Girona and Catalonia, a gravel paradise
The Costa Brava, between sea and mountains, a land of gravel
© Visit Valencia
Highlights
Girona, a medieval city of narrow streets and imposing cathedrals
A region renowned for its cycling
The Empordà plain and its agriculture
The nuggets of Catalan gastronomy
The Costa Brava coastline
The volcanic landscapes of La Garrotxa
The story behind the trip
Over the past decade, Girona and the surrounding region have become an open-air cycling training center. It has attracted professional and amateur cyclists from all over the world. Retirees from the peloton have opened trendy bicycle cafés and fine cycling clothing brands.
At Abicyclette Voyages, our passion for cycling led us to explore these hilly roads and meet the people who are helping to renew the image of cycling and its new practices. In June 2022, we took advantage of a few days in Girona to immerse ourselves in this cycling culture visible everywhere in the city: breakfast at Eat, Sleep & Cycle, a café and bike store, before a Gravel outing around the city for some 50 kilometers. On the way back, lunch at La Fabrica, the first bike restaurant created by former pro Christian Meier. In the afternoon, a pleasant stroll through the city, which combines historic and modern districts like a great capital. It’s hard to imagine that the city has just over 100,000 inhabitants! At the bend in a small semi-pedestrian street, we stop for a bit of shopping at The Service Course, one of the city’s chic cycling boutiques. We end the day among cyclists from all over the world, returning from their outings and enjoying a coffee or a beer on the terrace at the Expresso Mafia. Here, cycling shorts are almost the norm.
Girona, the world capital of cycling and gravel
Explore the Costa Brava and Girona by gravel bike, from the Mediterranean coast to the volcanoes of the Empordà. Embark on a sporty and enchanting journey, where every kilometer of road reveals a new facet of the rich diversity of the Costa Brava and Girona. The profile may be rugged, but there's plenty of fun to be had on the paths and tracks of Catalonia.
In just two decades, Girona has become the world’s cycling capital. The arrival and rapid expansion of gravel cycling has strengthened its position, thanks to a network of great roads and exceptional trails. Flat and very accessible in the Empordà plain, gravel routes are more athletic and technical in the mountainous hinterland. Between the 2, Girona, a medium-sized city that can be reached in just a few minutes by bike, offers a very pleasant place to stay. Beautiful historic architecture, a colorful and dynamic city where cyclists from all over the world come to train, prepare or have fun. Here, it’s normal to come across, or be overtaken by, a few professional riders, both men and women, in training. Several World Tour teams have taken up residence in the region to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions and this wonderful playground.
The southern Costa Brava offers a rocky, rugged coastline for cycling. Facing south, it enjoys a pleasant climate. Busy tourist areas coexist with unspoilt corners. At the heart of the east-facing coast, the gulfs of Pals and Roses are home to vast sandy beaches, while the surrounding wetlands offer natural sanctuaries for an incredible variety of migratory birds. Explore Cap Creus on the French border, a unique geological park preserving the charm of Cadaqués, where Salvador Dalí found his inspiration. Picturesque fishing villages such as Calella de Palafurgell, L’Escala and Cadaqués dot this coastline, offering authentic moments. Your gravel route takes you to Figueres, the city of the artist Dalí. Here you find one of the most important museums dedicated to him. There are also a number of fine terraces where you can enjoy the region’s generous and tasty cuisine.
In the background of the Costa Brava, the vast Empordà plain reveals a fertile agricultural expanse. Apple and peach trees stretch as far as the eye can see, while vineyards and olive groves line the region. It’s a rural setting for relaxing bike rides, but also for accessible stages where you can ride fast and hard, to fly over the gravel in a cloud of dust… You set the pace for the pleasure of a few sensations of speed. You slalom between potholes. Between one bend after another, you stand up on the pedals to relaunch your machine. The kilometers fly by. Your legs get heavier and heavier, and you’ve already reached the refreshment point: tapas and cerveza…
Further inland, mountain ranges rise up, home to one of Europe’s most impressive concentrations of volcanoes. A loop of beautiful undulating trails in the La Garrotxa Natural Park, an area of over 40 volcanoes covered by lush forests, offers a first-rate gravel experience in the heart of nature. This stage will leave indelible traces that will redefine your identity as a cyclist.
Girona, the final destination of your gravel tour, offers a great atmosphere for cyclists. The city has the highest concentration of bike cafés in the world. Several offer original, gourmet and healthy menus for “post-bike” lunches, with continuous service. We particularly recommend La Fabrica Girona and its floral cuisine, created and run by former professional cyclist Christian Meier and his wife Amber.
It’s a gravel paradise. Obviously, it’s hard to leave, and common to want to settle there when you’re passionate about cycling. You’ve been warned. But it’s a must-have experience for all cycling enthusiasts in general.
Information
Three major festive events take place in Girona every year, offering a unique experience:
– Semana Santa: Easter, from 11 to 21 April.
– Temps de Flors: the flower festival that attracts thousands of visitors, from 9 to 20 May.
– Sea Otter Europe: the world famous cycling event held in the city from 18 to 21 September.
During these periods, hotels are in high demand, which means that prices vary according to demand, and you’ll probably have to pay a supplement to stay in Girona.
