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Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (by 9am at the latest) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided.
Your bike fitting is scheduled for Friday, 11th April at 9:30am at the office of our local partners, CycleTours Catalonia (C. de Sta. Eugènia, 11).
Please note that the bikes and bike equipment are your responsibility.
You can take out an insurance against minor damages with Cycle Tours Catalonia for 5€/day (touring bikes) or 10€/day (road bikes and e-bikes).
If you do not wish to purchase the insurance, Cycle Tours Catalonia will ask for a credit card preauthorisation against damages of 150€/bike (touring bike) or 350€/bike (all other models of bike). This will be released automatically 7 – 14 days after the return of the bikes.
In case of major damage to the bike, you will be asked to pay the difference.
In the event of loss of theft of the bike, you will be required to pay the retail price of the bike.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Thanks to the Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, the foothills of the mountains surrounding the plain are the perfect terrain for growing grapes and olives. The region has been famous for its gastronomy and wine since Classical times, when the Greeks and Romans came for the strategic coastal location, and stayed for the fantastic farming conditions!
Nowadays, the Empordà boasts an impressive number of Michelin Stars, and its very own Protected Denomination of Origin wine region. The vineyards are frequently battered by the tramuntana, a dry wind from the north of Europe. However, this wind is counteracted by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean, which hydrates the grapes, allowing for a slower ripening of the fruit and a more balanced wine.
A very popular breakfast in Catalonia is pan amb tomaquet: toasted bread, rubbed with tomato and topped with olive oil, and sometimes also jamón and other cured meats. Considered by many locals to be the best Catalan invention of all time, pan amb tomàquet is often served in its component parts so that you can put your own personal twist on it!
As you explore the Costa Brava, you’ll have the opportunity to try some of the region’s very best seafood! One traditional option is esqueixada de bacallà, a salad made with shredded sald cod, with red peppers, tomatoes, onions, olives and a good amount of olive oil. Another popular dish is bacallà amb samfaina: salted cod served over a tomato and vegetable sauce similar to ratatouille.
Continuing the seafood theme, make sure you try the Catalan take on Valencian paella: arròs negre. The black colour of this squid and rice dish comes from squid ink, and you’ll traditionally find it served with alioli garlic sauce.
Mar i muntanya (surf & turf) is a cornerstone of Catalan cuisine, and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in mandonguilles amb sípia: meatballs and cuttlefish served with a thick gravy sauce. Another popular variation is pollastre amb llagosta, which is made with roasted chicken and lobster.
Meatlovers are sure to come across botifarra, either as an ingredient or served as a dish in itself. Often made with apple, this Catalan sausage is used to make faves a la Catalana (a stew of beans and meat), or served with a side of haricot beans as botifarra amb mongetes.
Another traditional Catalan meat dish is cargols a la llauna: barbecued snails!
Round off your Catalan gastronomic experience with a delicious crema catalana: the region’s take on creme brulée!
Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.
Thursday, 10th April: Girona
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Welcome to Catalonia, and the start of an amazing tour!
You can check into your hotel from 2pm. Please request your trip documentation from hotel reception upon arrival.
Enjoy some free time exploring the beautiful city of Girona: the colourful houses that line the River Onyar, the views from the medieval city walls and the atmosphere of one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Girona.
El Call: Girona is famous for its Jewish Quarter, where the winding cobblestone streets are still very similar to how they were 500 years ago, before the explusion of Spain’s Jewish population in 1492. If you would like to learn more, you can visit the excellent Museum of Jewish History (open 10am – 6pm Tue – Sat, and 10am – 2pm Mon and Sun).
Girona city walls: The current city walls date back to the 14th century, and provide stunning views over Girona and the surrounding countryside, all the way to the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees! You can access the walls from Els Jardins dels Alemanys (just behind the Cathedral), the University of Girona and Jardí de la Infància (near Plaça Catalunya). Don’t miss sunset at Torre del Llamp!
