The Gravel Tour of Girona & Costa Brava

In Girona, there’s always plenty to see and do. The city is known for its well-preserved Jewish Quarter, colorful houses along the river, and the impressive Gothic cathedral. You can wander for hours through the many small streets, steps, and squares. A walk along the city walls is definitely worth it, offering a great view over the city and even the Pyrenees. Of course, the most famous bridge in Girona, the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, is a must-see. Designed by Eiffel, it does indeed resemble the Eiffel Tower.

Tip from Thijs: Apart from wandering through the old town, my favorite spot is the ‘Jardins dels Alemanys’. This hidden green courtyard next to the old city wall is a perfect place to unwind.

On the first day, you’ll explore the inland area of the Vilanna Valley. You’ll cycle through fields, farmlands, and forests. During this initial ride, you’ll tackle a few challenging hills. Your legs will know they need to work hard from now on! You’ll also pass by the ‘de la Crosa’ volcano, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings. Afterward, you’ll head back toward Girona.

Route: Girona -> Girona

You’re really starting the tour now! You quickly leave Girona behind and ride along the well-known “El Carrilet” Greenway towards Llambilles. Following various rural gravel paths through the fields, you eventually get back on the Carrilet via a detour. You then continue riding towards your hotel.

Route: Girona -> Sant Feliu de Guíxols

The challenge today is not in the tail end of the route. Starting from Sant Feliu de Guíxols, you’ll first enjoy a short, flat section before embarking on a long climb of about 10 kilometers. This climb is well worth it, taking you through the western Gavarres towards the church of Santa Coloma de Fitor. This ancient church has a hidden gem—a cozy café (open Wednesday to Sunday) where you can take a break. From here, you’ll descend to Pals, passing through the beautiful village of Peratallada on the way. In Pals, you can enjoy a drink at the charming medieval village square. The rest of the ride takes you through flat gravel paths across the fields towards your final destination.

Route: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Torroella de Montgrí

Today is a relatively flat ride with only a significant climb at the beginning. You start the day leisurely towards the beaches of l’Escala. Then you cycle through the dune area towards l’Escala. You also pass by ‘Punta del Milà’ – a beautiful viewpoint with high cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. In Empúries, you have ample time to visit the Greek and Roman ruins (dating back to 600 BC). The route ends in Castelló d’Empúries, featuring a stunning cathedral that showcases how powerful the village was in ancient times.

Route: Torroella de Montgrí – Castelló d’Empúries

After a few kilometers, you’ll start the first climb of the day: to the center of Cap de Creus (7 km 280m+). Here, you can choose the longer route that goes through Cadaqués, which is definitely recommended. If you take the longer route, you can have lunch there. From the center, you’ll descend through vineyards and olive groves towards the medieval town of Peralada. The last part of the ride takes you across the Empordà plain towards Figueres.

If you have time, a visit to the Dalí Museum is definitely worth it.

Route: Castelló d’Empúries – Figueres

On the last day, you start off gently, riding along deserted back roads through the rolling countryside. Here, pine forests and farmland alternate. Soon, you’ll see the hills of Les Gavarres rising in the distance. From Sant Martí Vell, the real work begins. After a long climb, you reach the ‘Santuari dels Àngels’. From the panoramic terrace, you have a stunning view over Les Gavarres, the nature park extending from Girona to the Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, you descend via the Sant Daniel Valley to one of the many plazas in Girona.

Route: Figueres -> Girona

After six days of gravel biking, you’ll surely be ready to enjoy some delicious tapas and a drink at one of the many plazas in Girona. Some lovely squares include Plaça de Sant Feliu, the large Plaça de la Independència, Plaça del Vi 7, the hidden Plaça Bell-Lloc, or the cozy bar across from the university up in the city: Plaça de Sant Domènec. This is the perfect way to wrap up your trip in style.

Difficulty level 3 for gravel biking refers to bike vacations that are manageable for the average gravel biker. The routes are not overly long but do include some elevation gain. The trails may involve longer stretches of unpaved terrain (gravel) and potentially some loose gravel with minor unevenness, but are always rideable. There may be 1 or 2 days that are a bit longer and more challenging. Typically, the distances range from 50 to 70 kilometers per day, with elevation gains between 300 and 800 meters per day.

Girona is located in the north of Spain, just across the border from France. Girona has its own airport and is only an hour away from the larger international airport in Barcelona. It’s also connected by train.