Road Biking – Cols of the Pyrenees and Costa Brava

During the day arrive in the city of Girona. There is plenty to see and do in this magic historical city. You can spend the day visiting the Cathedral which has Gothic architecture and has the broadest single nave in the world. If you enjoy exploring narrow streets in ancient cities then Girona has much to offer, the ancient Jewish quarter which is one of the best-preserved in the world is just that. We also recommend a stroll along the medieval walls or Rambla as they are known, which gives you a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

A great first days road biking today as you head out from Girona, you shall climb over 1000m as ascending to the mountain town of Sant Hilari. The climb to the town is around 18 miles 30km long and it is an excellent training climb by the local riders with its gentle gradients but long distance. You will then have a thrilling 18km descent to the town of Santa Coloma. This is another famous training ride used by hundreds of local riders. The ride returns to Girona winding through the fantastic countryside of the Gironès area.

Today we set off by bike across the flat planes towards Llagostera. Then from here, we start the climb of Sant Grau at 465m. After passing the summit we have a great descent. As you descend look around you and you shall see fantastic views across the Mediterranean Sea. This coastal road was used for Tour de France in 2009. Then following the coast in a northerly direction you will ride on one of the most famous routes ridden by locals and professionals alike. We reach Palamós and we finish our ride at the great fisherman village of Calella, considered one of the best villages of the Costa Brava.

Today is a little easier but still very beautiful. Starting from Calella we leave by the short but really steep climb to the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià which climb 2 km long with 150m elevations. You then climb to Begur and reach the gulf of Pals with his long sandy beach. A short stop here might be well planned before heading inland to Pals a famous medieval village. Again as today is shorter we suggest spending a while walking through its narrow streets. You then continue passing some more medieval villages until you reach Torroella de Montgrí which has a wonderful castle on the top of the mountain. Then it is down towards the coast again and Empúries and l’Escala. In Empúries you should take the time to visit the Archaeological site of Empúries with Greek and Roman ruins situated facing the sea and dating from 600BC.

Afterwards, the route passes through Castelló d’Empúries with its stunning cathedral that shows how powerful the village was in ancient times. The final section crosses a small wetland with an ornithological reserve, finishing in the village of Roses.

Today your cycle tour route extends to the North visiting the beautiful and challenging nature reserve Cap de Creus, passing the col of Perafita. Once there you have an optional ride (11km) descending to Cadaqués where the famous painter Dalí’s used to live with his museum.  Then returning back climbing to Perafita again. Later we cycle along the coast before crossing over the French border to Banyuls. You now return back to Spain passing the famous Col de Banyuls finishing the ride and overnight in the city of Figueres.

Now you shall ride further into the mountains crossing the French border via the mountain pass at Coustouges (810m) and Coll d’Ares (1524m) before descending to spend a night in Molló near the winter ski town of Camprodon.

We start the day with the ascent of the pass, Coll de Capsacosta and then down to the town of Olot in the heart of the Volcanic park called La Garrotxa. Then have an almost flat ride to finish in Girona.

Depart after breakfast.