Catalonia
Biking Classic
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Catalonia’s pine-scented coast attracts artists (like Dalí), writers, and those seeking beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. This corner of Spain offers villages, sunshine, seaside splendour, art, culture, gastronomy, and wine. The cycling is superb; many professional teams train here. Most routes are moderate, with plenty of options for avid cyclists. Our itinerary, from Figueres to Calella de Palafrugell and Girona, shows the very best of this region.
Highlights
- Small groups with personalized attention
- Expert 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
Package Included
- Expert guides throughout the journey
- Support vehicle during the route
- 6 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
- Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
- GPS routes
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
Not included
- Bicycle hire
Your tour starts in Figueres. We recommend staying in Barcelona the night before. Take the 8:22 a.m. train to Figueres Villafant (arrives 9:19 a.m., 55 min journey). We’ll meet this train (or your specified one) and take you to the hotel for a full day of riding. If you arrive by a different train, a taxi to the hotel is easy. We plan to depart by bike at 10 a.m.
Day 1 · Figueres
Welcome to Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s birthplace and gateway to the beautiful Alt Empordà. Expect traffic-free, smooth roads, stunning scenery, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches. Our first ride is a warm-up loop to Llers and a nearby wine village, where lunch awaits. Dinner will be at our hotel restaurant.
- Distance: 48 km (590m gain) or 60 km (750m gain)
Day 2 · Figueres
Cycle a loop through the Alt Empordà on quiet, well-paved roads, passing a sanctuary near Terrades, then Castell de les Escaules and Pont de Molins. An optional loop visits Darnius and the Pantà de Boadella reservoir. In Figueres, take an expert-guided tour of the Dalí Museum. Dalí’s flamboyant style and surreal imagery always leave a strong impression.
- Distance: 44 km (520m gain) or 57 km (670m gain)
Day 3 · Calella de Palafrugell
Today, ride to Peralada, a charming wine town. Explore its historic centre, visit the 12th-century Romanesque cloister of Sant Domènec museum, or enjoy a wine tasting. The Celler Peralada offers tours of the castle and winery. Reach Roses, a beachside spot perfect for a swim or coffee. Ride through Empuriabrava (with its navigable waterways) and the Aiguamolls d’Empordà bird sanctuary. Lunch is in Castelló d’Empúries, a Catalan gem with a basilica and excellent restaurants.
A long option extends to Cadaqués, an unspoilt village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, and whitewashed houses.
- Distance: 50 km (270m gain) or 88 km (1,390m gain)
Day 4 · Calella de Palafrugell
Riding south from Figueres, we’ll pass the archaeological site of Empúries and cycle along a scenic seaside bike path, with a possible swim stop in a lovely bay. Our route continues through the medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí, admiring its castle ruins. Lunch will be at an atmospheric restaurant in Palau-Sator before continuing to Calella de Palafrugell, a stunning seaside village with a superb hotel. Dining on the hotel’s terrace, overlooking the beach and picturesque coastline, is sublime.
- Distance: 44 km (170m gain) or 72 km (380m gain)
Day 5 · Girona
Today, ride to Girona, a city famed as an off-season training ground for professional cyclists. Along the way, visit the castle Dalí and his wife Gala built in Púbol, and have lunch before a short climb over Mare de Déu dels Àngels. Descend into Girona for a walking tour of the city’s many treasures. Dinner is at your leisure, with options from Michelin-starred dining (like Normal by the Roca brothers) to local eateries.
- Distance: 40 km (460m gain) or 88 km (760m gain)
Day 6 · Girona
Choose from moderate or challenging rides northwest of Girona. Afterwards, enjoy a post-ride lunch at Café Fábrica, owned by retired Canadian pro cyclist Christian Meier and his wife Amber. Our memorable final night includes a wine tasting, followed by dinner at our favourite Girona restaurant.
- Distance: 52 km (555m gain) or 75 km (900m gain)
Day 7· Depart
Depart at your leisure for your onward journey. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 minutes, with approximately 25 services per day.
Hotel Duran, Figueres
Top-rated in Figueres. This hotel is in the historic centre, a short walk from the Dalí Museum.
Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de Palafrugell
This boutique hotel features sea-view rooms and a delightful terrace overlooking the beach, perfect for breakfast. It’s ideally located, just steps from the town center, and has been run by the same family for three generations.
Hotel Nord 1901, Girona
Located in Girona’s historic centre, this luxury hotel is close to the Cathedral, Arab Baths, and city Walls. It’s unique in Girona for having an outdoor pool.