Onyar River walk: One of the most iconic images of Girona is that of the brightly-coloured houses that overlook the Onyar River. Take a walk along the riverbank, and enjoy views of both sides from one of the bridges: Pont de Pedra or Pont de les Peixateries Velles, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel. You can even visit one of the houses: Casa Masó (open for guided tours Tue – Sat), birthplace of Catalan architect Rafael Masó.
Girona Cathedral: One of the “must-sees” of Girona is the spectacular cathedral (open Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm and Sun 12pm – 5pm), which dates back to the 11th century and whose Gothic nave is the widest in the world. The steps in front of the Cathedral are a popular meeting point among locals, and recently featured as a filming location for popular TV series Game of Thrones!
Restaurant Blanc: Traditional Meditarranean fare (open daily 1pm – 3:45pm/8pm – 11pm)
Restaurant Can Marqués: Locally-sourced traditional dishes (open Mon – Wed and Sat 1pm – 4pm and Thu & Fri 1pm – 4pm/8:30pm – 10:30pm)
Restaurant Normal: Popular option by the Michelin star Roca brothers (open Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3pm/7:30pm – 10pm)
Friday, 11th April: Girona
Route: 50.5 km/31.4 miles OR 99.1 km/61.6 miles
Elevation: +470 m/+1561 ft OR +1572 m/5157 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
9:30am: Please head to the offices of our local partners, CycleTours Catalonia (C. de Sta. Eugènia, 11), for your bike fitting.
Next, it’s time to start cycling! Your first gravel bike route follows the course of the River Ter to discover the inland Empordà, a bucolic paradise dotted with centuries-old farmhouses.
The city quickly gives way to peaceful Catalan countyside. You’ll pass by the charming rural town of Sant Gregori, the gateway to the Llèmena valley, surrounded by beautiful bucolic landscapes.
From Sant Gregori, the route follows the Camí de Constantins, a classic gravel road that winds through dense woodlands and rolling terrain. This section is pure gravel riding bliss—secluded, scenic, and just technical enough to keep things interesting. Keep an eye out for Mas de Constantins, a beautifully restored old farmhouse, and enjoy the feeling of complete immersion in nature as you pedal through this quiet stretch.
Take a breath and admire the view from the Church of Sant Vincenç de Constantins, before continuing up to the mountain village of Bonmatí, where we recommend a coffee stop at Bar Restaurant La Cantonada (open Tue – Sun 8am – 3:30pm).
OPTIONAL: Those looking for a challenge can head up into the forested mountains of Les Guilleries and visit the mountaintop town of Sant Hilari Sacalm, famous for the purity of its water and base of the well-known water company Font Vella. Please note that this route is paved.
From Bonmatí, you’ll continue climbing up a vía verde (a disused railway line converted into a traffic-free cycle path), crossing a road and pedalling through agricultural landscapes to the top of the hill, before beginning a thrilling descent through the forest down the Camí de Sant Romà, as the asphalt gives way to some fantastic gravel cycling. This section offers a mix of fast, hard-packed surfaces and a few rockier patches, keeping you engaged as you drop into the valley. Look out for historic chapels dotting the countryside!
The route continues along the course of the River Onyar, taking you past waterfalls and around a small reservoir. At the bottom, you’ll roll into Sant Dalmai, a small village known for its traditional stone houses and quiet charm. You’ll find a couple of restaurant options if you’re in need of a snack!
Leaving Sant Dalmai, the return leg takes you through Aiguaviva, following a mix of gravel and secondary roads. This section features rolling terrain with open fields, small woodlands, and the occasional vineyard. The gravel here is generally smooth, with some slightly rougher sections as you approach Girona.
Saturday, 12th April: Girona
Route: 62.2 km/38.6 miles OR 79.3km/49.2 miles
Elevation: +845 m/+2773 ft OR +1511m/4957 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll enjoy a route frequently used for training by local pro cyclists! Rolling out of the city, you’ll quickly swap the urban buzz for the peaceful countryside, following a mix of quiet paved roads and well-maintained gravel paths towards Sant Gregori. Here, you’ll ride through a patchwork of farmland and gentle rolling hills, with the distant peaks of the Guilleries and Garrotxa adding to the backdrop.
