Highlights
- Relax on gorgeous white sandy beaches, wander around ancient ruins, and meet with the friendly locals
- Cycle through ancient vineyards and olive groves, treating your taste buds to the amazing local food
- Check out Salvador Dalí’s art in his Theatre and Museum in Figueres
- Cycling the best routes around Girona, the heart of Gravel riding in Spain
- Sip on the famous local wine of Empordà – it’s got the international stamp of approval!
Itinerary
Girona offers a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures. Renowned for possessing one of the best-preserved Jewish old towns globally, the city stands as a testament to historical preservation. The Cathedral, featuring one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture, is an impressive architectural marvel. Additionally, a stroll along the ancient city walls comes highly recommended, providing a captivating experience of Girona’s rich history and panoramic views.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 500 Metres Approx.
You’ll begin your day with a briefing for your tour, and if you’ve opted to rent bikes, we’ll ensure a perfect fit. Your welcome meeting will be held at the Cycle Tours Catalonia Office (Santa Eugènia, 11. Shop 5).
You’ll start your journey through the picturesque Llémena Valley, exploring its expansive ancient farms. Heading towards Sant Gregori, you’ll cross the Ter river, venturing into the Vilanna Valley. Here, you’ll encounter the most challenging climb of your journey, testing your cycling prowess against the undulating terrain. As you conquer this ascent, the scenic beauty of the valley unfolds, rewarding your efforts with breathtaking views.
The journey continues with a captivating route around the ancient volcano, La Crosa, adding a touch of geological intrigue to your day. Finally, as you make your way back to Girona, the fields surrounding the city provide a serene backdrop, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the diverse landscapes you’ve traversed.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 360 Metres Approx.
Your second day of cycling begins as you pedal along the historic train tracks transformed into the charming Greenway bike path. Glide through the quaint village of Llambilles, and as you transition into the expansive Girona plain, immerse yourself in picturesque cornfields, rustic farmsteads, and uncover hidden gems like the Mare de Deu del Remei, a sanctuary and hermitage site dedicated to the worship of the Virgin of Los Remedios – a highly revered religious figure in Catalonia, between the serene towns of Campllong and Sant Andreu Salou.
After a captivating stretch through the fields, your route leads to Llagostera, seamlessly reconnecting with the Greenway. Continue your scenic journey, cycling through lush landscapes until the final destination, the coastal haven of Sant Feliu de Guixols. Explore the captivating charm of this seaside town, known for its beautiful beaches, historic monastery, and vibrant waterfront promenade, making it the perfect and rewarding endpoint for this leg of your cycling adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 495 or 670 Metres Approx.
Today’s journey unfolds in two contrasting segments – an initially flat stretch at the beginning and end, bookending a central part featuring a significant ascent and descent. You’ll begin with a scenic ride along the maritime front toward Calonge. Transitioning through fields, you’ll venture inland, commencing a nearly 10-kilometer climb to the historic Church of Santa Coloma de Fitor. This ancient church, perched atop the landscape, boasts architectural significance and provides a moment of serenity and reflection amidst the climb. The route then gracefully descends, leading you to the enchanting medieval village of Peratallada.
If you’d prefer to skip the climb, once you reach Sant Antoni de Calonge, you can continue along the coast a bit longer, passing through the scenic coastal town of Palafrugell.
Whichever path you chose the journey will meander toward Pals, another captivating medieval town. Finally, cruising through a flat expanse of fields, you’ll reach the picturesque destination of Torroella de Montgrí.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.
Today’s ride offers predominantly flat terrain, featuring a robust climb at the onset of the day. Begin your journey by heading towards the pristine beach located at the mouth of the Ter River. Following this scenic coastal stretch, you’ll navigate towards the bustling port of l’Estartit, eventually veering inland to commence the day’s ascent in the direction of L’Escala. As you ascend, breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea await at Punta del Milà, providing a perfect vantage point to soak in the awe-inspiring views.
Upon reaching L’Escala, the remainder of the route unfolds on a flat trajectory, traversing the expansive Empordà plain until you reach the charming destination of Castelló d’Empúries. This segment promises a delightful blend of coastal beauty, elevated viewpoints, and serene plains, creating a varied and enjoyable cycling experience.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.
