Costa Brava & Empordà
Spain Bike Tours
Explore Catalonia & the territory that inspired Dalí
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6–8 days
- Prices from€655 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this Costa Brava bike tour, you cycle along the coast of l’Empordà and inland through one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in Catalonia. Impressive wild coasts, large sandy beaches, rice fields, and wetlands, dotted with charming medieval villages fill your days.
The route starts and ends in the medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí and combines a rocky coastline, lush countryside, and a rural atmosphere. Following the coast to the North you’ll visit the important Greek-Roman ruins of Empúries and the natural park Aiguamolls d’Empordà, protecting the most important remaining wetlands on the northern coast For those who love bird watching, this is the ideal place. A good variety of ducks, herons, waders, and other wetland birds can usually be spotted.
You return to the coast to the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell that still retains its original charm with typical pastel houses by the sea.
As you cycle this varied terrain, you’ll find excellent gastronomy, both from the sea and the field.
Highlights
- Costa Brava
- Plain and coast of Empordà
- Natural park “Aiguamolls d’Empordà”, an important center of bird watching.
- La Bisbal d'Empordà, region's captial
- Colorful Calella de Palafrugell
- MedievaPeratallada
- Pyrenees
- Catalan Cuisine
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Itinerary
8 day tour
Day 1: Arrival at Torroella de Montgrí
Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí - Sant Pere Pescador, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Loop ride Sant Pere Pescador, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Sant Pere Pescador - Madremanya, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 5: Madremanya - Calella de Palafrugell, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Calella de Palafrugell - Torroella de Montgrí, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 7: Loop ride Torroella de Montgrí, 26 mi. or 12 mi. (41 km or 19 km)
Day 8: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival at Torroella de Montgrí
Your tour begins in Torroella de Montgrí located on the north bank of the Ter river, surrounded by the Natural Park of Montgrí Massif, Medes Islands, and Low Ter. The Mediterranean Museum is a must if you want to learn about the area. Tour documentation and maps will be waiting for you at your first hotel.Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Fonda Mitjà
- Premium: Hotel Moli del Mig
Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí - Sant Pere Pescador, 16 mi. (25 km)
After the delivery of the necessary documentation and bike fitting, you can start your cycle tour. Of course, this could be a relaxing day by the pool or the beach. But a nice loop ride is also available to follow the Daro River and visit some small but very charming medieval villages such as Fonolleres.You reach the ruins of the Iberian village near Ullastret, where you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view over the area. You come back to Torroella through Palau-Sator and Peratalla, some of the most beautiful medieval villages of the area. You will have an alternative route to the coast, to enjoy the beach and the coastal village of L’Estartit.
Elevation: +60m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard & premium: Can Ceret
Day 3: Loop ride Sant Pere Pescador, 29 mi. (47 km)
You start from Sant Pere Pescador to Castelló d'Empúries, following the Pirinexus cycle route. Castelló is an important medieval settlement where you can visit the Jewish Quarter and its magnificent Cathedral. From there, you head to Peralada, the capital of the wine region, and you will get to Figueres and can visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, the most visited museum in Spain. You then cycle to the south through Siurana, where you find an olive oil mill. There is an optional visit to the Natural Park of l'Empordà wetlands, a protected area of great ornithological importance.
