Catalonia by Bike: Between Sea and Mountains

Catalonia! Beyond the famous beaches of the Costa Brava, which attract crowds in search of sun, sea, and cheap cocktails, this region hides many other treasures. The landscapes are of striking diversity. The region is also rich in culture and history, and each stop is a new adventure in time. The only constant is the Pyrenees in the background!

The itinerary we propose is a big loop that will allow you to immerse yourself in Catalonia in all its diversity. For 6 days, you cycle through the best the region has to offer.
Your adventure begins in Gerona, the most typical of the cities in northern Catalonia, and also the richest in history. From there, the Via Verde del Carrilet (cycle path) gradually takes you to a region known as the Catalan Switzerland, where forests of evergreen oaks and pines are gradually replaced by more temperate vegetation and green pastures. All surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Garrotxa, some of which are extinct volcanoes. These are now the region's hallmark. You are now cycling through a beech forest that has taken root on an old lava flow! The town of Olot, with its modernist houses and its old town, will also charm you.
Through small country roads, you gradually return to the agricultural plain of Empordà, until you reach the golden beaches of the Costa Brava, where the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea meets the fine sand. The hidden coves invite you to a refreshing swim, while picturesque fishing villages such as Cala s’Alguer will make you nostalgic for a bygone era. Then, a greenway gently brings you back to Gerona: the loop is complete!

Throughout the journey, medieval villages with incredible charm, such as Castellfollit de la Roca, Besalú, Peralada, or Peratallada, will take you back to the Middle Ages with their cobbled streets, stone bridges, and centuries-old churches. As for the city of Figueres, it will immerse you in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Museum is a work of art in itself that you will not leave indifferent.

Catalonia is also famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. After a day of cycling, you can relax in one of the many local restaurants and enjoy regional specialties such as paella, fideuà, or the iconic pa amb tomàquet i anxoves (bread with tomato and anchovies), accompanied of course by a famous Catalan wine.

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or an amateur, our trip is designed for all levels, with sporty variants at most stages for those who want more. With well-planned stages and full support, we ensure that your experience is as comfortable as it is exciting.

Bon viatge !

Day 1: Arrival in Gerona

With its colorful houses lining the Onyar river, its iconic Eiffel bridge, its city walls surrounding the town, and culinary gems like El Celler de Can Roca, Gerona has a lot of character. Don't miss getting lost in the famous Jewish neighbourhood, which forms a gigantic labyrinth of alleys and courtyards. As for the gigantic Saint Mary's Cathedral overlooking the city, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Day 2: From Gerona to Sant Esteve d'en Bas (57 km - 35 mi)

You leave the city via a greenway, the famous 'Via Verde del Carrilet'. This former railway converted into a cycle path makes its way through increasingly hilly terrain as you move away from Gerona. The vegetation, Mediterranean at first, becomes increasingly lush. Along the way, you will pass through the charming medieval towns of Anglès and Amer. In the center of the latter, the magnificent Plaça de la Vila derives its charm from the shaded arcades surrounding it. Further on, don't forget to take a dip in the Gorg del Moli, a wild oasis lost in the middle of a forest. You then cross a small mountain pass allowing access to a valley of green meadows surrounded by mountains, which has earned it the nickname of Catalan Switzerland.

Note: depending on the day of the week and the season, you may spend the night in a comfortable rural house 6 km before Sant Esteve.

Day 3: From Sant Esteve d'en Bas to Besalú (42 / 55 / 63 km - 26 / 34 / 39 mi)

This stage takes you to the heart of the Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. You are now cycling through the Fageda d'en Jorda, a magnificent beech forest that has naturally taken root on an old lava flow. You then pass by the volcano Santa Margarida, whose crater bottom can be reached in half an hour's walk. An old church is located in the middle! Then you pass by the volcano Croscat, whose notch in the rock reveals the structure of the volcano. Further on, you reach the town of Olot, which has the peculiarity of being surrounded by volcanoes. But it is especially its modernist-style houses that make the town famous.

You continue through bucolic country roads to Castellfollit de la Roca, a village perched on an impressive basaltic cliff. Further on, you cross the Garell park, which contains unusual cabins made of recycled materials built by the artist Josep Pujila, who spent 45 years of his life building them. Then you finally reach Besalú, a fabulous city that seems to have not aged since the Middle Ages. In our opinion, the most beautiful of all! It is accessible by a superb bridge dating from the same period. Within the city, you will discover cute little squares, but also its rich Jewish heritage.

