Girona, Spain | Destination

Everything you could ever need

Outstand terrain and diverse scenery are what make Girona stand out.

The Pyrenees set the scene in the north — find just about any type of climb without needing to travel miles for the fun. Or go east and stumble upon the famous Mediterranian gem, Costa Brava. The coast is ripped with small bays and rocks hanging over the rich blue sea. Possibly the best coastal stretch of cyclable road there is, with almost no traffic.

And what’s more to Girona? In every other direction, you will find rolling hills, lakes, and towns. An endless network of empty roads tied together, a network that is maintained to perfection.

THE VIBE

Over the last couple of decades, Girona has gained massive international recognition. In the early 2000s, the US Postal Pro Cycling Team moved to Girona. Armstrong, Hincapie, Hamilton, and the others were drawn to the perfect training conditions and easy way of life. Now, about 100 elite cyclists call Girona home.

Visit Girona and there is a good chance you’ll eat in a restaurant owned by a pro peloton rider, or the guy making your coffee has won a stage or two somewhere down the track. On your bike, you are guaranteed to pass riders you follow on Instagram — that guy flying up on a climb is a pro getting prepped for a classic.

Girona is a cyclist’s place. It’s humble, discreet, and doesn’t boast. Loved by serious riders, you will want to come back over and over again.

TERRAIN

It’s no secret why Girona is so popular with the pros.

Nestled in the north of Catalonia and marked by the Pyrenees —the upper parts of the country are the mountainous foothills that are high and steep. Сombined with perfect road networks, this makes a real cycling paradise, especially for climbing.

But the key is the terrain diversity. From Girona, you have access to world-class loops with decent climbing, but you can also manage to get a fairly flattish ride if that’s what you are looking for.

THE WEATHER

Girona’s climate is mostly Mediterranean, but the proximity of the Pyrenees gives it a somewhat whimsical and unpredictable character. The weather can change faster than a peloton going downhill.

The best months are Spring, March to June, and Autumn, September to December. Girona’s Summer is a touch cooler than in other areas of Catalonia, so can be quite pleasant for riders who like to sweat. If you are up to serious Pyrenean riding, then you want to hit the warmer months as it gets cold up there. Winter is still cyclable, but make sure you bring full cover gear with you and be prepared for occasional rains.

5 rides in Girona

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

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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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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