Catalonia by Bike: Between Sea and Mountains
- From 849 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From March to October (hot in the summer!)
- Arrival : Wednesdays or Saturdays
- Level : intermediate
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- Girona and its rich architectural heritage
- The Garrotxa and its volcanic landscapes
- The (usually) sunny climate
- Castellfollit, Besalú, Pals and the many other charming medieval villages
- The beaches and swimming in the wild coves of the Costa Brava
- Catalan cuisine, with its delicious Mediterranean influences
Highlights
- Girona and its rich architectural heritage
- The Garrotxa and its volcanic landscape
- The (usually) sunny climate
- Castellfollit, Besalú, Pals and the many other charming medieval villages
- The beaches and swimming in the wild coves of the Costa Brava
- Catalan cuisine, with delicious Mediterranean influences
From 849 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From March to October (hot in summer!)
- Arrival : Wednesdays or Saturdays
- Level : intermediate
- Luggage transfer included
CYCLING IN CATALONIA
Catalonia! A wonderfully exotic region, yet just a stone’s throw from the French border. Far beyond the famous beaches of the Costa Brava, which draw crowds in search of sunshine, sea and cheap cocktails, this region hides many other treasures. The landscapes are strikingly diverse. The one constant is the majestic backdrop of the Pyrenees!
The region is also rich in culture and history, and each stage of the journey is a new step back in time. Along the way, wonderfully charming medieval villages such as Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú, Peralada and Peratallada transport you straight to the Middle Ages with their cobbled streets, stone bridges and centuries-old churches. The town of Figueres, meanwhile, plunges you into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Museum is a work of art in its own right — don’t expect to come out unchanged.
Catalonia is also famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. After a day in the saddle, relax in one of the many local restaurants and enjoy regional specialities such as paella, fideuà, or the iconic pa amb tomàquet i anxoves (bread with tomato and anchovies), naturally accompanied by a renowned Catalan wine.
YOUR ITINERARY
The itinerary we offer is a large loop that allows you to experience Catalonia in all its diversity. Over 6 days of cycling, you go through the very best the region has to offer.
Your adventure begins in Girona, the most characterful city in northern Catalonia and also one of the richest in history. From here, the Via Verde del Carrilet cycle path gradually leads you towards an area nicknamed the Catalan Switzerland, where holm oak and pine forests slowly give way to milder vegetation and lush green pastures. All of this is framed by the beautiful mountains of La Garrotxa, some of which are extinct volcanoes that have made the region famous. You’ll find yourself cycling through a beech forest that has taken root on an ancient lava flow! The town of Olot, with its Modernist houses and historic centre, is equally enchanting.
Following small country lanes, you gradually reach the agricultural plain of the Empordà, before arriving in Figueres and shortly afterwards the golden beaches of the Costa Brava, where the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea meets fine sand. Hidden coves invite you for a refreshing swim, while picturesque fishing hamlets such as Cala s’Alguer evoke a sense of nostalgia for times gone by. A greenway then gently leads you back to Girona: the loop is complete!
Bon viatge!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Girona
By train or by car, make your way to Girona, the starting point of this loop.
With its colourful houses lining the Onyar River, its iconic Eiffel Bridge, its city walls and culinary gems such as El Celler de Can Roca, Girona has tremendous charm. Be sure to wander through the famous Jewish Quarter, a vast labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden courtyards. Towering above the city, the immense Cathedral of Saint Mary is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Day 2: Girona – Sant Esteve d’en Bas
58 km |
+570 m | ⏱︎ 4h20
You leave the city via the famous Via Verde del Carrilet, a greenway built on a former railway line. As you move away from Girona, the landscape becomes increasingly rolling and the vegetation more luxuriant. Along the way, you pass through the charming medieval villages of Anglès and Amer. In the heart of the latter, the beautiful Plaça de la Vila owes much of its character to its shaded arcades. Further on, don’t miss a dip in the Gorg del Molí, a wild oasis hidden in the forest. A short climb then brings you into a valley of green meadows surrounded by mountains, earning it the nickname “Catalan Switzerland”.
