SpainGIRONA & COSTA BRAVA
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainGirona & Costa Brava
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 8 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,530 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday discovers the best of the Girona province and the Costa Brava. We offer both road and hybrid routes, allowing you to cycle exclusively on paved surfaces, or to include some of the excellent gravel paths in the region.
Beginning in the city of Girona the tour loosely follows the Costa Brava, heading north towards the border with France. You will visit beautiful cove beaches, historic Medieval villages, and impressive ancient ruins. And you will cycle through Natural Parks, the Cap de Creus peninsula and throught the plains at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains.
You will also stay in high quality hotels in the most charming towns, including Begur, Empuries and Cadaqués, and you will find out why they so inspired a generation of great Spanish artists, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. As well as cycling, this holiday has a focus on discovering the history, culture and gastronomy of this beautiful region. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
You may also be interested in our guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Girona
We will pick you up from Girona airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel in the historic center. Girona began to take its modern form 2000 years ago, when the Romans built a citadel there.
Since then it has been strategically important as the first major settlement across the Pyrenees. Both Charlemagne and Napoleon made capturing the city a key part of their plans to invade Spain. The city walls, imposing cathedral and the winding streets of the old town are all vivid reminders of this impressive past.
Girona is also one of the major centres of cycling in Europe. It has long been the choice of residence amongst professional riders thanks to the mild climate and varied terrain close to the city. The Girona region offers something for cyclists of all levels and disciplines, making it a very flexible region to tour.
Since then it has been strategically important as the first major settlement across the Pyrenees. Both Charlemagne and Napoleon made capturing the city a key part of their plans to invade Spain. The city walls, imposing cathedral and the winding streets of the old town are all vivid reminders of this impressive past.
Girona is also one of the major centres of cycling in Europe. It has long been the choice of residence amongst professional riders thanks to the mild climate and varied terrain close to the city. The Girona region offers something for cyclists of all levels and disciplines, making it a very flexible region to tour.
The variety of routes around Girona make it a very popular cycling destination
Day 2 - Girona & Begur
The first day in the saddle leaves Girona and heads towards the beautiful town of Begur, situated overlooking the Costa Brava. The route follows a very pleasant path alongside the Ter River, before riding along quiet country lanes
and through rice fields to arrive in Begur.
There is the option to do a gentle climb through the Gavarres Natural Reserve, and also to visit picturesque villages, including Bisbal and Palau-sator, which make for a great lunch or coffee stop.
In Begur you stay for two nights in a charming hotel, housed in a converted 17th century convent. It's a great setting in which to relax, and is also within walking distance of the cove beach at Sa Riera.
Hybrid Route: 56km / 400m Elevation
(35 miles / 1,300ft Elevation)
Road Routes: 52km / 700m Elevation (32 miles / 2,200ft Elevation)
There is the option to do a gentle climb through the Gavarres Natural Reserve, and also to visit picturesque villages, including Bisbal and Palau-sator, which make for a great lunch or coffee stop.
In Begur you stay for two nights in a charming hotel, housed in a converted 17th century convent. It's a great setting in which to relax, and is also within walking distance of the cove beach at Sa Riera.
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 56km / 400m Elevation
(35 miles / 1,300ft Elevation)
Road Routes: 52km / 700m Elevation (32 miles / 2,200ft Elevation)
Pleasant rolling roads lead to the Costa Brava
Day 3 - Pals & Costa Brava
The rides today explore the coastline of the Costa Brava. You follow winding roads around the coastline, visiting picturesque beaches and climbing up to the castle in the center of Begur.
Another highlight of the ride is the town of Pals - which includes one of the best preserved Medieval centers in all of Spain. The beautiful narrow streets can be explored by bike or on foot, and it makes for a very memorable coffee or lunch stop.
Hybrid Route: 42km / 550m
(26 miles / 1800ft)
Road Route: 46km / 600m
(29 miles / 2,000ft)
Another highlight of the ride is the town of Pals - which includes one of the best preserved Medieval centers in all of Spain. The beautiful narrow streets can be explored by bike or on foot, and it makes for a very memorable coffee or lunch stop.
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 42km / 550m
(26 miles / 1800ft)
Road Route: 46km / 600m
(29 miles / 2,000ft)
One of the Cove Beaches of Begur
Day 4 - Historic Catalonia
This ride explores the rich history of this part of Spain. It begins by visiting the picturesque village of Peratallada and the ancient Iberian city of Ullastret, before heading through several other charming villages, all with well-preserved centers.
