Gastronomic tour through Nature, Culture & History of Costa Brava

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.

After picking up your bike, you’ll follow the bike path to leave the city. The ride takes you straight to the Mediterranean Sea. This section follows the well-known via verde called “El Carrilet,” which passes through the towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera, and Santa Cristina d’Aro. Throughout the route, you’ll have the Gavarres massif as a backdrop: a hilly forest area, mainly consisting of oak trees, important for cork production. You’ll stay in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where the hotel is near the beautiful Sant Pol beach.

Route: Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Today, you’ll cycle north along the coast, combining the coastal road with seaside boulevards, and visit the important port town of Palamós along the way. After a few kilometers, you’ll pass the unspoiled bay of Platja de Castell, with its Iberian settlement. This is a great spot for a picnic and a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll then arrive in the picturesque old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, one of the gems of the Costa Brava.

Route: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Calella de Palafrugell

Today, you’ll continue cycling north, heading a bit further inland. Your first stop is Palafrugell, with its fish, meat, and vegetable market, which is open every Tuesday through Sunday. Here, you’ll get a great sense of the local Catalan ingredients and regional products. You may also want to visit the cork museum, which offers more information about the Catalan cork industry, the largest in Spain. After leaving Palafrugell, you’ll reach the medieval village of Pals, with its well-preserved medieval center. It’s an ideal spot for lunch, or at least a drink. You’ll then cycle through wetlands, expansive rice fields, and along long sandy beaches. The bike ride ends in Torroella de Montgrí, where the castle ‘Castell de Montgrí’ stands guard atop the rocky formation.

Route: Calella de Palafrugell – Torroella de Montgrí

Today, you’ll cycle past the Montgrí massif into the Alt Empordà region. Here, the Bay of Roses begins with its long sandy beaches. Of course, you’ll visit a few beautiful medieval villages, such as Sant Martí de Empúries, which is located right next to a stunning beach. From here, you can cycle (or walk) further into history with a visit to the archaeological site of ‘Empúries,’ where you’ll stand among Greek and Roman ruins. After this historical excursion, you’ll continue cycling to arrive in a completely new environment: the protected wetlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà await you. The day ends in the village of Castelló d’Empúries, with its rich architectural heritage: the Gothic church, the count’s palace, the old market building, and the Jewish quarter.

Route: Torroella de Montgrí – Castelló d’Empúries

Today, you’ll cycle through the famous vineyards of the Empordà region and past the various wineries of this area. If your legs aren’t too tired, I definitely recommend tasting a wine (or two) here, or picking up a nice bottle for the evening! As a bonus, this day also offers beautiful views of the Pyrenees.
Route: Loop Castelló d’Empúries – Castelló d’Empúries

The final day first takes you to Peralada, where you can visit the fairytale-like castle (paid guided tour) and the medieval town. From here, you’ll continue cycling through the vineyards, passing through Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, and Rabos with its old orchards. If you’re interested, you can take a tour of the modern winery of the Espolla cooperative. Fortunately, the last part is mostly downhill, giving your legs a bit of a rest. At the bottom, you’ll arrive in Figueres – the city of Salvador Dalí. After a good night’s sleep, you can visit the world-famous Dalí Museum the next day.

Route: Castelló d’Empúries – Figueres

Depending on your schedule, you can travel back to Girona by train on your own, or you can book a transfer through us (see extras). You can also always book an extra day of bike rental and cycle from Figueres to Girona.

Difficulty level 3 for trekking trips refers to cycling holidays that are manageable for the average touring cyclist. The routes are not too long but may include some elevation gain. The route can cover longer stretches of unpaved terrain (gravel), but it is always well passable by bike. There may be 1 or 2 days where the route is a bit longer and more challenging. On average, the distances range between 30 and 50 kilometers per day, with an elevation gain of 200 to 400 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 1 hour away from the larger international airport in Barcelona. It’s also connected by train.