E-Bike tour: Girona, Costa Brava & volcano region

In Girona, there is always plenty to see and do. The city is known for its well-preserved Jewish old town, the colorful houses along the river, and the large Gothic cathedral. You can spend hours wandering through the many narrow streets, staircases, and squares. A walk along the city walls is definitely worth it. From there, you have a beautiful view over the city, and you can even see the Pyrenees. Of course, the most famous bridge in Girona, the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, is a must-see. This bridge was designed by Eiffel and indeed bears some resemblance to the Eiffel Tower.

Thijs’s Tip: Besides wandering around 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 relax and unwind.

Before setting off, you receive an explanation of the route. If you have rented a bike, it will be adjusted for you.

You then leave Girona along the El Carrilet greenway, a former railway line that is now a quiet cycling route. You pass Quart, Cassà de la Selva and Llagostera. Just outside Girona, the route follows the Onyar River for a while, the same river lined by the city’s well-known colourful houses.

The wooded hills of the Gavarres remain in view for much of the day. Cork oaks have grown here for centuries, and cork production is still part of life in this region.

At Llagostera, you leave the greenway and begin the climb to the Col de Sant Grau. A long descent then takes you towards the Mediterranean. The final part of the route follows the coast, at times high above the sea.

You finish the day in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, close to Sant Pol beach.

Today you cycle north along the Costa Brava. The route alternates between quiet coastal roads and seafront promenades.

Palamós makes a good first stop. It is a fishing town with a harbour that is still very much in use. A few kilometres further on lies Platja de Castell, a sheltered bay surrounded by pine trees. Just above the beach are the remains of an ancient Iberian settlement.

You then follow the Ruta del Tren Petit, another cycling path built along a former railway line. It takes you to Calella de Palafrugell, an old fishing village with small beaches and houses close to the sea. It is a pleasant place to stop for lunch before heading inland.

In Palafrugell, you pass the local market and can visit the Cork Museum if you wish. From here you continue to Pals, where the old centre is still made up of stone houses, narrow streets and sections of the medieval walls.

The final part of the route crosses flatter countryside with rice fields and wetlands. You finish in Torroella de Montgrí, at the foot of the Montgrí Massif.

Via Púbol, Ullastret and Peratallada

Today you can choose between a rest day or a circular ride through the Empordà countryside. You follow part of the River Daró and cycle past small villages such as Fonolleres. From here, you continue to Púbol, home to the castle that Salvador Dalí bought and decorated for his wife Gala.

On the way back towards Torroella de Montgrí, you pass the remains of the ancient Iberian settlement at Ullastret. You then continue through Palau-Sator and Peratallada. The latter in particular is a good place to get off your bike for a while and wander through its old streets. From here, you return to Torroella de Montgrí, where you spend a second night.

You continue north towards the Alt Empordà. The landscape gradually opens up, with increasing views across the wide Bay of Roses.

Near Sant Martí d’Empúries, you reach one of the main stops of the day: the archaeological site of Empúries. Greek and Roman remains lie here close to the sea. You can visit the site before continuing your ride.

The route then takes you through the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, a protected wetland area just inland from the coast. Reed beds, lagoons and wet meadows provide a habitat for many species of birds.

At the end of the day, you arrive in Castelló d’Empúries. Its old centre includes a large Gothic church, the old market hall and remains of the former Jewish quarter.

Today is the toughest ride of the trip. You head towards the rugged landscape of Cap de Creus, with two longer climbs along the way.

The first takes you up to the Coll de Perafita. From here, you descend to Cadaqués, a whitewashed village set around a sheltered bay. Its narrow streets rise steeply from the waterfront.

If you would like to add a few extra kilometres, you can continue towards Cap de Creus. Here, bare rock, wind and sea shape the landscape. Around Tudela, you pass unusual rock formations that also inspired Salvador Dalí.

You then climb back to the Coll de Perafita and descend to Port de la Selva. From here, the second main climb of the day begins, taking you to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. This Romanesque monastery stands high above the coast, with views across the sea and surrounding mountains.

From the monastery, a long descent takes you back towards your hotel.

Today you cycle through the wine-growing area of the Empordà. The first stop is Peralada, a town that has long been connected with wine production in the region. You can walk through the old centre, visit the castle or stop at one of the local wineries.

The route then continues through villages such as Garriguella, Vilamaniscle and Rabós. Vineyards spread across the low hills, some of them tended by families who have worked the land here for generations.

In Espolla, you can stop at the cooperative wine cellar, a distinctive building dating from the early twentieth century.

The final part of the route takes you to Figueres. Here you will find the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed and arranged by Dalí himself. A visit makes a fitting end to the day.

From the Empordà to the volcanoes of La Garrotxa

Today you leave Figueres behind and cycle towards the green interior of Catalonia. The route initially heads south through gently rolling countryside, with sections of Mediterranean woodland along the way. Gradually, you approach Lake Banyoles, a good place to get off the bike for a coffee or lunch by the water.

You then continue towards Santa Pau, an old village set among the volcanoes of La Garrotxa. From here, you can clearly notice the surroundings beginning to change. You continue through a quiet beech forest towards Olot, in the heart of the volcanic region. After a long day on the bike, you can take a stroll through the largely traffic-free centre and find somewhere for dinner.

Along the Via Verde del Carrilet back to Girona.

Your final cycling day starts in Olot. You follow the old El Carrilet railway line, now part of Spain’s network of Vías Verdes. The route takes you through the valley of the River Brugent, gradually leaving La Garrotxa behind as you make your way towards Girona.

Along the way, you cycle between hills and through oak and beech forests. One of the nice things about this final stage is that the route is mostly downhill, so you can cover the kilometres at an easy pace and stop along the way when you feel like it. Eventually, the old railway line brings you back to Girona, where your cycling journey began. Once in the city, you can put the bike aside and enjoy one last evening in the old town.

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. From Girona, you continue your journey or make your way home.

If you would like to stay a little longer, an extra night gives you the chance to see more of Girona without any cycling kilometres on the programme.