Catalonia

Spain | europe

It's all fresh tarmac and stunning views on cycle tours along the Mediterranean and in the Spanish Pyrenees

CYCLING CATALONIA

Riding your bike in Catalonia is an experience of a lifetime

After much deliberation, we’ve decided that Catalonia is the planet’s equivalent of the greatest place to ride and experience cycling tours, not just because epico was born in Catalonia….

Nothing about this magical region makes you want to fast forward or skip ahead. Every town, landscape, and ancient structure is a smashing success. In fact, we’re so taken with Catalonia’s unlimited riding appeal that we’re beginning to suspect it’s an acronym for Cyclists Are Touring…

Cycling tours with landscapes filled with incredible attractions

It is a region in north-eastern Spain with diverse terrain making it the closest thing to geographic schizophrenia you’ll ever experience on a bike tour. You can be standing atop a snow-dusted peak in the Pyrenees Mountains in less than two hours and then swimming in a secluded, sun-flooded cove along Catalonia’s famed Mediterranean coast. In between, rolling plains, vineyards, and olive orchards are interspersed with rural villages steeped in mediaeval history.

Catalonia has emerged as a favourite training ground for the world’s best cyclists. Catalonia not only has diverse terrain, but it also has a diverse culture. Many architectural wonders in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter are World Heritage Sites. The Montserrat Monastery, perched atop a rock pinnacle at 2,380 feet, is said to be where the Holy Grail was first discovered. And Figueres, Salvador Dali’s birthplace, honours his artistic legacy with the Teatre-Museu-Dali.

Sunset view in Catalunya Spain

More than just a cycling tour

Whether Catalonia is an acronym or not, one visit is all it takes to understand why it has become the number one hit on the cycling circuit today.

We offer cycling tours that take you past some of the world-renowned Catalan restaurants with cuisine that is known for its gastronomy. Spend nights in beautiful villages and cities like Girona, Calella de Palarugell, Peratallada, Madremanya, Toroella de Montgri, Sant-Pere-Pescador, and Figureres in between. 

You can experience exceptional cycling tours through the upper part of Catalonia and the Pyrenees is easily accessible for experienced riders.

Colorful houses in Girona, Catalonia, Spain

Discover cycling routes in Catalonia

Most cycling routes in Costa Brava vary in terrain and consist of flat sections, gentle drags, and steady climbing with a few hard climbs in between that lead to stunning views.

Choose your cycling routes carefully or join one of our guided tours. Our tours are tailored to make sure you have a hell of an experience that meets your cycling needs.

One of our favourite routes takes you up one of the infamous Girona climbs, Rocacorba. The Rocacorba mountain is a well-known and difficult cycling climb in Girona. It became well-known due to its popularity among local professionals. With it being close to Girona and it’s testing profile of challenging slopes, it became the ideal climb for the pro riders to test their form before heading off to some of the world’s biggest races.

Rocacorba - Cat 1 / 9.9km / 7%

It is nearly 10 kilometres long and has an average gradient of 7%, similar to the Sa Calobra climb in Mallorca. Rocacorba has fewer switchbacks than Sa Calobra, but they are still quite spectacular and play an important role in making it an iconic climb.

8 rides in Catalonia

Further Afield

Distance
190 km
Gain
2659 m
Road
Loop
Time
8/9 hours or 2 days

A big day out on the bike taking in the Gavarres and Serra de Rodes Mountains on a route to the crystal blue waters of the Med. You will definitely earn your stripes with this one! It’s a ride through true Salvador Dali country - although this experience will be firmly rooted in reality.

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El Àngels, Girona

Distance
79 km
Gain
994 m
Road
Loop
Time
3-4 hours

A certain ‘ex’ 7x tour winner regularly rode this route for a tough short workout, but there’s far more than just a test of fitness to be had. Cross the Gavarres mountain massif twice and climb to the chapel where Salvador Dali married. This loop is an ideal intro to Girona road cycling.

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Coast Loop

Distance
95 km
Gain
1188 m
Road
Loop
Time
3.5-4.5 hours

A ride that will burn itself solidly into the memory banks. Twisting gentle climbs, grin-inducing descents, views for miles, turquoise seas, a cycling experience for the soul. If you are cycling in Girona this is a must ride, you won’t regret it. Head to the coast!

