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9-Day Spain Catalonia & Costa Brava Scenic Coastal Bike Tour

Explore Catalonia in northeastern Spain by bike, where you find historic cities, fishing villages and lovely scenery. Pedal peaceful greenway trails and along the gorgeous Costa Brava, as you experience language, culture, and the museum and grave of Salvador Dali.

Start - End: Ripoll - Figueres

Total trip: 9 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 5,499/pp including taxes and fees

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Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Cadaques, Catalonia bay
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Catalonia
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Sangria drink
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Cap de Creus Spain
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour ancient stone brick building
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Cadaques, Catalonia bay
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Catalonia
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Sangria drink
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Cap de Creus Spain
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour ancient stone brick building
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Catalonia streets
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Paella seafood dish
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Cadaques colorful buildings
Catalonia Costa Brava Bike Tour Dalí Museum Figueres

Ride Spain’s Costa Brava with Mediterranean views, medieval towns, and coastal roads.

Catalonia is a historic region of northeastern Spain – home to some of Spain's most iconic cities and famous characters. Explore Catalonia by bike … with much of the route on peaceful greenway trails. Plus, you ride along Spain's gorgeous Costa Brava, known for its scenic treasures. You experience Catalonia's unique blend of language, culture, and gastronomy … and a broad variety of landscapes from fishing villages to quiet towns, rolling hills with vineyards, beaches and well-preserved medieval centers. Plus, you visit Figueres, Salvador Dali's birthplace.


Your cycling adventure starts from the village of Ripoll, easily reached by train from Barcelona. Then you descend to Costa Brava's beaches, with lovely Mediterranean views. End the tour in Figueres ... and enter Salvador Dalí’s imaginative world at the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museum designed by Dalí himself.


Surfaces for this tour: 77% Paved and 23% Gravel. About 65% is on trails.

Trip Highlights

Day by day on your bike tour

Read about each day of the itinerary and check out the map below for the picturesque route you'll take on this tour.

Ripoll is the capital of the comarca of Ripollès, in the province of Girona. It is located at the confluence of the Ter River and its tributary the Freser River, not far from the Pyrenees and the French border. The first traces of humans inhabiting the area date back from the Bronze Age. In the IX century, residents of the surrounding areas began to concentrate around the place that today is called the city of Ripoll.

Take time to have a look at the famous Benedictine monastery built in the Romanesque style, Santa Maria de Ripoll, founded over 1,100 years ago by Count Wilfred the Hairy. The magnificent Romanesque portal is one of the treasures of European sculpture. Enjoy dinner together tonight.
Accommodation: La Trobada Hotel, Ripoll
Meals: Dinner

You cycle today toward Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. It’s a unique landscape carved out by ancient lava flows and bordered by volcanic cones. It’s the best example of volcanic terrain on the Iberian Peninsula. Pedal along “Vías Verdes,” greenways that are usually converted old railway lines. And head down the Vall d’en Bas to reach tonight’s destination in Joanetes, a restored manor house, and relax by the pool.

Dinner is together at the restaurant at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Vall d'en Bas, Joanetes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 26.3 miles (42.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1961 feet (598 meters) ascent, 2668 feet (813 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

Today, the route descends from Joanetes to Girona by the Greenway, an easy and safe cycling path. Then spin across the countryside and see different ancient villages such as Sant Feliu de Pallerols and Amer – where you can visit the natural sparkling fountain called Font Picant. Then, cycle about four hours on the Greenway to arrive in Girona.

Girona has become a popular destination for professional cyclists from all over the world because of the outstanding quality of its roads and bike routes. But it is also a well-preserved medieval town … with narrow winding city streets and one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe.

Stroll along the city’s medieval walls, the Passeig de la Muralla, and enjoy views of the city and the surrounding countryside … and reach the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. Join our guided walking tour of this medieval town in the afternoon. Tonight, explore the flavors of the Catalan cuisine. Gaudir del seu menjar! Enjoy!
Accommodation: Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Girona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 32 miles (51.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 860 feet (262 meters) ascent, 2176 feet (663 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

A comfortable bike path leads you out of Girona. You are back on a greenway Vía Verde called “El Carrilet” that leads you to the Mediterranean Sea. The small towns of Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera and Santa Cristina d’Aro offer the opportunity for pleasant stops along the ride. Great views of the Costa Brava will reward you for your efforts … all the way to the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Enjoy your afternoon with a dip in the Mediterranean, a walk along the beach, or a visit to el Monasterio de Sant Feliu de Guixols before dinner together tonight.
Accommodation: Eden Roc Hotel, Sant Feliu de Guixols
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 27 miles (43.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1039 feet (317 meters) ascent, 1211 feet (369 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Enjoy this beautiful ride to Tossa de Mar, which follows one of the most panoramic stages of La Vuelta a España – Spain’s “Grand Tour.”

Tossa de Mar is a small medieval village that sits on a promontory overlooking the old fortified village, called Vila Vella. It’s surrounded by walls dating back to the 12th century. They enclose the very quaint and well-preserved old town and feature three cylindrical towers and four turrets.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the village and step back centuries in time as you explore the alleys and ancient stone of this historic place.
Accommodation: Eden Roc Hotel, Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 27.5 miles (44.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3389 feet (1033 meters) ascent, 3382 feet (1031 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

The fresh scent of the sea will follow you along the first part of your ride today. The coastline is scattered with lovely little coves, and it enjoys pleasant temperatures most of the year. You then turn inland and pedal over rolling hills. Pass through medieval towns with their everyday life ... a chance to stop and get to know the local products of the region.

