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 $ 1563 £ 821 $ 1,384 € 930 ₪ 3769 ¥ 142078 NZ$ 1685 NOK 11403 kr 11069 $ 1,017 $ 1655 £ 869 $ 1,466 € 985 ₪ 3992 ¥ 150480 NZ$ 1784 NOK 12077 kr 11723 $ 1,077 $ 1748 £ 918 $ 1,547 € 1040 ₪ 4215 ¥ 158883 NZ$ 1884 NOK 12752 kr 12378 $ 1,137 Single supplement $ 521 £ 274 $ 461 € 310 ₪ 1256 ¥ 47359 NZ$ 562 NOK 3801 kr 3690 $ 339 $ 550 £ 289 $ 487 € 327 ₪ 1325 ¥ 49956 NZ$ 592 NOK 4009 kr 3892 $ 357 $ 642 £ 337 $ 568 € 382 ₪ 1548 ¥ 58359 NZ$ 692 NOK 4684 kr 4547 $ 418 Third person in a room $ 1427 £ 749 $ 1,263 € 849 ₪ 3441 ¥ 129703 NZ$ 1538 NOK 10410 kr 10105 $ 928 $ 1509 £ 792 $ 1,336 € 898 ₪ 3639 ¥ 137189 NZ$ 1627 NOK 11011 kr 10688 $ 982 $ 1593 £ 837 $ 1,410 € 948 ₪ 3842 ¥ 144828 NZ$ 1717 NOK 11624 kr 11283 $ 1,036 Solo traveler $ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 ₪ 300 ¥ 11305 NZ$ 134 NOK 907 kr 881 $ 81 Tourist tax €5 Premium accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 2084 £ 1094 $ 1,845 € 1240 ₪ 5025 ¥ 189437 NZ$ 2246 NOK 15204 kr 14758 $ 1,355 $ 2370 £ 1244 $ 2,098 € 1410 ₪ 5714 ¥ 215408 NZ$ 2554 NOK 17288 kr 16782 $ 1,541 $ 3025 £ 1588 $ 2,678 € 1800 ₪ 7294 ¥ 274989 NZ$ 3261 NOK 22070 kr 21424 $ 1,968 Single supplement $ 719 £ 378 $ 637 € 428 ₪ 1734 ¥ 65386 NZ$ 775 NOK 5248 kr 5094 $ 468 $ 958 £ 503 $ 848 € 570 ₪ 2310 ¥ 87080 NZ$ 1032 NOK 6989 kr 6784 $ 623 $ 1274 £ 669 $ 1,128 € 758 ₪ 3072 ¥ 115801 NZ$ 1373 NOK 9294 kr 9022 $ 829 Third person in a room $ 1896 £ 995 $ 1,678 € 1128 ₪ 4571 ¥ 172326 NZ$ 2043 NOK 13831 kr 13425 $ 1,233 $ 2153 £ 1130 $ 1,906 € 1281 ₪ 5191 ¥ 195701 NZ$ 2320 NOK 15707 kr 15246 $ 1,400 $ 2743 £ 1440 $ 2,428 € 1632 ₪ 6614 ¥ 249323 NZ$ 2956 NOK 20010 kr 19424 $ 1,784 Solo traveler $ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 ₪ 300 ¥ 11305 NZ$ 134 NOK 907 kr 881 $ 81 Tourist tax $ 16 £ 8 $ 14 € 10 ₪ 38 ¥ 1451 NZ$ 17 NOK 116 kr 113 $ 10 Standard accommodations Low season Mid season High season Twin/double $ 1235 £ 649 $ 1,094 € 735 ₪ 2979 ¥ 112287 NZ$ 1331 NOK 9012 kr 8748 $ 803 $ 1294 £ 680 $ 1,146 € 770 ₪ 3120 ¥ 117634 NZ$ 1395 NOK 9441 kr 9165 $ 842 $ 1370 £ 719 $ 1,213 € 815 ₪ 3303 ¥ 124509 NZ$ 1476 NOK 9993 kr 9700 $ 891 Single supplement $ 380 £ 199 $ 336 € 226 ₪ 916 ¥ 34526 NZ$ 409 NOK 2771 kr 2690 $ 247 $ 398 £ 209 $ 353 € 237 ₪ 960 ¥ 36207 NZ$ 429 NOK 2906 kr 2821 $ 259 $ 454 £ 238 $ 402 € 270 ₪ 1094 ¥ 41248 NZ$ 489 NOK 3311 kr 3214 $ 295 Third person in a room $ 1128 £ 592 $ 998 € 671 ₪ 2719 ¥ 102510 NZ$ 1215 NOK 8227 kr 7986 $ 733 $ 1180 £ 619 $ 1,044 € 702 ₪ 2845 ¥ 107246 NZ$ 1272 NOK 8607 kr 8355 $ 767