The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, giving you plenty of time to explore the charming villages and countryside on the route.
The day finishes in the town of L'Escala, just a short distance from the beach. Escala is known for its anchovies, and is also close to the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Empuries. Founded over 2,500 years, Empuries was once the most important city in Northern Spain.
It only began to decline after Barcelona was founded as a Roman colony under the Emperor Augustus. Today you can see the ruins of both the Greek and Roman sites, which were built alongside each other. You can easily compare the different architectural styles of the two ancient super-powers!
Hybrid Route: 44km / 200m
(27 miles / 650ft)
Road Route: 53km / 380m
(33 miles / 1,250ft ft)
The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, giving you plenty of time to explore the charming villages and countryside on the route.
The day finishes in the town of L'Escala, just a short distance from the beach. Escala is known for its anchovies, and is also close to the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Empuries. Founded over 2,500 years, Empuries was once the most important city in Northern Spain.
It only began to decline after Barcelona was founded as a Roman colony under the Emperor Augustus. Today you can see the ruins of both the Greek and Roman sites, which were built alongside each other. You can easily compare the different architectural styles of the two ancient super-powers!
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 44km / 200m
(27 miles / 650ft)
Road Route: 53km / 380m
(33 miles / 1,250ft ft)
Medieval Peratallada
Day 5 - Aiguamolls & Cap de Creus Peninsula
Today you continue heading north along the Costa Brava. The highlight is the ride through the spectacular Cap de Creus peninsula - the most easterly point of mainland Spain.
Before reaching the Cap de Creus you will ride through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, a popular spot with birdwatchers, and you will also visit the delightful town of Castello d'Empuries.
The shorter routes head through Roses, where you can visit the ancient citadel. There is also the option to climbs to the hilltop monastery of St Pere de Rodes.
The day ends in the town of Cadaqués. A former home of Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, it isn't hard to see why the beautiful buildings and dramatic coastline captured the imagination of some of Spain's greatest artists.
Hybrid Route: 52km / 500m
(32 miles / 1,650ft)
Road Route: 58km / 500m
(36 miles / 1,650ft)
Before reaching the Cap de Creus you will ride through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, a popular spot with birdwatchers, and you will also visit the delightful town of Castello d'Empuries.
The shorter routes head through Roses, where you can visit the ancient citadel. There is also the option to climbs to the hilltop monastery of St Pere de Rodes.
The day ends in the town of Cadaqués. A former home of Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, it isn't hard to see why the beautiful buildings and dramatic coastline captured the imagination of some of Spain's greatest artists.
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 52km / 500m
(32 miles / 1,650ft)
Road Route: 58km / 500m
(36 miles / 1,650ft)
The Cap de Creus peninsula has beautiful scenery for riding
Day 6 - Cadaqués
The routes today explore more of the impressive Cap de Creus Peninsula. The day begins by heading to the tiny fishing village of Port Lligat, where you can see Dalí's former home. From there you continue to the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula.
This is an undulating ride, but not too long, and so it should leave you with plenty of time to look around Cadaqués, or relax on one of the town's many beautiful beaches.
If you would like to cycle even further, it is possible to continue along the coast to the towns of Port de la Selva and Llanca, before returning to Cadaqués.
Hybrid Route: 24km / 400m
(15 miles / 1,300ft)
Road Route: 25km / 400m
(16 miles / 1,300ft)
This is an undulating ride, but not too long, and so it should leave you with plenty of time to look around Cadaqués, or relax on one of the town's many beautiful beaches.
If you would like to cycle even further, it is possible to continue along the coast to the towns of Port de la Selva and Llanca, before returning to Cadaqués.
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 24km / 400m
(15 miles / 1,300ft)
Road Route: 25km / 400m
(16 miles / 1,300ft)
There is a lot to see in Cadaqués, both on and off the bike
Day 7 - Figueres
The final day in the saddle leaves the coast behind and heads inland to the town of Figueres. You cross the rolling landscape of the Emporda wine region and follow picturesque lanes through the vineyards
and arable farmland.
In the distance, the impressive peaks of the Pyrenees mountains make for an imposing backdrop.
