that will get you to the Cape for some great views of the Mediterranean and the whole natural park. From the cape you'll trace back to Cadaqués to end this tour on a high note. Hotel – Hotel Playa Sol or Boutique Hotel Villa Gala ("premium" option)
Breakfast at your hotel; At the scheduled time transfer to Girona Airport.
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Our guides and support vans will provide you with nutrition and hydration along all our guided tours so that you can better enjoy your ride.
Ricardo "El capitán" Costa is the"roadie" in charge of designing this tour. Having ridden all over the world, from Malaysia to the USA, it is in Portugal that he found some of the best rides in the planet. Ricardo has picked some of the best roads in the region, that will introduce you to his favorite vineyards, coffee stops, viewpoints, hotels and other secret spots.
