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7 days, 6 nights
Gravel Biking
Coast, Mountains
Self-guided
7 days – 6 nights – 5 routes
From La Garrotxa to the Costa Brava
Welcome to a spectacular, week-long gravel pilgrimage that traces a line from the high volcanic peaks of Catalonia down to the rugged shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Designed as a moderate-to-hard journey (Level 3 or 4 of 5), this tour is crafted for adventure-seeking cyclists in good physical shape who want to experience the authentic, hidden side of Catalonia.
The true luxury of this tour lies in its deep daily contrast and total flexibility. Over five distinct riding routes consisting of 65% gravel cyclist paths and 35% quiet backroads, you will have the freedom to choose between shorter and longer route variants each day. Your wheels will glide past ancient volcanoes, conquer panoramic mountain passes, fly down flat agricultural plains, and roll through timeless medieval stone villages.
From your seamless, included private transfer from the airport to your arrival at our hand-picked hotels, every single logistical detail—including daily luggage transport—is completely taken care of. Unpack your bags, select your daily mileage, and prepare to cross into an unspoiled corner of the Costa Brava. Every hard-earned kilometer leads directly to where nature, history, and world-class dirt meet.
Your gravel adventure begins as we handle all the logistics right from the start. After your transfer from the airport, you will arrive in Olot, a lovely and vibrant town nestled beautifully right in the heart of Catalonia's unique volcanic zone.
Once you check into your hotel, we will gather to provide you with all your tour documentation, meticulously detailed maps, and pre-loaded GPS tracks. If you are renting a bike from us, we will get you fully fitted and dialed in at this time, ensuring you are completely prepared to hit the sacred dirt tomorrow morning.
The 45 km Option: Spin out of Olot along quiet rural backroads cutting straight through a breathtaking, sun-dappled beech forest. Within the first 8 km, you will roll right past the dramatic, excavated cone of the Croscat volcano before arriving at the beautifully preserved medieval stone village of Santa Pau. From there, fast-rolling tracks wind through a scenic tapestry of dense woodlands and open farm fields, guiding you to a triumphant finish by the shimmering waters of Lake Banyoles.
The 75 km Option: Take the scenic route through the raw, rugged heart of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. You will trace spectacular valley lines to reach Castellfollit de la Roca, a tiny village perched dramatically on the edge of a sheer, vertical basalt cliff. Pushing deeper into the wild, you will conquer challenging climbs wrapped in lush forests and high-mountain scenery, eventually breaking out into the rolling plains of Besalú. Take time to cross its famous fortified Romanesque bridge before rolling down the final agricultural tracks to your destination at the lake in Banyoles.
The 42 km Option: Leave the lake behind and plunge straight into the vibrant countryside of the Alt Empordà, a beautifully rolling landscape of sun-drenched fields, Mediterranean oak forests, and sleepy stone hamlets. The itinerary treats you to a rhythmic, continuous rollercoaster of punchy ups and downs that will keep your momentum high all day. Your stage wraps up in the lively city of Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, where you can toast the day's ride right outside his world-famous surrealist museum.
The 83 km Option: For those looking to log an epic day in the saddle, this extended traverse heads south first, fast-tracking you straight into Girona—the undisputed capital of the international cycling scene. After soaking in the electric energy of the global gravel mecca, you will dive onto the fast, flowing dirt tracks tracing the scenic Ter River. Turning north, you will fly across the agricultural plains to complete a magnificent point-to-point pilgrimage into Figueres.
Roll out of Figueres and set your sights on the horizon as you push north toward the French borderlands. The opening section of today's stage flows beautifully through a rustic countryside dotted with quiet, traditional stone villages. As you edge closer to the majestic, rising peaks of the eastern Pyrenees, the terrain gives way to a rugged coastal landscape. Your physical efforts are rewarded with a spectacular, fast-rolling 5 km finale, descending straight toward the Mediterranean to wrap up a classic day in the saddle at the charming seaside town of Llançà.
The 59 km Option: Start your morning with a stunning, sun-drenched warm-up along the coastal road to the port village of El Port de la Selva. From here, the route turns inland to take on the premier physical challenge of the day: a rugged, rewarding climb straight over the wild, windswept moonscapes of the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve. After conquering the pass, enjoy a spectacular 7 km descent that drops you right into the bustling bay of Roses. The final stretch shifts to fast, flat terrain as you cruise past protected wetlands and sandy beach tracks, rolling to a triumphant finish at your seaside hotel in L'Escala.
The 72 km Option: This extended version follows the same dramatic coastal traverse but serves up extra mileage for riders wanting to make the most of the day. Upon reaching Sant Pere Pescador, you will split from the main route to complete a fast, scenic loop through quiet inland orchards and hard-packed agricultural tracks before rejoining the coast to finish in L’Escala.
Leaving the shores of L’Escala, you dive back inland to weave through a stunningly preserved corner of the Empordà countryside. Your tires will crunch along smooth agricultural tracks flanked by low-lying rice fields, sun-drenched plains, and timeless medieval stone villages that feel completely untouched by time. As you navigate these historic paths, the route gently guides you back toward the coast, delivering you directly into Calella de Palafrugell. Celebrated as one of the most pristine, authentic, and unspoiled fishing villages on the Costa Brava, its whitewashed houses and rocky turquoise coves provide the ultimate Mediterranean backdrop for your final evening.
The final day of your journey is yours to enjoy at your own relaxed pace. Spend a beautiful free day soaking in the slow rhythm of Calella de Palafrugell, relaxing on its hidden beaches, or strolling along the panoramic coastal paths.
When you are ready to head home, we can arrange an optional transfer to take you smoothly back to the airport or your original departure point, bringing an unforgettable week of Catalan gravel to a perfect close.
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