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Follow us on Instagram at @bikespaintours and on Facebook at BikeSpainTours, and tag us in the posts from your trip.
Don’t forget to join our Strava club, so we can give you kudos for all your amazing bike rides!
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception (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 Monday, 5th May at 9:45am at the office of our local partners, Cycle Tours 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.
You’ll have the opportunity to try some D.O. Empordà wine, and gain an understanding of its production, during your visit to Cellar La Vinyeta (included in the tour package!) Let your Bike Spain Tours travel consultant know if you would like to add a meal at a Michelin Star restaurant to your tour.
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.
Sunday, 4th May: 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)
Monday, 5th May: Girona
Route: 66.5km/41.3 miles OR 102.3km/63.5 miles
Elevation: +949m/3113ft OR +1549m/5082 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
9:45am: 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!
On the first day of your tour, you will discover the inland countryside of Llémena Valley, a paradise of volcanic landscape, dramatic cliffs and verdant forests, dotted with centuries-old farmhouses.
Leaving Girona, you quickly find yourself immersed in nature as you head towards Sant Medir, home to a small Romanesque hermitage nestled in the forest. The road is quiet, smooth, and shaded by Mediterranean pine trees—ideal for warming up.
As you climb gently towards Montcal, the landscape opens up to rolling hills and green pastures, with the imposing cliffs of the Garrotxa volcanic region appearing on the horizon. This section is peaceful, with little traffic, making it a dream for road cyclists.
After cycling around the base of the small volcano of Adri, you’ll follow the course of the river Canet, admiring the grottos and waterfalls that the river and the volcanic eruptions have sculpted into the landscape over the millennia. There are a few spots to stop for a swim if you need to cool off!
Next, your route takes you alongside the Llémena river, you’ll past oak and beech forests, enjoying the fresh air and serene surroundings towards the medieval town of Llorà.
From here, you’ll cycle into Les Serres, a small, hidden gem with a rural Catalan feel. Expect classic Masias (farmhouses) and vineyards dotting the hillsides. You’ll cycle around the Banya del Boc volcano and up the mountain of Sant Roc to enjoy fabulous views over the valley, before a winding descent through Constantins to the banks of the river Ter and the small town of Bonmatí, where we recommend a coffee stop at Bar Restaurant La Cantonada (open Tue – Sun 8am – 3:30pm).
Crossing the river, you’ll pass through the small town of Anglès, whose Gothic old quarter is one of the oldest and most significant in the region. If you fancy stopping here for lunch, we recommend L’Aliança d’Anglès* for a Michelin Star meal (open Fri – Tue 1pm – 3pm, prior reservation essential), or Ca L’Elisa (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 4pm) for an informal option.
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.
From Anglès, you’ll climb up to the hilltop village of Mas Llunès, before enjoying a winding descent through beautiful countryside to the little town of Aiguaviva and back to Girona.
Bike shops
Anglès: Can Ribas D’Anglès. Tel (+34) 972 420 160. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm/4pm – 7pm, Sat 9am – 1pm
Sant Hilari Sacalm: Bricobikes. Tel. (+34) 972 011 740. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 1pm/3pm – 7pm
Santa Coloma de Farners: Country Bikes. Open Mon & Wed 9:30am – 1pm/4pm – 8pm, Tue, Thu and Fri 4pm – 8pm, Sat 10am – 1pm/5pm – 8pm
Tuesday, 6th May: Girona – Calella de Palafrugell
Route: 81.9 km/50.9 mi
Elevation: +1193 m/+3914 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Alga
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Leaving Girona, you’ll cruise along smooth, rolling roads towards Fornells de la Selva, passing through farmland and small villages. The route stays relatively flat until you reach Caldes de Malavella, a town famous for its Roman thermal baths and mineral water springs. If you fancy a coffee stop, we recommend La Gata Maula Vermuteria (open Wed-Sun 11am – 3pm).