$ 1249 £ 656 $ 1,105 € 743 ₪ 3011 ¥ 113509 NZ$ 1346 NOK 9110 kr 8843 $ 812 Solo traveler $ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 ₪ 300 ¥ 11305 NZ$ 134 NOK 907 kr 881 $ 81 Tourist tax $ 8 £ 4 $ 7 € 5 ₪ 18 ¥ 687 NZ$ 8 NOK 55 kr 54 $ 5 Premium accommodations Low season Mid season High season Twin/double $ 1597 £ 838 $ 1,413 € 950 ₪ 3850 ¥ 145133 NZ$ 1721 NOK 11648 kr 11307 $ 1,038 $ 1765 £ 927 $ 1,562 € 1050 ₪ 4255 ¥ 160410 NZ$ 1902 NOK 12874 kr 12497 $ 1,148 $ 2252 £ 1183 $ 1,994 € 1340 ₪ 5430 ¥ 204714 NZ$ 2427 NOK 16430 kr 15949 $ 1,465 Single supplement $ 518 £ 272 $ 458 € 308 ₪ 1248 ¥ 47054 NZ$ 558 NOK 3776 kr 3666 $ 337 $ 677 £ 356 $ 600 € 403 ₪ 1633 ¥ 61567 NZ$ 730 NOK 4941 kr 4796 $ 441 $ 901 £ 473 $ 797 € 536 ₪ 2172 ¥ 81886 NZ$ 971 NOK 6572 kr 6379 $ 586 Third person in a room $ 1452 £ 762 $ 1,285 € 864 ₪ 3501 ¥ 131995 NZ$ 1565 NOK 10594 kr 10283 $ 944 $ 1603 £ 842 $ 1,419 € 954 ₪ 3866 ¥ 145744 NZ$ 1728 NOK 11697 kr 11354 $ 1,043 $ 2042 £ 1072 $ 1,808 € 1215 ₪ 4924 ¥ 185618 NZ$ 2201 NOK 14898 kr 14461 $ 1,328 Solo traveler $ 124 £ 65 $ 110 € 74 ₪ 300 ¥ 11305 NZ$ 134 NOK 907 kr 881 $ 81 Tourist tax €8
Extra Options
8-day tour
Standard accommodation (7 dinners): $ 343 £ 180 $ 304 € 204 ₪ 827 ¥ 31165 NZ$ 370 NOK 2501 kr 2428 $ 223 Premium accommodation (5 dinners): $ 259 £ 136 $ 229 € 154 ₪ 624 ¥ 23527 NZ$ 279 NOK 1888 kr 1833 $ 168
6-day tour
Standard accommodation (5 dinners): $ 260 £ 137 $ 231 € 155 ₪ 628 ¥ 23680 NZ$ 281 NOK 1901 kr 1845 $ 169 Premium accommodation (4 dinners): $ 220 £ 116 $ 195 € 131 ₪ 531 ¥ 20013 NZ$ 237 NOK 1606 kr 1559 $ 143
Torroella de Montgrí
Standard accommodations Low season Midseason High season Twin/double $ 84 £ 44 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 203 ¥ 7639 NZ$ 91 NOK 613 kr 595 $ 55 Single On request Premium accommodations Twin/double $ 101 £ 53 $ 89 € 60 ₪ 243 ¥ 9166 NZ$ 109 NOK 736 kr 714 $ 66 $ 126 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 ₪ 304 ¥ 11458 NZ$ 136 NOK 920 kr 893 $ 82 $ 176 £ 93 $ 156 € 105 ₪ 426 ¥ 16041 NZ$ 190 NOK 1287 kr 1250 $ 115 Single On request Tourist tax not included in price. This will be charged on final invoice.
