Catalonia
10 Days of Exploration
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Catalonia’s pine-scented coast attracts artists (like Dalí) and those seeking beauty and peace. This Spanish region offers charming villages, sunshine, seaside splendour, art, culture, food, and wine. The cycling here is superb; many professional teams train in the area. We’ve crafted an itinerary covering Figueres, Calella de Palafrugell, and Girona, showcasing the best of the region. Most routes are moderate, with plenty of options for avid cyclists.
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
- 9 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches, and all dinners but 2
- 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 begins in Figueres. We recommend staying in Barcelona the night before. Catch the 8:22 a.m. train to Figueres Villafant, arriving at 9:19 a.m. (55 min journey). We’ll meet this train (or the one in your Trip Planner) and take you to your hotel. We aim to start cycling by 10 a.m. If you arrive on a different train, a taxi to the hotel is straightforward.
Day 1 · Figueres
Welcome to Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s birthplace and gateway to the beautiful Alt Empordà. Expect smooth, traffic-free roads, stunning scenery, charming villages, and beaches. Our first ride is a short warm-up loop to Llers and a nearby wine village, where lunch awaits. Dinner will be at our hotel restaurant.
- Distance: 25 km (320 m elevation gain)
Day 2 · Figueres
Today, we’ll 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, enjoy an expert-guided tour of the Dalí Museum. Dalí’s flamboyant style and surreal imagery always leave a lasting impression.
- Distance: 44 km (520 m elevation gain) or 57 km (670 m elevation gain)
Day 3 · Figueres
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 at the newly opened Celler Peralada (tours of the castle and winery available). 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. A day off the bikes is also an option.
- Distance: 50 km (270 m elevation gain) or 88 km (1,390 m elevation gain)
Day 4 · L’Escala
Ride south from Figueres through the Baix Empordà towards the coast and the archaeological site of Empúries. These Greek and Roman ruins, facing the Mediterranean, offer a glimpse into 8th-century life with mosaics, baths, defensive walls, temples, and an amphitheatre, plus a superb museum. A scenic seaside bike path leads to the exquisite Hostal Empúries. With an excellent beach and water sports available, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax.
- Distance: 37 km (175 m elevation gain)
Day 5 · Calella de Palafrugell
This is an easy-going day. Feel free to sleep in and enjoy the beach before we cycle south. Our ride takes us through the medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí, where you can admire the castle ruins. In Palau-Sator, we’ll have lunch at an atmospheric restaurant before continuing to Calella de Palafrugell, a seaside village with a superb hotel. There’s time for a late afternoon walk to the impressive gardens at Cap Roig. Dining on the hotel’s terrace, overlooking the beach and coastline, is sublime.
- Distance: 40 km (300 m elevation gain)
Day 6 · Calella de Palafrugell
Our location, just steps from the charming seaside village of Calella de Palafrugell, is perfect for exploring on foot. If you prefer, relax on the hotel terrace with a good book, swim, or enjoy the beach.
Day 7· Calella de Palafrugell
The views between Calella and Begur are among the trip’s most stunning, with short, steep sections. Explore medieval Begur (with its castle) and enchanting Pals. Back in Calella, consider a short stroll (1.9 km) to nearby Cap Roig, an idyllic castle and gardens overlooking the coast. For a longer coastal hike instead of cycling, one of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful trails is easily accessible from the hotel, exploring nearby villages and beaches before returning to relax in the afternoon.
- Cycling Distance: 44 km (820 m elevation gain)
- Optional Hiking Distance: 12.3 km (380 m elevation gain) or 1.9 km (200 m elevation gain)
Day 8 · Girona
Cycle to Girona, where professional cyclists live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food). Stop to visit the castle Dalí and his wife Gala built in Púbol, and have lunch before a short climb over Mare de Déu dels Àngels, then descend into Girona. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s many treasures before dinner on your own. Options include Michelin-starred restaurants (El Celler de Can Roca is world-renowned, but Normal, their newer restaurant, is easier to access and also superb).
- Distance: 40 km (460 m elevation gain) or 88 km (760 m elevation gain)
Day 9· Girona
Girona is fantastic to explore on foot; we’ll organise a walking tour for those interested. Enjoy 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.
Day 10 · Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 minutes, with approximately 25 services per day.
Mas Falgarona, Figueres
Figueres’ top-rated hotel. It’s in the historical centre, a short walk from the Dalí Museum.
Hostal Empuries, L'Escala
This historic hotel sits right on the beach. It offers sea-view rooms, a spa, and two swimming pools. Notably, it was Europe’s first hotel to receive a sustainable certification.
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 centre, 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.