Day 3: Sant Esteve d’en Bas – Besalú
55 km |
+490 m | ⏱︎ 3h48
This stage takes you into the heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. You cycle through the Fageda d’en Jordà, a magnificent beech forest that naturally grew on an ancient lava flow. You then skirt the Santa Margarida volcano, whose crater can be reached on foot in around 30 minutes — complete with a small church at its centre! Next comes the Croscat volcano, where a dramatic cut in the rock reveals the volcano’s inner structure. You then reach Olot, notable for having a volcano right in the middle of town, but above all for its Modernist architecture.
You continue along peaceful country roads to Castellfollit de la Roca, a village perched atop an impressive basalt cliff. Further on, you pass through Garell Park, home to unusual huts made from recycled materials, built over 45 years by artist Josep Pujila.
Finally, you arrive in Besalú, a fabulous town that seems untouched by time. In our view, it’s the most beautiful of all! You enter via a magnificent medieval bridge, and within the town you’ll discover charming cobbled lanes, small squares and a rich Jewish heritage.
🚲 Sporty option (63 km | Ascent: 620 m | ⏱︎ 4h32)
This option adds an 8 km loop via the delightful medieval village of Santa Pau.
☕ Relaxed option (42 km | Ascent: 270 m | ⏱︎ 2h47)
For a gentler day, choose this option, which follows the greenway directly to Olot before rejoining the main route.
Day 4: Besalú – Figueres
37 km |
+260 m | ⏱︎ 2h50
You begin by cycling along picturesque gravel tracks winding their way through fields and woodland. A handful of tiny, sleepy villages dot the route — fortunately, each one seems to have a drinking-water fountain, just in case! You then reach Figueres, a town steeped in the artistic spirit of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself, is a must-see for both its architecture and its surreal works. Some of the paintings are so bizarre you may briefly wonder whether lunch contained something suspicious. Also worth visiting is the Castle of Sant Ferran, the largest bastioned fortress in Europe.
Day 5: Figueres – L’Escala
43 km |
+90 m | ⏱︎ 3h17
Heading for the Mediterranean! Along the way, you can visit the Abbey of Santa Maria de Vilabertran, a jewel of medieval religious architecture, and Peralada, known for its historic castle, charming old town and renowned vineyards. A stop in the village of Castelló d’Empúries is also highly recommended, with its remarkable medieval heritage, imposing Gothic basilica, narrow streets and evocative atmosphere recalling the era of the Counts of Empúries.
You then cycle through a gentle landscape of orchards and cereal fields before reaching Sant Martí d’Empúries, another delightful medieval village overlooking the sea. Along the coast, the ancient ruins of Empúries offer a fascinating glimpse into Greek and Roman civilisation. You spend the night in L’Escala, once a fishing port specialising in anchovies and now better known for its lovely beaches.
🚲 Sporty option (59 km | Ascent: 150 m | ⏱︎ 4h21)
This option takes you on a detour through the heart of Catalonia’s wine-growing region between Peralada and Castelló d’Empúries, passing through the villages of Vilajuïga and Pau, made famous by their vineyards.
Day 6: L’Escala – Calella de Palafrugell
47 km |
+290 m | ⏱︎ 3h28
You now cycle south through orchards, vineyards, olive groves, rice fields and other agricultural landscapes. Small, characterful villages punctuate the route at regular intervals. The villages of Peratallada and Pals are so photogenic you might think every stone was placed by an artist. Between their churches and narrow streets, you’ll feel as though you’ve travelled back to the Middle Ages — minus the plague and with more cafés.
By the end of the day, you arrive in the former fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, beautifully nestled beside a sandy beach in a hidden cove. It’s hard to imagine a better place to spend the night.
Day 7: Calella de Palafrugell – Girona
59 km |
+290 m | ⏱︎ 4h08
After a few kilometres on the lovely “Ruta del Tren Petit” greenway, a short detour to the cove of Platja de Castell is non-negotiable. This unspoilt beach is a true haven of peace, perfect for a relaxing break or a refreshing swim. From here, a short walk leads to a secluded inlet sheltering the idyllic fishing hamlet of Cala S’Alguer.
