Costa Brava Experience: Iconic Spanish Cycling Tour
Self-Guided5 days
Sunny weather and challenging, yet quiet, sweeping roads. This is our most refreshing self-guided tour that takes you through the gorgeous picturesque Med coast, soaking up the iconic vibes of Girona.
Style
Road cycling
Gain
5,213 m
Distance
340 km
Level
Medium
Tour overview
THERE ISN'T ANYTHING LIKE THE COSTA BRAVA
This year’s tour is the sunniest and most refreshing! Our Self-Guided Costa Brava Road Cycling Tour takes you through the region’s southern region. Discover the most iconic coastal landscapes and places in Girona, Northern Catalonia’s classic cycling capital, at your own pace.
Starting and finishing in Girona, home to numerous professional cycling teams and pro riders. On this tour, you’ll cycle through picturesque fishing towns, sandy beaches, and mediaeval villages while taking on world-famous cycling routes.
This 5-day tour consists of four stages and is intended for experienced cyclists. Book now, personalise your trip, and explore these rugged landscapes and winding roads! This epic self-guided cycling tour requires a minimum of four people. For more information and to check on date availability, please contact us directly.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
The most stunning coastal route in the world
Highlights of your cycling trip
Day-to-day Luggage Transfers
Each day, the team will transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel, allowing you to focus on cycling. We arrange bike transfers for you on the first and last days, and the digital travel guide is available for everything in between.
Extraordinary Experience
We're taking you to one of the world's best cycling destinations. Excellent empty roads, breathtaking scenery, and a vibrant Catalan culture combine to make for an unforgettable riding vacation. Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Customisable Accommodation
Choose your hotel level to tailor your trip to your budget. Each hotel has been carefully chosen for its idyllic setting. Throughout your journey, you'll feel well rested after each day in the saddle.
Tour destination
Costa Brava - Catalonia
Costa Brava's rugged coast, which stretches north from Barcelona to the Spanish–French border, is without a doubt the most beautiful of Spain's three main coastal holiday destinations. The satisfaction levels of cyclists here are unrivalled. The ride's beauty and quality are both excellent. There are a few stretches of coastal road that should be on everyone's bucket list. Even so, you can avoid the traffic and crowds. Costa Brava manages to keep the feel of small fishing villages while offering some seriously good restaurants and accommodations.
Costa Brava has a lot of warm Spanish sun. Fresher rides can be found north of the peninsula during the spring and autumn months. Make sure to bring your gilet for wind and rain protection and sun cream for the rest of the time.
Terrain
Costa Brava means "wild" in Spanish, which already says a lot. It's a rocky and mountainous terrain with some excellent and diverse riding. There will be some decent mountain passes and climbs, as well as some pack riding on the winding, limited, flat sections.
Culture
This area has its own distinct features, such as small fisherman's villages and some seriously good food, such as famous anchovies, and boasts a relatively unspoiled version of Catalan culture. There are some absolute gems to visit, such as Cadaqués, Salvador Dal's birthplace.
Accommodation during your tour
Explorer Level
Budget accommodation without compromising on quality
The Explorer Level is the most budget accommodation choice.
All our hotels are certified bike-friendly accommodations and offer cycling facilities, such as secure bike garage storage, early morning breakfast service, and common bicycle repair tools.
Comfort Level
Upscale 4* hotels where you can relax and enjoy all the comforts
The Comfort Level is the mid-range accommodation choice.
All our hotels are certified bike-friendly accommodations and offer cycling facilities, such as secure bike garage storage, early morning breakfast service, and common bicycle repair tools.
Luxury Level
The best hotels with premium facilities and top locations
The Luxury Level* is the premium accommodation choice.
All our hotels are certified bike-friendly accommodations and offer cycling facilities, such as secure bike garage storage, early morning breakfast service, and common bicycle repair tools.
The trip’s first stop is the wonderful city of Girona, a major city and pro-cycling hub near the Costa Brava.
Check into your hotel, then grab your bike and hit the road right away. Spend the rest of your time ascending Els Angels, Girona’s most iconic climb, or exploring the city. Don’t miss out on strolling through its historic district or sharing your passion for bikes over a cup of coffee at one of the numerous cycling cafes.
Depending on your arrival time, we suggest you take a short ride to Els Àngels, the most iconic climb in Girona, before visiting the city.
Overnight Town
Girona
This city has established a perfect balance between history, leisure, gastronomy, and cycling culture. Girona is bubbling and alive!
Included Climbs
Els Àngels (from Girona)
11 km, 3.66% av. gradient
Accommodation Possibilities
Explorer – DoubleTree by Hilton
Comfort – Ciutat de Girona Hotel
Luxury – Nord 1901 Hotel
Stage 1 – From Girona to the sea
Distance
82 km
Altitude gain
1319 m
You will leave Girona in the morning and cycle through one of Catalonia’s most beautiful sections to Platja d’Aro. The unforgettable Sant Grau Climb, from which you can enjoy panoramic views over the wooded mountains and down to the sea, will be the trip’s first challenge. Take it all in with a coffee from the famous monastery’s courtyard.
As you descend the mountain, you will arrive in Tossa de Mar, which has a lovely castle, old town, marina, and beach. Sant Feliu de Guxols is located further along the trail, just before S’Agaró – Platja d’Aro, the main tourist destination on the Costa Brava.
Overnight Town
Platja d’Aro
Considered the heart of the Costa Brava, this town boasts a long beach, hidden little coves, and Roman ruins.
