Barcelona to Girona Cycling Holidays
Start in Barcelona, exploring its natural parks and panoramic city views
Cycle through Caldes de Montbui’s thermal villages and soak in natural hot springs
Experience the serene beauty of Vic and its surrounding natural parks
Discover Girona’s medieval charm and its significance in cycling culture
Traverse the picturesque Empordà countryside, visiting medieval villages
Enjoy hotel accommodations that blend comfort with local charm in each destination
Itinerary
Welcome to Barcelona, a city where the vibrant culture, architectural marvels, and Mediterranean breezes converge to create a backdrop for an unforgettable cycling journey. As you settle in, the anticipation of the adventures ahead mingles with the lively atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds, from the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets to the modernist wonders of Gaudí.
Hotel in Barcelona
Your journey starts with an ascent into Collserola Natural Park, Barcelona’s largest natural sanctuary, dotted with diverse vegetation such as Aleppo pines and evergreen oaks. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of Barcelona from the summit before your descent towards Sant Cugat del Vallès and onward through Cerdanyola, navigating the undulating terrain of villages that fringe Barcelona.
Your destination, Caldes de Montbui, awaits a tranquil retreat famed for its therapeutic hot springs. Located at the foothills of the Farrel mountain and within the lush Riera de Caldes valley, it provides a serene setting to relax and rejuvenate at the day’s end.
42 km and 870m of elevation gain
Hotel in Caldes de Montbui
Embark on a captivating loop ride that takes you through the picturesque hills and valleys surrounding Caldes de Montbui. Today’s journey unfolds on serene secondary roads, offering a tranquil cycling experience with minimal to no traffic. The route provides stunning views over the Vallès valley, enhancing the ride with breathtaking natural scenery.
As you pedal through the rolling landscape, you’ll visit a series of enchanting villages, each with its unique charm. St. Llorenc Saval, renowned for offering the area’s best seafood, presents an enticing option for a mid-ride break. Continue through Gallifa, a quaint village that captures the essence of rural Catalonia, and Sant Feliu de Codines, before reaching El Farell. Both Sant Feliu de Codines and El Farell are perched at some of the highest points in Vallès, offering exceptional vantage points over the region.
After completing the loop, return to the same hotel in Caldes de Montbui, where a restful evening awaits. This day allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local landscape and culture, returning with memories of the Vallès Valley’s panoramic beauty and its welcoming villages.
57 km and 982m of elevation gain
Hotel in Caldes de Montbui
Today’s route escorts you through the enchanting forests of Sant Miquel and Centelles, guiding you towards the Vic Valley. As you cycle along the rolling hills of “La Plana de Vic,” the landscape unfurls with pastoral beauty and serene vistas.
A must-visit along today’s journey is the extraordinary medieval abbey of Sant Miquel del Fai, located in Sant Miquel del Fai. This remarkable Romanesque chapel, crafted within a grotto, sits elegantly amidst rocks, surrounded by dense forests, imposing cliffs, and a majestic waterfall that cascades over 100 meters. The abbey’s serene and mystical atmosphere provides a unique glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage.
Your destination for the evening is the charming town of Vic, nestled on the banks of the Meder River. Vic, set against the backdrop of the expansive Plana de Vic and encircled by verdant hills, offers an authentic slice of small-town Spanish life.
65 km and 1200m of elevation gain
Hotel in Vic
Embrace the freedom of a leisurely start to your day with a loop ride from your base in Vic. This ride ventures into the tranquil roads of the Llucanes, where you can truly unwind and relish the journey amidst gently rolling hills. The scenic route takes you past traditional farming houses set against large expanses of forest, offering a serene backdrop to your cycling experience.
As you pedal through this picturesque region, the simplicity and beauty of the landscape invite a sense of calm and appreciation for the area’s natural and rural charm. Today’s ride is an opportunity to further explore the Vic region at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and soaking in the peaceful ambience of the Catalan countryside.
58 km and 850m of elevation gain
Hotel in Vic
Today’s journey leads you from Vic to the renowned city of Girona, through landscapes that captivate cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Your route takes you to Sant Hilari Sacalm, celebrated for its abundance of hot springs and medicinal waters. The surrounding scenery, with its caves, mountains, and valleys, is simply breathtaking.
