Road Cycling Catalonia: Coast, Cols and Pyrenees

Road Cycling Catalonia: Coast, Cols & Pyrenees

8 Days & 7 Nights

Bike from Catalonia’s Mediterranean coast to the French Pyrenees
Ride classic training routes of the pro teams
Cycle through Dali’s rugged hangout of Cap Creus National Park
Tick off Col du Banyuls, Col d’Ares, and the Pyrenean town of Coustouges
Recharge with Catalonian hospitality and cuisine

Noted for its excellent climate, quiet roads and famous climbs, road cycling in Catalonia takes you on a journey from the medieval streets of Girona via sweeping Mediterranean coastal roads and over French and Spanish Pyrenees cols steeped in cycling history. Not far from Girona your road cycling challenge warms up with day ride to the mountain town of Sant Hialri. A favourite with the pro's (due to its steady but relentless climb of 30km!), return to Girona via a sweeping descent and an evening exploring the cafes and lively bars of the Gothic Quarter. From Girona head out to the Mediterranean coast following previously used stages of the Tour of Catalonia, Tour de France and Vuelta de Espana. Cycling through Dali’s hangout of Cap Creus National Park the route heads into the formidable Pyrenees mountains and across the border to the French port of Banyuls Sur Mer. Returning to Catalonia via the Col du Banyuls, it’s back up into the mountains to take on Col d’Ares (1513m) and coffee stop at the Pyrenean town of Coustouges. Descending to the relaxed mountain hangout of Mollo, the last day of cycling rolls through the lush, volcanic landscape of Garrotxa before arriving back into Girona for a very well earned beer!

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What To Expect

This trip is graded strenuous. Daily rides range up to 100km+ with between 500m-2000m of ascent. You don’t have to be a pro, but you should feel confident ascending and descending on Pyrenean mountain roads subject to a change in conditions and be used to spending a day in the saddle. Each day, you’ll pass by villages and beaches where you can break for coffee, lunch or simply enjoy the quirkiness of Catalonia. A good night’s rest is key and our characterful, comfortable accommodation will help you recharge the legs for next day.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active holiday.

Activity:

Road Biking | A more specialist category of cycling holiday for road cyclists

This trip is suitable for:

Avid Adventurers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie Adventures
Wine, Whisky & More...
Coastal & Island
National Parks & Trails

Inspiration:

Classic

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded strenuous, meaning it is a challenging trip. Back to back days in the saddle covering up 100km day, some of which include up to 2000m of ascent means that you should feel comfortable spending several hours in the saddle ready to tackle long mountain ascents. You should also be prepared for a change in road conditions as the route follows coastal roads, through urban environments and up into mountain roads.

Navigation

The route notes that accompany the itinerary give a step by step, turn by turn account of your route to give you continual points of reference. GPX tracks for a device of your choosing are also available on request.

Accommodation Information

Handpicked to meet the needs of cyclists, each accommodation is different and full of character. Hotels are listed below, though on occasion we may have to book you an alternative hotel, especially during the busier periods of the year. We always book an equal or better alternative hotel.

Additional Nights and Extensions

You may like to include an extra night at Cadaques, one of Dali's many hangouts. If you're keen to explore the region some more, please do email or call us to discuss options.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Unfortunately this tour is not available to solo cyclists.

Meals

A traditional Catalan breakfast is included each morning. Breakfast is a leisurely affair and adequate time should be allocated. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.

Included

3 Nights in 3* hotels and 4 nights 4* hotels
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
Information pack
Route notes with maps and GPX tracks on request
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office and local partner

Excluded

Travel to / from Girona
Road bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Road bike hire

When To Go

The end of April through to June means warmer days at the coast but you may find the weather in the Pyrenees cooler with the odd shower. August through to September gets very hot around Girona, the coast and Figueres but is the best season for heading into the mountains. However, don’t be surprised if you still encounter unseasonal weather.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Girona Airport is conveniently located just a 20 minute bus journey from Girona city centre. Alternatively, Barcelona Airport is also within easy reach of Girona. The train from Barcelona Airport to Girona (changing at Barcelona All Saints) takes approximately 1hr 30mins.

Private transfers from Girona or Barcelona Airport to Girona city can easily be arranged. Please do contact us for details and prices.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

If you would like to hire a road bike our local partner will provide Orbea carbon or aluminium bikes for a supplement (options listed below). Each bike comes equipped with a basic repair kit, pump, 2 bottle cages, and helmet (though we recommend using your own). Let us know your height and current frame size so we can ensure your bike is the best fit. Please note hire bikes are not supplied with pedals so that you are able to bring your own.

Orbea Orca Bronze 105 (compact)
Orbea Onix 105 (triple)
Orbea Aqua T105 (compact)

Bringing Your Own Bike

If you would prefer to bring your own road bike please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and ready to go before the trip. Bike bags/hard cases can be stored in Girona but please do pack an extra soft bag for your personal belongings as bike bags/cases are too large for the daily baggage transfers.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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