From Caldes, the road begins to gently climb towards Llagostera, a charming medieval town surrounded by forested hills. The ride through this section is peaceful, with sweeping views of the Gavarres Massif. If you’d like to stop for a bite to eat in Llagostera, 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 push to the coast.
After Llagostera, you’ll head towards Veïnat de Sant Llorenç, where the real fun begins—a descent towards the Mediterranean! The highlight of the ride is the incredible GIP-6821 road, a dream stretch of twisting coastal curves that descends towards the Costa Brava, offering spectacular views throughout.
Reaching the lively coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, you’ll pass a mix of fishing harbors and historic seafronts. The route flattens as you follow the coast through S’Agaró and Platja d’Aro, two bustling beach towns with plenty of cafés.
Next, you’ll pass through the important port town of Palamós, where 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. If you’re in town mid-week in the afternoon, you can check out the famous fish auction!
Heading out of Palamós, you’ll take a small inland detour through Mont-ras, passing through vineyards and Mediterranean pine forests. You’ll pass by Palafrugell, a lovely town with a fresh food market (C/Pi i Margall, open Tue – Sun, 8am – 1:30pm) where you can try locally-sourced fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. It’s a great place to discover local produce. You can also visit the Cork Museum (open Tue – Sun 10am – 1pm/4pm – 7pm), formerly one of the largest cork factories in the world and the source of much of the region’s wealth.
The route finishes in the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, considered to be one of the pearls of Costa Brava.
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
Platja d’Aro: Santgrau Trade & Services. (+34) 696 369 410. Open Mon – Fri 9am–1pm/4pm-8pm, Sat 4pm-8pm
Sant Antoni de Calonge: Tecnibike. (+34) 972 662 951. Open Mon – Sat 9am–1pm/4pm-8pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Calella.
Officially classifed with the “Poble amb encant” seal by the Catalonia Tourism Board, Calella is one of the few places on the Costa Brava that retains its original charm, unspoiled by mass tourism. Spend the afternoon on one of the beaches, or enjoying the beautiful clifftop walks.
A popular option is to follow the Camí de Ronda hiking path from Calella along the cliffs to the nearby seafront town of Llafranc. From here, you can continue up to the historic Far de Sant Sebastià (San Sebastian lighthouse), which boasts fabulous views of the Mediterranean sea and houses an elegant Japanese restaurant, Far Nomo (open daily 1:30pm-5pm/8pm-12am).
Calau: Trendy seafront spot where hot pintxos are served fresh from the kitchen (open daily 1pm – 3pm/7:30pm – 10:30pm).
Margarita: Laidback beachfront option (open 12pm – 4:30pm/7pm – 12am Thu – Sat and Sun/Wed 12pm – 4:30pm).
Alternatively, take a clifftop walk across to Llafranc and enjoy a tasting menu at Michelin Star restaurant Casamar (open Thu – Sun 1:30pm – 3pm/Fri and Sat 8:30pm – 10pm).
Wednesday, 7th May: Calella de Palafrugell
Route: 91.2 km/56.7 mi
Elevation: +743 m/+2438 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Alga
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
The ride starts gently as you head north along the coast to Llafranc, a charming seaside village with whitewashed houses, turquoise waters, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. From here, the first climb of the day takes you up to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse (Far de Sant Sebastià)—one of the best viewpoints on the Costa Brava.
From the lighthouse, you’ll descend back towards Palafrugell and then take quiet backroads through Esclanyà and Regencós, where the scenery shifts to rolling green fields and medieval stone villages.
The next highlight is Pals, one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Catalonia, 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.
Leaving Pals, the route takes you through Sant Julià de Boada, Fontclara, and Fontanilles—tiny medieval hamlets surrounded by golden wheat fields and ancient farmhouses. Approaching Gualta, you’ll pass the 17th-century stone bridge, a beautiful piece of history worth a quick stop.