On arriving in Figueres you can extend the route to the large hilltop castle - which is claimed to be the largest intact fortress in Europe. It was built in the 18th century to try to help to defend Spain against French aggression, but was unable to prevent the invasion by Napoleon around fifty years after its construction.
Figueres is also home to the Dalí theatre and museum, which holds the largest collection of the artist's works. This is a must visit for fans of surrealism or simply art in general.
Hybrid Route: 39km / 400m
(24 miles / 1,350ft)
Road Route: 51km / 850m
(32 miles / 2,800ft)
On arriving in Figueres you can extend the route to the large hilltop castle - which is claimed to be the largest intact fortress in Europe. It was built in the 18th century to try to help to defend Spain against French aggression, but was unable to prevent the invasion by Napoleon around fifty years after its construction.
Figueres is also home to the Dalí theatre and museum, which holds the largest collection of the artist's works. This is a must visit for fans of surrealism or simply art in general.
Cycle Routes
Hybrid Route: 39km / 400m
(24 miles / 1,350ft)
Road Route: 51km / 850m
(32 miles / 2,800ft)
Dalí Museum, Figueres
Day 8 - Departure / Extensions
After breakfast, the cycling holiday comes to an end. We can help to arrange extra nights for you to stay in Catalonia to discover even more about this great region.
Popular extensions include Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees mountains.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Girona airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Popular extensions include Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees mountains.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Girona airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
There are several great options to extend your holiday
Whether you choose the hybrid or road route, this tour explores the best of Girona and the Costa Brava. You ride through natural parks, visit dozens of stunning villages and historic sites, while stay in high quality hotels.
You can swim in the cove beaches of the Costa Brava and enjoy the finest Catalan and Spanish cuisine. This holiday really allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this fascinating region.
These are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
You can swim in the cove beaches of the Costa Brava and enjoy the finest Catalan and Spanish cuisine. This holiday really allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this fascinating region.
These are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
Pals
A picturesque Medieval village which makes for a great lunch stop.
Begur Beach
These charming cove beaches are dotted all along the Costa Brava.
Begur Castle
The view of the Costa Brava from Begur castle.
Ullastret Iberian Village
The remains of this ancient village date back to before Roman times. The Iberian people were known as fierce warriors, who gradually became civilized through contact with the Greeks and the wider Mediterranean world.
Cap de Creus
Literally meaning the 'Wild Coast' - the Costa Brava is home to beautiful fishing villages and hidden coves. Cadaqués is one of the best known.
Port Lligat
The house on the left is the former residence of the artist Salvador Dalí. It is now a museum which is unchanged from when he lived there, and is suitably quirky and imaginative.
Cobbled Medieval Street
Whether you cycle or walk, you can't help but soak in the atmosphere.
Dali Museum - Figueres
Figueres is best known as being the home town of Salvador Dali. This museum in the city center is constructed in suitably surrealist style.
Cadaqués
The fishing town of Cadaqués is a feast of colours, with picturesque buildings and a spectacular coastline.
Castello d'Empuries
The delightful town of Castello d'Empuries was notable for its significant Jewish quarter during the Middle Ages.
Peratallada
The colorful square in the village center.
Roses Citadel
This large citadel was built to protect the town of Roses from attack by pirates. It enclosed the earlier Ancient Greek town of Rodes, named after the Greek island of Rhodes from which the colonists had originated (and which later became known as Roses)
Girona
The colorful river-front of Girona backs on to the winding streets of the old town. Thanks to its strategic location, Girona has been fought over for thousands of years.
Ter River
You follow a cycle route alongside this river, which is the largest and most important in the Girona region.
Emporda Vineyards
Vineyards are dotted around the region and produce excellent reds, as well as sweet dessert wines.
Empuries
Ancient Roman and Greek town that was a major trading post around the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It began to decline when the new port of Barcino (Barcelona) was founded in the late 1st century BCE.
Rice Fields
The rice from these fields is used to make the local paellas.
Cove Beaches
Tranquil cove beaches line the Cap de Creus peninsula.
Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery
This monastery is climbed to on the road route. Legend states that it was founded by monks who fled Italy from the Vandals, while carrying the remains of St Peter (Sant Pere in Catalan).
Medieval Village
Girona province is full of small villages dating from Medieval times. An era during which Catalonia really began to develop its distinct regional identity.