This challenging day promises unparalleled rewards, as the difficulty is offset by the breathtaking views it unfolds. Setting out towards Empuriabrava, a village adorned with navigable canals, you’ll then journey to Roses. Along the coastal stretch, you’ll reach the Alamadrava beach before beginning the great ascent of the day.
Passing by the tower of the Sastre and culminating at the summit of Puig Alt, this uphill climb offers spectacular panoramic views over the coast and the most eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula. As you turn back inland for your descent you’ll traverse a scenic plain adorned with vineyards and olive groves, passing through the picturesque villages of Pau and Vilajuiga, and later the medieval enclave of Peralada. The final stretch takes you through expansive fields, leading you to the vibrant destination of Figueres. This challenging but rewarding route ensures an unforgettable cycling experience.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 460 or 815 Metres Approx.
Your final journey of this trip is marked by its distinct duality. The beginning of the day starts across flat expanses, winding through fields and charming villages such as Vilamalla, Siurana, and Camallera as you depart from Figueres. Continuing the journey, you traverse open fields until reaching Bordils, a prelude to the second, more challenging part of the day.
From Bordils, the terrain transforms into a mountainous landscape as you make your way to Sant Martí Vell. Here, the ascent into the Gavarres begins, leading you to the serene sanctuary of the Angels. At the summit, you’ll start a thrilling descent into the picturesque Sant Daniel valley, guiding you back to the heart of Girona.
For those seeking a more gentle end to the day, we’ve an alternative route that bypasses this climb. Instead, it follows the picturesque river up to the charming destination of Girona.
As you return, consider ending your journey in Catalonia by indulging in a well-deserved dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
- Meals: Breakfast
Time to say goodbye to the coast and to this beautiful region, as today we will be transferring you back to the Girona airport (GRO) for your journey home.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
Your route will be a mixture of traffic-free cycleways, gravel tracks and occasional quiet roads, shared with vehicle traffic. Following the purpose-built Vias Verdes (cycleways) you’ll find a mixture of hard packed gravel tracks and asphalt, and along farm tracks through vineyards and along coastal sections you’ll encounter dirt roads, fine gravel and hard-packed sandy trails. There is the odd section of rougher terrain but generally smooth and nothing too technical.
The first day of the route tests the legs with some climbing sections followed three days of relatively flat terrain along the coast with undulating sections. Suitably warmed up, your final two days include some significant climbs over to Cap de Creus and over the Gavarres Natural Park for a final descent into Girona.
This tour is designed to be ridden most comfortably on a gravel bike. If you are bringing your own bike then we recommend tyres to be set up tubeless with a minimum width of 38mm. The route may also be suitable for cross country mountain bikes fitted with minimally treaded XC tyres. The route is not suitable for road bikes.
Gravel Riding Grade
Distances generally between 30-45 miles / 50-70 kms per day.
For semi-regular gravel and off-road riders wishing to gain experience and fitness.
Undulating or rolling trails, with occasional moderate/challenging climbs.
The gravel trails are primarily vehicle width and have a looser or more variable surface.
You might encounter small patches of loose gravel/stones/sand.
The surface will be pretty uniform across the whole width and there’s no real need to choose a line to ride.
If you’re bringing your own bike, we would recommend a minimum tyre width of 35mm.
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?
You have done some gentle riding on non-paved trails previously. You really love being away from traffic and riding off-road on wider gravel trails. You ride regularly at weekends, although not necessarily off-road. You’re happy to include some climbing and descending into each day’s route. You might have also tried our higher-grade leisure or cycling adventures trips.
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.
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 28 Feb – 30 Oct (excluding departures from 21 Jul – 31 August)
Season 1 – $1785 28 Feb – 25 Mar and 30 Sep – 30 Oct
Season 2 – $1920 26 Mar – 19 Jun and 01 Sep – 29 Sept
Season 3 – $2060 20 Jun – 20 Jul
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.
Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Local representative (with welcome meeting)
D) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation
E) Luggage transfers
F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Girona airport (GRO)
G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Girona airport (GRO)
What's not Included
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
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Gravel Riding Holiday FAQs
Everything you need to know! We put all your questions and more to our gravelly-gurus and this is what they came back with.
Gravel Riding Tips & What To Expect
If you're a roadie or mountain biker then here's what to expect when you hit the gravel trails.
Your Guide To Gravel Riding Skills
We cover essential skills for cyclists who want to conquer any gravel terrain! Read this for expert tips and advice.
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