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On this spectacular gravel bike tour, you’ll cycle from the mountains of Girona to the rugged cliffs of the Costa Brava. Enjoy some of the best gravel cycling in Spain, pedaling through fields and forests, and discovering an unknown side to the Empordà.
Our Gravel Bike Tour of the Empordà (the inland area of the Costa Brava) takes you on a journey from the valleys and mountains of Girona, to the rugged cliffs of the coast.
Pedal off the beaten track, and discover the hidden wonders of the Empordà. Cycle through ancient vineyards and olive groves, and discover historic castles, farmhouseses and churches hidden away in the midst of nature.
The route also takes you to the windswept Cap de Creus, the eastern-most point of the Iberian Peninsula and a protected national park.
Our itinerary begins and ends in the magnificent city of Girona, famous for its colourful riverside houses and soaring Gothic cathedral.
Day 1: Girona
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona
Welcome to your fabulous gravel bike tour of the Costa Brava!
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.
Day 2: Ter River Loop. Girona
Route: 49.7 km/30.9 miles
Elevation: +473m/1552ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona
Meals included: Breakfast
On the first day of your Costa Brava gravel bike tour, you’ll follow course of the River Ter to discover the inland Empordà, a bucolic paradise dotted with centuries-old farmhouses.
Heading west, you’ll pass through the small town of Anglès, whose Gothic old quarter is one of the oldest and most significant in the region, before crossing the River Ter in the town of Bonmatí. From here, you’ll climb up to the hilltop village of Mas Llunès, before enjoying a winding descent through beautiful countryside back to Girona.
Day 3: Girona – Sant Feliu Guíxols
Route: 53 km/33 miles
Elevation: +444m/1457ft
Accommodation: Hotel S’Agaró Spa
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s cycle route begins with one of Spain’s famous vías verdes (greenways) – a historic railway line converted into a traffic-free cycle path. From Llambilles, you’ll pedal through the golden corn fields of the Llagostera plain, passing by historic farmhouses and churches. Once in Llagostera, you’ll follow the vía verde all the way to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where you will stay near the charming Sant Pol beach.
Day 4: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Torroella de Montgrí
Route: 53 km/33 miles
Elevation: +678m/2224ft
Accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s route begins with a pleasant ride along the seafront from Sant Feliu northwards to Calonge. From here, we’ll turn inland and and take on a challenging climb of almost 10km into the Gavarres massif, up to the Romasesque church of Santa Coloma de Fitor.
From here, you’ll enjoy a sweeping descent to the beautifully-preserved medieval towns of Peretallada and Pals, where we highly recommend a stop to explore. From here, you’ll continue on through fields and countryside to Torroella de Montgrí, finishing at the foot of Montgrí castle.
Day 5: Torroella de Montgrí – Castelló d’Empúries
Route: 47km/29 miles
Elevation: +343m/1125ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palau Macelli
Meals included: Breakfast
You’ll start the day’s cycle route with a visit to La Gola del Ter, a magnificent virgin beach at the mouth of the River Ter. From here, you’ll continue northwards along the coast to the port of Estertit, before turning inland to climb up to Punta del Milà, set in the Montgrí Natural Park, from where you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The route then continues north, finishing 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.
Day 6: Castelló – Figueres
Route: 46km/28.5 miles OR 65km/40 miles
Elevation: +327m/1073ft OR +854m/2802ft
Accommodation: Hotel Pirineos
Meals included: Breakfast
You’ll begin today with a visit to Empuriabrava, the Empordà’s answer to Venice with its network of navigable canals. From here, you’ll enjoy a beautiful ride along the sweeping Bay of Roses, before starting a climb up to Torre del Sastre, a well-preserved farmhouse dating back to the 16th century, and continuing on to the top of Puig Alt.
OPTION: You can extend today’s cycling route and visit Cadaques, a charming fishing port made famous for its association with Catalan painter Dalí. The route also passes through the picturesque Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a windswept peninsula at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Once back inland, you’ll enjoy a sweeping descent through the vineyards of the Alt Empordà, passing through Vilamaniscle and Rabos, where you can find some of the region’s oldest groves, and the medieval town of Peralada, famous for cava and wine production.
From Peralada, the route takes you on a downhill ride into your final destination, the city of Figueres, known as the home of Catalan genius Salvador Dalí.
Day 7: Figueres – Girona
Route: 55 km/34 miles OR 59 km/37 miles
Elevation: +495m/1624ft OR +1000m/3280ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia Girona
Meals included: Breakfast
The final stage of your Costa Brava gravel bike tour begins with a flat, relaxed ride through countryside, pine forests, farmland and picturesque villages. From Sant Martí Vell you’ll start climbing the Gaverres massif, until you reach the Sanctuary of Els Àngels, from where you can enjoy spectacular views. Your route will finish back in Girona, where you can celebrate with a wonderful dinner at one of the city’s many fabulous restaurants.
Day 8: Figueres
Departure day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, your gravel bike tour of the Costa Brava comes to an end.
Let our Bike Spain Tours team know if you would like any assistance with your onward travel from Girona, or if you would like to add any extra nights to your tour.
Hotel Gran Ultonia
Hotel Ultonia is located in the centre of Girona, 3 minutes’ walk from the Old Town, Cathedral and Arabic baths. The perfect place to begin your Costa Brava bike tour!
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 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.
1.290,00€ – 1.470,00€
Explore the fields, forests and farmhouses of the Empordà on our Costa Brava gravel bike tour. Enjoy some of the best gravel cycling in Spain!
| Departure Date | 1 Mar – 19 Jun, 20 Jun to 30 Sept, 1 Oct to 31 Oct |
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