Catalonia
Biking Deluxe
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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
Not included
- Bicycle hire
- GPS routes
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
Your cycling tour kicks off in Figueres. We recommend staying in Barcelona the night before. Catch the 8:22 a.m. train to Figueres Villafant (arrives 9:19 a.m., a 55-minute journey). We’ll meet you there and whisk you to your hotel to start a full day of riding. If you arrive by a different train, a taxi to the hotel is straightforward. We plan to depart on bikes by 10 a.m.
Day 1 · Figueres
Welcome to Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s birthplace and the gateway to the stunning Alt Empordà. Expect smooth, traffic-free roads, beautiful scenery, quaint villages, and beaches. Our first day features a warm-up ride towards Pont de Molins, past Castell de les Escaules, en route to a sanctuary near Terrades. An optional loop visits Darnius and the Pantà de Boadella reservoir.
- Distance: 26 km (335m elevation gain) or 52 km (875m elevation gain)
Day 2 · Figueres
Today, cycle 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 new Celler Peralada (tours of the castle and winery available). Reach Roses, a beachside spot perfect for a swim or coffee. From here, 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. Back in Figueres, take an expert-guided tour of the Dalí Museum. Dalí’s flamboyant style and surreal imagery always leave a strong impression. Finish the day with a great meal at a traditional asador restaurant, a favourite of Dalí’s.
- Distance: 50 km (270m elevation gain) or 88 km (1,390m elevation gain)
Day 3 · Calella de Palafrugell
Riding south from Figueres, 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 Castell d’Empordà, an idyllic hamlet with luxurious amenities.
- Distance: 45 km (170m elevation gain) or 68 km (450m elevation gain)
Day 4 · Calella de Palafrugell
The views between Calella and Begur offer some of the trip’s most stunning scenery, with short, steep sections. Explore medieval Begur (with its castle) and enchanting Pals. On the Luxe trip, you’ll return to Castell d’Empordà to enjoy the hotel’s pool and surroundings. If you prefer a hiking day instead of biking, our guides can lead you on a spectacular section of the coastal trail.
- Riding Distance: 60 km (890m elevation gain)
- Optional Hiking Distance: 12.3 km (380m elevation gain) or 1.9 km (200m elevation gain)
Day 5 · Girona
Ride to Girona, where professional cyclists live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). 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 ranging from Michelin-starred dining (like the Roca brothers’ ‘Normal’) to local favourites.
- Distance: 36 km (460m elevation gain) or 57 km (930m elevation 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 elevation gain) or 75 km (900m elevation gain)
Day 7· Depart
Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in just 30 minutes, with approximately 25 services per day.
Hotel Duran, Figueres
A 17th-century property with large, light rooms, retaining original stone walls and beamed ceilings. Features include a swimming pool, a shady garden, and an organic kitchen garden supplying the restaurant. Located just 5 km outside Figueres, it offers a quiet, beautiful setting.
Hotel Sant Roc, Calella de Palafrugell
This boutique hotel offers sea-view rooms and a lovely terrace overlooking the beach, where breakfast and dinner are served. It’s ideally located, just steps from the town. Run by the same family for three generations.
*Mas de Torrent, Torrent
An exclusive 5-star Relais & Châteaux property. It offers stunning, spacious rooms and an excellent bar and restaurant. This is one of our favourite hotels in Spain.
Hotel Llegendes, Girona
This 4-star hotel in Girona’s historic centre combines comfortable elegance with a friendly atmosphere. Its design blends historic charm with contemporary décor.