Spain

Cycleways of Catalonia

Self-Guided Family Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$2,275 P.P.
Child Discount Applies
BOOK NOW
This self-guided cycling holiday takes you from the volcanoes of the Spanish Garrotxa Natural Park to the beautiful Costa Brava and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. This relaxed ride takes you along purpose built tracks, once a railway line. through La Garrotxa Volcanic Area Nature Reserve, bursting with culture and lush vegetation, all the way out to the stunning Catalonian coast, making it the perfect pedallin' destination!
You'll start your Catalonian adventure in the beautiful town of Olot. Riding on cycle paths and country lanes, you'll discover the beech forests and craters of the stunning natural park surrounding the city. You'll then make your way, on a traffic free cycle way, towards the lovely city of Girona, where you'll have a free day to explore its magnificent cathedral, museums and atmospheric cobbled streets.
Your cycling journey continues through the Selva depression, through Caldes de Malavella, and the verdant Ridaura valley to end with two nights on the dramatic Costa Brava, where you can sample succulent seafood in the fishing resort of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. It's a heady concoction of the rich culture of the Catalan Mediterranean, its delicious cuisine, and rustic, medieval villages!
The last two evenings will be spent in a beachside hotel; the perfect place for reflecting on your holiday while sipping a sunset sangria!
If this trip sounds like the ideal journey for you, or you and your family, just contact us with your preferred dates and we can check availability for you.
adventure-through-medevial-villages.jpg

Highlights

  • Cycling around the Garrotxa volcanic zone
  • Following former railway tracks between Olot and the coast
  • Spending a free day in Girona with its magnificent cathedral
  • Enjoying tasty local fayre in Girona’s Lleo Market
  • Discovering Olot’s rich cultural heritage
  • Finishing your tour at the cool seaside town of San Feliu de Guíxols

Back to Top

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Girona - Transfer to Olot

Today you’ll arrive into Girona airport or train station from where we’ll transfer you to your accommodation in Olot (journey time approx. 30 minutes). Olot, where you’ll spend your first night of the trip, is the capital of the Garrotxa County, and is surrounded by four astonishing volcanoes. After settling into your hotel, your local representative will help you set up your rental bikes, (if renting), and will talk you through the week ahead. For those arriving a little later, welcome meetings will be held the following morning.

Depending on flight times, you may have time to explore the city, known for its Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture.

Day 2
Olot to Les Planes D'Hostoles
16 (or 24) Miles / 25 (or 39) Kms Approx.
Ascent: 323 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 323 Metres Approx.

On your first day on the bike you’ll follow the Greenways cycle route, easily navigable using the Olot to Girona Greenway signs. There are two distances to choose from today depending on how far you’d like to ride, each taking you along a former railway line. You’ll be cycling through the most fertile valley of Sant Esteve d’en Bas, known as “little Switzerland” thanks to its lush landscape.

As you‘re approaching Les Planes D’Hostoles, there’s also the option for a short detour (3 kms approx.) that takes you to the waterfall of Moli D’en Murri, for a refreshing end to your bike ride!

Worth noting today there’s one small cheeky climb to tackle on the standard route, and another uphill section if you take the detour to the Waterfall, but the rest of the day is very gentle, on flat terrain, predominantly downhill.

Tonight you can enjoy the peaceful country location of the little town of Les Planes D‘Hostoles, with its beautiful Modernist buildings, built during the industrial boom at the turn of the last century.

Day 3
Les Planes D'Hostoles to Girona
22 Miles / 36 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 214 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 214 Metres Approx.

Today you will be following the greenways from Les Planes D’Hostoles, through the Ter Valley, to the pasturelands of Salt, following a lovely, mostly downhill, route towards Girona. With just one cheeky climb today it’s the perfect day for meandering gently along towards your next overnight stop, admiring the rooftops over Amar as you go.