Included
- ✔ 7 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast each day
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road, gravel bike or e-bike)
- ✔ Transfers to and from arrival and departure points (see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ GPS routes and mobile app to easily follow the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday. We can provide road, hybrid or e-bikes. Which bike you choose depends on the rides that you plan to do. Hybrid bikes give you the flexibility to do either of the routes each day. But
if you know for certain that you will ride the road routes, then it is also possible to use a road bike.
The e-bikes for this tour are e-mountain bikes, to provide extra comfort.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. We provide these or similar models.
The e-bikes for this tour are e-mountain bikes, to provide extra comfort.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. We provide these or similar models.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as medium level of difficulty.. The daily distances are generally around 40-50km and there is some climbing, although the majority of the routes are flat or gently rolling. The off-road sections on the hybrid rides are not technical and very easy to ride.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so avoid it wherever possible. Having said that, drivers in Catalonia are very courteous towards cyclists, so it isn't a problem on the short sections where you will meet the odd car, for example entering or leaving some of the towns.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so avoid it wherever possible. Having said that, drivers in Catalonia are very courteous towards cyclists, so it isn't a problem on the short sections where you will meet the odd car, for example entering or leaving some of the towns.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The tour begins in Girona. Transfers are included from Girona airport or train station. If you are unable to get a flight there, then we recommend flying into Barcelona airport and taking the train to Girona. This takes less than an hour and runs roughly hourly throughout the day.
The holiday ends in Figueres. From here we transfer you to Figueres train station. From Figueres you can easily take the train into Girona and Barcelona in Spain. There are also trains to Perpignan in France; from there fast trains leave to Avignon, Lyon, Paris and other destinations.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
The holiday ends in Figueres. From here we transfer you to Figueres train station. From Figueres you can easily take the train into Girona and Barcelona in Spain. There are also trains to Perpignan in France; from there fast trains leave to Avignon, Lyon, Paris and other destinations.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Is it possible to change the itinerary?
Absolutely! The itinerary is flexible. If, for example, you would rather stay for more or fewer nights, or stay in a different town, we would be happy to change it for you.
Similarly, we can provide different routes if you would prefer to do longer or shorter rides than the ones in the itinerary.
What is the weather like?
The Girona region is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain. This tour is most enjoyable in Spring (March - June) and Autumn or Fall (September to November), when the temperatures tend to be very pleasant for cycling.
It is also possible to go in July and August if you are used to cycling in warmer temperatures (it can be above 30°C (85°F). Please bear in mind though that this is the main season for other holidaymakers. The roads and towns are busier and the hotels are more expensive, so
we recommend avoiding the height of summer if you have the choice.
It is also possible to go on this holiday in winter. Day time temperatures in January average around 14°C (56°F), so it isn't T-shirt weather, but it can be quite pleasant for cycling.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Barcelona.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to spend more time on the Costa Brava, or to visit anywhere
else in Spain or France.
Do you run this as a guided tour?
Yes, for groups of six or more people, we can run this as a private guided tour.
You may also be interested in our Guided Girona & Costa Brava holiday, which is similar to this one, but is more of a leisurely tour with most meals included.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
Hotel Nord 1901
This charming 4-star hotel is situated in the heart of Girona, just a short distance from the cathedral and impressive city walls. It has large rooms and a nice swimming pool area for relaxing.
El Convent Begur
You spend two nights in this beautiful 4-star hotel housed in a converted 17th century convent. It is situated on the edge of Begur and within walking distance of the beach and coves of the Costa Brava. The historic building of the hotel, the colorful gardens and the swimming pool create a tranquil backdrop.
Molí de l'Escala
This 4-star boutique hotel is housed in a converted 17th century flour mill on the edge of l'Escala. It has charming rooms and is just a short walk from both the beach and the ancient ruins of Empuries. The hotel also has very high quality restaurant.
Hotel Blaumar
You spend two nights in this small 3-star boutique hotel in Cadaqués. It's situated close to both the center and the cove beaches around the town, making it a great base for exploring.
The hotel is beautifully decorated in traditional white and blue style and has comfortable rooms and a nice garden and swimming pool area.
The hotel is beautifully decorated in traditional white and blue style and has comfortable rooms and a nice garden and swimming pool area.
Hotel Pirineos
This 4-star hotel has comfortable rooms and is located in the center of Figueres. It is a short walk from both the Dali museum and theatre, and also from the lively Rambla boulevard.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
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