Catalonia: Pedal and Pamper

Catalonia, oh Catalonia! What a brilliantly special region. For much of this tour you will be discovering Catalonia’s Costa Brava, at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. With it’s close proximity to the Mediterranean you will be blessed with hot and dry weather, perfect for cycling. In fact, many of the top cyclists in the world choose to call Catalonia their home because of the lovely weather and even better cycling terrain. With this tour you’ll explore the historically diverse city of Girona, the beaches of Roses, and the unusual birthplace of Salvador Dali to name a few.

The landscapes you’ll encounter are rich and varied; you’ll see mountains, beaches, cliffs and volcanoes, all set to the backdrop of one of the most unique regions in Europe. Catalonia, by the seat of your bike… an experience of a lifetime!

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Girona
Accessing Girona can be made possible several ways. If you’re travelling from within Europe, several low-cost airlines service flights to the Girona Airport. Another option would be flying to Barcelona and taking the train or a low-cost flight to Girona. Barcelona is only approximately 100 miles from Girona, so travelling to and from Barcelona is very easy. The train ride, for instance, is only 1 hour and 20 minutes long. Upon arriving in the ancient destination city of Girona you’ll be ushered to your room at the Hotel Peninsular. Once checked in you will receive your complete information kit for the tour.  Later that day, you’ll meet our local representative who will deliver and adjust your rental bikes (if you choose not to bring your own bikes) to the hotel.

Day 2: Girona to Platja d’Aro via Tossa del Mar (approx. 75 km/ 46.6 miles with 1,200 m/ 3,937 feet of climbing)
Today is your first day of adventure on the saddle! Keep in mind this is a self-guided tour, so you’re free to hit the road at any time, although we recommend you first enjoy the complimentary breakfast at Hotel Peninsular! As you depart the hotel, you can leave any unnecessary luggage for the day at the front desk and it will be waiting for you at your next hotel with our included luggage service that is provided throughout the tour. Simply carry any items for the day in the set of removable panniers that come standard with our rental bikes. The day’s itinerary will take you south through the villages of Quart and Cassa de la Selva before reaching Caldes de Malavella, a small town famous for its thermal springs. From there you’ll climb until reaching the coast at Tossa del Mar. It’s definitely worth taking a stop in Tossa del Mar to enjoy its “Villa Vella,” or old town. You’ll feel as if you transported through history when you walk past the Roman churches on narrow, cobblestone corridors. Enjoy this fortified medieval town and it’s several beaches overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea. From that point on, your route will follow Catalonia’s famous Costa Brava north until you reach your destination city, Platja d’Aro located right on the Mediterranean as well, only 8 meters above sea level.

Day 3: Platja d’Aro to Tamariu (approx. 64.3 km/ 40 miles with 839 m/ 2,753 feet of climbing)
Today you’re destination city is north, also right on the Mediterranean. You’ll start off cycling inland towards Santa Cristina d’Aro and shortly afterwards you’ll tackle the largest climb of the day (roughly 330 meters or about 1,000 feet). As you descent you’ll reach Calonge, a very traditional Catalonian town. Stop in and relish the old town’s allure. As you leave the town you’ll cycle north and begin your second climb of the day. You’ll then pass towns such as La Bisbal d’Emporda, Torrent, Regencos, and Calella de Palafrugell before reaching your destination town, Tamariu, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 4: Tamariu to Roses (Option 1: approx. 76.85 km/ 47.75 miles with 680 m/ 2,230 feet of climbing)
Continuing north along the coast you’ll wheel into Pals, a historic-artistic site and Torroella de Montrgrí, another breathtaking medieval town. Further north you’ll go through Sant Pere Pescador.  Farther up the coast lies Castelló d’Empúries, a tiny medieval village dominated by the Basilica Santa Maria, a towering church built in the 13th century.  A few pedal strokes’ away you’ll find the coastal town of Roses, your destination for the day. Originally established by the Greeks, Roses was a commercial and fishing colony so you will benefit from some fantastic cuisine options. For example, one of the world’s most renowned 3-star Michelin restaurants, El Bulli, has been located in Roses for 50 years. It will be closing in 2011 and will reopen in 2014 to become a creative gastronomic centre. Have no fear though! Many tasty gastronomic options for all budgets await you in Roses!