You’ll finish today’s cycling in the ancient, walled city of Girona. Perched on a hillside, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon admiring beguiling architecture and wandering around labyrinthine-like streets. It’s time to relax and take it easy!

Day 4
Free Day in Girona
Non-Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to spend as you please! Grab the opportunity to visit the winding lanes of the historic Jewish quarter, the Arab baths, the churches of Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants or the imposing cathedral. As you stroll along the impressive ancient walls, you’ll enjoy vistas of the city and the River Onya, which separates the old part of the city from the new. Stop in a cafe on the Paca de Independencia, the communal heart of Girona, sipping something cool and soaking up the convivial atmosphere in this characterful city.

In the evening, check out Girona’s delicious local cuisine, making sure to try some of their classic dishes, like the ‘xuixo’, a pastry filled with cream custard! Head to the Lleo Market for fresh, local produce.

Day 5
Girona to Caldes de Malavella
17 Miles / 27 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 269 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 269 Metres Approx.

It is time to say adios to Girona this morning, as you rejoin the Greenways and cycle towards the coast. The latter part of today’s ride will take you through scenic, yet remote agricultural land, and there‘re some fun sections through the woods as you make your way to Caldes de Malavella.

Caldes de Malavella can trace its human origins back to Paleolithic times, but it was the Romans who founded a town here when they discovered natural thermal springs in the area and built baths, the remains of which you can still find in the town centre.

This delightful town, situated in the foothills of the mountainous Montseny massif, is an immense ecological space designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It’s the ideal destination for rest and relaxation in one of the thermal spas.

Day 6
Caldes de Malavella to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
21 Miles / 33 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 273 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 273 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll follow the Greenway from Caldes de Malavella to Llagostera and the last section of the “Vias verdes” towards the coast.

You’ll start the day by re-tracing your steps through the fun wooded section from yesterday. As you make your way past the half-way point of the ride, you can really start to relax as you gradually start your descent towards the sea.

You’ll finish your ride in the Mediterranean town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols; a charming historical town with a beautiful beach and stunning landscape. You will spend the night in a hotel above the beach with awesome views. This relaxing setting gives you the perfect opportunity to really take in this gorgeous part of the world.

Day 7
Optional - Palamos and Palafrugell Loop Ride
32 or 36 Miles / 52 or 59 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 570 or 515 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 570 or 515 Metres Approx.

The last ride of the trip will take you north to explore the dramatic coastline, passing through beautiful villages, and cycling along the famous Greenways. You’ll reach Palamos, a traditional fishing village, where you can see ‘trenyines‘, the typical fishing boats, on its pretty beach promenade.

From Palamos, you have two options for the ride to Calella de Palafrugell, which, as you’ll see, deserves its reputation as one of the prettiest coastal villages in Spain! It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch in the delightful waterside bars, cafes and restaurants, or explore the Modernist Tower of Can Mario or the unfinished bell-tower of San Marti.

The first option will see you take the “Little Train” Greenway, which runs for 6 km between Palamos and Palafrugell, along the former railway track that previously linked Palamos with Girona via La Bisbal d’Empordà. This is the longer route and will see your ride more focussed upon the gentle Greenway to Calella de Palafrugell. This option is an out and back route, completely flexible in terms of distance. You can ride as much or at little as you fancy, and just turn back whenever you’d like!

The second option will take you directly to Calella de Palafrugell with stunning views across the coastline. This option is the shorter of the two options, however, is a little bit more challenging to ride with some cheeky ups and downs. The path meanders through the stunning Cap Roig botanical gardens before continuing on to Calella de Palafrugell. You will return via the “Little Train” Greenway to Palamos.

After Calella de Palafrugell, you will head back to San Feliu de Guíxols to celebrate the end of your cycling adventure.

Day 8
Departure Sant Feliu de Guíxols - Transfer to Girona
  • Meals: Breakfast

Time to say goodbye to the coast and to this beautiful region, as today we will be transferring you back to the airport / train station for your journey home.

