Catalonia in north eastern Spain has long been known for its colourful past, stunning coastline and rolling countryside. This remarkable landscape is ideally suited to cycle touring, where regular stops at medieval villages, ancient ruins and Mediterranean beaches are an essential part of the day. The pace is relaxed following flat to gently rolling terrain, from the green Catalonian countryside past fields of sunflowers and wheat, forests of pines and even rice fields into an ancient land inhabited by Iberians in pre-Roman times and once besieged by pirates. During the ride stay in three specially selected rural hotels (each with its own unique charm), where you’ll enjoy hearty Catalan breakfasts each morning and dine out at any of the excellent local restaurants each evening.
Highlights
- Easy cycling through beautiful and ever changing landscapes
- Inland and coastal cycling past fields, orchards, medieval villages, river banks and beaches
- Renovated historical buildings converted to comfortable rural accommodation
- Delicious regional cuisine and a wide selection of restaurants for dining out
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Flaça, transfer to Corçà
If you are arriving into the train station in Flaça, on the Barcelona – Girona – Figueras line, you will be picked up at the station and transferred to the first night’s accommodation. A transfer from Girona airport can also be arranged (additional cost may apply). Overnight stay in the small town of Corçà.
Day 2 Cycle through Monells and Madremanya, visit castle at Pubol (17 or 31km)
The first day of cycling in Baix Empordà (Lower Ampurdan) takes you through picturesque landscapes of lovely villages, tiny vegetable gardens and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval historical centres of Monells and Madremanya are especially worth a visit, as is the castle-museum in Pubol which Dalí dedicated to his wife Gala. This cycling route may be a bit tough for a first day, but there is always the option of taking a shortcut. (B)
Day 3 Cycle through woods and rolling landscapes to Peratallada (24km)
Today you begin with a short ascent through wooded terrain, then the route takes you mainly on the flat through landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany, where small villages sit atop hills. This vast and fertile agricultural region was worked long ago by the Iberians, who introduced the cypress tree as a windbreak to protect the soil against erosion. In the evening, you’ll have the challenge of selecting one of the many inviting restaurants for dinner. (B)
Day 4 Cycle to the Costa Brava beaches (40km)
Today you cycle out to the Costa Brava. Follow quiet country lanes through the pretty regional capital of Pals, to Palafrugell and Llafranca then Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages along this coast. You can stop for lunch at a restaurant on the beach. In the afternoon, visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig or venture further south through the valley of Aubi, with its well-preserved rural atmosphere. Some local farmhouses still have towers dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, where villagers once sought refuge against pirate attacks. (B)
Day 5 Cycle through the Ter River delta and on to coastal beaches (31km)
This relatively gentle cycling route takes you through the green rice-fields of the Ter River delta, with its lovely windmills, then onward to the sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast. If you prefer to spend the day relaxing, the village of Peratallada is also the perfect spot to enjoy a rest day or a short stroll through the nearby forest. (B)
Day 6 Cycle via Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries to Sant Pere Pescador (38km)
Today you travel northward to the region of Alt Empordà (Upper Ampurdan). Cycle through mixed forests, open rural landscape and endless orchards. On the way, you pass Empuries, an interesting archaeological site with Greek and Roman ruins. Torroella de Montgri, with its Medieval streets and local palaces, makes a good place to pause for lunch. Your day’s journey ends in Sant Pere Pescador, just a few kilometres inland from the blue Mediterranean Sea. (B)
Day 7 Salvador Dalí museum, Aiguamolls Park (53km), return Sant Pere
This route takes you first to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with that of Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter’s museum and take a pleasant stroll along the Rambla. Just outside the town you pass a beautiful Augustine monastery before following the Muga River to the Medieval town of Castello d’Empuries. In the afternoon, you cycle through Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park, green and refreshing wetlands with an impressive seasonal water bird colony. (B)
Day 8 Trip concludes
Your arrangements comes to an end today after breakfast. Transport to the train station in Figueres is included in the program. (B)
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 nights accommodation in rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
- Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
- Rental of 21 speed bike equipped with panniers, helmet and repair kit
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to Flaça & Figueres train station
- Emergency hotline
- Maps and route descriptions per room booked
UTX-UCB
Images courtesy of Utracks
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