Costa Brava & Empordà
Spain Bike Tours
Explore the coast & inland beauty of Catalonia
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6–8 days
- Prices from€735 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, great agricultural plains, and wetlands are highlighted.
Different waves of history have brought varied cultures and heritages, with several settlements and ruins from the Iberians, the Greeks, the Romans, and into the medieval ages. The whole region is dotted with hundreds of small villages, with well-conserved medieval castles, churches, or spectacular arched squares.
This charming route starts and ends in the medieval town of Torroella de Montgrí. As you cycle, north along the coast, inland, and back again to the coast, the varied terrain and wonderful cuisine blend to create the perfect cycling holiday.
For those who love bird watching, beyond the beaches, in the natural reserves of the wetland, birds rest on their amazing migration between Europe and Africa. A good variety of ducks, herons, waders, and other wetland birds can usually be spotted.
Highlights
- Costa Brava
- Plain and coast of Empordà
- Opportunity to visit Dali's Museum in Figueres
- Natural park “Aiguamolls d’Empordà”, an important center of bird watching
- Greek-Roman ruins of Empúries
- 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 - Castelló d'Empúries, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 3: Loop ride Castelló d' Empúries, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Castelló d' Empúries – Madremanya, 34 mi. (55 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 - Castelló d'Empúries, 23 mi. (37 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: +162 m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Hotel Canet
- Premium: Hotel Palau Maceli
Day 3: Loop ride Castelló d' Empúries, 29 mi. (47 km)
Castelló is an important medieval settlement where you can visit the Jewish Quarter and its magnificent Cathedral. From there, you will head Peralada, the capital of the wine region, and then arrive to Figueres where
you can visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, the most visited museum in Spain. Then, cycling south, you will pass through Siurana, and 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: +390 m
Preferred accommodation:
- Standard: Hotel Canet
- Premium: Hotel Palau Maceli
Day 4: Castelló d' Empúries – Madremanya, 34 mi. (55 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: +600 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 - Castelló d' Empúries, 23 mi. (37 km), +162 m
Day 3: Castelló d' Empúries – Madremanya, 34 mi. (55 km), +600 m
Day 4: Madremanya - Calella de Palafrugell, 25 mi. (40 km), +253 m
Day 5: Calella de Palafrugell - Torroella de Montgrí, 18 mi. (29 km), +180 m
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
- Luggage transfer, max 2 pieces, suitcase (max. 20 kg) & carry on
- 24-speed touring bike (including pannier, helmet, map carrier, odometer, water bottle, share repair kit and bike lock)
- Roadbook & maps
- Tourist information
- Emergency assistance
What’s Not Included
- Tourist tax (see pricing)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals are possible from March through October 2023
Low season: March 1 through April 5 & October 1 through October 31, 2023
Mid season: April 6 through June 22 & September 3 through September 30, 2023
