Catalonia Biking 10 Days

The pine-scented coastal region of Catalonia has long attracted artists (Salvador Dali, among others), writers, and those in search of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. With its multitude of villages, sunny weather, seaside splendor, art, culture, and gastronomy & wine, this corner of Spain offers everything we look for when traveling. Did we mention the cycling is superb? In fact, many pro teams live and train here when not competing. While most of our routes are more moderate in length and difficulty, avid cyclists will have lots of options should they choose. From Figueres to Calella de Palafrugell to Girona, we have created an itinerary that shows you the very best of this region.

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides and authentic experiences
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
A ride you won’t forget- from Calella de Palafrugell along the coast
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

This is an extended 10 day itinerary we developed to provide an extra day in Figueres and an extra day at Empuries, at the sublime Hostal Empuries. The extra day at Empuries will provide an opportunity to see the archeological site there or spend time on the water kayaking or just enjoying beach time.

Straight Talk

Figueres

Figueres, Spain

Day 1+2+3

L'Escala

L'Escala, Spain

Day 4

Calella de Palafrugell

Day 5+6+7

Girona

Girona, Spain

Day 8+9

Trip Inclusions

What’s Included

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
Support vehicle
9 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and all dinners but 2
Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
GPS routes and maps
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

What's Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

Departure Dates

2026	2027
Apr 6-15	Apr 5-14
Apr 20-29	Apr 19-28
May 4-13	May 3-12
May 18-27	May 17-26
Jun 8-17	Jun 7-16
Jun 22-Jul 1	Jun 21-Jun 30
Sep 7-16	Sep 6-15
Sep 21-30	Sep 20-29
Oct 5-14	Oct 4-13
Oct 19-28	Oct 18-27

Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Trip Size

4-16 participants

Total Days

10 days / 9 nights

Arrive/Depart

Figueres / Girona

Activity Level

Moderate with challenging options
40-70+ km daily
Van supported

Terrain

Varied - expect some hills, worth the effort to climb

Cost

Land Cost
US $5,000
Includes 9B/3L/7D

Single Supplement
US $1,260

Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $480

Racing bikes: US $580

E-bikes*: US $720

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting There

The tour starts in Figueres. You will want to stay in Barcelona the night before the trip begins as we recommend the 8:22 a.m. train that arrives into Figueres Villafant at 9:19 a.m. (55 min). We will meet that train (or the one specified in your Trip Planner) and whisk you to the hotel so we can enjoy a full day of riding. If you come on a different train, you can easily take a taxi to the hotel – we plan to depart on bikes by 10 a.m.

Day 1

Figueres

Bienvenido to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali, and gateway to the beautiful Alt Emporda with traffic-free, smooth paved roads with stunning scenery, quaint villages and beautiful beaches. On our first day of riding, we will ride a short warm-up loop to Llers and and a near-by wine village, where lunch awaits. We will enjoy dinner at our hotel restaurant

Distance: 25 km; 320 m gain

Day 2

Figueres

We will ride a loop through the Alt Emporada, passing a sanctuary near Terrades and then to Catell de les Escaules and Pont de Molins on quiet, well-paved roads. An add-on loop visits Darnius and the Panta de Boadella reservoir. In Figueres, we will visit the Dali Museum with an expert guide; the artist was known as much for his flamboyance and exhibitionism as he was for his surrealist and exotic imagery and definitely leaves an impression on visitors.

Distance: 44 km; 520 m gain or 57 km; 670 m gain

Day 3

Figueres

Today, we will ride to the wine town of Peralada – one of the most charming villages in the region. Explore the historic centre, visit the 12th century Romanesque cloister of Sant Domenec museum here or wine taste if you wish. The newly opened Celler Peralada offers tours of the Peralada Castle and winery. Reach Roses, a beachside enclave where you can swim or enjoy a cappuccino. From here, we’ll ride through Empuriabrava with its navigable waterways and marinas, then through the Aiguamolls d’Emporada, an important bird sanctuary. Have lunch in Castell d’Empuries, one of the gems of Catalonia with a basilica and impressive town centre where there are great restaurants to choose from.