Fit GERONE (Girona), boucle de Dalmai et de la rivière Ter 50km 473m 
Today you’ll discover the hinterland of the Ter river and its ancestral farmlands. Your itinerary takes you west to Anglès via the Ter, which you cross at Bonmatí before beginning your ascent to Mas Llunes.
Returning to Girona through the fields, your path meets the ancient volcano La Crosa.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.
From GERONE (Girona) to SANT-FELIU-DE-GUIXOLS 53km 444m
Today, you follow the old railroad line transformed into a cycle path that takes you to Llambilles, where you can admire the hermitage of Sant Cristòfol del Bosc. The route takes you through the Girona plain, where cornfields, farmhouses and small churches like Mare de Deu del Remei between Campllong and Sant Andreu Salou stand side by side. You reach Laggostera and then Sant Feliu de Guixols via the greenway. You’re now on the banks of the Mediterranean, so enjoy a swim.
From SANT-FELIU-DE-GUIXOLS to TORROELLA DE MONTGRI 53km 678m
Today, the sea air guides you along the seafront to Calonge. Then you return inland to admire the church of Santa Coloma de Fitor after a climb of a few kilometers. This is followed by a descent to the medieval village of Palls. Finally, crossing a flat area of fields, you reach Torroella de Montgrí.
From TORROELLA DE MONTGRI to CASTELLO D’EMPURIES 47km 343m
You take the road again towards the unspoilt beach at the end of the Ter river, with a breathtaking view of the convergence of the Ter river and the sea! Then, from the port of l’Estartit, you head inland towards l’Escala before returning to Punta del Milà, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once in L’Escala, the road is flat and crosses the Empordà plain to Castelló d’Empuries, a village with navigable canals.
From CASTELLO D’EMPURIES to FIGUERAS 46km 327m
An intense day awaits you today, the most intense of the trip, but you also enjoy some of the most beautiful views of your holiday! In Roses, you ride along the seafront to Alamadrava beach, then begin the day’s ascent to the summit of Puig Alt. After admiring the view, you plunge down to the plain of vineyards and olive groves, passing through the villages of Pau and Vilajuiga, then the medieval village of Peralada, also known for its vineyards. Finally, crossing the fields, you arrive in Figueres.
- For a few more km 65km 854m
From FIGUERAS to GERONE (Girona) 55km 495m
Today’s final stage is divided into two parts. The first part is very flat through fields and the second very mountainous through the Gavarres. You leave Figueres, passing through fields and charming villages such as Vilamalla, Siurana and Camallera. You continue across fields to Bordils, where you make your way to Sant Martí Vell, where you begin to climb towards the interior of the Gavarres until you reach the sanctuary of the Angels. Once you’ve reached the top, you begin your final descent into the heart of Girona.
- For a few more km 59km 1000m
GERONE (Girona)
End of your stay after breakfast.
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 910€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1125€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- Tourist tax
- The routes described on the following media:
- An application to follow the routes step by step
- A practical and descriptive road book in English including all our recommended addresses.
- Day 2 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits not mentioned in “Price includes” and other personal expenses
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Catalonia:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- A personalized reception at the beginning of your trip by a local partner giving you the travel documents at the office in Girona (reception in your choice of French or English or German)
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A road book to find all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
- A mobile app to follow the routes step by step ( smartphone not provided)
- GPS tracks available for your device (optional option to rent a GPS device)
And also:
- The option of renting a high-end road bike.
- The option of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Gravel BikeCarbon frame, Alloy rims. Future Shock 2.0 front. Supplied equipment per bike
*Automatic pedals not supplied and not available. Bring your own pedals and shoes. |  |
Gravel+ BikeFull carbon frame, full suspension. Supplied equipment per bike
*Automatic pedals not supplied and not available. Bring your own pedals and shoes. |  |
Getting here
Departure city : GERONE (Girona)
Coming by car
- at 9h from PARIS
- at 15h from AMSTERDAM
- at 10h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Girona train station - 6h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Girona Airport
- Barcelone Airport
Arrival city : GERONE (Girona)
Coming by car
- at 9h from PARIS
- at 15h from AMSTERDAM
- at 10h from MILAN
Coming by train
- Girona train station - 6h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Girona Airport
- Barcelone Airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Gravel Bike : our advices :
- Tires: 38 to 45mm
- Braquets :
- Single Crankset: 38 or 40 with cassette 11-42
- Double crankset: 43-31 with cassette 11/36
- Disc brakes
- Automatic pedals
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet
- Cycling Bib shorts
- 1 pair of Legs Warmer
- 1 pair of Arms Warmer
- Short sleeve jerseys
- Long sleeve jerseys or thermal Jacket
- Base layer (short or long) (merino or synthetic)
- Sport socks
- Wind Jacket
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 2 cycling bottles
- 1 bike lock
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit : 1 or 2 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, drift chain and quick couplers, derailleur hanger, multi-tool
- Daily use kit : Foot pump, cloth, oil, brake pads, spare tire
Other
- Suitcase ( for transporting personal effects in luggage transfer)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evening
- Jersey and towel
- Set of Toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From March 1st to November 16th
Destination Spain
Themes Gravel bikes
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Leisure
Easy , 
GERONE (Girona)
Arrival on your own to Girona.
In Girona there is plenty to see and to do. The city is famous for having one of the best preserved Jewish old towns and the Cathedral boasts one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture. A walk along the city walls is highly recommended, or following the Onyar River, which gives you a nice picturesque view of the colored houses of Onyar River.