From Sant Gregori, the route continues to Adri, a charming rural area where oak and pine forests provide welcome shade. The gravel sections here are smooth and well-packed, perfect for maintaining a good rhythm. Passing through Biert, you’ll start to feel the presence of Rocacorba, the iconic climb that looms above the landscape.
OPTIONAL: At this point, you have a choice: continue towards Banyoles or take on the legendary ascent up to Rocacorba. The climb is a challenging 13.8 km with an average gradient of 6.5%, though the final kilometers ramp up steeply. If you push to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. After soaking in the scenery, descend carefully—Rocacorba’s descent is fast and technical in places. Please note that this route is paved.
Your next stop is Banyoles, home to Catalonia’s largest natural lake. This is the perfect place for a mid-ride break. We recommend the lakeside Café Aquarium (open daily 9am – 6pm), a favorite among local cyclists, and conveniently located next to a bike rental service who can help you out if you need a tune-up! If you fancy a sit-down lunch, our favourite is Can Xabanet (open daily 1pm – 4pm).
The return journey takes you through Puigpalter and Pujals dels Pagesos, two quiet hamlets surrounded by rolling fields and undulating gravel tracks. The terrain is varied, with a mix of smooth dirt roads and some rockier sections, keeping the ride interesting. Passing through Medinyà, you’ll find a mix of historical charm and rural tranquility before reaching Sarrià de Ter, where the route reconnects with Girona’s outskirts.
Sunday, 13th April: Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Route: 53.7 km/33.4 miles
Elevation: +447 m/+1466 ft
Accommodation: Hotel S’Agaró Spa
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Today is Domingo de Ramos: Palm Sunday, the start of Semana Santa (Holy Week)! Look out for traditional processions with palm branches through the towns, and make sure to visit a local bakery to try a Tortell de Rams, a traditional marzipan pastry traditionally eaten during Palm Sunday celebrations.
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (around 9am) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel.
Leaving Girona, the route quickly takes you into the countryside via Palol d’Onyar, a small village surrounded by open fields and gentle hills. The gravel here is smooth and fast, making for a pleasant warm-up. As you continue towards Quart, famous for its pottery tradition, the landscapes shift between farmland and scattered woodlands, with classic Catalan masias (farmhouses) dotting the terrain.
From Quart, you’ll follow quiet rural roads and gravel tracks to Llambilles, where the scenery becomes more forested. The rolling terrain keeps things interesting, with a mix of hard-packed gravel and some slightly looser sections through wooded areas.
After Llambilles, the route heads towards Sant Andreu Salou, a tiny village tucked into the countryside. Here, you’ll start entering the lower slopes of Les Gavarres, a beautiful natural park known for its lush Mediterranean forests, cork oak trees, and hidden trails. The gravel roads here are some of the best in the region—secluded, well-maintained, and flowing beautifully through the hills.
Next, you’ll roll into Llagostera, a great place for a mid-ride stop. If you’re looking for a café, Can Panedes (open Mon – Fri 1pm – 3:40pm, Sat& Sun 8:30 am – 11:30am/1pm – 3:40pm) is a local favorite with excellent coffee and pastries. For something heartier, Cal Degollat (open daily 8:30am – 4:30pm) serves traditional Catalan food and is a good spot for refueling before the final push to the coast.
Leaving Llagostera, the gravel begins to transition to a mix of smooth dirt tracks and secondary roads as you approach Castell d’Aro. This historic village is home to a charming medieval center, with narrow cobbled streets and an old castle that’s worth a quick look. From here, the route starts descending towards the coast, offering stunning views as you drop into the seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Arriving at the Mediterranean, you’ll be greeted by the fresh sea breeze and the vibrant energy of this classic Costa Brava town.
