Costa Brava & Pyrenees by Road Bike Self-Guided

Enjoy some time at leisure in the beautiful city of Girona. The city is famous for having one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world, and the Cathedral boasts one of the widest vaulted naves in Gothic architecture. We highly recommend that you climb up to the ancient city walls to enjoy the spectacular views all the way to the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees. Make sure that you take a walk along the Onyar river, where you can enjoy a picturesque view of the brightly-coloured houses that line the riverbanks.

First, you’ll discover the serene countryside of the Llémena Valley, a paradise of volcanic formations, dramatic cliffs, and verdant forests dotted with centuries-old farmhouses.

Next, the route climbs into the forested mountains of Les Guilleries, leading you to the mountaintop town of Sant Hilari Sacalm—a classic training ascent for many local professional cyclists. A thrilling 18 km descent then drops you into Santa Coloma, another iconic ride enjoyed by hundreds of Girona-based riders.

The return to Girona winds gently through the beautiful rural landscapes of the Gironès region, the perfect finale to a varied and memorable day on the bike.

Today’s ride takes you from Girona to the Mediterranean, following a route beloved by road cyclists for its steady rhythm, rolling terrain, and spectacular sea views. After leaving the city on a dedicated cycle path, you’ll warm up on gentle climbs that offer your first glimpses of the coastline before descending toward the Costa Brava.

From Tossa de Mar, you’ll ride the legendary coastal road made famous in the cycling world when it featured in the 2009 Tour de France. This twisting, perfectly paved stretch hugs the cliffs above the sea, offering constant elevation changes—an ideal training ground—and unforgettable views.

Your coastal effort leads you to Calella de Palafrugell, a beautifully preserved fishing village often considered one of the true gems of the Costa Brava and the perfect spot to relax after a world-class day on the bike.

Starting from Calella, you’ll tackle the short but steep ascent to the Sant Sebastià lighthouse (2 km, +150 m), a favourite local effort rewarded with panoramic views over the coastline. From here, the route climbs again toward Begur before descending to the Gulf of Pals, known for its expansive sandy beach.

Turning inland, you’ll roll into the beautifully preserved medieval village of Pals. The route continues through a series of charming medieval settlements before reaching Torroella de Montgrí, set dramatically beneath its hilltop castle.

From Torroella, the terrain softens as you ride quietly toward the beaches of Empúries and l’Escala. In Empúries, take time to explore the remarkable archaeological site, home to Greek and Roman ruins dating back to 600 BC—the historic gateway of classical cultures to the Iberian Peninsula.

The final section leads you to Castelló d’Empúries, whose impressive cathedral reflects the town’s medieval power.

The route heads north into the striking Cap de Creus Natural Park, climbing the demanding Col de Perafita. From the summit, you have the option to add an 11 km out-and-back descent to Cadaqués—an iconic whitewashed village where the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí once lived—before climbing Perafita a second time.

Back on the main route, you’ll follow a spectacular coastal road toward the French border, crossing into Banyuls with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The return to Spain brings another highlight: the steep and storied Col de Banyuls, a short but intense climb that rewards determined riders with a fantastic descent.

The stage concludes in Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dalí, where you’ll enjoy a well-earned rest after a truly memorable day on the bike.

This ride leads you north from Spain into the quiet, forested mountains that separate Catalonia from France. Your first major challenge is the remote border pass of Coustouges (810 m), a beautifully peaceful climb that winds through dense woodland and rural hamlets. After crossing into France, the route continues to rise steadily toward the Coll d’Ares (1,524 m), a classic Pyrenean ascent with big mountain views and a satisfying sense of achievement at the summit.

From the top, a long and rewarding descent carries you back into Spain, rolling toward the high valley of Camprodon. The day ends in the charming village of Molló, nestled near the ski town of Camprodon—an ideal place to rest and recover after a demanding and inspiring day in the mountains.

The day begins by climbing through the Coll de Capsacosta, a classic ascent that winds through forested slopes and quiet mountain roads, offering a perfect last test of your legs.

From the summit, the route descends into Olot, the charming capital of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Here, you’ll ride through a unique landscape of extinct volcanic cones, lush valleys, and picturesque villages, a fitting finale to the week’s adventure.

The ride concludes with a return to Girona, where you can reflect on nearly 600 km of extraordinary roads, challenging climbs, and spectacular scenery—truly a memorable end to an epic Costa Brava and Pyrenees cycling tour.

Arrival/departure airport: Aeropuerto Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) or Aeropuerto de Girona-Costa Brava (GRO)

Direct flights to Barcelona are widely available from many international destinations, and direct flights to Girona are available from a number of destinations within Europe.

From Barcelona Airport, you can take a taxi or the local Rodalies urban train to Barcelona Sants train station (approx. 20 minutes). From here, you can travel by high-speed train to Girona. You can purchase your train tickets online. By booking online, you can ensure that you are booking the direct train (40 minutes) rather than the local train (up to 2 hours!) which can only be booked locally at the train station.

At the end of your tour, you can take a high-speed train from Girona back to Barcelona (approx. 40 minutes).

Please consult with your Bike Spain Tours travel coordinator if you wish to book extra nights in Barcelona before or after your tour. Some of our favourite hotels are:

• Casa Bonay****: Boutique design hotel and cultural centre located in the upmarket Eixample district.
• Ofelias Hotel****+: Boutique art hotel conveniently located clost to Plaça de Espanya and Montjuic.