Included Climbs
Sant Grau
8.8 km, 3.6% av. gradient
Accommodation Possibilities
Explorer – Hotel Spa La Terrassa
Comfort – Park Hotel San Jorge
Luxury – Cala Del Pi Hotel
Stage 2 – Classic climbs of the Costa Brava
Distance
92 km
Altitude gain
1516 m
The second stage of the tour includes three classic climbs in the Gavarres Protected Natural Area massif, all of which are well-known in the cycling world. Keep an eye out for your favourite pro cyclists who live and train in Girona.
The first and easiest climb of the day is Alt de la Ganga! It connects the coast to the inland town of La Bisbal d’Empordà, which is home to Catalonia’s pottery industry.
You will leave the city behind and ride up to Alt de Santa Pellaia, taking in the views of the Gavarres massif.
The final climb of the stage, Puig d’Arques, is also the steepest and most difficult! However, the panoramic viewpoint top offers spectacular views.
Overnight Town
Platja d’Aro
Considered the heart of the Costa Brava, this town boasts a long beach, hidden little coves, and Roman ruins.
Included Climbs
La Ganga
4.7 km, 3.7% av. gradient
Santa Pellaia
6 km, 4% av. gradient
Puig d’Arques
7.6 km, 4% av. gradient
Accommodation Possibilities
Explorer – Hotel Spa La Terrassa
Comfort – Park Hotel San Jorge
Luxury – Cala Del Pi Hotel
Stage 3 – The coastline of the Costa Brava
Distance
87 km
Altitude gain
1290 m
The third stage of the journey will reveal why this coast’s wild and rugged landscape is named ‘Brava’ – Spanish for fierce.
You’ll begin by passing through Palamós’ fishing village and its most famous cove, La Fosca. Then, continue north until you reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the Costa Brava.
The following section is a challenging series of short and steep climbs that will put your cycling skills to the test. From the top of those ascensions, you will have breathtaking views of the sea.
You will pass through Begur and the Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà before arriving in Torroella – L’Estartit (Marshlands).
Overnight Town
Torroella – L’Estartit
Torroella and L’Estartit are privileged and interesting towns. The diversity of natural landscapes, long beaches, shopping, cultural, and leisure opportunities make this area an ideal spot for a pleasant holiday.
Included Climbs
Alt de Sant Sebastià
1.3 km, 13% av. gradient
Alt de Begur
5.3 km, 3.2% av. gradient
Accommodation Possibilities
Explorer – Can Barnosell
Comfort – Molí del Mig by URH
Luxury – Empordà Golf Hotel
Stage 4 – The medieval villages
Distance
79 km
Altitude gain
1088 km
Departing from Torroella, you will travel through a flat section of quiet secondary roads and orchards to a large number of mediaeval towns.
We recommend that you take your time visiting the most important sites, which include Ullastret and its fortified town, Palau-Sator with its famous clock tower, Pals, one of the most visited mediaeval towns on the Costa Brava, Peratallada with its imposing town walls and picturesque streets, and Monells with its spectacular main square.
Optional Overnight Town
Girona – additional extra
This city has established a perfect balance between history, leisure, gastronomy, and cycling culture. Girona is bubbling and alive!
Included Climbs
Els Àngels (from Madremanya)
10.5 km, 4% av. gradient
Accommodation Possibilities
Explorer – DoubleTree by Hilton
Comfort – Ciutat de Girona Hotel
Luxury – Nord 1901 Hotel
Getting there
Information to help you book your flights and get around.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Flying in
Fly in airport: Barcelona or Girona
When best to fly in: in the morning or early afternoon on the first day of the self-guided tour (before 14:00)
Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are extra for an additional fee which can be added to your trip at booking
Flying out
Fly out airport: Barcelona or Girona
When to leave: in the afternoon on the last day of the self-guided tour
Transfers: scheduled airport transfers are extra for an additional fee which can be added to your trip at booking
Tour essentials
What’s included in your cycling trip.
Choice of Accommodation
Standard accommodation is a shared room with another rider in your group (if applicable)
Digital Guide
Turn by turn navigation throughout the entire trip
Daily Luggage Transfer
Support vehicles will transport your luggage on to the next hotel, so you only have to carry your essentials
Experienced Mechanic
Mechanical service in case of breakdowns (does not include spare parts in customer bicycle repairs)
Health Insurance
Medical sport accident insurance covering any cost up to €6000 is included on this trip
What’s not included in your cycling trip.
Flights
The best airport to fly to is Barcelona or Girona. We will then organise for you and your bike. If you have any questions on how to best organise your flights, contact us for more information.
Meals
Unless you add them on, meals are not included during this self-guided trip.
Transfers
Airport pick up and drop off can be arranged. Let us know if you want to add this on to your booking.
Extra
Bike rental
Only €275 for the entire trip
It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, high quality disc brake carbon bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.
Choose a CANYON CF 7 road bike with etap AXS electronic gears or a CANYON CF SL 8 road bike with mechanical Ultegra gearing to suit your needs for your tour.
With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly. All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every tour so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!
You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.
Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Road Bike
Fitted to you and ready to ride!
More things to maximise your cycling trip
EXTRA
Hotel Upgrade
Starting from €110
Upgrade your hotel to the mid-range Comfort Level or premium Luxury Level. Prices vary depending on the season of your trip and your accommodation choice. Price per person.
EXTRA
Return airport transfers
Starting from €60
Add on your airport transfers from Girona for €60 or Barcelona for €240. Prices are based on groups of 4+ and are per person.
EXTRA
Half Board Meal Add-On
Starting from €120
Include breakfast and dinner throughout your trip for an additional €120 per person (€240 if you choose the Luxury Level accommodations).
Booking options
Choose when you want to travel
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
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