If you opt for the sporty variant, an additional 8 km loop will take you through the cute medieval village of Santa Pau. Conversely, a relaxing variant will take you straight to Olot via the greenway before returning to the normal route.

Day 4: From Besalú to Figueres (37 km - 23 mi)

You cycle first on picturesque gravel paths winding through fields and forests. You pass by some tiny sleepy villages along the way. Fortunately, they all have a small drinking fountain just in case! You then reach Figueres, a city imbued with Salvador Dalí's artistic spirit. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself, is a must-see for its architecture and surrealist works. His paintings sometimes seem so bizarre that you will probably wonder if you didn't eat something psychedelic for lunch. Also discover the Castle of Sant Ferran, which is the largest bastioned fortress in Europe.

This stage is a bit shorter, allowing you to fully enjoy Figueres in the afternoon.

Day 5: From Figueres to l'Escala (43 / 59 km - 27 / 37 mi)

On the way to the Mediterranean! Along the way, you can discover 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 break is also essential in the village of Castelló d'Empúries, which seduces with its remarkable medieval heritage, with its imposing Gothic basilica, typical alleys and squares, and captivating atmosphere evoking the era of the counts of Empúries.

You then cycle through a bucolic landscape of orchards and cereal crops and reach Sant Martí d'Empúries, another delightful medieval village with cobbled streets, overlooking the sea. Then, along the coast, the ancient ruins of Empúries offer curious visitors a fascinating immersion into Greek and Roman civilization. You then make a nighttime stop in l'Escala, a former anchovy fishing port now better known for its beautiful beaches.

By choosing the sporty variant, you will reach the heart of the Catalan wine region and cross the villages of Vilajuïga and Pau, made famous by their delicious wine.

Day 6: From l'Escala to Calella de Palafrugell (47 / 51 km - 29 / 32 mi)

You are now cycling southward through orchards, vineyards, olive groves, rice fields, and other agricultural crops. Typical small villages brighten up the road at regular intervals. The villages of Peratallada and Pals are so photogenic that one could believe that every stone was placed by an artist. Between their churches and narrow streets, you will feel like you have been teleported back to the Middle Ages, without the plague and with more cafes.

In the evening, you arrive in the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, beautifully nestled on a sandy beach in the hollow of a hidden cove. What better dream than to spend the night here?

Day 7: From Calella de Palafrugell to Gerona (59 / 68 km - 37 / 42 mi)

After a few kilometers on the pretty greenway of the "Ruta del Tren Petit", a detour to the cove of Platja de Castell is non-negotiable: this wild beach is a true haven of peace in nature! It is the ideal place for a relaxing break or a dip in the sea. From the beach, a short walk leads to a cove at the bottom of which is nestled the idyllic fishing village of Cala S'Alguer.
After then crossing a succession of seaside resorts, you once again join the Via Verde del Carrilet which will peacefully take you back to Gerona from the coast. It first takes you through the Gavarres massif where you cycle through pine and cork oak forests, before continuing through a more agricultural landscape providing you with wide views.

A variant through Sant Feliu de Guíxols is possible, where you can discover its maritime heritage and old monastery.

Day 8: End of the stay

End of the stay after breakfast. Possibility of opting for additional nights in Gerona or on the coast.

1. Duration:
   8 days and 7 nights, including arrival and departure day. 6 days of biking.


2. Minimum age: 12 years old



3. Seasonality:

   The best season to explore Catalonia by bike is from March to June and from September to October. It's also possible in July-August, but it can be very hot!

   Northern Catalonia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and relatively dry winters as well (although the climate becomes noticeably more humid as you move away from the coast). However, the region is one of the driest in Spain, protected from moist winds coming from the Atlantic by a series of relief.

   In spring, temperatures are ideal, with the sun usually already shining brightly and nature in full bloom.

   In summer, it's the turn of the sea to reach ideal temperatures, but in the plains, it can be very hot, making cycling uncomfortable at certain times. The influx of tourists to tourist sites and the coast is also at its highest during this period, and prices are consequently higher. If you can tolerate the heat well, a departure during this period is still possible, but in this case, we strongly recommend opting for an electric bike.

