Cycling in Girona

With its endless roads, great weather and stunning scenery, Girona is everything you could ask for cycling

Cycling Girona — In-depth Guide

Girona is the largest city in northern Catalunya and is rich in historical and cultural significance. Its heart is the old town where you will find pro cyclists rolling into town after a long day training. The town is built on the slopes of a hill above the river Onyar and is bounded on one side by the ancient city wall and on the other by the river. The city was founded as a Roman fortress on the strategic Via Augusta and was fought over numerous times until the nineteenth century.

It was an Arab town for 200 years after the Moorish conquest, and there was a continuous Jewish presence for 600 years. It’s no surprise that all of these dramas have left behind an amazing mix of architectural styles, ranging from classic Roman to Moorish and mediaeval to modernism (or art nouveau).

The historic old town has been beautifully restored, and it is connected to the new town by several roads and bridges. The Cathedral, the Arab Baths, the Monestir de St. Pere de Galligants, and the Museu d’Art are just a few of the fascinating attractions within easy walking distance. Overall, it’s worth spending some time exploring its steep streets and sampling some of its many bars, cafés, and tempting boutiques after the days riding.

TERRAIN THAT SUITS ANY AND EVERY CYCLIST

The Pyrenees set the tone in the north, where you can find almost any type of climb without having to travel long distances. Alternatively, head east to discover the well-known Mediterranean gem, Costa Brava. The coast is carved with small bays and rocks that jut out into the deep blue sea. With almost no traffic, this is possibly the best coastal stretch of road there is to cycle on.

What else is there to Girona? Rolling hills, lakes, and towns can be found in every other direction. An endless network of empty roads linked together and meticulously maintained.

Girona has a vast amount of good vibes. It has received widespread international acclaim in recent decades as some of the best riding in the world and has become home to a large number of professional cyclists.

If you visit Girona, chances are you’ll eat in a restaurant owned by a pro rider, or at very least sit down at a cafe to have a coffee and the guy sitting beside you has won a stage or two somewhere along the way. Out on the roads, you’re bound to see riders you follow on social media putting in the hard work to make their racing season a success.

Girona is a cycling destination with a host of other attractions. We’ve never heard of someone who doesn’t enjoy visiting or riding here.

Road. Gravel. Mountain bike. You name it, Girona has it all!

Life appears different from a bicycle. Everything adopts a suitable rhythm in order to become a moving landscape. On the Costa Brava and in the Girona-Pyrenees, there are many kilometres of safe cycling routes and roads that allow cyclists to taste each stretch of territory as if it were being created anew with each pedal stroke, whether on a road bike, a mountain bike, or a gravel bike.

The diverse network of secondary roads, tracks, and paths takes riders through a variety of landscapes. So much so that you can combine Mediterranean coves, mediaeval villages and high mountain passes in the Spanish Pyrenees in a single trip.

Its year-round pleasant temperatures, the variety and beauty of its landscapes, and the presence of peaks and classic routes make it a destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. From the famous Hincapie Loop in the Gavarres to Vallter 2,000, the 2,150-metre high Catalan cycle route, Rocaborba and Banyoles, or the coastal road from Lloret-Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols, the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are a cycling destination not to be missed.

THE HINCAPIE LOOP

Epico has strong ties to Girona. A number of our staff live here and this is one of their must-do rides for more experienced cyclists visiting Girona. It is named after George Hincapie and 9/10 when Julian asks Matt where he rode today, his answer will be Hincapie. Fun fact, George Hincapie is one of the first professional cyclists to discover Girona as an ideal location for cycling, training, and living..

The route begins on Pont de Pedra in Girona’s historic centre. Many cyclists (including the pros) begin their ride here. There are two climbs on the route. Els Angles, Girona’s most famous climb, is the first. It’s not too long or too steep, and it’s an excellent place to begin. Then you descend into Madremanya and ride through lovely mediaeval villages like Monells on your way to the next climb, Santa Pellaia.

It’s a little longer than Els Angles, but not too difficult and the descent to Cassa de la Selva is well worth the climb. From there, its back to Girona for your post ride coffee via the quiet country roads.

ROCACORBA

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.

THE COAST LOOP

With a full distance of 95 km and 1188 m of elevation this is one of the longer rides but let us tell you, it is one of the most spectacular. Don't forget to stop at Dulce Pikika, the famous cake shop to refuel for the last stretch home.

Tossa De Mar Castle Bay - Catalonia, Spain

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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