(Option 2: approx. 105 km/ 65 miles with 862 m/ 2,828 feet of climbing)
With this option, you will still bike through Pals and the medieval town of Torroella de Montrgrí. At Sant Pere Pescador, you’ll bicycle inland, riding through a sleepy countryside dotted with farms and olive orchards, effectively adding 28.15 km/ 17.25 miles and a nice climb to the day’s ride. Along the way you’ll pass through a string of tiny villages– Peralada, Espolla, Rabós and Palau Saverdera–all with their own ancient history and rural charm.  

Day 5: Rest day in Roses or take advantage of one of the two loop options
On this day you’ll have many options! Day 5 is a prime example of what Cyclomundo is all about- giving you the means to enjoy your vacation on YOUR terms! You have the freedom to enjoy the city of Roses or if you feel like sticking to your saddle, try one of our loop options that we have provided. It’s up to you. If you feel like relaxing in the city, enjoy a walk on the beachfront promenade or a seat at one of the many restaurant terraces. Of course the beach is always a great way to spend a lazy afternoon as well and Roses offers some prime, sandy real estate for you to soak in the sun and natural beauty of the surroundings. For the history buffs, check out the huge fortified Citadel that was built in 1543. Free, guided tours of this landmark are offered.

Roses – Cadaques – Roses (Loop Option) (approx. 69 km/ 42.9 miles with 1,219 m/ 4,000 feet of climbing)(Alternate, longer loop option is available on request)

If you choose to take this loop option you’ll be pleased with the loop route we’ve set up especially for you. As you leave the city limits of Roses you’ll cycle north and start your hilly yet incredibly scenic route of Spain’s northeast peninsula, nearly reaching the French border. You will pass Pau and Llanca as you cycle around the Cap de Creus national park. On your journey you’ll be able to view the Pyrenees mountain landscape and rocky coves leading into the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, so be sure to bring your camera! If you choose to do this loop, you can still be back in time to enjoy Roses. An alternate, longer loop is available on request for those wishing to see even more of this region.

Day 6: Roses to Figueres (approx. 51 km/ 31.7 miles with 461 m/ 1,512 feet of climbing)
On this day you’ll be saying goodbye to Roses and heading onwards to Figueres. The day’s ride is short but hilly, as you’ll be starting literally from sea level. Along the way you’ll through Pau again, if you chose the loop option the previous day. You’ll also pass through the very small towns of Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, Rabos and Espolla, all set in an idyllic surrounding. From here, most of the journey is downhill so you’ll coast your way towards Figueres. Figueres is where the king of surrealism hails from, the one and only Salvador Dali. Be sure to visit the Dali Theatre-Museum, which he actually designed. Much like Dali’s work, Figueres is quirky and has a unique personality all of its own.

Day 7:  Figueres to Olot (approx. 83 km/ 51.6 miles with 1,393 m/ 4,570 feet of climbing)
Today you’ll set off westbound to discover the inland frontier of Catalonia. As you zigzag your way onwards you’ll slowly gain elevation. The largest city that you will pass through is Banyoles and you’ll cycle around its lake. From there you’ll head into the natural volcanic park of La Garrotxa. This thickly forested park features 40 volcanic cones! Don’t worry though! None of the volcanoes are currently active and the last eruption took place 11,000 years ago, so you shouldn’t have to worry about out-peddling lava flow. For the night you will be staying in Olot, 447 m/ 1,467 feet above sea level.

Day 8:  Olot to Girona (approx. 60 km/ 37 miles with approx. 620 m/ 2,034 feet of climbing)
On your last day of cycling you will be leaving Olot, heading south east back to Girona. Along the way you’ll pass Sant Feliu de Pallerols, Les Planes d’Hostoles and Sant Aniol de Finestres. This valley region is bound by mountains and high cliffs. As you start to descend in elevation you’ll pass several small villages such as Sant marti de Llemena and Sant Gregori before you reach Girona, your home for the night.

Day 9: Departure
Following breakfast you may depart at a time of your choosing. If you choose to rent bicycles for your trip you will be leaving them at the hotel.

Daily mileage: From 51 to 105 km (from 32 to 65 miles)

Level: 4 (Difficult) (based on a 1- 5 difficulty scale)

What the price doesn't include
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Bike rental: Full-carbon bikes are available at the rate of 230 Euros per bike. This price includes the delivery and drop-off fees. Aluminum racing bikes are available at the rate of 175 Euros.