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Spain

Girona Gravel Explorer

Self-Guided Gravel Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,620 P.P.

Save on Self-Guided Tours

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $75 or get half-price bike hire. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024.

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Get ready to embark on a thrilling cycling adventure that unfolds across the mesmerising Empordà, commencing in the vibrant cycling hub of Girona. This carefully crafted tour promises to be a remarkable journey through the heart of one of Catalonia's most enchanting landscapes.
As you pedal your way through this picturesque region, be prepared to be captivated by the breathtaking views that stretch across both the inland and coastal scenes. The route presents a delightful array of sights, from charming medieval villages to secluded coves and quaint fishing spots that add a touch of charm to your cycling experience.
With relatively short distances, this tour mixes relaxing rolling days with a few achievable climbing challenges for the perfect blend of riding throughout the week. The middle days along the coast will be predominantly flat and undulating terrain with some steeper gradients to test the legs and achieveable mountain roads at the start and end of the trip.
Alongside the local wine and coastal views, this trip is full of great gentle gravel cycling and some fantastic towns full of art and history. It's not just a cycling adventure; it's an exploration that seamlessly weaves together the wonders of natural beauty and the exhilaration of a cycling challenge. So, gear up for a ride that promises an extraordinary fusion of scenic splendor and cycling thrills!
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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!

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Girona
Non Riding Day

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.

Day 2
Girona - Vall de Llémena Loop Ride
39 Miles / 63 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 850 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.

Day 3
Girona to St Feliu de Guixols
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
  • 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.

Day 4
Sant Feliu to Torroella de Montgri
33 Miles / 53 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 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. From there, your path meanders toward Pals, another captivating medieval town. Finally, cruising through a flat expanse of fields, you’ll reach the picturesque destination of Torroella de Montgrí.

Day 5
Torroella to Castello d'Empuries
30 Miles / 48 Kms Approx.
  • 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.

Day 6
Castello to Figueres
40 Miles / 65 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,000 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.

Day 7
Figueres to Girona
37 Miles / 60 Kms Appprox.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,000 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.

As you return, consider ending your journey in Catalonia by indulging in a well-deserved dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

Day 8
Depart Girona
Non Riding Day
  • 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.

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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.

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Gravel Riding Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 : Gentle

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.

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Dates & Prices

SPRING SAVINGS! Save on Self-Guided Tours

Book your summer cycling escape before 30 April and save $75 or get half-price bike rental. Applies to departures until 31 August 2024. Apply the promo code SKEDADDLE24 when you book.

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

2024 01 Mar – 31 Oct

Season 1 – $1620 01 Mar – 26 Mar and 01 Oct – 31 Oct

Season 2 – $1750 27 Mar – 20 Jun and 01 Sep – 30 Sept

Season 3 – $1880 21 Jun – 31 Aug 2024

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $250 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
$1,620.00

Whats Included Tick

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 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

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The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts and finishes in Girona.

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 fly into Barcelona (BCN), 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

Accommodation (shared twin or double rooms) will usually be en suite in 2/3 star hotels or guesthouses. Family run, personable, charming, comfortable and homely are boxes we tick when looking for places to stay. A million miles away from chain style hotels and all with unique touches.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have gravel bikes available to rent.

These bikes are typically BMC URS 01 Carbon Gravel bikes (or equivalent), great bikes with good quality components and hydraulic disc brakes. They provide a comfortable riding position and wide range of gears, running a 1×12 drivetrain with 38 chainring and 10/52 cassette.

Our bikes come equipped with a phone mount, two bottle cages and water bottle, a seat post bag containing: puncture repair kit, multitool, inner tube and pump, one lock (between 2 bikes).

If you do decide to rent and would like us to provide a helmet, please let us know at the time of booking, otherwise you should bring your own helmet with you.

Please also let us know if you plan on bringing your own clip-in pedals, or if you will use the flat pedals which our rental bikes come fitted with.

Given the variety of shapes and sizes of on bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them varies so much, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers own frame bags and on bike luggage on our hire bikes. This holiday has vehicle support and the riding group will meet the support vehicle at regular intervals, so you should be able to get away with using jersey pockets to carry any ride essentials. You are welcome to use a small back-pack on sections where you think it’s necessary.

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