Your hotel is just outside Torroella de Montgrí. While the town is pleasant and typical of the region, it is the Montgrí Castle that dominates the landscape. It’s an unfinished 13th-century fortress that looms above the town on the hill and provides the main tourist attraction. Dinner is together at our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Palau lo Mirador, Torroella de Montgrí
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 38.6 miles (62.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1796 feet (547 meters) ascent, 1775 feet (541 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

Next, your route takes you north toward the coastal town of Roses. Roses was once a Greek colony. According to some historians, in the 8th century BC, Greeks came here from the lovely island of Rhodes as early as 776 BC, tempted by the peaceful waters of Roses’ natural harbor. It was there that they set up their commercial colony. Today, apart from enjoying the charms of the beaches and evening entertainment, you can still see the remains of this Greek city and those of the Roman town. Enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean here if you like.

In the afternoon, you take a chartered boat ride to Cadaques, where our hotel for the next two nights is.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Gala, Cadaques
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 33 miles (53.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 660 feet (201 meters) ascent, 753 feet (230 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

This morning we'll take a loop ride to Cap de Creus National Park, one of the most amazing places in Costa Brava, a paradise with sea and mountain views.

Afterwards you'll have the rest of the day to relax, enjoy the beach and get to know this lovely village, the people, the steep cobbled streets, the whitewashed houses, the memory of so many famous artists who lived here: Salvador Dalí, Luis Buñuel, Pablo Picasso, Federico García Lorca, Marcel Duchamp … People who helped to turn this fishing village into a tourist destination.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Gala, Cadaques
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 10.9 miles (17.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1397 feet (426 meters) ascent, 1399 feet (426 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

After breakfast, you transfer to Figueres, the birthplace of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalì. Together, we will visit the Dalì Theater-Museum. He was involved in all types of artistic creation … from painting, sculpture, design, drawing, movies, fashion … and Dalì applied the surrealist concept to an amazing array of media.

Your cycling vacation ends after the museum visit. We offer one transfer to the train station after the museum visit, around 1:30 p.m. Take some extra time to explore Figueres before you head home, or arrange to spend a day or two in Barcelona if you wish. Adéu from Catalonia!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Inns

La Trobada Hotel on Spain Bike Tour

La Trobada Hotel

Located in the center of Ripoll, on the River Ter, 2 minutes walk from the Monastery of Santa Maria, 5 minutes from the train and bus station, and with free parking just in front. Featuring 12 superior double rooms, 1 triple room, and 5 Junior Suites remodeled in 2019. Conceived from the 5 most important elements of our environment: Iron, Wood, Stone, Water and Nature.

Hotel Val de Bas on Spain Bike Tour

Hotel Vall de Bas

Enjoy this hotel that is full of charm and comfort in the extraordinary setting of environmental beauty in Joanetes.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona on Spain Bike Tour

Hotel Ciutat de Girona

This hotel is ideally located near the historical and cultural center of the city. Enjoy this hotel, a place designed for the pleasure of the senses: With the Blanc Restaurant , a renowned gastronomic meeting point among the local public; a virtual spinning room with guided classes; an option for body massages with natural cosmetics; or a fully equipped meeting room for events.

Eden Rock Hotel on Spain Bike Tour

Eden Roc Hotel

Hotel Eden Roc by Brava Hoteles is located only 1 km from Sant Feliu de Guixols, in a unique and quiet peninsula. The clear Mediterranean Sea surrounds along 360 meters Hotel Eden Roc by Brava Hoteles. The Suites and Superior Double Rooms have terraces with sea view, bathroom, hair dryer, satellite-TV, minibar, safe, direct-dial telephone and central heating.

Hotel Palau on Spain Bike Tour

Hotel Palau lo Mirador

Enjoy an unforgettable stay in a beautiful and welcoming 14th-century palace, recognized as one of the most emblematic and charming hotels on the Costa Brava. Enjoy their gardens, pool ... and maybe even a massage.

Hotel Villa Gala on Spain Bike Tour

Hotel Villa Gala

Emanating elegance and luxurious privacy, Villa Gala is unique and discreetly magnificent. Combining a warm atmosphere with a Mediterranean inspiration, this charming small hotel offers views of the village and the sea. Enjoy the avant-garde decoration and carefully treated details based on white and blue tones, characteristic colors of the region.

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FAQs

From where the trip starts to what to pack, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about this tour.

On the first day of the tour please meet at the La Trobada Hotel Sport at 3pm. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Ripoll, though you must make your own way to La Trobada Hotel Sport at the pre-designated times.

Your tour ends with a drop-off at Figueres Train Station at 1:30pm. Trains from Figueres will take you to Barcelona in about an hour.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Ripoll at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from Barcelona after 5pm.

You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this tour. By far the best way to get in shape for riding a bicycle is by riding a bicycle! Build up gradually by riding more each time and be regular in your schedule. Practice using the low (easiest pedalling) gears on your bicycle and keep your legs moving quickly (a pace of 70-90 rpm is recommended). This is called “spinning,” and it takes much of the pressure off your knees, while still being the best exercise for conditioning and strengthening. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, NordicTrack-type exercisers, aerobics, and jogging are all excellent ways to get in condition as well. And don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts.

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your tour, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.

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What's included

  • 8 nights’ accommodation
  • 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

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