High season: June 23 through September 2, 2023Standard accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1442 £ 832 $ 1,376 € 930 ₪ 3548 NZ$ 1589 NOK 10200 kr 10631 $ 1,031 $ 1528 £ 881 $ 1,457 € 985 ₪ 3758 NZ$ 1683 NOK 10804 kr 11259 $ 1,092 $ 1613 £ 930 $ 1,539 € 1040 ₪ 3968 NZ$ 1777 NOK 11407 kr 11888 $ 1,153 Single supplement $ 481 £ 277 $ 459 € 310 ₪ 1183 NZ$ 530 NOK 3400 kr 3544 $ 344 $ 507 £ 292 $ 484 € 327 ₪ 1248 NZ$ 559 NOK 3587 kr 3738 $ 363 $ 592 £ 342 $ 565 € 382 ₪ 1457 NZ$ 653 NOK 4190 kr 4367 $ 424 Third person in a room $ 1317 £ 759 $ 1,256 € 849 ₪ 3239 NZ$ 1450 NOK 9312 kr 9705 $ 942 $ 1393 £ 803 $ 1,328 € 898 ₪ 3426 NZ$ 1534 NOK 9849 kr 10265 $ 996 $ 1470 £ 848 $ 1,402 € 948 ₪ 3617 NZ$ 1619 NOK 10398 kr 10836 $ 1,051 Solo traveler $ 115 £ 66 $ 109 € 74 ₪ 282 NZ$ 126 NOK 812 kr 846 $ 82 Tourist tax €5 Premium accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 1923 £ 1109 $ 1,834 € 1240 ₪ 4731 NZ$ 2118 NOK 13601 kr 14174 $ 1,375 $ 2187 £ 1261 $ 2,086 € 1410 ₪ 5379 NZ$ 2409 NOK 15465 kr 16117 $ 1,564 $ 2791 £ 1610 $ 2,663 € 1800 ₪ 6867 NZ$ 3075 NOK 19743 kr 20575 $ 1,996 Single supplement $ 664 £ 383 $ 633 € 428 ₪ 1633 NZ$ 731 NOK 4694 kr 4892 $ 475 $ 884 £ 510 $ 843 € 570 ₪ 2175 NZ$ 974 NOK 6252 kr 6516 $ 632 $ 1176 £ 678 $ 1,121 € 758 ₪ 2892 NZ$ 1295 NOK 8314 kr 8665 $ 841 Third person in a room $ 1749 £ 1009 $ 1,669 € 1128 ₪ 4304 NZ$ 1927 NOK 12372 kr 12894 $ 1,251 $ 1987 £ 1146 $ 1,895 € 1281 ₪ 4887 NZ$ 2188 NOK 14050 kr 14643 $ 1,421 $ 2531 £ 1460 $ 2,414 € 1632 ₪ 6226 NZ$ 2788 NOK 17900 kr 18655 $ 1,810 Solo traveler $ 115 £ 66 $ 109 € 74 ₪ 282 NZ$ 126 NOK 812 kr 846 $ 82 Tourist tax $ 15 £ 8 $ 14 € 10 ₪ 36 NZ$ 16 NOK 104 kr 109 $ 11 Standard accommodations Low season Mid season High season Twin/double $ 1140 £ 657 $ 1,087 € 735 ₪ 2804 NZ$ 1256 NOK 8062 kr 8402 $ 815 $ 1194 £ 689 $ 1,139 € 770 ₪ 2938 NZ$ 1315 NOK 8445 kr 8802 $ 854 $ 1264 £ 729 $ 1,206 € 815 ₪ 3109 NZ$ 1392 NOK 8939 kr 9316 $ 904 Single supplement $ 350 £ 202 $ 334 € 226 ₪ 862 NZ$ 386 NOK 2479 kr 2583 $ 251 $ 368 £ 212 $ 351 € 237 ₪ 904 NZ$ 405 NOK 2599 kr 2709 $ 263 $ 419 £ 241 $ 399 € 270 ₪ 1030 NZ$ 461 NOK 2961 kr 3086 $ 299 Third person in a room $ 1041 £ 600 $ 993 € 671 ₪ 2560 NZ$ 1146 NOK 7360 kr 7670 $ 744 $ 1089 £ 628 $ 1,038 € 702 ₪ 2678 NZ$ 1199 NOK 7700 kr 8024 $ 779
$ 1152 £ 665 $ 1,099 € 743 ₪ 2835 NZ$ 1269 NOK 8149 kr 8493 $ 824 Solo traveler $ 115 £ 66 $ 109 € 74 ₪ 282 NZ$ 126 NOK 812 kr 846 $ 82 Tourist tax $ 7 £ 4 $ 7 € 5 ₪ 17 NZ$ 8 NOK 49 kr 51 $ 5 Premium accommodations Low season Mid season High season Twin/double $ 1473 £ 850 $ 1,405 € 950 ₪ 3624 NZ$ 1623 NOK 10420 kr 10859 $ 1,054 $ 1628 £ 939 $ 1,553 € 1050 ₪ 4006 NZ$ 1794 NOK 11517 kr 12002 $ 1,164 $ 2078 £ 1198 $ 1,982 € 1340 ₪ 5112 NZ$ 2289 NOK 14697 kr 15317 $ 1,486 Single supplement $ 478 £ 275 $ 456 € 308 ₪ 1175 NZ$ 526 NOK 3378 kr 3521 $ 342 $ 625 £ 360 $ 596 € 403 ₪ 1538 NZ$ 688 NOK 4420 kr 4607 $ 447 $ 831 £ 479 $ 793 € 536 ₪ 2045 NZ$ 916 NOK 5879 kr 6127 $ 594 Third person in a room $ 1340 £ 773 $ 1,278 € 864 ₪ 3296 NZ$ 1476 NOK 9477 kr 9876 $ 958 $ 1479 £ 853 $ 1,411 € 954 ₪ 3640 NZ$ 1630 NOK 10464 kr 10905 $ 1,058 $ 1884 £ 1087 $ 1,797 € 1215 ₪ 4636 NZ$ 2076 NOK 13326 kr 13888 $ 1,347 Solo traveler $ 115 £ 66 $ 109 € 74 ₪ 282 NZ$ 126 NOK 812 kr 846 $ 82 Tourist tax €8
Extra Options
8-day tour
Standard accommodation (7 dinners): $ 316 £ 182 $ 302 € 204 ₪ 778 NZ$ 348 NOK 2238 kr 2332 $ 226 Premium accommodation (5 dinners): $ 239 £ 138 $ 228 € 154 ₪ 588 NZ$ 263 NOK 1689 kr 1760 $ 171
6-day tour
Standard accommodation (5 dinners): $ 240 £ 139 $ 229 € 155 ₪ 591 NZ$ 265 NOK 1700 kr 1772 $ 172 Premium accommodation (4 dinners): $ 203 £ 117 $ 194 € 131 ₪ 500 NZ$ 224 NOK 1437 kr 1497 $ 145
Torroella de Montgrí
Standard accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 78 £ 45 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 191 NZ$ 85 NOK 548 kr 572 $ 55 Single On request Premium accommodations Twin/double $ 93 £ 54 $ 89 € 60 ₪ 229 NZ$ 102 NOK 658 kr 686 $ 67 $ 116 £ 67 $ 111 € 75 ₪ 286 NZ$ 128 NOK 823 kr 857 $ 83 $ 163 £ 94 $ 155 € 105 ₪ 401 NZ$ 179 NOK 1152 kr 1200 $ 116 Single On request Tourist tax not included in price. This will be charged on final invoice.