Bike shops
Cassà de la Selva: La Bicycle. (+34) 872072565. Open Mon 5pm-8pm, Tue – Fri 9am–1:30pm/5pm-8pm, Sat 9:30am-1pm
Sant Feliu de Guíxols: Ayat Cycles. (+34) 630 58 51 56. Open Mon – Fri 9:30am–1pm/3:30pm–7pm, Sat 9:30am–1pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in San Feliu de Guíxols.
Spend the afternoon at the beach! Sant Feliu boasts numerous beautiful coves, surrounded by pine forests, that are the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling.
Monastery de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles: This Benedictine monastery dates back to the 10th century, when it was constructed on top of earlier Roman-era ruins.
Modernist architecture along Playa Sant Pol: The boom in the cork industry in the 19th century funded to the construction of a series of modernist houses along the seafront in Playa Sant Pol.
Clifftop viewpoints walk: Departing from either end of Playa Sant Pol, you can enjoy a beautiful clifftop walk, both of which include various miradores (viewpoints) with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Sa Marinada: Elegant clifftop option with fabulous views over the bay (open Wed – Sun 12:30pm – 4pm and 7:30pm – 11pm and Mon 12:30pm – 4pm)
Casa Teva Restaurant: Innovative seafront restaurant (open Thu -Sun 1pm – 4pm and 8pm – 10:45pm)
Restaurant Can Kiku: Traditional tapas and local cuisine (open daily 8am – 12am)
Monday 14th April: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Castelló d’Empúries
Route: 95.1 km/59.1 mi (coastal) OR 101 km/62.8 miles (inland)
Elevation: +828 m/2716 ft (coastal) OR +980 m/3215 ft (inland)
Accommodation: Hotel Palau Macelli
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you have a choice of routes: coast and inland!
If you prefer coastal scenery and varied terrain, go for the coastal route via Palamós and Calella de Palafrugell.
If you love fast, smooth gravel and medieval villages, the inland route via Peratallada is the better choice.
Coastal route
Rolling out from Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the route follows coastal paths and smooth gravel tracks through Platja d’Aro, a lively seaside town with long sandy beaches. As you continue towards Palamós, the ride blends scenic coastal views with well-maintained gravel sections, passing pine forests and small coves. In Palamós you can make a stop at the Museo de la Pesca (open Tue – Fri, 10am – 1:30pm/3:30pm – 6pm, Sat 10:30am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm and Sun 10:30am – 2pm), a unique museum which explores the past, present and future of fishing on the Costa Brava.
Heading out of Palamós, you’ll face a challenging climb up to Cap Roig. At the top, you’ll find spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea, and also a historic castle and botanical gardens (open daily 10am – 8pm). From here, you’ll drop down to the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, considered to be one of the pearls of Costa Brava.
Officially classifed with the “Poble amb encant” seal by the Catalonia Tourism Board, Calella retains its original charm, unspoiled by mass tourism. We recommend stopping for a bite to eat here at Calau, a trendy seafront spot where hot pintxos are served fresh from the kitchen (open daily 1pm – 3pm).
Heading the inland, passing by natural wetlands with extensive rice fields, you’ll reach Pals, a beautifully well-preserved medieval town, the perfect place to take a break and explore the narrow cobbled streets flanked by elegant aristocratic houses. We recommend grabbing a coffee at Antic Casino (open Tue – Sun from 9am), a well-known restaurant set in a historic building.
The last part of the ride follows smooth gravel tracks through rice fields and open plains, offering a striking contrast to the earlier coastal sections. The terrain here is fast and rolling all the way to Torroella de Montgrí, finishing at the foot of Montgrí castle.
Inland route
The alternative route heads inland at Sant Anthoni de Calonge, heading north along well-packed gravel tracks that wind through vineyards and pine forests.
The gravel becomes smoother and faster as you enter the rolling landscapes of the Baix Empordà, passing through golden fields and rural farmsteads. The highlight of this route is Peratallada, one of Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval villages. A stroll around the stone walls and cobbled streets is like walking back in time.
