Catalonia Biking 9 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 Callela de Palafrugell to Girona, we have created an itinerary that shows you the very best of this region.

Location

Figueres

Figueres, Spain

Day 1+2

Calella de Palafrugell

Day 3+4

Girona

Girona, Spain

Day 5-7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

8 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Start any dates between May to October
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

9 days / 8 nights, with 7 days of cycling

ARRIVE / DEPART

Figueres / Girona

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate 20-40+ miles daily Note the daily distances and elevation gains listed on the itinerary to determine whether this trip is suitable for you Layover days allow for time for time off the bike if you choose

TERRAIN

Varied with some hills

COST

Classic Accommodation: US $2,850
Single Supplement: US $720

Luxe Accommodation: US $3,250
Single Supplement: US $820

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$360

E-Bikes: US$640

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. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting there

You can reach Figueres rom Barcelona by rail (1h50). The easiest way to reach the hotel in Figueres is by taxi and these can be found on arrival outside the train station.

Day 1+2+3

Figueres

Arriving: Your hotel is included on arrival; assuming you are flying into Barcelona, the high-speed train reaches Figueres in 1h50. Our Area Manager typically meets you for bike fit etc. at 4 pm, but this is flexible.

Start your exploration of Catalonia in Figueres, the birthplace of Dali. Salvador Dali was known as much for his flamboyance and exhibitionism as he as for his surrealist and exotic imagery; most of his work are in the Dali museum here. Dinner is included at a restaurant where Dali was often a patron. On Day 2, you’ll ride a loop east towards the coastal town of Roses. A long option will reach Cadaques, an unspoiled and remote village with crystal-blue water, fishing boats, sandy beaches, and old white-washed houses. Back in Figueres, walk the narrow, twisting streets and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants.
Ride Distance Day 2: 42 km, elevation gain 515 m or 55 km, gain 700 m.
Ride Distance Day 3: 42 km, elevation gain 295 m or 52 km, gain 155 m or 68 km, gain 705 m.*

Day 4+5+6

Calella de Palafrugell

Riding south from Figueres, you will have a chance to visit Empuries, site of an ancient city from 535BC with a necropolis, tombs and other treasures left behind by Greek and Roman ancestors. Take some time to visit the museum and then stroll over to a magnificent sandy beach to take in the view or enjoy a coffee on the terrace of Hostal Empuries. The paved bike path next to the sea is sublime. Lunch is recommended in the medieval city of Torroella de Montgri or, at one of our favourite restaurants in the region in a tiny village along our route. Arrive to Callela de Palafrugell, one of the most charming sea-side villages along the coast and stay at the idyllic Hotel San Roc or Castell d’Empordà in La Bisbal if you choose our Luxe option. The views between Calella and Begur are sublime and your next day’s ride along this coast has some challenging (but rewarding) climbs. You will have time to explore medieval Begur with its castle above town and Pals, which is one of the popular and enchanting villages in Catalonia. Staying three nights in Callela de Palafrugell allows you time to do another cycling loop or, take a day off from cycling and hike along a glorious section of this coastline, where you can visit the Jardins de Cap Roig with its picturesque gardens and historic castle.
Ride Distance Day 4: 70 km (or 45 with shuttle), elevation gain 180 m.
Ride Distance Day 5: 43 km, elevation gain 460 m.
Ride Distance Day 6: 66 km, elevation gain 550 m.

Day 7+8

Girona

Ride to Girona, one of the most important historical sites in Spain, where professional cyclists often live and train off-season (attracted by the climate and food, just like us). Stop to visit the castle that Dali lived at in Pubol and to have lunch before a wee climb over the Mare de Deu dels Angels before descending into Girona. Next day, choose from moderate or challenging rides west of Girona. For dinner, we will provide recommendations from local finds to El Roca de Can Roca, rated the 2nd best restaurant (3*Michelin) in the world. Hungry anyone?
Ride Distance Day 7: 40 km, elevation gain 220 m (with 12 minute train from Flaca to Girona) or 62 km, gain 600 m or 86 km, gain 800 m.
Ride Distance Day 8: 55 km, elevation gain 385 m or 69 km, gain 500 m.*

Day 9

Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains from Girona reach Barcelona in 30 minutes (25 trains per day).

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Hotel Duran, Figueres

This is the top-rated TA hotel in Figueres. Located in the historical center, walking distance from the Dali museum and with an excellent restaurant, this hotel is a fine one to start your Catalonia experience.

Hotel San Roc, Calella de Pelafrugell

This 3-star 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, England.

Hotel 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.

Luxe

Museum Apartments, Figueres

This is a very unique accommodation, located directly beside the Dali Museum in the center of historic Figueres. The suites are very large (up to 75m2!) and have contemporary design and exquisite touches. Breakfast is not served but there are great options steps away where you can order what you like. Shhh, we'd like to keep this find a secret.

Castell d'Empordà, La Bisbal

This restored medieval castle, now a 4-star hotel, offers romantic lodging. The rooms are spacious and the bar and restaurant here are excellent. *For those who may prefer the 5-star Mas de Torrent, when available, this can be booked at an upgrade fee of $200 pp.

Hotel Llegendes, Girona

This 4-star hotel is located in the historic center of Girona and is intimate with just 15 rooms. The design incorporates the historic property with contemporary décor.