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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 FECHA at 9:30am at the office of our local partners, CycleTours Catalonia (C. de Sta. Eugènia, 11).
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.
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.
Day 1: 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)
Day 2: Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Route: 42.9 km/26.6 miles
Elevation: +276 m/+906 ft
Accommodation: Hotel S’Agaró Spa
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (around 9am) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel.
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 route follows a cycle path out of the city of Girona, heading south towards the Mediterranean Sea. This section follows a greenway called “El Carrilet”, passing through the towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, (weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays), Llagostera (weekly market on Thursdays) and Santa Cristina d’Aro. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Gavarres Massif, a mountainous forest area consisting mainly of cork oaks, making it an important area for cork production. The day’s ride ends in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where you will stay near the charming Sant Pol beach.
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.
Sunday morning market: from 9am – 1:30pm on Sunday mornings, you can buy all kinds of local products at the large weekly market in Sant Feliu.
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)
Day 3: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Calella de Palafrugell
Route: 30 km/18.3 mi
Elevation: +271 m/+898 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Alga
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s route takes you north along the coast, combining the coastal road with seafront boulevards and giving you fabulous views over the Mediterranean Sea. 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.
Heading out of Palamós, you’ll follow the historic “Ruta del Tren Petit” greenway towards the pristine cove of Platja de Castell, where you can explore the ancient Iberian settlement of Puig de Sant Andreu de Ullastret, which dates back over two millennia and is the largest of its kind on the peninsula. This is the perfect spot to have a picnic and take a swim in the Mediterranean sea.
Leaving Castell behind, continue along the inland road to the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, considered to be one of the pearls of Costa Brava.
Bike shops
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).
Day 4: Calella de Palafrugell – Torroella de Montgrí
Route: 34 km/21.1 miles
Elevation: +279 m/+916 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig
Hotel services: Restaurant, swimming pool, spa, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s route will take you towards the north and inland. 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.
Continuing along the inland road, passing by natural wetlands with extensive rice fields, you will reach Pals, a beautifully well-preserved medieval town (weekly market held on Tuesdays 9am – 2pm)the perfect place to take a break and explore the narrow cobbled streets flanked by elegant aristocratic houses. From here, you will cycle to San Julián de Boada, where we highly recommend a diversion to the spectacular medieval town of Peretallada before continuing on to Torroella de Montgrí, finishing at the foot of Montgrí castle.
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
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Torroella de Montgrí.
The old town of Torroella de Montgrí is one of the best-preserved in the area, and features a porticoed central plaza. The historical centre is still surrounded by the medieval wall, which was built on top of an earlier Roman structure.
Castillo del Montgrí: If your legs are up to it, we recommend a hike up to the hilltop Montgrí castle, which dates back to the 13th century. It’s still possible to climb up to the parapet, from where you can enjoy fabulous views over the surrounding area.
Museu de la Mediterranià: Set in an aristocratic manor house dating back to the 15th century, this small museum is a great place to find out more about local history (open Mon and Wed – Sat 10am – 1:30pm / 5pm – 8pm and Sun 10am – 1:30pm).
Museu Palau Solterra: Hidden gem of a museum set in a 15th century palace and now dedicated to contemporary photography (open Sat 11am – 2pm/4:30 – 8:30pm and Sun 11am – 2pm)
Torroella de Montgrí weekly market: Mondays, 9am – 2pm.
Your hotel, Molí del Mig, has its own excellent restaurant, Camí de l’Aigua, which offers creative seasonal fare. If you would prefer to explore the town further, we recommend Restaurant Bar Camelot (open daily 8:30am – 11:30pm).
Day 5: Torroella de Montgrí – Castelló d’Empúries
Route: 38.1 km/23.7 mi
Elevation: +190 m/+624 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palau Macelli
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
The route continues to the north, passing the Montgrí massif and into the region of Alt Empordà. You’ll cycle along the long Bay of Roses, enjoying views over sandy beaches.
At L’Escala (weekly market Sunday, 1am – 2pm), we highly recommend that you stop to visit the well-preserved archeological settlement of Empúries, 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 retians its original medieval city walls, and is situated right in front of a superb beach.
The route then continues north, where you will pass through the protected marshlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, situated within L’Empordá Nature Reserve, the most important of its kind in the region. The route ends in the village of Castelló d’Empúries, which boasts a rich architectural heritage; a gothic church, a palace, an old market building and a well-preserved Jewish quarter.
Bike shops
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’Empúries.
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’Empúries 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).
Day 6: Castelló d’Empúries Loop
Route: 38.1 km/23.6 mi or 57.9 km /36 miles
Elevation: +181 m/+593 ft or 734 m/2408 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palau Macelli
Hotel services: Swimming pool, spa, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
This ride provides fantastic views of the Pyrenees as a backdrop as you cycle through centuries-old vineyards. Today, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the region’s most interesting wineries, which are mainly located in the towns of Vilajuïga and Pau. You’ll also discover Empuriabrava, Catalonia’s very own “Venice”, and the beautiful seaside town of Roses.
Optionally, you can extend today’s cycling route and 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. The route also passes through the picturesque Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a windswept peninsula at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Bike shops
Empuriabrava: Bike & Fun Empuriabrava. (+34) 972 456 181.
Roses: Crazytraction Roses. (+34) 972 092 553. Open daily 10am – 12am
Day 7: Castelló d’Empúries – Figueres
Route: 45.4 km/28.2 miles
Elevation: +444 m/+1457 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Pirineos
Hotel services: Restaurant, gym, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
On your final bike route, your first stop is 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).
Leaving Peralada behind, you will cycle through the upper part of the vineyards, passing by Garriguella, Vilamaniscle and Rabos where you can find the oldest groves. We recommend stopping for a quick visit to the modernist wine cellar run by the Espolla cooperative (open Mon – Sat 9am – 2pm/3pm – 6pm, Sun 9am – 2pm).
11:45am: Guided visit and vineyard picnic at La Vinyeta winery (marked on today’s route map).
From La Vinyeta, the route takes you on a long downhill ride until you reach your final destination, the city of Figueres, capital of the Alt Empordà and known as the home of Catalan genius Salvador Dalí.
Once you arrive in Figueres, please leave your bikes with hotel reception for later collection.
Bike shops
Figueres: Edibikes. (+34) 610 124 566. Open Mon – Sat 9am–1pm/4pm-8pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Figueres.
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.
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).
Day 8: Figueres
Departure Day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our tour will come to an end.
We hope you had a great time discovering the food and wine of 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 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.
Hotel URH Molí del Mig
It is a unique space in the heart of Emporda.
The Hotel Moli del Mig Restaurant and SPA is located in the the majestic area of Massis del Montgrí and one kilometer away from the historic center of Torroella de Montgrí. With a careful restoration of the ancient mill, it boasts the most modern facilities and cutting-edge design that seek to highlight its historical value, respecting the landscape in an integrated architecture in the natural environment with seven acres of gardens and fields.
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.
