Arrival day
Arrival in Girona. There is plenty to see and to do in this magical historical city. Spend the day visiting the Cathedral, which has the widest single nave of Gothic architecture in the world and getting lost through the narrow streets of the ancient Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in the world. We also recommend a stroll along the Rambla or the medieval walls, which gives you a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Stage 1: Girona - St Feliu de Guíxols (45 Km 410m+)
After the delivery of the necessary documentation and bike fitting (if bikes are contracted) the first bike ride takes you straight to the Mediterranean Sea. This section follows the greenway “El Carrilet”, passing through the towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Santa Cristina d’Aro and Llagostera. Just out of Girona, the route follows the Onyar river, which gives us one of the most picturesque and most photographed images: the colored houses of the Onyar river. Along the route we always have the Gavarres Massif as a backdrop, a mountainous forest area, consisting mainly of oaks, important for the cork production. We arrive in San Feliu de Guíxols, in front of the Mediterranean Sea
Stage 2: St Feliu de Guíxols - Calella de Palafrugell (30 Km 271m+)
Today you’ll ride North along the coast visiting the main port town Palamós. After a few kilometers you’ll pass the unspoilt cove Platja de Castell, with its Iberian settlement, before arriving in the picturesque old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, one of the pearls of Costa Brava. On the last section you’ll cycle along the greenway called “Ruta del Tren Petit”, connecting Palamós and Palafrugell, this last one with its amazing beaches and coves at the coast.
This track also offers a long alternative climb up a scenic mountain route.
Stage 3: Calella de Palafrugell - Torroella de Montgrí (29 Km 180m+)
The route starts towards the north, inland passing through Palafrugell, with its fish, meat and vegetable market. This is a nice place to learn about the local product of this region. You can also visit the Cork Museum. After exiting Palafurgell you reach Pals, one of the better conserved medieval centres. The ride will take you through natural wetlands with extensive rice fields and long sandy beaches. The bike tour ends in Torroella de Montgrí at the foot of the Montgrí massif with its impressive castle.
Stage 4: Torroella de Montgrí – Banyoles (46 Km 450m+)
Starting the day in a flat area, the territory becomes more and more undulated. Banyoles is highly interesting for its lake – the biggest one in Catalonia – and for its natural space with a large sport and leisure centre. The old part of this capital of the Pla de l’Estany region is of high interest, too. From Torroella de Montgrí you cycle an easy path first following the Ter river until reaching Colomers. Then, the track becomes a little bit more challenging towards Banyoles.
Stage 5: Banyoles – Olot (40 Km 663m+)
This challenging ride takes you into the volcanic area of La Garrotxa, the most important one of the Iberian Peninsula. As another highlight you can visit and enjoy a lunch stop in the medieval village Santa Pau with its fortressed nucleus, lovely square and castle. Then, you’ll be cycling through the heart of the Natural Park of La Garrotxa, through a beech wood and the volcanoes before you arrive at Olot.
Stage 6: Olot – Girona (58 Km 233m+)
This route takes you from the city of Olot to Girona following the valley of the river Brugent along the old train rail called “Carrilet”. The landscape is really lovely. Its natural situation offers an extensive and rich variety of landscapes from lofty mountains and rolling hills to beautiful oak and beech forest, not to mention the outstanding scenery of its volcanic area. You return back to Girona.
Departure day
Departure from Girona after breakfast.