From Peratallada, the ride continues towards Pals, following a mix of gravel paths and quiet farm roads, offering panoramic views of the Gavarres hills.
The last segment is a fast, rolling ride through the Ter River plains, with a mix of smooth gravel and hard-packed dirt roads. Along the way, you’ll pass by Mooma (open Thu – Mon 1pm – 3:30pm), a historic orchard transformed into a fabulous eco-friendly restaurant and cider house. We highly recommend a stop here for lunch, or just a cider slushie in the garden!
Leaving Torroella de Montgrí, the route follows gravel farm tracks towards the coastal town of L’Estartit. From here, you’ll follow gravel and sandy tracks along the coastline, with an optional detour (3km round-trip) to the Mirador de la Punta del Milà viewpoint for spectacular views of the Medes Islands, a protected nature reserve.
Next, the route takes you through Empúries, one of the most historically significant sites in Catalonia. We highly recommend that you stop to visit the well-preserved archeological settlement, once the gateway of the classical Greek and Roman cultures into Spain, and the only site on the Iberian Peninsula where the remains of a Greek city coexist with those of a Roman city. The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia (open daily from 10am – 6pm) offers an audioguide tour of the archaeological site (headphones required).
Continuing along the coastline, you’ll pass by the pretty medieval settlement of Sant Martí de Empúries, which retains its original medieval city walls, and is situated right in front of a superb beach. The riding surface here varies between fine gravel and compacted dirt, making for a scenic and comfortable section of the ride.
Heading inland, the landscape changes as you enter the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, a vast wetland known for its birdlife and serene beauty. The gravel paths here are wide, fast, and smooth, making for an enjoyable ride through open countryside, rice fields, and canals.
The last section leads you along quiet farm roads and historic gravel paths into Castelló d’Empúries, a beautiful medieval town which boasts a rich architectural heritage; a gothic church, a palace, an old market building and a well-preserved Jewish quarter.
Bike shops
Palafrugell: Gran Fondo Community. (+34) 972 30 5855. Open Mon – Sat 8am – 8pm, Sun 8am – 2pm
Torroella de Montgrí: Burricleta Baix Empordà. (+34) 972 755 082. Open daily 9am – 8pm
L’Escala: Nou Empordà Bikes. (+34) 972 774 042. Open Mon – Fri 10am-1pm/4pm-7:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm/4pm-7:30pm
Sant Pere Pescador: Bike Taller BSP. (+34) 622 826 342. Open Mon – Sat 9am–1pm/5pm–8pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Castelló d’Empuries.
Church of Santa María: The splendid 14th-century Gothic church of Santa María (open daily 10am – 6pm) resembles a Cathedral, and boasts a Romasesque belltower, as well as its own museum.
Jewish Quarter: Castelló d’Empuries was home to a significant Jewish community until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Their historical legacy is still visible in many sites around the old town.
Ecomuseu Farinera: Fascinating museum set in an old flour mill, which retains the original milling machinery and provides an insight into local life in days gone by (open Tue -Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 6pm and Sun 10am – 2pm).
Medieval Prison Museum: The Museu d’Història Medieval de la Cúria-Presó (open Thu – Sun 10am – 4pm) was built in 1336, and held prisoners during the Spanish Inquisition and beyond, some of whom left graffiti that is still visible on the prison walls.
Emporium*: Michelin star restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine from sea and land (entrance from 1pm – 2pm and 8pm – 9pm Thu – Sat and 1pm – 2pm Sun, Tue and Wed).
Restaurant Cal Patufet: Popular local option serving authentic Cuban fare (open 1pm –3:30pm Wed – Mon and 1pm – 3:30pm /7:30pm – 10:15pm Fri and Sat).