A long option will reach Cadaques, an unspoiled and remote village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, sandy beaches, and old white-washed houses. If anyone prefers a day off the bikes, that is okay too!

Distance: 50 km; 270 m gain or 88 km; 1,390 m gain

Day 4

L’Escala

Riding south from Figueres, we ride through the Baix Emporda towards the coast to the archeological site of Empuries. The ruins of Emporium and Emporiae, just in front of the sparkling Mediterranean provide a glimpse into Greek and Roman life in the 8^th century. There are floor mosaics, public baths, defensive walls, temples and an amphitheatre and a superb museum. The scenic sea-side bike path leads you to the exquisite Hostal Empuries. There is an excellent beach here and great swimming and water sports on offer so you have the afternoon off to enjoy some downtime.

Distance: 37 km; 1,075 m gain

Day 5

Calella de Palafrugell

This is another easy-going day so, feel free to sleep in and enjoy the beach before we ride south. We’ll start through the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri and admire the ruin of a castle high above the town. In Palau-Sator, we have lunch at an atmospheric restaurant before continuing to Calella de Palafrugell, a sea-side village with a superb hotel. There is time for a late afternoon walk to the impressive gardens at Cap Roig. Dining on the terrace of the hotel, overlooking the beach and this scenic stretch of coastline is sublime.

Distance: 40 km; 300 m gain

Day 6

Calella de Palafrugell

Our location, steps away from the charming sea-side village of Calella de Palafrugell, is ideal for exploring on foot. If you prefer, kick back on the terrace of the hotel with a good book, swim or relax at the beach.

Day 7

Calella de Palafrugell

The views between Calella and Begur is some of the most stunning scenery of the trip; there are some steep sections but they are short. You will have time to explore medieval Begur with its castle above town and Pals, an enchanting village. Back in Callela, you may want to consider a wee stroll (1.9km) to nearby Cap Roig, an idyllic castle and gardens overlooking the coast. If you prefer to do a longer hike along the coast instead of biking on this day, one of the most beautiful of the Costa Brava can be easily done from the hotel, exploring nearby villages and beaches on foot returning to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon.

Riding distance: 44 km; 820 m gain
Hiking distance (optional): 12.3 km; 380 m gain or 1.9 km; 200 m gain

Day 8

Girona

Ride to Girona where professional cyclists live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). Along the way, stop to visit the castle that Dali and his wife Gala built in Pubol and to have lunch before a wee climb over the Mare de Deu dels Angels before descending into Girona. We will enjoy a walking tour of the city, to learn of the many treasures here before dinner on your own – options abound from Michelin starred (The Roca brothers El Celler de Can Roca is rated one of the best restaurants in the world, but their newest restaurant, Normal is easier to get into and also superb).

Distance: 40 km; 460 m gain or 88 km; 760 m gain

Day 9

Girona

Girona is a fantastic city to explore on foot and we will organize a walking tour for those interested. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Fabrica, owned by a retired Canadian professional cyclist, Christian Meier, and his wife, Amber. We will have a memorable final night wine tasting and then dinner at our favourite restaurant in Girona. Hungry anyone?

Day 10

Depart

Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 min, there are approximately 25 trains per day.

Mas Falgarona, Figueres

This is the top-rated hotel in Figueres. Located in the historical center, walking distance from the Dali museum.

Hostal Empuries, L'Escala

This historical hotel is located right on the beach. It boasts sea-view rooms, a spa, two swimming pools and it was the first European hotel to be rewarded with a sustainable certification.

Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de Palafrugell

This boutique hotel boasts sea-view rooms, a lovely terrace where breakfast and evening dinner is served overlooking the beach and a great location, steps to town. It has been in the same family for three generations.
“Quite simply the hotel has the best position in the most charming resort on the most beautiful and rugged coast on the whole Mediterranean.” - Arnold Z., Leeds, YKS

Hotel Nord 1901, Girona

Situated in the historic center of Girona, this luxury hotel is close to Cathedral, Arab Baths, and Walls of Girona. It is the only hotel in Girona that has an outdoor pool.