In Torroella de Montgrí, you’ll spot the Montgrí Castle, perched high on the rocky hills above the town. The ride continues through Ulla and Bellcaire d’Empordà, both quiet rural villages with spectacular views of the Pyrenees in the distance.
Next, you’ll reach L’Escala, a lively coastal town famous for its anchovies and beautiful beaches. Riding along the seafront, you’ll reach 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).
From L’Escala, you’ll ride inland through the flat and open landscapes of La Tallada d’Empordà and Verges. This stretch is a great place to pick up speed, with smooth roads and minimal traffic. In Ullastret, you’ll pass another archaeological gem—the ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement from the 6th century BC.
The route continues to Peratallada, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Spain, with stone houses, cobbled streets, and a fairytale-like castle. This is a perfect place to stop for a coffee or a light meal.
The final stretch leads you through Torrent and Santa Margarida, passing through vineyards and olive groves before descending gently back towards Calella de Palafrugell.
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
Verges: Bicicletes David. (+34) 972 759 625.
Thursday, 8th May: Calella de Palafrugell – Girona
Route: 56.5 km/35.1 miles
Elevation: +856 m/+2801 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
The ride starts with a gentle spin out of Calella de Palafrugell, passing through Santa Margarida and into Palafrugell. From here, you’ll continue towards Llofriu, a small village nestled among cork oak forests.
Leaving Llofriu, you’ll ride through Vulpellac, a medieval hamlet with stone houses and narrow lanes, before reaching La Bisbal d’Empordà, one of Catalonia’s leading pottery centres. Browse the locally-created designs in the boutiques and workshops of the town’s historic quarter, or visit the interesting Ceramics Museum (open Tue – Sat 10am – 1pm/4pm – 7pm, Sun 10am – 1pm). The old quarter is also home to an impressive collection of Romanesque buildings dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, notably the Palace-Castle of the Bishops of La Bisbal. If you’d like a snack here, we recommend Pastisseria Cafeteria Font (open Tue – Sun 8am – 3pm) for a coffee and pastry or Restaurant La Cantonada (open daily 1pm – 3:30pm) for a sit-down lunch.
From La Bisbal, the road becomes quieter as you head towards Cruïlles, where the imposing medieval tower (Torre de Cruïlles) stands as a reminder of the region’s feudal past. From Cruïlles, you’ll roll through the picture-perfect medieval villages of Monells and Corçà, both of which feature beautiful stone squares and historic arcades. For a special lunch, we recommend double Michelin Star Restaurant Bo.TiC** (open Wed – Sun 12:45 – 5pm, prior reservation essential).
Next, you’ll reach Púbol, home to the Gala Dalí Castle (open Tue – Sun, 10:30am – 5:15pm), a gift from Salvador Dalí to his wife, Gala. This surrealist landmark is a must-see for art lovers.
From Púbol, the route heads towards La Pera and then Madremanya, a sleepy stone village that feels frozen in time. Here begins the biggest challenge of the day—the climb to Santuari dels Àngels. This legendary climb is well-known among cyclists and was one of Salvador Dalí’s favorite places for inspiration. The summit at 485m offers stunning panoramic views over the Empordà plains, the Costa Brava, and the Pyrenees, as well as a terrace to reward yourself with a celebratory drink (open Wed – Sun from 8am). 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.
Bike shops
Palafrugell: Gran Fondo Community. (+34) 972 30 5855. Open Mon – Sat 8am – 8pm, Sun 8am – 2pm
La Bisbal: Sebastià Sabater SL. (+34) 972 640 472. Open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 1pm/3pm – 7:30pm, Sat 9am – 1pm
Friday, 9th May: Girona
Departure Day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our tour will come to an end.
We hope you had a great time cycling the Costa Brava.
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 Alga
Enjoy a privileged location next to Port Bo Beach, in the charming fishing town of Calella de Palafrugell
It is an idealdestination for travellers searching for peace and quiet, beaches, golf and nature, allowing you to explore the most beautiful spots on the Costa Brava easily and comfortably.
