Cycling in Catalonia

Our local partner will meet you at Girona airport to transfer to Palau Saverdera. Alternatively, we can arrange a transfer from Figueres Train Station. After your welcome briefing and bike fitting then, you are free to set off on your adventure. Palau Saverdera is a charming little farming community nestled at the bottom of the Sant Salvador Saverdera mountain in the Cap de Creus National Park. The village is just 5km from the sea. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to begin your exploration of the area by cycling some of the off-road trails minutes from your front door.

Today you will travel due west on a circular route that introduces you to the beautiful Catalan countryside in the foothills of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass fields lined with vines producing the wine that you will no doubt sample at some stage of your holiday. After a while, you’ll arrive at the historic town of Peralada—a city now known for its winemaking. The impressive ‘Museo del Castillo de Peralada’ hosts one of the best collections of Catalan art. You may wish to change out of your shorts and tee-shirt and return in the evening to visit the elegant Casino built within the medieval castle. It's a gentle cycle back to Palau through the sleepy hamlets of Pedret and Marza to your hotel for a second night.

Today you cycle through rolling farmland cultivated with fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards. Farm tracks, rural trails and tourist cycle routes wind their way to Vilabertran, where you cannot help but be impressed by the Romanesque Monastery and Church. The working town of Figueres is a short distance away, and the 5-mile diversion will allow you to visit the Teatre-Museu Dali—a museum created by Dali and his final resting place in the crypt within. The return journey passes the village of Vilanova de la Muga and the 11th Century church of St Eulalia and takes you for your final night in Palau Saverdera.

Leaving Palau Saverdera behind, today's route is a short one but packed with sights and experiences. First, you'll meander through a patchwork of fields to Castello d'Empuries, a beautiful medieval town steeped in history. Once you've satisfied yourself with the architecture, shops and cafes in the old town, it's back in the saddle for a ride through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. The Reserve covers nearly 2000 hectares, and the area is dotted with hides, ideal for spotting the abundance of birdlife. From the Reserve, you continue onwards to the village of St Pere Pescador. The village is about a mile from the coast and a beautiful 4 miles long sandy beach.

The options are numerous for your free/rest day with a host of local attractions, some slightly farther afield, and of course, there's always the beach should you want to kick back and relax. Whether you decide to use the bikes or leave them at home, you could visit the vibrant and bustling seaside town of Cadaques, famous for its association with Dali, who spent his summers here. The village of St Pere is a short walk from your Casa Rural, and you should take time to wander around its attractive lanes. The nearby Bay of Roses can be reached on foot or on two wheels in a matter of minutes. The sand and sea are great for relaxing, getting some rays and cooling off in the Mediterranean, and the expansive beach ensures space and tranquillity.

Today’s cycle is a beautiful circular route through open countryside. On the first section of the cycle, you get great views across to the high Pyrenees, and you pass many apple orchards and small hamlets before crossing the river and looping southwards back to Sant Pere Pescador.

Remember to pack your swimming kit as you head off today. You’ll begin by leaving the village before a brief climbing that takes you past the Greek and Roman ruins entrance at Empuries. There are some excellent examples of Roman Mosaics here and other remains dating back to 281 B.C. An hour or two here will give you an insight into the cultures that influenced and shaped the area and its people. Continuing along the coast path, you soon reach the walled settlement of Sant Marti d’Empuries. Then, dropping back to the plains, your route home takes you through the pretty village hamlet of Cinclaus and back to the river Fluvia. Retracing your route for the last mile or so bring you back to your Casa Rural for your final night.

After a leisurely breakfast, a quick transfer to Girona Airport sees you on your way home.