Tuesday 15th April: Castelló d’Empúries – Figueres
Route: 45.4 km/28.2 miles OR 65.8 km/40.9 miles
Elevation: +444 m/+1457 ft OR +847m/2780 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Pirineos
Hotel services: Restaurant, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Starting in Castelló d’Empúries, the route heads toward Empuriabrava, often called the “Venice of Spain” due to its vast network of navigable canals. This section is mostly flat, hard-packed gravel, making for a smooth and fast ride.
Following the coastline, you reach Roses, a lively seaside town overlooking the Bay of Roses. If time allows, explore the Ciutadella de Roses, an ancient fortress offering insights into the town’s Roman and medieval past.
OPTIONAL: For those looking to add an epic challenge, it’s possible to extend the route from Roses toward the picturesque Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a windswept peninsula at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Climb along remote gravel roads across dramatic coastal cliffs, enjoying spectacular coastal views.
If you’re up for even more cycling (additional 20km/+450m), you can take a detour along paved roads to visit Cadaques, a charming fishing port made famous for its association with Catalan painter Dalí. Here, you can visit the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat (open Tue – Sun 10:30 – 5:10, prior booking required), and admire the seafront modernist buildings, built by local residents who made their fortune in Cuba, and inspired by Cuban architectural styles.
Leaving the coast, the ride climbs towards El Mas Fumats, a scenic hilltop area with breathtaking views over the bay. The gravel roads become slightly rougher, with a mix of compact dirt and looser sections, adding a bit of adventure to the route. We recommend a stop and a snack at Mas Fumats Bistro biker (open Tue – Sat from 8:30am – 11pm and Sun 8:30am – 3pm)
Descending toward Vilaüt, the landscape shifts into the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà wetlands, a peaceful nature reserve teeming with birdlife. The riding here is flat and fast, with smooth gravel tracks cutting through open fields and shallow lagoons.
From Vilaüt, the route heads to Pau, a quiet village known for its vineyards and olive groves. A great stop here is Celler Espelt (open daily 10am – 2pm), where you can sample some fantastic local wines.
Next, you roll into Peralada, famous for cava and wine production, where you can visit the Castle Museum, (open Tue – Sun 10 am – 12pm/3:30pm – 5:30pm), which features wine-making artifacts dating back to the 14th century, visit the Bodega Castell de Peralada at the foot of the castle (open Mon – Fri 6am – 2pm) and explore the medieval town centre. Peralada Castle houses its own Michelin star restaurant, considered to be one of the best in Spain (open Thu 8pm – 10pm and Fri – Sun 1pm – 3pm/8pm – 10pm. Prior reservation required).
A final mix of gravel farm tracks and quiet backroads takes you into the city of Figueres, capital of the Alt Empordà and known as the home of Catalan genius Salvador Dalí.
Bike shops
Figueres: Edibikes. (+34) 610 124 566. Open Mon – Sat 9am–1pm/4pm-8pm
The capital of the Alt Empordà boasts a charismatic and diverse architectural heritage, from the medieval city walls to the modernist and neo-classical structures around La Rambla.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Figueres.
Theatre-Museum Dalí: Still one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Spain, this museum dedicated to Catalonia’s most famous son is a must! (open Tue – Sun, 10:30am – 5:15pm).
San Ferrán Castle: Enjoy fabulous views and fascinating historical tales from the hilltop San Ferrán Castle, the largest of its kind in Europe (open Tue -Sun 10:30am – 3pm)
Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, Restaurante El Pelegrí. However, if you would prefer to explore the town, we recommend Restaurant El Motel: Traditional, family-run business serving local Catalan cuisine (open daily 12:45pm – 3:30 pm).
Wednesday 16th April: Figueres – Girona
Route: 54.5 km/34 miles OR 58.3 km/36.2 miles
Elevation: +456 m/+1496 ft OR +856 m/2808 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Leaving Figueres, you quickly reach El Far d’Empordà, a small village with medieval charm. From here, you follow hard-packed gravel paths through open fields and vineyards, heading toward Sant Miquel de Fluvià. This section is fast and smooth, perfect for warming up your legs.