Back to Top

The Cycling

Terrain

70% of your route will be traffic free, taking you along on purpose built Greenways from Olot, out to the coast. Following the Vias Verdes (a mixture of hard packed gravel tracks and asphalt), the route will take you through relatively flat terrain, with some hills and undulations as you head out towards the coast. 30% of the route will be along quiet roads, shared with vehicle traffic. Although the route is relatively easy going, opting for an e-bike would make it even more relaxed and leisurely, if you fancied that extra boost. (The route is not suitable for road bikes.)

For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

cobbled-streets-and-stunning-greenery-to-experience-at-your-leisure.jpg

Family Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 : Gentle

Distances generally of between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day

For those looking for an easy-going route

Mainly on the flat

Some undulations and the odd cheeky climb

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Maybe you and your family have recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or maybe you‘re looking for a more energetic alternative to your usual vacation? If you’re looking for an opportunity to try some quiet, safe roads, cycle paths or some accessible, cycle friendly routes these trips might be for you. You’ll come across some gently undulating terrain and the odd cheeky challenge, so we’d generally expect those on a Grade 2 trip to ride their bikes relatively frequently at home, occasionally heading out as a family for some leisurely rides at the weekend.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

Back to Top

Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2025 01 Mar – 31 Oct (excluding departures from 21 Jul – 31 August)

Season 1 – $2275 01 Mar – 17 Mar and 16 Sep – 31 Oct

Season 2 – $2615 18 Mar – 17 Apr, 21 – 30 Apr, 05 May – 20 Jul and 01 – 15 Sep

We are able to offer a discount of 25% for all children (under the age of 18), when travelling with two fully-paying passengers. Subject to availability.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,275.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 3* and 4* hotels

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting)

D) Access to an App for holiday information and navigation (with supplementary Greenway Guide)

E) Luggage transfers

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Girona airport (GRO) or Girona train station

G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Girona airport (GRO) or Girona train station

G) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Back to Top

The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts in Olot and finishes in Sant Feliu de Guixois.

Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. We ask that you fly into and back from Girona airport (GRO). We ask that you aim to arrive between 09.00 and 17.00 and depart between 11.00 and 20.00.

If flying from the UK, Ryanair offer direct flights from London Stansted (STN) and Manchester (MAN), and Jet2 offer various regional departures. Please chat to our team.

If you’d prefer to travel by train, we can also transfer you from and back to Girona train station.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements. Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the above time windows there may be an additional charge for your transfers.

Accommodation

On this trip you’ll be staying in good quality 3 and 4* hotels.

The hotels we usually use are conveniently located for exploring the area: in Olot your hotel is located close to the Greenways, in Girona you’ll be located in the heart of the city, and in Sant Feliu de Guíxols you’ll be right by the beach.

Bike Hire

Rental bikes are typically Conor hybrids (or equivalent) with semi-slick tyres. We also have electric bikes available, (adults only and subject to availability).

Each adult and electric bikes will be provided with a phone mount, pannier rack, one pannier bag, a water bottle and water bottle holder, puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes. Please note, some e-bikes are tubeless and so in this case spare inner tubes won’t be provided.

We also have child bikes (height dependent), tag-alongs, trailers, and child seats available for rental, if you‘re travelling with your little ones.

Helmets can be provided on request, although we recommend you bring your own – please let us know in advance if you’d like to hire.

You are welcome to bring along your own pedals and / or saddle if preferred, but please let us know in advance.

Back to Top

News, Reviews & Stories

Cycling in Spain

We’re proud to call it our casa! Here's 8 things you’ll only understand if you’ve been cycling in Spain…

The joys of exploring somewhere new

Discover how a holiday by bike can broaden your horizons, help you to learn new things and benefit your mental health...

Get fit for your cycling holiday

Once you have booked your holiday, it’s time to think about preparing yourself for multiple days in the saddle...

Reviews

No reviews available yet!

You May Also Like...

Back to Top