Spain: Catalonia & Costa Brava 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:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
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 Catalonia & Costa Brava Bike Tour.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Ripoll to Sant Miguel de Pineda ~48km.
- 2: Sant Miquel de Pineda to Girona ~52km.
- 3: Girona Loop Ride ~43km.
- 4: Girona to Pals via Els Angels Pass ~43km or ~48km.
- 5: Hike to Castell del Montgri 1.5hr + Cycle Baix Emporda Loop ~26km.
- 6: Sant Feliu de Guixols to Tossa De Mar ~22km.
- 7: Return transfer to Girona (~1hr) – Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
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.
Finish: Girona train station, noon, day seven. Trains from Girona to Barcelona take approximately ~55min.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
La Rectoria, Sant Miquel de Pineda.DAY 2:
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!
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Llegendes de Girona Cathedral, Girona.DAY 3:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 4:
Girona to Pals via Els Angels Pass ~43km 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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Es Portal, or Hotel Sa Punta, Pals.DAY 5:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Diana, or Hotel Delfin, Tossa De Mar.DAY 7:
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 4695 (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 4195 (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: Add C 1195
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Road: C 150
Upgrade to E-bike: C 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.
BEST TIMES
The mild Mediterranean climate here makes for comfortable riding during all but the hottest days of the summer, and coldest, wettest days in winter. Spring comes early to the region and you can expect a riot of wildflower colors throughout the hillsides from late March until mid-June.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid May.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 15 to 25 °C range (60 to 75 °F).
GET TO THE START
The best option is to fly to Barcelona (BCN). An easy 2 hr train ride north on the R3 line of the Rodalies de Catalunya network leaving Barcelona-Sants station will get you to Ripoll with plenty of time before riding on the first day (one-way €7).
AFTER THE FINISH
Visiting Spain
If you are planning to explore more of Spain you may find these sites interesting and helpful in planning your excursion.
- Lonely Planet’s “things-to-do” in Spain.
- A list of ‘hip’ things to do in Barcelona.
- A guide to Spain; including a list of Spain’s best castles.
- The need-to-know information on Spain cuisine.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
You may wish to get to Ripoll a day early and get acquainted with this ancient settlement at the confluence of the Ter and Freser rivers. The abundant coal and iron deposits in this area established Ripoll as an important metalworking centre in the early Middle Ages and later for firearms in the 18th century. 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.
We recommend the following accommodations in Ripoll; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
- Mas El Mir, Ctra. From Les Llosses S/N. 17500 Ripoll (Girona) Ph: +34 630 337 423
- La Trobada Hotel Boutique, Passeig del Compositor Honorat Vilamanyà, 4, 17500 Ripoll (Girona) Ph : +34 972 702 353
If you have several days:
Visiting Barcelona:
Explore the most popular attraction in the city, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspiring church that has been under construction for over 130 years. Barcelona is also home to a beautiful gothic centre set within walking distance of the main pedestrian area, La Rambla. However, the city is more than just architecture, a 10-minute walk from the Mirador de Colom is the beach at Barceloneta, a great place to soak up the sun and sights of the area. We strongly recommend spending an extra day or two in Barcelona if your schedule will allow.
Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain and mountain-top monastery located only 50 km north of Barcelona. At nearly 1300m above sea-level, the monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding Catalonian lowlands, and if your travel schedule allows, we highly recommend you plan to arrive a day or so early in order to experience this beautiful and religiously significant area.
We recommend the following accommodations in Barcelona for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
- Hotel DO Placa Reial, Pl. Reial, 1, 08002 Barcelona Ph: +36 618 567 874
- Hotel España, Carrer de Sant Pau, 9-11, 08001 Barcelona Ph: +34 935 500 000
- W-Barcelona, Plaça Rosa Del Vents 1, Final, Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona Ph: +34 932 952 800
- Hotel Neri, Carrer de Sant Sever, 5, 08002 Barcelona Ph: +34 933 040 655
- Hotel SERHS Rivoli Rambla, La Rambla, 128, 08002 Barcelona Ph: +34 934 817 676
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.
Suggested Reading List:
Cervantes, Miguel de - Don Quixote
Arguably one of the best novels written, Cervantes masterpiece has been translated into more languages than any other book written, aside from the Bible. A must read.
Cela, Camilo Jose – The Family of Pascual Duarte
Not for the faint of heart, this brutally violent novel was banned after publication. Regardless, a great read.
Preston, Paul – A Concise History of the Spanish Civil War
One of many history books written by Preston, A Concise History is a great introduction to the complexities of the war.
Tremlett, Giles – Ghosts of Spain
A wonderful read through contemporary Spain as it deals with the quest to catch the west, while juggling its complex history.
Graves, Tomas – Tuning up at Dawn
A look at Spain after the civil war through the world of music.