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
Calella de Palafrugell
Day 3+4
Girona
Girona, Spain
Day 5+6+7
Whatâs Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
6 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
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.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
7 days / 6 nights, with 5 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 off the bike if you choose
TERRAIN
Varied with some hills
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $2,250
Single Supplement: US $570
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,750
Single Supplement: US $690
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$280
E-Bikes: US$480
E-bikes are generally available but are on an âon request basis â 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, weâll 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.
1
Day 1+2
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, youâll 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.Â
Ride Distance Day 2: 42 km, elevation gain 515 m or 55 km, gain 700 m.*
2
Day 3+4
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 the idyllic Hotel San Roc or Castell d’EmpordĂ in La Bisbal if you choose our Luxe option. The views between Calella and Begur are sublime and your next dayâs 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. If you choose to take a day off from cycling, there is an option to 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 3: 42 km, elevation gain 295 m or 52 km, gain 155 m or 68 km, gain 705 m.
Ride Distance Day 4: 70 km (or 45 with shuttle), elevation gain 180 m.*
3
Day 5+6
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 5: 43 km, elevation gain 460 m.
Ride Distance Day 6: 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.*
4
Day 7
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 Palafrugell
This 3-star boutique hotel boasts sea-view rooms and a great location. It has been in the same family for 3 generations. âQuite simply the hotel has the best position in the most charming resort on the most beautiful and rugged coast on the whole Mediterranean.â Arnold Z, Leeds, England.
Hotel Nord 1901, Girona
This 4-star hotel has lovely lounges, comfortable guest rooms and the only swimming pool and gardens in the center of the city. Fully renovated in 2009 with contemporary style, and located walking distance to great restaurants. Top-rated TA hotel in Girona.
Luxe
Mas Falgarona
Mas Falgarona is a 17th-century property with that large and light guest rooms that retain the original thick stone walls and raftered ceilings. There's a swimming pool, a shady garden and an organic kitchen garden providing much of the produce for the restaurant. The location, just 5km outside of Figueres, is quiet with lovely gardens and beautiful setting.
Castell d'Emporda, La Bisbal d'Emporda
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.
Trip Reviews
“We really appreciated how the routes took us off the beaten path and loved all the small towns, both interior and on the coast. The bikes were great and the navigation system was amazing. We really love the self-paced nature of this kind of trip. We will be back for sure!”
“I personally love the seaside towns in Spain and riding to and from them made it all the better. There is a ton of things to do at each destination and all along the way. We loved the gps app and the freedom of self guided travel. We will take another trip with Randonnee in the future. “
“The hotels and routes were really great, as were restaurant recommendations in the towns along the route. Stunning landscape and beautiful towns. Really enjoyed the 3 different towns we stayed in, as well as those we passed through. They were all very varied, and interesting. Loved the hiking day as well. Hotel staff were very helpful.”
“I was nervous not being a cyclist but it exceeded my expectations. Gorgeous scenery, weather and people. Loved the region.”
“I loved the Costa Brava – good bike routes, good hotels and a great app (RideWithGPS). Our Area Manager was very friendly, helpful and responsive.”
“This was my first bicycle tour and I definitely appreciated how this type of vacationing balances sightseeing with physical activity. Both the tour and the region exceeded my expectations. I appreciated having a curated list of restaurant options and exceptional lodging. Hotel Casamar in Llafranc was exceptional. Hotel Nord in Girona was modern, clean, well located and offered a fantastic breakfast. Restaurant Bocam was one of the best meals on the trip. Thank you. The daily rides were doable for my level of fitness, given we had electric assist. I consider myself a recreational bicycle rider, not cyclist. Our Area Manager was great- friendly, sociable and helpful, especially when trying to locate a place to get our PCR test. My interactions with the Travel Advisor exceeded my expectations: communication was prompt and helpful. I chose Randonnee Tours because they were quick at responding and they were recommended by a friend.”
“I loved it all!”
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