Elevation: +/- 105m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard & premium: Can Ceret
Day 4: Sant Pere Pescador – Madremanya, 24 mi. (39 km)
Today's route takes you from the Alt Empordà region to the Baix Empordà region, cycling through the inland part of this area. You can visit typical rural villages such as Sant Miquel de Fluvià, with a Romanesque monastery, and magnificent tower, and Sant Mori and its castle. You pass Verges, a medieval village with the remains of its ancient walls, and Foixà, where we can see a magnificent panorama of the plain of the Baix Empordà. After passing the medieval villages of La Pera and Púbol you reach Madremanya.Elevation: +/- 377 m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard & premium: Hotel Plaça Madremanya
Day 5: Madremanya - Calella de Palafrugell, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today, the itinerary goes from the most interior part of the region to the coast. It goes through a large number of medieval settlements: Cruilles, with its great tower. Then, you cycle through La Bisbal d'Empordà, the region's capital, with its medieval castle and its Pottery Museum. We continue cycling to Torrent, where you find a singular marmalade museum. After crossing Palafrugell, we arrive at the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, which still retains its original charm.Elevation: +/- 253 m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Hotel Sant Roc
- Premium: Hotel Alga
Day 6: Calella de Palafrugell - Torroella de Montgrí, 18 mi. (29 km)
The route to return to Torroella de Montgrí along the area ‘Empordanet’ with a great variety of beautiful landscapes and cultural sights. You visit the magnificent medieval historic monument of Pals. This day, the route runs through the interesting area of the Pals rice fields. You have an alternative route that brings to the long sandy beach of the Ter River mouth.Elevation: +/- 180 m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Fonda Mitjà
- Premium: Hotel Moli del Mig
Day 7: Loop ride Torroella de Montgrí, 26 mi. or 12 mi. (41 km or 19 km)
This could be a relaxing day by the pool or the beach. But a nice loop ride is also available to follow the Daro River and visit some small but very charming medieval villages such as Fonolleres. You will reach the ruins of the Iberian village near Ullastret, where you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view over the area. You come back to Torroella through Palau-Sator and Peratalla, some of the most beautiful medieval villages of the area. You will have an alternative route to the coast, to enjoy the beach and the coastal village of L’Estartit.Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Fonda Mitjà
- Premium: Hotel Moli del Mig
Day 8: Departure
Departure from Torroella de Montgrí after breakfast.6-day tour
Day 1: Arrival at Torroella de Montgrí
Day 2: Torroella de Montgrí - Sant Pere Pescador, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Sant Pere Pescador – Madremanya, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 4: Madremanya - Calella de Palafrugell, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Calella de Palafrugell - Torroella de Montgrí, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 6: DepartureMap
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You will have your choice regarding the level of accommodations, standard (2 or 3 star) or premium (3 or 4 star). On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If the hotel listed is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be offered.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 5 or 7 nights in the booked category
- Breakfasts
- Roadbook & maps
- Tourist information
- Luggage transfer, max 2 pieces, suitcase (max. 20 kg) & carry on
- 24-speed touring bike
- Emergency assistance
What’s Not Included
- Tourist tax (see pricing)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals possible from March through October 2021
Low season: March 13 through April 1, 2021
Midseason: April 2 through June 18 & August 30 through October 3, 2021
High season: June 19 through August 29, 20218-day tour
Standard accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1270 £ 703 $ 1,247 € 795 NZ$ 1353 kr 8260 $ 979 $ 1342 £ 742 $ 1,318 € 840 NZ$ 1430 kr 8728 $ 1,034 $ 1438 £ 796 $ 1,412 € 900 NZ$ 1532 kr 9351 $ 1,108 Single supplement $ 468 £ 259 $ 460 € 293 NZ$ 499 kr 3044 $ 361 $ 479 £ 265 $ 471 € 300 NZ$ 511 kr 3117 $ 369 $ 575 £ 318 $ 565 € 360 NZ$ 613 kr 3740 $ 443 Solo traveler $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 Premium accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1598 £ 884 $ 1,569 € 1000 NZ$ 1702 kr 10390 $ 1,231 $ 1726 £ 955 $ 1,694 € 1080 NZ$ 1838 kr 11221 $ 1,330 $ 2109 £ 1167 $ 2,070 € 1320 NZ$ 2247 kr 13715 $ 1,625 Single supplement $ 547 £ 302 $ 536 € 342 NZ$ 582 kr 3553 $ 421 $ 604 £ 334 $ 593 € 378 NZ$ 643 kr 3927 $ 465 $ 1004 £ 555 $ 985 € 628 NZ$ 1069 kr 6525 $ 773 Solo traveler $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 6-day tour
