Catalonia by bike
8 days / 6 days riding / ref. ESP5 / Difficulty Easy / Linear tripper person
Your cycle trip in Catalonia
Easy cycling tour on nearly flat or gently rolling terrain from the azure Mediterranean Sea into the green Catalonian countryside, dotted with Medieval villages. Pedal back into history as you cross fields of sunflowers and wheat, forests of pines and even rice fields in this ancient land once inhabited by Iberians in pre-Roman times and formerly besieged by pirates.
Tour highlights
- Medieval villages with an authenticity all their own
- Both inland and coastal routes with a surprising variety of landscapes to enjoy
- Comfortable rural accommodations situated in charming Catalan villages and sunny flavors of Spanish cuisine
Day 1Arrival in Corça
Arrival at your accommodation in the village of Corçà. If you are coming into the train station in Flaça, a transfer to the hotel can be arranged (included).
Day 2Circular route from Corçà | 17 or 31 km
On the first day, immerse yourself in the ambience of Lower Ampurdan (Baix Empordà) cycling through its traditional and picturesque landscape. Cross little vegetable gardens, tiny villages and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval village centres of Monells and Madremanya especially worth a visit, as well as the castle-museum in Pubol dedicated to Gala, Dali’s wife.
Day 3Corçà – Peratallada | 25 km
A short climb through the woods, then on to flat terrain, surrounded by Tuscany-like villages situated atop natural mounds. This vast and fertile agricultural region was worked long ago by the Iberians, who introduced the now characteristic cypress tree as a wind-panel to protect the soil against erosion.
Day 4Peratallada - Costa Brava – Peratallada | 43 km
Quiet country lanes lead you through Pals, the pretty regional capital, to Palafrugell, Llafranca and Calella, one of the most beautiful fishing villages along this coast. Optional break to enjoy a very nice lunch at a restaurant on the beach. Other possibilities include a visit to the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig or venture southwards to the valley of Aubi, an area which has truly preserved its original rural character.
Day 5Peratallada - The Ter River delta - Peratallada | 40 km
Cycle placidly between the sandy beaches of the Costa Brava and the green rice fields of the delta, passing an occasional windmill along the way. Or, should you prefer to relax today, the village of Peratallada is a lovely spot for a rest day or a short stroll through the nearby Mediterranean woods.
Day 6Peratallada - Sant Pere Pescador | 38 km
Northwards into the region of Upper Ampurdan (Alt Empordà), through mixed forests, open rural landscapes and endless orchards. Optional stop to admire Greek and Roman ruins at the Empuries archaeological site. Then, take a break and stroll along Medieval lanes in Torroella de Montgrí. In the afternoon, arrival at your charming accomodation in the village of Sant Pere Pescador, just a few kilometers from the blue Mediterranean Sea.
Day 7To Figueres and Aiguamolls Natural Park | 57 km
The route takes you first to Figueres, the city whose name is synonymous with that of Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter’s museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d’Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony.
Day 8Departure during the day
Your program ends today after breakfast.
Transfer to Figueras train station can be arranged (included). From here, there are several trains towards Barcelona, Girona or Flaça.
Documents
> Download tour programHybrid bike Scott Atacama (or similar) - 21 speed gears
Man or Lady frame
- 1 rear side bag
- 1 map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 helmet
E-BIKE GIANT Prime (or similar)
Universal frame
- 1 rear side bag
- 1 map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 pump
- 1 lock
- 1 helmet
Practical details
- Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
- At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
Your room
The price is based on double room with 1 large bed for 2 persons. It’s possible to ask for a twin room ( 2 separate beds), on request and with extra cost (+ 50€ / pers).
Your journey
The rides follow mostly well surfaced tarmac lanes and secondary roads with little traffic and few dirt tracks. Inevitably, near the larger towns there is more traffic.
The terrain is relatively flat with lightly hills.
How to arrive in Corça
By plane :
We recommend an arrival and departure to/from the airport of Barcelona (BCN).
Then to reach your first accommodation :
– Barcelona airport >> Barcelona-Sants station by bus (aerobus/city bus) or train (line R2 Cercanías-Rodalíes) ; every 30 mn, 20 to 30mn travel time.
– Barcelona-Sants station >> Flaça by train ; 8 trains per day ; 2h travel time.
Then a transfer from Flaça train station to your first accommodation can be arranged (included).
Trains informations : www.renfe.com
By train :
We recommend you to take a train to Barcelona and then a train to Flaça:
– Barcelona-Sants station >> Flaça by train ; 8 trains per day ; 2h travel time.
A transfer from Flaça train station to your first accommodation can be arranged (included).
Trains informations : www.renfe.com
By car :
You can leave you car at the first accommodation for the duration of your stay.