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Sant Hilari from Girona

Distance
114 km
Gain
1563 m
Road
Road
Time
4.5 hrs

For a good day’s challenge, we recommend taking on the Sant Hilari loop. This loop takes you up to the town of Sant Hilari Sacalm, inland from the coast, offering a great quiet alternative in the holiday season.

If you are in the Girona area, this ride is not to be missed!

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Montserrat Climb

Distance
8.5 km
Gain
588 m
Road
6.9%
Time
40 min

There is nothing more iconic for the Catalans than the Montserrat mountain, which is considered sacred. The monastery here attracts pilgrims by the hundreds of thousands. Same time the sheer beauty of nature here makes it a Mecca for hikers and cyclists alike. So we won't exaggerate to say that climbing this mountain is a must if you want some truly unforgettable and very local experience. The views are surrealist.

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Can Grau

Distance
6.3 km
Gain
362 m
Time
25 mins

This is a fenomenal climb right off the seaside from them the main road along the Costa Brava coast. With zero traffic, this road is offers nice ride with gradual gentle climb to the hill top where you'll find picturesque old church and small café if you ride in the summer. Just be wary of the little stretch with 14% gradient right before you arrive to the top. Gorgeous views are guaranteed!

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La Mussara

Distance
10.5 km
Gain
636 m
Road
6%
Time
45 mins

Alt de la Musara is a picturesque cycling climb situated in the Tarragona province of Catalonia. It has been used in the Volta a Catalunya professional race, most recently in 2017 when the riders descended this side. The climb on the Vilaplana side is characterized by a high number of hairpin bends, as it winds its way through forest towards the Prades Mountains. Ocasionally, the trees open out to offer some nice views looking back down the climb. Alt de la Musara is nominally open year-round, with only very rare closures due to snow in winter.

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Rocacorba

Distance
14 km
Gain
798 m
Road
Single Climb
Time
1 hour to summit

Rocacorba has been used for over a decade by many local pros as a test of form, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 km climb has a deceptive overall gradient of 7%. Starting teasingly gentle before levelling off, disciplined pacing will pay off.

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Tours

Discover the incredible tours available to explore in Catalonia

Show all
Self-Guided

Costa Brava Gravel Bike Tour

 6 days I Spain I Gravel

A beautiful loop that begins and ends in Girona. Ride along rugged coastal paths, through vineyards and mediaeval villages. Stay in secluded villages along the way, such as Llafranc, L'Escala, Cadaques, and Figueres as you experience their brilliant hospitality and culture.

Rider ability
Medium
View tour
€ 2,399
Flower field and medieval town - Spain, Catalunya, Catalonia Self-Guided

The Pyrenees to Mediterranean Coast: Catalonian Family Exploration Tour

 6 days I Spain I Road / Touring

The perfect combination of the Pyrenees and coastal views, incorporating rolling valley scenery that is perfect for a family trip. This self-guided tour is a great introduction to Spain with picturesque routes, relaxed distances and the chance to explore the costa brava. It is guaranteed to be an epic cycling holiday that individuals, couples or families can enjoy.

Rider ability
Easy
View tour
€ 620
Girona Cathedral - Spain Guided

Christmas Cycling in Girona: Guided Road Bike Tour

 6 days | Spain | Road

Spend the festive Christmas season in the wonderful region of Girona and discover a whole new community of passionate cyclists. Whether you join as a couple or as a solo traveller, this experience will bring you joy, challenges and memories of an original Christmas spent exploring the beauty of this Catalan landscape.

Rider ability
Medium
View tour
€ 1,999
Tossa De Mar Castle Bay - Catalonia, Spain Self-Guided

Luxury Costa Brava: Road Bike Cycling Tour

 5 days I Spain | Road

The Costa Brava also known as the rough and rugged coast is a cycling paradise, this tour is one of the most refreshing self-guided tours that will have you explore the inland and beautiful coastline packed full of switchbacks and descents.

Rider ability
Medium
View tour
€ 2,180
Sunny summer day in Costa Brava Self-Guided

Costa Brava Explore: Road Bike Cycling Tour

 4 days I Spain | Road

The Costa Brava also known as the rough and rugged coast is a cycling paradise. This explore tour is one of the most refreshing self-guided road bike tours that will have you visiting the beautiful Costa Brava on stunning roads packed with switchbacks and relaxing descents.

Rider ability
Medium
View tour
€ 380

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