After passing through a succession of seaside resorts, you rejoin the Via Verde del Carrilet, which gently takes you back to Girona from the coast. You first cross the Gavarres massif, cycling through pine and cork oak forests, before continuing through more open agricultural landscapes offering wide views.
🚲 Sporty option (68 km | Ascent: 380 m | ⏱︎ 4h32)
This option includes a short detour via the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where you can explore its maritime heritage and historic monastery.
Day 8: End of the trip
End of your Catalan odyssey after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort category you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that offers comfort, warmth and well-being. We also ensure that all lodgings are well located: easy to reach by bike and, whenever possible, close to amenities and places of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT CATEGORIES
2–3 ★ hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple yet welcoming accommodation, selected for its hospitality and location.
3–4 ★ hotels or charming guesthouses
A hand-picked selection combining modern comfort with local character.
Photos shown as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Secure bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Well-chosen locations
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you choose to rent a bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that is suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, fully equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment and bikes for children are also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.
Trekking bikes (hybrid bikes)
Versatile bikes from various brands and models (Conor Berliner, Bianchi Magma, etc.), with 18 or 21 gears depending on whether they have 2 or 3 chainrings.
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
Lapierre E-Urban 6.4 W bikes, equipped with a BOSCH motor and a 500 Wh battery. You can expect a range of at least 80 km with a high level of comfort.
Children’s trailers
The route is also suitable for children’s trailers, which we offer for hire.
Children’s bikes
For children who are not yet adult-sized, it is possible to rent children’s bikes. Various sizes are available.
Tag-along bikes (third wheel)
If your child is too big for a trailer, a “tag-along” bike can be attached to the back of an adult bike.
Photos for illustration purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain… You may be far from assistance in the event of a mechanical issue!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking bike (hybrid)
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with good battery range
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 As the route includes many sections of compact gravel (always well maintained), avoid tyres that are too thin or too smooth. Full mountain bike tyres are not necessary either.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Our tours focus on discovery and relaxation rather than physical performance.
We therefore design each itinerary carefully, adjusting stage lengths according to terrain, surface type and points of interest, so that every day remains well balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
On certain days, a sporty and/or relaxed variant is offered in addition to the standard route. You can decide on the day whether or not to follow it. These variants still include all the must-see highlights.
STAGE DISTANCES:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Overall average: 40–60 km per day
➡️ Around 3–4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5.
➡️ A pace suited to most riders, combining cycling pleasure with discoveries along the way.
ELEVATION:
MODERATE ℹ️
➡️ Average daily ascent: +200 to +600 m.
➡️ Mostly gentle terrain, though some sections are hillier and may include a few steeper climbs.
Long, gradual ascents—often on greenways—may also be encountered.
Overall, the route is fairly gently rolling. A few short climbs add variety from time to time, particularly when reaching hilltop villages overlooking the plain.
⚡ To enjoy the route to the full, even on climbs, you can opt for an electric bike.
TYPE OF ROUTES:
The itinerary alternates between well-maintained compact gravel greenways and quiet country roads with very little traffic. Only a short coastal section runs alongside a busier road. There are no technical difficulties to note.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
8 days and 7 nights, including arrival and departure days. 6 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every Wednesday and Saturday from early March to late October.
The first cycling day (Day 2) therefore falls on a Thursday or a Sunday.
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Loop itinerary. At the end of the tour, you return to your starting point.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start: Girona
End: Girona
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
The best time to explore Catalonia by bike is from March to June and from September to October. It is also possible in July–August, although it can be quite hot.
Northern Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is one of the driest regions in Spain, sheltered from humid Atlantic winds by a series of mountain ranges.
- Spring: ideal temperatures, plenty of sunshine and nature in full bloom.
- Summer: perfect sea temperatures, but very hot inland. Visitor numbers and prices are higher. If you tolerate heat well, summer is possible—though we strongly recommend an electric bike.
- Autumn: a season full of advantages: the sea is still warm and fruit trees along the roads offer grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, almonds, apples…
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion (except for 1 dinner, which is included).
During the day, you can eat in local restaurants (suggestions are provided in our roadbook) or enjoy a picnic using supplies from local shops.
In the evening, you will always find several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation—unless the hotel has its own restaurant.