If time allows, a visit to the town’s 10th-century chapel, showcasing Gothic and Romanesque architecture, is highly recommended. As you continue, the ride traverses the Natural Area of Les Guilleries-Savassona. Spanning over 9,000 hectares, this natural reserve is a testament to the region’s ecological diversity, home to a wide array of flora and fauna. This segment of your ride offers a moment to appreciate the tranquil beauty of Catalonia’s countryside.
Your destination, Girona, awaits as a historical and cultural treasure. This city, with its rich past and vibrant present, offers a warm welcome. Enjoy exploring its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and the famous colourful houses lining the Onyar River.
83 km and 1400m of elevation gain
Hotel in Girona
On your final riding day in the enchanting Costa Brava, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region one last time. Where medieval villages dot the landscape, each telling its own story of times past.
This loop from Girona takes you through a picturesque circuit, where you’ll encounter the charm of La Bisbal d’Empordà and the quiet beauty of Madremanya, nestled amidst rolling hills and vibrant natural scenery. These historic villages offer a glimpse into the Catalan heritage, with their stone architecture and timeless ambience.
Riding through these areas, you’re not just cycling on roads; you’re travelling through history, with each turn revealing more of the region’s past and present. The day promises a blend of physical challenge and cultural exploration, culminating in a fulfilling return to Girona.
63 km and 870m of elevation gain
Hotel in Girona
As the morning light filters through Girona’s ancient streets, it’s time to bid farewell to the city that has been the start and end point of your cycling adventure. From the serene beauty of Empordà’s medieval villages to the tranquil roads that wound through the Costa Brava, each moment spent on this journey has been a treasure. Safe travels and adiós, until our paths cross once more.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Description
This self-guided cycling tour takes you on an unforgettable journey from the cosmopolitan allure of Barcelona to the medieval enchantment of Girona, offering a deep dive into the heart of Catalonia’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, where urban exploration and natural beauty merge, setting the stage for the days ahead.
Leaving Barcelona, you’ll pedal towards Caldes de Montbui, indulging in the therapeutic warmth of its renowned thermal springs. The route then leads you through the rolling hills and quaint villages surrounding Vic, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s pastoral tranquillity and cultural heritage.
As you approach Girona, the landscape unfolds with the rustic charm of the Empordà countryside, dotted with medieval villages that whisper tales of a bygone era. Girona itself, a jewel in the crown of Catalonia, welcomes you with its cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and a legacy intertwined with the sport of cycling.
The tour offers a choice of scenic rides for your final cycling day, whether it’s the serene Empordà countryside or the rugged beauty of Costa Brava’s coastal roads. Each option presents a unique perspective on Catalonia’s natural splendour and architectural wonders.
Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in carefully selected hotels that offer a blend of comfort, local charm, and hospitality, ensuring that each day ends as beautifully as it begins. From the panoramic views of Barcelona to the historic streets of Girona, this cycling tour not only challenges the body but also enriches the soul, leaving you with lasting memories and a deep connection to this enchanting corner of Spain.
Map
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Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours offer a customized and adaptable way to enjoy cycling vacations, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and adjust your itinerary or timetable as needed. Our team manages all the details, including lodging, comprehensive schedules, GPS routes, and continuous support, providing a relaxing and interactive journey that delivers autonomy, personalization, and genuine cultural experiences.
We are dedicated to finding the ideal match for you. We collaborate with various accommodation providers that meet our criteria, but their availability may differ, especially during peak seasons. Moreover, we can personalize your vacation based on your preferences and budget, making sure we discover the most fitting solution for your needs.
We advise booking your tour as early as possible, especially for popular tourist destinations where accommodation options are limited. The best choices are often booked out for summer before spring even arrives.
Most tours can still take place in light rain as long as you dress appropriately. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s best to start the tour early. If the weather looks particularly bad, we can try to make adjustments to the tour ahead of time.
Our tours are specially designed for road bikes, and when it comes to Spain, an endurance road bike would be the most optimal choice. However, using a different type of bike will not pose any issues. Gravel bikes can be an excellent alternative as they offer versatility without compromising road performance.
Rest assured, we can always customize our tours to accommodate your bike. For instance, if you opt for a gravel bike, we can incorporate gravel roads into the itinerary. Regardless of your bike choice, you are more than welcome to join our road cycling tours in Spain, as we will make the necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless experience.