Catalonia
Tour Dates: September 1st - September 8th, 2025
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Distance: 362km
Grading: Intermediate (see below)
What’s included:
Fully guided trip with experienced guide
Bike supplied - fitted with rack, panniers and repair kit. Electric Bike also available.
7 night's accomodation
Breakfast and snacks each day
Local transfers
Detailed information pack with maps
Overview
Do you want to experience a hidden gem of Spain and get some much needed sun? Well, then this trip is for you! Catalonia is a magical place made for cycling. This trip is exceptionally diverse with many highlights including the stunning Costa Brava coast, Garrotxa volcanic area, Cap de Creus National Park and the historic coastal town of Cadaques.
Day 1 - Girona
You will arrive before the first day of riding on Sept 1st. You can check in to the hotel from 3pm on the day. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening (around 5pm) at the cycle store for your bike fit out. After getting your bike we will later head to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening. All the specific details will be provided in your information pack after you book.
Day 2 - Ripoll to Olot
The tour starts in the old mining town of Ripoll, with an old disused mining railway line turned cycle path offering a flat first 10km. After Sant Pau de Seguries, the hills begin with a steady climb climb up and over the mountain range which has expansive views. On the other side there is a fantastic decent before a flat final 5km into Olot.
Day 3 - Olot to Girona
The tour continues with a fantastic ride on a downward trend from Olot along the Vies Verdes greenway - a traffic free path with exceptional cycling. The ride passes through the Garrotxa volcanic area with its marvellous scenery. We then return to Girona for an evening in the old historical town - a truly unsung gem of Europe!
Day 4 - Girona to Roses
It’s time to load the panniers once again and cycle a varied route from Girona to the coastal resort of Roses following quiet back roads and trails. We will passed through the tranquil setting of Parc Natural de L’Emporda before reaching Roses, a thriving place where the coast meets the mountain range creating a towering backdrop. We stay in Roses for 2 nights.
Day 5 - Roses to Cadaques return
We have a challenging circular ride (38km) to the charming town of Cadaques and back. We will be experiencing the Cap de Creus National Park with its the eye-watering coastal vistas. It’s a challenging up and downhill gravel route all the way into Cadaques which boasts an impressive cathedral, quaint streets and of course Salvador Dali’s original home. We then return to Roses via a steady climb followed by a fast downhill route. A challenging day but the views are simply breath-taking. There will be an option to hire an E-bike if desired.
Day 6 - Roses to Palafrugell
We cycle a flat coastal route down the magnificent Costa Brava. We will pass through the Empordia National Park and have the opportunity to have a beach stop at Sant Marti d' Empuries. After lunch, we take a slightly inland route with ample opportunity to stop at some of the many traditional Spanish villages and towns such as Palafruggell with it’s ambient square. Palamos is a bustling stop for the night where you can sample it’s world famous prawns.
Day 7 - Palafrugell to Palamos via Cape Begur
Cape Begur is what most people come to the Mediterranean for: tiny coves, turquoise waters and stunning coastal views. On this day we will explore the entire region and nestle ourselves away at Sa Tuna for a while - an absolute hidden gem. Get your climbing legs ready though, it gets pretty steep! Palamos is a bustling stop for the night where you can sample it’s world famous prawns.
Day 8 - Palamos to Girona
On our final day, after a beautiful slow ride along the promenade and some road riding along the coast we once again pick up the Vies Verdes. This mostly traffic-free last day is a great way to soak it all up and reflect on your experience. It’s an unforgettable trip on Catalonia’s fantastic greenways and cycle friendly roads in this famous cycling region!
Day | Route | Distance (Km) |
Day 1 | Girona | 0 | Day 2 | Ripoll-Olot | 42 |
Day 3 | Olot-Girona | 60 |
Day 4 | Girona-Roses | 65 |
Day 5 | Roses-Cadaques (return) | 40 |
Day 6 | Roses-Palafrugell | 60 |
Day 7 | Palafrugell-Palamos (via Begur) | 45 |
Day 8 | Palamos-Girona | 50 |
Total | 362 |
Grading
Moderate Adventure (3/5). Day’s 3, 4 and 8 are mostly flat and very manageable. Day 5 has steep undulation but if you are determined you’ll be fine. An E-bike is available for rent on this day. Along with the challenging ascending sections, the overall distance covered is substantial therefore regular cycling, gym sessions or other cardiovascular activity is recommended prior to attending this tour.
Logistics
You can check in to the hotel from 3pm the day of Sept 1st. We will then all meet later in the afternoon/evening at the cycle store for your bike fit out. You will be provided with two panniers (totalling 25litres) to be fitted to your bike to carry all your belongings for all days except day 5. The panniers provide ample space, but please pack light and make sure you bring a soft foldable bag. After getting your bike we will later head to a 'Meet and Greet' drinks & dinner in the evening. All the specific details will be provided in your information pack after you book.
The trip commences at a designated hotel in Girona at 9am on the first day’s ride and the day starts with a bus ride to Ripoll before riding to Olot. We will stop for lunch along the way. Day 2 we ride to Olot. Day 3 we head back to Girona along the beautiful cycleway and stay there the night. Day 4 we head out to the coast to Roses, where we will stay for two nights. Day 5 starts with a buffet breakfast then a circular ride across hilly terrain. Electric bikes can be hired for approx £45 for the day subject to availability. On day 6 and 7 we ride with panniers via a coastal route and day 8 back to Girona!
What to bring?
Travel light! Personal luggage will need to be carried for all but 2 of the 8 days in panniers provided. Weather is usually very good in this region in September so generally pack for good weather but we nevertheless recommend bringing a light riding jacket and thin jumper for the evenings. A full list of items to bring will be provided after you book.
What to Budget for?
FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. You will need to arrange a flight to arrive in Girona on the day of Sept 1st.
The closest airports are:Start point: Girona or Barcelona
End point: Girona or Barcelona
Optional E-bike on day 5 is not included (approx £35)
Other meals are not included - Budget for around 40 euros per day
Traveller's Insurance (compulsory)