Rugged Coasts and Historical Sites around Girona and 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, stairways, and squares. A walk along the city walls is definitely worth it, offering beautiful views 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.

Tip from Thijs: My favorite spot—aside from wandering the old town—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 from the south. 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 mountainous forest area, mainly consisting of oak trees, important for cork production. You’ll stay in San 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 true 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—an ideal spot for lunch or at least a drink. You’ll then cycle through wetlands with 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

On this final cycling day, you’ll ride through the inland region of l’Empordà back to Girona. You’ll cycle along small country roads through the rolling farmland. The small villages you pass through, such as Fonolleres, Matajudaica, and Corçà, are definitely worth a brief stop, as they often consist of just two or three streets. When you arrive in Púbol, you’ll have the chance to visit the beautiful Gala Dalí Castle. Salvador Dalí transformed this 11th-century castle into an extravagant creation for his wife, Gala. Initially, it served as a country house for her, later becoming his studio and a mausoleum for his wife and muse. Your tour ends in Flaçà, where you can take the train back to Girona. You also have the option to skip the train and cycle the entire route back to Girona.

Route: Torroella de Montgrí – Flaçà or Girona

After four days of cycling, you’re probably eager to enjoy some delicious tapas at one of the many plazas in Girona. Some lovely squares to explore are Plaça De Sant Feliu, the large Plaça de la Independència, Plaça del Vi 7, the hidden Plaça Bell-Lloc, or the cozy bar opposite the university at the top of the city: Plaça de Sant Domènec. Here, you can conclude your journey in style.

Difficulty level 3 for trekking tours 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 rideable. There may be 1 or 2 days where the route is somewhat longer and more challenging. On average, 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 well connected to the rail network.