An amazing destination for all kinds of holidaymakers, Catalonia is also a great place to go for a cycling tour. Here we reveal 10 of the best reasons to cycle in this north-east Spanish region.

City life: The vibrant city of Barcelona is located Catalonia and offers many gems for tourists, including Gaudi’s distinctive architecture, the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla pedestrian mall and city beaches. Biking to Barcelona is a recommended trip. Girona is also another city, famed for its medieval architecture, river and a Roman fortress.

Fabulous beaches: The region is fringed by a stunning and often dramatic shoreline. Cycle along the coast, stopping at one of numerous beaches for a spot of sunbathing and sea swimming.  

For easy pedalling: While there are lots of uphill challenges, Catalonia also boasts some wonderful flat cycling routes that are perfect for people looking for more leisurely cycling holiday. For example, the Emporda Plains make cycling in Catalonia very easy and straightforward.

Amazing art: The famous Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali was inspired by the wonderful landscapes of the Cap Creus National Park. Ride through the same scenery and wonder at his great masterpieces. See Cycling Catalonia: Beaches, Wine & Dali Pablo Picasso is also closely linked to Catalonia, having spent his formative years in Barcelona. Today, holidaymakers can visit the city’s Picasso Museum.

Charming old towns: Spanish towns and cities, including Girona and Barcelona, offer lots of opportunity for wandering and pottering in an ancient network of small and winding streets.

Beautiful views: Olive and almond groves, ancient vineyards, cork tree forests, medieval towns, rolling plains, foothills, mountains and coast offer a new and fascinating view around almost every corner. Cycling is the perfect pace for enjoying an up-close experience of these landscapes.

Wine wonders: Catalonia is famous for being a super wine region. While enjoying a Cycling Catalonia: Beaches, Wine & Dali you can experience three guided wine tasting tours of traditional Catalonian wine cellars. These include the cellars of Espelt and Empordalia, which explores the historic production of Grenache and Syrah grapes, and Trobart with its delicious Catalonian Cava.

Tasty local cuisine: Catalan cuisine relies on ingredients popular along the Mediterranean coast, such as fresh tomatoes, garlic, aubergine, and artichoke, as well as fish, olive oils, wines, beans, chickpeas, mushrooms and pork. Choose dishes including Catalan-style cod, Escalivada, Escudella, Ollada and Esqueixada for a traditional taste of Catalonia.

To escape the crowds: A holiday in Spain can sometimes feel a little crowded, especially in the more popular resorts, but much of Catalonia offers wild and natural landscapes. By bike you will discover many places lesser visited by people and witness incredible nature and wildlife. For example, during a Cycling in Catalonia holiday you’ll head to Aiguamolls Nature Reserve, where birdlife is in abundance.  

You can view our range of walking and cycling holidays in Catalonia here or alternatively, get in touch with our team who are on hand to help you plan your next adventure.