Standard accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1047 £ 579 $ 1,027 € 655 NZ$ 1115 kr 6806 $ 807 $ 1095 £ 605 $ 1,074 € 685 NZ$ 1166 kr 7117 $ 843 $ 1175 £ 650 $ 1,153 € 735 NZ$ 1251 kr 7637 $ 905 Single supplement $ 348 £ 193 $ 342 € 218 NZ$ 371 kr 2265 $ 268 $ 360 £ 199 $ 353 € 225 NZ$ 383 kr 2338 $ 277 $ 417 £ 231 $ 409 € 261 NZ$ 444 kr 2712 $ 321 Solo traveler $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 Premium accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1270 £ 703 $ 1,247 € 795 NZ$ 1353 kr 8260 $ 979 $ 1374 £ 760 $ 1,349 € 860 NZ$ 1464 kr 8936 $ 1,059 $ 1646 £ 910 $ 1,616 € 1030 NZ$ 1753 kr 10702 $ 1,268 Single supplement $ 406 £ 225 $ 398 € 254 NZ$ 432 kr 2639 $ 313 $ 527 £ 292 $ 518 € 330 NZ$ 562 kr 3429 $ 406 $ 740 £ 409 $ 726 € 463 NZ$ 788 kr 4811 $ 570 Solo traveler $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 $ 118 £ 65 $ 116 € 74 NZ$ 126 kr 769 $ 91 Extra Options
Dinner included
8-day tour
Standard accommodation (7 dinners): $ 387 £ 214 $ 380 € 242 NZ$ 412 kr 2514 $ 298 Premium accommodation (7 dinners): $ 419 £ 232 $ 411 € 262 NZ$ 446 kr 2722 $ 323
6-day tour
Standard accommodation (5 dinners): $ 267 £ 148 $ 262 € 167 NZ$ 284 kr 1735 $ 206 Premium accommodation (5 dinners): $ 294 £ 163 $ 289 € 184 NZ$ 313 kr 1912 $ 227
Extra nights
Torroella de Montgrí
Twin/double: $ 56 £ 31 $ 55 € 35 NZ$ 60 kr 364 $ 43 Single supplement: on request
Bike rental options
8-day tour
Electric bike: $ 160 £ 88 $ 157 € 100 NZ$ 170 kr 1039 $ 123 Gravel bike: $ 168 £ 93 $ 165 € 105 NZ$ 179 kr 1091 $ 129 Gravel plus bike: $ 224 £ 124 $ 220 € 140 NZ$ 238 kr 1455 $ 172
6-day tour
Electric bike: $ 120 £ 66 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 128 kr 779 $ 92 Gravel bike: $ 120 £ 66 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 128 kr 779 $ 92 Gravel plus bike: $ 160 £ 88 $ 157 € 100 NZ$ 170 kr 1039 $ 123
Tourist tax
8-day tour
Standard accommodation: $ 6 £ 3 $ 5 € 4 NZ$ 6 kr 36 $ 4 Premium accommodation: $ 8 £ 4 $ 8 € 5 NZ$ 9 kr 52 $ 6
6-day tour
Standard accommodation: $ 4 £ 2 $ 4 € 3 NZ$ 4 kr 26 $ 3 Premium accommodation: $ 6 £ 4 $ 6 € 4 NZ$ 7 kr 42 $ 5
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate self-guided bike tour during which you will cycle an average of 40 km per day with an elevation difference of + 190 m.
Airport Info
Fly to Barcelona International Airport (BCN) or to Girona Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Local Travel
Barcelona (BCN)
There are two options for onward travel from Barcelona to Girona:
-From Barcelona airport, you can take the shuttle train to Barcelona Sants main station. The shuttle train leaves from Terminal 2. If your flight arrives at Terminal 1 there is a bus that leaves every 7 minutes and takes 10 minutes to get to Terminal 2. The train from Terminal 2 departs every 30 minutes at :08 and :38. and takes 19 minutes to get to Sants station. A taxi from Barcelona airport to Sants train station usually costs about €25 and the trip takes about 25 minutes.
-From Sants station, you can take the slow train (1:46), fast train (1:30) or the high-speed train (37 min). For train times, please see this website. It is recommended to pre-book the high-speed train tickets as it gets very busy. This can be done on the same website.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): -You can use the Barcelona Bus Service (part of the Sagales Company). Buses leave for the city center every hour. You can find complete timetables on the Sagales website.Climate
Girona has a mild climate, with plenty of sunny days and not too much rain. There are differences on the coast, which might be a couple of degrees warmer, but with a cooling sea breeze. The best season for cycling in the land of Dali is Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September- October). Temperatures range between 20° and 25º C. In summer temperatures can reach 33° - 34 º.
Recommended
We recommend that you arrive early in Girona and spend a day or two here. Girona is a beautiful city where you get a real feeling for its history just by walking through its ancient streets. A walled city, dating back to the Roman period, it has a fascinating old quarter. You will be able to explore the entire city on foot since it is not very large.
Remarks
Regarding luggage transfer, please have luggage at reception no later than 9 am. Luggage will be delivered to your next hotel by 5 pm. In the event of an inclement weather forecast, please pack your pannier accordingly.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by CicloTursime.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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