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. You only carry what you need for the day while cycling. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage yourself in panniers, a discount applies.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Girona is served by three high-speed rail lines from France (TGV or AVE), with many intermediate stops along the way.
Direct routes (travel time) from:
BY CAR
Our roadbook provides all the information you need on where to park your car during the trip. Several free car parks are located just outside the city centre.
BY PLANE
Several low-cost airlines offer direct flights to Girona. Otherwise, Barcelona is the most convenient airport.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To help you make the most of your adventure, we provide several practical and easy-to-use resources:
- An A5 roadbook written by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route descriptions
- Tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to stock up
- Swimming spots
- Cultural insights and anecdotes
- A list of nearby bike repair shops
- A printed route map
- Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial is provided if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE & SUPPORT
You travel independently (self-guided), with telephone assistance available 7 days a week if needed.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement in case of cancellation or on-site issues, you may take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). More info..
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
A helmet, a lock, a repair kit, a phone holder and a waterproof rear pannier make up the basic equipment.
If you have hired a bike, these items are included (helmets are provided on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof over-trousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect you from rain, road spray and mud. Some models include built-in gaiters to keep your shoes dry as well.
Portable charger (power bank)
Handy for recharging your phone during the lunch break: navigation apps are power-hungry, even in flight mode.
Recommended unless your phone has an exceptionally strong battery.
Budget: €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded cycling shorts can improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, you can opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside the summer months, mornings can be chilly — you’ll be glad you brought one!
2026 RATES
The price is calculated based on a stay for two people in a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.| Package | Standard Category | Comfort Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
| In double/twin room | €849 | €929 | €1069 | €1059 | €1159 | €1339 |
| Single room supplement | + €220 | + €260 | + €420 | + €220 | + €260 | + €420 |
| Child discounts (* sharing the same room with 2 full-paying adults) |
0-3 years: -80% | 4-11 years: -40% | 12-17 years: -30% | |||||
| Group discount | 6-11 people: -10% | 12+ people: -15% | |||||
| Extra nights (optional) | Standard Category | Comfort Category | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||
| Girona | In double/twin room | €75 | €75 | €75 | €105 | €105 | €105 |
| In single room | €145 | €145 | €145 | €175 | €175 | €175 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 1/3 - 31/3 & 1/10 - 31/10
- Mid season: 1/4 - 30/6 & 16/9 - 30/9
- High season: 1/7 - 15/09
| BIKE RENTAL (equipment included) | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €295 |
| Trekking bike | €200 |
| Child bike (-12 years) | €120 |
| Child trailer | €120 |
| Follow-me unicycle bike | €120 |
BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Nights in hotels or guesthouses in the selected comfort category
- Breakfasts at each accommodation
- 1 dinner
- Transfer of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- GPS tracks of walking tours via our navigation app
- A map of the itinerary
- Luggage tags
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Girona or elsewhere on the itinerary
- Private transfer to/from Girona from Barcelona airport (€185 – max. 4 passengers) - (public transport options also available)
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel from your home to Girona and return
- Lunches and dinners (except 1 included dinner)
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travelers: a logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Cécile and Nicolas, 61 and 61 years old“An excellent experience with Cyclodyssées in Catalonia. Everything was perfect: the organisation, hotel selection, variety of landscapes, route planning via a very user-friendly app, and contact with the organisers… We will keep a wonderful memory of this trip and will not hesitate to call on you again for another adventure. We will definitely recommend you. Thank you!” August 2024
Serge and Marianne, 63 and 66 years old
“This was our second consecutive year travelling with Cyclodyssées, this time on a tour of Catalonia. Outstanding in every respect: traffic-free routes, mostly on dedicated cycle paths, magnificent scenery and high-quality accommodation. For many years, we have taken a cycling holiday every year with various operators. Cyclodyssées’ key strengths are their in-depth knowledge of the area (they have personally tested the routes, unlike many operators who simply resell itineraries they don’t truly know), a very comprehensive guidebook providing all the useful information and cultural sites to visit, and an extremely precise GPS track that takes you to every place of interest — saving valuable time (which is not always the case elsewhere, where you often have to leave the track and risk missing a site).” June 2024
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