   As for autumn, it's a period that we can only recommend as well: the sea is still delightful, and it's the time when many trees along the roads will offer you their sweets: grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, almonds, or apples, to name a few that you are most likely to come across.

   In winter, the days are shorter and it can potentially be quite cool, making cycling less enjoyable. Many accommodations also close for their annual break at this time.

   Note: The weather undergoes significant variations from one year to another. The information described above is only averages.




4. Arrival day on site: Wednesday or Saturday

   For logistical reasons, the first day of cycling must be a Thursday or a Sunday (and therefore you should arrive the day before in Girona).



5. Arrival and return:
   
   
   • Start of the stay: Girona
   
   
   • End of the stay: Girona
   
   Girona is very close to France! Once you've crossed the Spanish border at Perthus (A9 motorway), it's only a 45-minute drive.
   
   If you're coming from afar, the train is generally the fastest option (about 6 hours from Paris).
   
   Train
   • From Paris: From Gare de Lyon, 2 direct TGVs/day take you to Girona in 6 hours!
   
   
   • From Lyon: 1 AVE (Spanish "TGVs") per day allows you to reach Girona in 4h15.
   
   
   • You can also board these trains from Valencia, Nîmes, Montpellier, Béziers, Narbonne, or Perpignan.
   
   
   • From Brussels: Take the TGV from Brussels-Midi to Lyon or Valencia, then from there, board for Girona. Do not transit through Paris, as you'll have to change stations once there. The journey takes between 8h35 and 9h40, depending on the connection time.
   
   

   Note: It is generally cheaper to opt for a Ouigo brand ticket (low-cost TGV) to Montpellier, then board a TGV/AVE from there, rather than taking a direct train from Paris or Lyon.
   

   • Reservation required!
   
   
   
   • More information:
     
     TGV: www.sncf.com
     AVE: www.renfe.com/es/fr
   
   
   
   
   
   By plane, the closest airport is Barcelona.
   
   
6. Parking :
   
   Our roadbook will give you all the necessary information about where to leave your car during your stay.
   
   
7. Type of route :
   
   Itinerant loop. At the end of the route, you return to the starting point.


8. Supervision :
   
   Self-guided, with telephone assistance in case of mechanical issues. To guide you, you will have a detailed roadbook in English, as well as GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. Navigation is satellite-based, so no internet connection is required.


9. Level : Intermediate
   
   On some days, you'll have the choice between different variants. These variants allow you to adjust the travel time according to your preferences or the weather.
   
   
   • Elevation: The route is generally quite flat, although a few short climbs will spice up the journey from time to time. Less experienced travelers can also opt for an electric bike.
   
   
   • Stage length: approximately 40 to 60 km per day (25 to 37 mi), allowing you time to make several visits along the way.
   
   
   • Terrain: a mix of small asphalted country roads and compact gravel tracks, not requiring suspension or mountain bike tires.
   
   All details are summarized in the table below.
   
   

   Tabl 1: Distances and height differences

   CATALONIA
   Stage	Variant	Km / Mi	Height diff + (m / ft)	Height diff - (m / ft)	Estimated time
   Day 1	Arrival in Girona
   Day 2 Girona - Sant Esteve d'en Bas	Normal	57 / 35	570 / 1870	180 / 591	4h20
   Day 3 Sant Esteve d'en Bas - Besalú	Relax	42 / 26	270 / 886	600 / 1967	2h57
   	Normal	55 / 34	490 / 1608	820 / 2690	3h48
   	Sporty	63 / 39	620 / 2034	950 / 3117	4h32
   Day 4 Besalú - Figueres	Normal	37 / 23	260 / 853	360 / 1181	2h50
   Day 5 Figueres - L'Escala	Normal	43 / 27	90 / 295	120 / 394	3h17
   	Sporty	59 / 37	150 / 492	180 / 591	4h21
   Day 6 L'Escala - Calella de Palafrugell	Normal	47 / 29	290 / 951	290 / 951	3h28
   Day 7 Calella de Palafrugell - Girona	Normal	59 / 37	290 / 951	220 / 722	4h08
   	Sporty	68 / 42	380 / 1247	310 / 1017	4h32
   Day 8	End of tour

   
   


10. Accommodations:
    
    Two comfort categories are available on this route:
    
    Standard Category: 2-3* hotels or equivalent guesthouses.
    
