Spain: Barcelona & Catalonia Bike Tour
Six nights; six days of cycling on rail trail bike paths and lightly travelled paved roads, from the Pyrenees foothills to the beaches of Costa Brava.
“Loved cycling in the country and getting a real feel for Spain. Never felt at risk on the roads because of low traffic volumes. Loved the mix of hills and flats and the ability to go at our own pace. ” – John and Betty A.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Catalonia, home to beautiful Barcelona and the sharp spires of the Pyrenees holds a lot to attract the everyday cyclist..
- Wedged between mountainous peaks, the beaches of Valencia and the border with France and Andorra, Catalonia is dotted with medieval villages, hidden coves and spellbinding coastal rides.
- Hitting the rugged coast you’ll find yourself among the landscapes and forms that inspired the surrealist works of the one and only Salvador Dali.
- Catalonia is known for its rich history, even richer cuisine and as training ground of some of the world‘s top cyclists.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Groomed bike paths and freshly paved coastal roads provide a moderately easy ride through a famous cycling region. Relaxed riders can skip the two climbs while more advanced cyclists have the option to tackle many famous routes around the cycling mecca of the city of Girona on the Barcelona & Catalonia Bike Tour.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, ~48 km
- DAY 2: ~52 km
- DAY 3: ~43 km
- DAY 4: ~48 km
- DAY 5: ~26 km + ~1.5 h hike
- DAY 6: ~22 km & Farewells
Spain: Barcelona and Catalonia Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Ripoll train station, 13:00, day one. Frequent daily trains from Barcelona Sants Station to Ripoll take approximately 2hrs; Click here for the schedule.
Finish: Girona train station, noon, day seven. Trains from Girona to Barcelona take approximately ~55min; Click here for the schedule.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Ripoll to Sant Miguel de Pineda 48km
Your ride begins in the shadow of Ripoll’s impressive 9th century Benediction Monastery and follows the Ruta del Ferro I del Carbo (The Way of Iron and Coal) through the Ter River valley. After a gentle climb into the volcanic town of Olot you’ll stop for lunch before continuing on the Ruta del Carrilet Olot-Girona to just outside of the hamlet of Sant Miquel de Pineda where you’ll spend your first night. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts)
La Rectoria, Sant Miquel de Pineda
Sant Miquel de Pineda to Girona 52km
After a short stint on the wonderfully flat Ruta del Carrilet Olot-Girona, today’s route descends toward the picturesque provincial capital, Girona, via a quiet country road through the Rocacorba Mountains. Set on the confluence of four rivers this medieval city is packed with architectural delights and boasts a rich artistic community which we encourage you to explore. For tonight’s independent dinner, why not try El Celler de Can Roca, previously ranked as the top restaurant in the world — twice! BL
Girona Loop Ride 43km
Today you’ll ride one of the many routes around the city where you’ll quickly learn why Girona is such a hub for road riders both locally and internationally. Starting at your hotel, today’s route snakes through pastoral hills dotted with ancient fortified farmsteads. After a gentle climb and a thrilling descent you’ll follow Girona’s urban cycling network back to your inn. Enjoy a world-class dinner amidst the ancient stone buildings. BLD
Same lodging
Girona to Pals via Els Angels Pass 43 or 48km
Leaving the streets of Girona behind, today you climb the famous Els Angels Pass, a route frequented by professional cyclists as a cool-down climb after a long day in the mountains. After gaping at the views from the top of the pass the ride heads down through the many medieval villages of Baix Emporda, a historic region dotted with timeless towns, cobblestone streets and the Castle of Pubol, home and resting place of Gala Dali and a large collection of works by her late husband, Salvador. The ride ends in the crown-jewel of the region, Pals, a picturesque town perfect for a late evening stroll. BLD
Hotel Es Portal, or Hotel Sa Punta, Pals
Hike to Castell del Montgri 1.5hr + Cycle Baix Emporda Loop 26km
This morning’s hike leads to the Castell del Montgri, a fortress ordered by the court of Barcelona to control the moves of the counts of Empuriés. Work commenced in 1294 but the fortress was never completed, leaving a historical edifice. The rocky uphill climb is well rewarded with spectacular views from every direction. Afterward, cycling will pick up where you left off yesterday, exploring the medieval beauty and tranquillity of the Baix Emporda. Today’s mainly flat and gentle route takes you through the fortified villages of Palau-Sator and Ullastret before visiting the ruins of the ancient Iberian city of Ullastret. BL
Same lodging
Sant Feliu de Guixols to Tossa De Mar 22km
Begin with a transfer to your starting point in coastal Sant Feliu de Guixols. Today’s ride follows one of the most beautiful roads in all of Spain, and a section of the 2009 Tour-du-France, the 682 to Tossa De Mar, where you’ll have time to explore the area and enjoy your final night of spectacular dining. BLD
Hotel Diana, or Hotel Delfin, Tossa De Mar
Return transfer to Girona (~1hr) – Farewells
Stay in Tossa de Mar and explore the surrounding coast, or join us for a complimentary transfer to Girona, where high-speed trains depart several times daily for Barcelona, southern Spain and France. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2024 Guided dates:
- Apr 14-20
- May 5-11
- Sep 29-Oct 5
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4495 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, full time guide and vehicle support, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 3895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, on-call support, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1095
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Road: 150
Upgrade to E-bike: 250
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Catalonia, home to beautiful Barcelona and the sharp spires of the Pyrenees holds a lot to attract the everyday cyclist. Wedged between mountainous peaks, the beaches of Valencia and the border with France and Andorra, Catalonia is dotted with medieval villages, hidden coves and spellbinding coastal rides. Taking advantage of the Vias Verde network – converted narrow-gauge rail beds that take intrepid cyclists from the volcanic slopes of Garrotxa to the rocky shores of the Costa Brava – you can glide past centuries-old cathedrals and groves of ancient oaks from the solitude of a cycling path. Hitting the rugged coast you’ll find yourself among the landscapes and forms that inspired the surrealist works of the one and only Salvador Dali. Catalonia is known for its rich history, even richer cuisine and as training ground of some of the world‘s top cyclists.
Meet in Ripoll, high in Catalonia near the Pyrenees and easily accesible by train from Barcelona. Ripoll is home to a benedictine monastery with a colourful history. The Santa Maria de Ripoll monastery was built by Count William the Hairy in 879, and was the birthplace of famous troubadour Ponç de la Guàrdia. After descending to the sea through the cyclist friendly city of Girona, you will finish riding on the coast at Tossa del Mar. A final transfer will bring you back to Girona where your tour concludes and trains to Barcelona and other destinations are frequent.