In Sant Miquel de Fluvià, we suggest making a quick stop at the 11th-century Romanesque church before continuing south along the Fluvià River, riding through tree-lined paths and pastures.
The route continues through Sant Mori, home to a beautiful Renaissance castle, before flowing into Colomers, a charming riverside village on the Ter River. The riding here is a mix of gravel farm tracks and dirt trails, winding through fields of sunflowers and olive groves.
Colomers is a great place for a mid-ride snack! Grab some pastries from Can Llenç (open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 1:30pm) or brunch at Restaurant El Xalet (open Tue – Sun 8:30am–5pm).
From Colomers, the ride follows quiet gravel tracks and dirt roads through the forested landscapes of Sobrànigues.
At Sobrànigues, you can choose between two options for the final part of your route:
a) Ter River route (fast and scenic)– Following Cervià de Ter and Medinyà on rolling gravel paths along the river.
b) Els Àngels route (challenging, epic views) – A stunning climb through forests and mountain ridges, offering spectacular views before descending into Girona.
Ter River route
The more direct route follows compact gravel and dirt paths along the Ter River, passing through Cervià de Ter (home to ancient monastery ruins) and Medinyà, which boasts a 14th-century castle. This section is fast and rolling, perfect for those wanting a smooth, flowing ride back into Girona.
Els Àngels route
Just after Sobrànigues, you’ll turn south into the Gavarres hills, where the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged, climbing toward Els Àngels. This climb (around 10 km, avg. 4-5%) is a mix of gravel and quiet paved roads, winding through beautiful Mediterranean forests.
At the top, the Sanctuary of Els Àngels offers incredible panoramic views of the Pyrenees, the coast, and Girona. From here, you’ll enjoy a triumphant descent into Girona.
Once you arrive in Girona, please leave your bikes with hotel reception for later collection.
We highly recommend that you check out tonight’s Holy Wednesday procession, which features some 120 manaies (Roman soldiers). This Easter tradition dates back to 1751!
8pm: Manaies procession begins at the Church of St Lluc.
Bike shops
Figueres: Edibikes. (+34) 610 124 566. Open Mon – Sat 9am–1pm/4pm-8pm
Thursday, 17th April: Girona
Departure Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note that today is Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo), an important religious day in Spain! You can watch an evocative traditional procession departing from the Iglesia de los Dolores at 9am.
After breakfast, our tour will come to an end.
We hope you had a great time discovering the Empordà.
We hope to see you again very soon!
Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel Ultonia is located in the centre of Girona, 3 minutes’ walk from the Old Town, Cathedral and Arabic baths. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TV and minibar
All 71 rooms at the Hotel Gran Ultonia in the center of Girona are new, spacious and bright, and have easy access to La Terrasseta, an exclusive space for guests with fantastic views of the Cathedral of Girona.
Hotel S´Agaró Wellness & Spa
S’Agaró Hotel is located in the heart of the Costa Brava.
S’Agaró Hotel is located in the heart of the Costa Brava, in the exclusive, idyllic bay of S’Agaró, one of the Costa Brava’s most prestigious enclaves, a pioneer in quality holidays, internationally recognised for its select, glamorous surroundings. S’Agaró Hotel is right on the seafront, on Sant Pol beach, one of the Costa Brava’s top locations. A small beach of fine sand, far removed from the noise of other coastal areas in the summer season.
Hotel Palau Macelli
Hotel Palau Macelli is located in the heart of the village of Castelló d’Empúries, next to the Basilica of Santa Maria, the old convent of Santa Clara and the city walls.
Discover a world of comfort and elegance, where each space has been carefully designed for the enjoyment of all our customers.
Relax in our spa, located in the old stables of a noble house, refresh yourself and free yourself from stress in our pool or rest in our warm and cosy rooms.
Hotel Pirineos
Four-star family hotel in Figueres, just minutes from the Dali Theater Museum.
The hotel is especially characterised by the warm and welcoming family atmosphere which it has maintained all these years. It has 53 modern rooms, fully equipped and decorated in warm colors.