    Comfort+ Category: 3* hotels or equivalent guesthouses.
    
    Regardless of the chosen option, accommodations have been carefully selected and provide all the necessary comfort for a good night's sleep! We prioritize charming accommodations whenever possible. All rooms have a private bathroom, and accommodations have a place to store bikes.


11. Meals:
    
    All breakfasts are included, as well as dinner on Day 2. Other meals are at your own expense. During the day, you can dine at local restaurants (daily suggestions are provided in our roadbook) or have a picnic by shopping at supermarkets.
    Half-board is not available on this trip, but you will always find some restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation if the hotel does not have its own restaurant.


12. Luggage Transport:
    
    You only carry your belongings for the day during bike stages. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by us, and you will find them at your accommodation in the afternoon. It is also possible to carry your belongings with you in side bags, like long-distance cyclists do. In this case, you will receive a discount and an extra bag.


13. Travel Documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook, a topographic map of the circuit, and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure.
    
    In the roadbook, which you also receive in paper format, you will find, in addition to a description of the itinerary, numerous tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions, and places where you can replenish along the way.


14. Bicycles:
    
    We offer quality bicycle rentals, fully equipped and suitable for the type of terrain.
    
    The equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof rear bag, a lock, a repair kit, and (upon request) a helmet.
    
    Possibility to rent an electric bike for this trip.
    
    If you wish to use your own bike, make sure to thoroughly check all parts of the bike beforehand (brake wear, tire wear, gears, chain, etc.) to ensure that it is in proper technical condition for a journey of nearly 300 km. Bicycles suitable for this trip are trekking bikes, touring bikes, gravel bikes, and electric bikes (provided the latter have a good battery!). Road bikes have tires that are too thin for gravel sections.


15. Cancellation and assistance insurances:
    
    In order to guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay or in the event of problems (e.g. health, accident, theft, lost luggage, ...) during the trip, you can opt for a cancellation (CAP Explorer - premium cancellation) and/or assistance insurance (CAP Exporer - premium assistance). To learn more about our proposed insurances, click more info or ask us.

The price of the tour and the bike rentals is given in below table:




The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook in English, produced by us during our scouting trip.
• GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• A topographic map of the tour
• 7 nights in charming 2-3* hotels or equivalent guest houses (3-4* if comfort category)
• 7 breakfasts
• Dinner on Day 2
• The transport of your luggage between the accommodations
• Luggage tags
• Access to our hotline (7/7, 10:00-18:00) and assistance and guidance in the event of a problem (except simple repairs such as punctures/derailments)
• Tourist taxes
• Registration fees

Possible options:

• Bike rentals (trekking bikes or e-bikes)
• The visit of a winery, followed by a wine tasting (Day 6)
• The single room supplement
• The comfort+ accomodation category supplement
• Additional nights in Girona
• Insurances: cancellation and/or assistance

The price does not include:

• The trip from your home to the meeting point, as well as the return.
• Lunch and evening meals (except on Day 2)
• Your personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.
• Anything not listed in “the price includes”

Other:

• If you wish to transport your luggage yourself from one accommodation to another, you benefit in this case from a discount (see booking form). An additional bag will then be provided to you.
• Children and large groups benefit from discounts (see above tables). The children discounts apply if there are at least 2 adults and that the family accepts to stay in family rooms (rooms with 3 or more beds) when available.
• A 'solo traveller' supplement of 230 € is counted for individuals doing this tour alone.

    Serge and Marianne, 63 and 66 years old

"We set off for the second year running with Cyclodyssées, this time for a tour of Catalonia. Superb in every way: traffic-free itinerary, mainly on cycle paths, superb scenery and quality accommodation. For many years now, we've been doing an annual cycling week, with multiple operators. Cyclodyssée's strong points are their knowledge of the terrain (they've experienced it first-hand, unlike many who resell tours they don't really know), a very comprehensive booklet that gives all the useful information and cultural sites to see, and a very precise GPS track that passes by all the places to visit, which saves time (which isn't always the case elsewhere, where you have to leave the track at the risk of sometimes missing a site)."  June 2024