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: 50km / Meals: Dinner Included / Sleep: Girona

Today you will cycle a fantastic ride through the hills south of Girona towards the Mediterranean coastline. Today there are four climbs to contend with but they all range between 5-7km in length and 6% average grades. Those with some training in the legs will really enjoy today’s ride. In between all the climbing is a wonderful 10km stretch along the coast to Tossa de Mar which will be great fun!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Girona

Riding from the hotel and you encounter some stunning scenery as you climb over the Les Gavarres mountain range twice. The road from Girona heads east and the first climb is up to the Els Angels Monastery. This is one of the most popular rides in the region and its 10km at 3% average gradient is the perfect way to get your legs going again. The loop back to the hotel passes smooth, beautifully asphalted roads with many undulations that will keep things very interesting.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Girona

Today we change hotels and with this our base moves to the scenic landscapes directly adjacent to Figueras. Figueras is famous as Salvador Dali’s birthplace and later during the tour you will have time to visit a collection of his surreal artwork in Cadaques. The cycling on offer today is best described as ‘transitional’ with 90km of ‘flatter’ riding through to our new hotel for the next three nights.

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included / Sleep: Figueras

One of the most challenging days 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%. A 15km backroad descent through to Besalu and its spectacular 11th Century medieval bridge is a great way to finish today’s ride. Its seven arches that span the Rio Fluvia have well and truly put Besalu on the map

Distance: 85km / Meals: Breakfast Included / Sleep: Figueras

From Figueras there is a short 30min van transfer west to the edge of the Volcanica de la Garrotxa Natural Park. As the name suggests this is an area of extinct volcanoes which is a road cycling paradise. After lunch though the final ‘Rocacorba’ challenge is waiting for those itching for more! This climb has become famous in recent years with professional riders using the climb for their specific hill interval sets. While the 13.5km is characterised by a 6% average grade it is the final 5km which are really tough and constantly maintain ramps hovering around double digit gradients. You don’t come to Costa Brava without conquering Rocacorba!!

Distance: 90km / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 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: 90km / 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