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.
Robbin McKinney, founder and owner of Great Explorations, is an avid tennis player and thought it would be fun to combine a cycling trip in an exotic locale with the opportunity to play tennis along the way.
The optional Pre-trip Extension in Barcelona, stays at the exquisite Seventy Barcelona. There will be opportunity to play tennis at the exclusive Reial Club de Tennis in Barcelona, where Van Lawn members have reciprocal privileges.
The cycling trip will be the same amazing trip that we run for cyclists, avid and moderate level welcome. On two days of the trip, we will include mini-tournaments, in Llafranc on Day 4 at the Club Tennis Llafranc and in Girona on Day 6 at either the GEIEG Sports Facility with 16 courts or the Club Tennis Girona, a private club. On the days with tennis, there will be morning rides and tennis in the afternoon. If you choose to take time off the bike, that is ok. Details and precise itinerary may be altered given the group’s desires.
Need inspiration (for the cycling)? Here is a short video of riding in the region.
Only Great Explorations:
Figueres, Spain
Day 1+2
Calella de Palafrugell
Day 3+4
Girona, Spain
Day 5+6
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 3-9 | Apr 2-8 |
| Apr 17-23 | Apr 16-22 |
| May 1-7 | April 30- May 6 |
| May 15-21 | May 14-20 |
| Jun 5-11 | Jun 4-10 |
| Jun 19-25 | Jun 18-24 |
| Sep 4-10 | Sep 3-9 |
| Sep 18-24 | Sep 17-23 |
| Oct 2-8 | Oct 1-7 |
| Oct 16-22 | Oct 15-21 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate with challenging options
40-70+ km daily
Van supported
TerrainVaried - expect some hills, worth the effort to climb
CostLand Cost
US $3,650
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Single Supplement
US $920
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-bikes*: US $480
Pre-trip Extension
Barcelona (Apr 30 & May 1)
US $495
Single Supplement
US $250
Includes 2N/2D with 1/2 day walking tour on the morning of May 1. Fees for tennis will be paid at the club.
Staying at the exquisite Seventy Barcelona, there is an opportunity (optional) to play tennis at the exclusive Reial Club de Tennis in Barcelona where Van Lawn members have reciprocal privileges.
*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.
Getting There
The tour starts in Figueres. Most people will want to stay in Barcelona the night before the trip begins (see Extension); you will need to take the 8:20 a.m. train arriving into Figueres at 10:12 a.m. so we can enjoy a full day of riding.
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 towards Pont de Molins and past the Castell de les Escaules en-route to a sanctuary near Terrades. An add-on loop visits Darnius and the Panta de Boadella reservoir. Back in Figueres, we will have a welcome reception and enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant steps from our hotel.
Distance: 48 km; 590 m gain or 60 km; 750 m gain
Figueres
Today, we will ride to the wine town of Peralada, one of the most charming villages in the region. Explore the historic center, visit the XII century Romanesque cloister of Sant Domenec museum here or wine taste if you wish – the newly opened Celler Perelada offers tours of the Perelada Castle and winery. Reach Roses, a beachside enclave where you can swim or enjoy a cappuccino from one of the cool cafes here. From here, you will ride through Empuriabrava with its navigable waterways and marinas and then through the Aiguamolls d’Emporda, an important bird sanctuary. Have lunch in Castell D’Empuries, one of the gems of Catalonia with a basilica, and impressive town center with great restaurants.
A long option will reach Cadaqués, an unspoiled and remote village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, sandy beaches, and old white-washed houses.
Back 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 as for his surrealist and exotic imagery and definitely leaves an impression on visitors. We will finish the day with another great meal in a traditional asador restaurant frequented by Dali.
Distance: 50 km; 270 m gain or 88 km; 1,390 m gain
Calella de Palafrugell
Riding south from Figueres, we ride past the archeological site of Empuries and along a scenic sea-side bike path with a possible swim spot at a lovely bay. We ride through the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri and admire the ruin of a castle high above town. In Palau-Sator we have lunch at an atmospheric restaurant before continuing to Calella de Palafrugell, a seaside village with a superb hotel, the San Roc. Dining on the terrace of the hotel, overlooking the beach and this scenic stretch of coastline, is sublime.
Distance: 44 km; 1,70 m gain or 72 km; 380 m gain
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 Calella, 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. At 4pm, for tennis players, we’ll play a tournament at the Llafranc tennis center and then go to an atmospheric tapas bar for dinner.
Riding distance: 44 km; 820 m gain
Hiking distance (optional): 12.3 km; 380 m gain or 1.9 km; 200 m gain
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
Girona
Choose from moderate or challenging rides northwest of Girona and then post-ride lunch at Cafe Fabrica, owned by (now retired) Canadian pro cyclist Christian Meier and his wife Amber. At 4pm, there will be an opportunity to play tennis. We will have a memorable final night wine tasting and then dinner at our favourite restaurant in Girona. Hungry anyone?
Distance: 52 km; 555 m gain or 75 km; 900 m gain
Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 min (25 trains per day).
This boutique 4-star hotel in the center of Castello d'Empuries boasts large (30m2) guest rooms in a historic building. There are gardens and a spa facility. Castello d'Empuries is a charming town outside of Figueres.
This boutique hotel boasts sea-view rooms, a lovely terrace where breakfast is served overlooking the beach and a great location, steps to town. It has been in the same family for 3 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
Situated in the historic center of Girona, this 4-star hotel is close to Cathedral, Arab Baths, and Walls of Girona. A chic restaurant features a seasonal terrace.
Alternate: Hotel Nord 1901
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