Girona & Costa Brava cycling tour

From Barcelona there is a 1hr drive to the outskirts of Girona which is undoubtedly one of Europe’s key cycling destinations. We will prepare the bikes and head out for an introductory ride through to our hotel for the next three nights.

Distance: 60km / Meals: Dinner Included / Sleep: Girona

The ride leaves central Girona and heads north to the edge of Lake Banyoles (home of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic rowing). A tectonic crater, Lake Banyoles, was formed 250,000 thousand years at the same time the Pyrenees mountains were formed. However, before enjoying the lakeside views you have a date with destiny – Rocacorba! This climb has become famous in recent years with professional riders using the ascent to measure their cycling condition. While the 13.5km is characterised by a 6% average gradient it is the final 5km which are really tough and constantly maintain ramps hovering around double-digit gradients! 

Distance: 82.5km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Girona

Today you will cycle a fantastic ride through the hills south of Girona towards the Mediterranean coastline. Today there are two climbs to contend with but they only range between 3-7km in length and 6% average grades. In between the short climbs is a wonderful 10km stretch along the coast to Sant Feliu de Guixols. The final kilometres wind their way through quiet backroads and you will be amazed with your first views of the beach in Calella de Palafrugell. A scenic coastal town with small coves for swimming and relaxing. An authentic Costa Brava experience!

Distance: 85km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Calella de Palafrugell

Riding from the hotel and you encounter some stunning medieval architecture as you ride into the quaint village of Peratallada. Back on the bikes and now it is time to encounter Les Gavarres mountains and the climb up to the Els Angels Monastery. This is one of the most popular rides in the region and its 5.5km at 6.5% average gradient is a good test, especially considering the steepest ramps hit 11%. The descent takes you through to Monells which is a small medieval town located in La Baix Emporda region.  The loop back to the hotel passes smooth, beautifully asphalted roads with many undulations that will keep things very interesting.

Distance: 96.5km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Calella de Palafrugell

The cycling on offer is best described as a transitional day with 70km of ‘flatter’ riding through to our new hotel for the next two nights. With some solid days in the saddle still to come, today will be the perfect ride to make sure you are feeling stronger as the tour goes on. Don’t worry though we will give you a short test with the kicker up to the lighthouse overlooking the Llafranc! Figueras is famous as Salvador Dali’s birthplace and tomorrow afternoon you will have time to visit a collection of his surreal artwork in the museum going by his own name.

Distance: 72.5km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Figueras

A challenging day on the bike now awaits but it is full of surprises and changing landscapes at every corner. Cycling from the hotel and the climb up to Mare de Deu del Mont at 1085m altitude will be sure to impress. The 360° degree views from our favourite platform on the Costa Brava makes the energy expended well worth it. Mare de Deu del Mont is an 18km climb with an average gradient of 5%. The final 3km though never drop below 10% making it a true cycling test. Riding into Besalu and its spectacular 11^th Century medieval bridge will leave a lasting impression on the group. Its seven arches that span the Rio Fluvia have well and truly put Besalu on the map. Late afternoon / early evening you will enjoy your visit to the Salvador Dali museum!

Distance: 82.5km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Figueras

After yesterday’s cycling heroics on Rocacorba today we take a ride with historical context. The route heads north-east to the low-lying Coll de Banyuls (365m altitude) on the French border. For those who like history this route was made famous during the Spanish civil war (1939). Hundreds of thousands of Spanish escaped into France as Franco took control of Barcelona. The route then meanders through the vineyards of the famous L’Alt Emporda wine region before encountering Peralada. This small medieval township includes an historic old town and its principal attraction is the 14th Century ‘Castillo de Peralada’. All that remains now are some easy kilometres through to the Gulf of Roses and our beachside base for the final two nights!

Distance: 80km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Roses

Rounding out what has been a fantastic week on the bikes we have designed an excellent ‘all-rounder’ route for today. The route includes three climbs which again all range between 5-8km in length. To get things started the ride from Cadaques heads out to the most eastern point on the Iberian peninsula. The road constantly dips and winds through an abrupt rocky landscape. For many past guests we have then saved the best for last because the arrival at the picturesque Benedictine Monastery with its curving roads and spectacular coastal views all combine to create a most memorable experience. The ‘Sant Pere de Rodes’ climb provides views of the Mediterranean all the way up! Tonight in true Spanish style we would like to invite you to our favourite paella and fideuá restaurant on the Costa Brava! Buen provecho!

Distance: 75km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Roses

Following breakfast we will transfer you to Barcelona Airport. A number of clients have spent additional days relaxing and enjoying all the wonders of Barcelona. We hope you have enjoyed your Costa Brava cycling experience!

Meals: Breakfast included