8-day tour
Electric bike: $ 227 £ 119 $ 201 € 135 ₪ 547 ¥ 20624 NZ$ 245 NOK 1655 kr 1607 $ 148 Gravel bike: $ 227 £ 119 $ 201 € 135 ₪ 547 ¥ 20624 NZ$ 245 NOK 1655 kr 1607 $ 148 Gravel plus bike: $ 286 £ 150 $ 253 € 170 ₪ 689 ¥ 25971 NZ$ 308 NOK 2084 kr 2023 $ 186 GPS: $ 109 £ 57 $ 97 € 65 ₪ 263 ¥ 9930 NZ$ 118 NOK 797 kr 774 $ 71 Look or Shimano MTB pedals: $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 ₪ 122 ¥ 4583 NZ$ 54 NOK 368 kr 357 $ 33 Child seat: $ 59 £ 31 $ 52 € 35 ₪ 142 ¥ 5347 NZ$ 63 NOK 429 kr 417 $ 38
6-day tour
Electric bike: $ 151 £ 79 $ 134 € 90 ₪ 365 ¥ 13749 NZ$ 163 NOK 1104 kr 1071 $ 98 Gravel bike: $ 151 £ 79 $ 134 € 90 ₪ 365 ¥ 13749 NZ$ 163 NOK 1104 kr 1071 $ 98 Gravel plus bike: $ 193 £ 101 $ 171 € 115 ₪ 466 ¥ 17569 NZ$ 208 NOK 1410 kr 1369 $ 126 GPS: $ 76 £ 40 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 182 ¥ 6875 NZ$ 82 NOK 552 kr 536 $ 49 Look or Shimano MTB pedals: $ 34 £ 18 $ 30 € 20 ₪ 81 ¥ 3055 NZ$ 36 NOK 245 kr 238 $ 22 Child seat: $ 42 £ 22 $ 37 € 25 ₪ 101 ¥ 3819 NZ$ 45 NOK 307 kr 298 $ 27
1 - 4 people (shared costs) Up to 8 people (additional cost per person) Girona to Girona Airport $ 76 £ 40 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 182 ¥ 6875 NZ$ 82 NOK 552 kr 536 $ 49 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2292 NZ$ 27 NOK 184 kr 179 $ 16 Girona - Barcelona Airport $ 328 £ 172 $ 290 € 195 ₪ 790 ¥ 29790 NZ$ 353 NOK 2391 kr 2321 $ 213 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2292 NZ$ 27 NOK 184 kr 179 $ 16 Torroella - Girona/ Girona Airport $ 185 £ 97 $ 164 € 110 ₪ 446 ¥ 16805 NZ$ 199 NOK 1349 kr 1309 $ 120 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2292 NZ$ 27 NOK 184 kr 179 $ 16 Torroella - Barcelona Airport $ 420 £ 221 $ 372 € 250 ₪ 1013 ¥ 38193 NZ$ 453 NOK 3065 kr 2975 $ 273 $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 ₪ 61 ¥ 2292 NZ$ 27 NOK 184 kr 179 $ 16 Girona - Torroella de Montgrí € € Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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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