8-day tour
Electric bike: $ 209 £ 121 $ 200 € 135 ₪ 515 NZ$ 231 NOK 1481 kr 1543 $ 150 Gravel bike: $ 209 £ 121 $ 200 € 135 ₪ 515 NZ$ 231 NOK 1481 kr 1543 $ 150 Gravel plus bike: $ 264 £ 152 $ 251 € 170 ₪ 649 NZ$ 290 NOK 1865 kr 1943 $ 189 GPS: $ 101 £ 58 $ 96 € 65 ₪ 248 NZ$ 111 NOK 713 kr 743 $ 72 Look or Shimano MTB pedals: $ 47 £ 27 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 114 NZ$ 51 NOK 329 kr 343 $ 33 Child seat: $ 54 £ 31 $ 52 € 35 ₪ 134 NZ$ 60 NOK 384 kr 400 $ 39
6-day tour
Electric bike: $ 140 £ 80 $ 133 € 90 ₪ 343 NZ$ 154 NOK 987 kr 1029 $ 100 Gravel bike: $ 140 £ 80 $ 133 € 90 ₪ 343 NZ$ 154 NOK 987 kr 1029 $ 100 Gravel plus bike: $ 178 £ 103 $ 170 € 115 ₪ 439 NZ$ 196 NOK 1261 kr 1315 $ 128 GPS: $ 70 £ 40 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 172 NZ$ 77 NOK 494 kr 514 $ 50 Look or Shimano MTB pedals: $ 31 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 76 NZ$ 34 NOK 219 kr 229 $ 22 Child seat: $ 39 £ 22 $ 37 € 25 ₪ 95 NZ$ 43 NOK 274 kr 286 $ 28
1 - 4 people (shared costs) Up to 8 people (additional cost per person) Girona to Girona Airport $ 70 £ 40 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 172 NZ$ 77 NOK 494 kr 514 $ 50 $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 57 NZ$ 26 NOK 165 kr 171 $ 17 Girona - Barcelona Airport $ 302 £ 174 $ 288 € 195 ₪ 744 NZ$ 333 NOK 2139 kr 2229 $ 216 $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 57 NZ$ 26 NOK 165 kr 171 $ 17 Torroella - Girona/ Girona Airport $ 171 £ 98 $ 163 € 110 ₪ 420 NZ$ 188 NOK 1206 kr 1257 $ 122 $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 57 NZ$ 26 NOK 165 kr 171 $ 17 Torroella - Barcelona Airport $ 388 £ 224 $ 370 € 250 ₪ 954 NZ$ 427 NOK 2742 kr 2858 $ 277 $ 23 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 57 NZ$ 26 NOK 165 kr 171 $ 17 Girona - Torroella de Montgrí € € Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- 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.
It is then recommended that you travel by bus or by taxi onward to Torroella de Montgrí. The train station and bus station are in the same building in Girona.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.
Upon arrival at the bus station in Girona, you can travel onward to Torroella de Montgrí by bus or taxi.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. The 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.Emergency Assistance
In case of problems with your rental bike, emergency assistance is included. Based on the damage or the location of the breakdown, you may be directed to the bike shop for repairs. If the problem was not your responsibility, our partner will be financially responsible. Please note that normal punctures are excluded from this included service. It is understood that participants on a self-guided tour will know how to repair or change an inner tube. In case of assistance for normal punctures or if you need assistance with personal bikes, a fee will be charged for the roadside assistance.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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