Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Name: Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

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7 Days Excluding Flights

7 Days from

USD 3900

5.0/5 from

Cycling

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Cycling

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MEQ

Carbon Footprint :

16kg CO2e per person per day

Ride through the cycling world’s favourite place in Spain

Cycling pros rate Girona and the coast in Catalonia among the best destinations on the planet. Find out why on this exciting two-wheel adventure. Led by an expert guide, we pedal between historic villages via disused railway lines, quiet small roads and coastal paths, while also challenging ourselves against some climbs. To break up the journeys – and to learn more about the local culture and history – we also enjoy guided tours around medieval towns and even stop at a local wine estate for a memorable tasting session.

Highlights

Cycle along car-free paths reserved for bike riders and walkers
Discover the beautiful Catalan countryside on two wheels
Enjoy several opportunities for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
Visit the medieval towns of Besalu, Begur and Pals
Visit a winery for a wine-tasting session

Key Information

Five days of cycling with partial vehicle support
50 percent paved roads and 50 percent mix of cycling gravel paths, tracks and off road sections
Some climbs
Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain
Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotel), 3 Classic nights (hotel)
E-bikes available for an additional cost
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation
Airport transfers
Local bike hire

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
E-bike hire
Local taxes

5 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; 50 percent quiet roads, 50 percent mix of cycling gravel paths, tracks and off road sections

Day 2

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 3

40 km / 24.9 miles

Day 4

33 km / 20.5 miles

Day 5

40 km / 24.9 miles

Day 6

60 km / 37.3 miles

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

MEQ - Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Barcelona Besalu

We start the trip in Barcelona, a captivating city of quirky landmarks and excellent cuisine. Our cycling starts tomorrow but the adventure begins immediately as we take advantage of our time here with a guided walking tour. Stops include La Rambla, La Boqueria Market, the Christopher Columbus statue, Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter. After, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.

Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)

After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately two hours) to Olot where we fine tune our bikes before we start cycling in Garrotxa National Park. This is the perfect place to get used to our bikes as we follow The Carrilet, a car-free path reserved for cyclists and walkers that follows a disused narrow-gauge railway. Today’s route includes some easy gradual climbing during the first 7.5mi (12km) and then a long gentle descent through the countryside until we reach the medieval town of Girona, a hotspot for cycling pros for more than two decades. This evening, we have a guided walking tour of the town, visiting the old quarter and the Jewish quarter, before ending in La Rambla de la Llibertat, the culture-soaked main street in Girona, where we find somewhere for dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia (or similar)

Distance covered: 35mi (57km)

Ascent: 787ft (240m); Descent: 1,985ft (605m)

Meals included: Breakfast

We continue cycling along the car-free Carrilet until we reach the Mediterranean Sea in Sant Feliu de Guixols. We start with a short uphill section to reach Llagostera, where we stop for refreshments, and then enjoy an easy long descent to the Costa Brava coast. We stop for lunch before boarding the bus for a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our destination for the next two nights, Calella de Palafrugell. Our hotel is within walking distance of the coast, so take the chance for a swim at one of the nearby beaches.

Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

Ascent: 164ft (50m); Descent: 394ft (120m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s ride follows a circular route south of Calella to Palamos and back. During our journey to Palamos, we travel through the colourful market town of Palafrugell, where we stop to check out the local produce and enjoy a coffee while watching the market in action. After, we cycle using another disused railway to the fishing town of Palamos and visit the unspoiled sandy beach of Castell. This afternoon, we cycle back to Calella, stopping at a winery to sample their produce.

Accommodation: Hotel Alga (or similar)

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Ascent: 1,207ft (368m); Descent: 1,214ft (370m)

Meals included: Breakfast

We start cycling after breakfast, leaving the coast behind and travelling inland to the walled medieval town of Begur. Today is one of the most scenic days as we cycle past farmlands, sunflower fields and through the gothic walled towns of Begur and Pals. We have a chance to jump off our bikes to explore both towns, and for lunch we can sample the local paella recipe in Pals. This afternoon, we have a mainly flat route on quiet roads and gravel tracks that will take us through various villages until we reach our hotel in the town of Torroella de Montgri.

Accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig (or similar)

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

Ascent: 1,509ft (460m); Descent: 1,509ft (460m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our final day of cycling will be our most challenging, as we travel the longest distance and have the biggest accumulated climb, but it is also one of the most picturesque as we travel through Catalan countryside using a combination of quieter backroads and gravel tracks. Our first stop is the town of Púbol, where artist Salvador Dalí bought a castle for his wife Gala. We then stop in San Esteban de Guialbes, where we have lunch and the opportunity to try the Catalan dish of snails and butifarra (a type of pork sausage). After, we ride to the town of Banyoles where our cycling ends. We then have a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to our final destination, Besalu. After we check into our hotel and have had a chance to shower, we enjoy a walking guided tour of this medieval town. We will visit the 12^th-century bridge, the Sant Pere Monastery and Saint Vincent Church. After, we enjoy our last group meal together and reflect on an incredible week of cycling.

Accommodation: Els Jardins De La Martana (or similar)

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Ascent: 2,438ft (743m); Descent: 1,969ft (600m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Our adventure ends with a transfer from Besalu to Barcelona airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for a bit more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Barcelona hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Five days of cycling
Average distance: 24mi (38km) per day
Partial vehicle support
Terrain and route: 50 percent on quiet minor roads and 50 percent on a mixture of cycle paths, non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections

Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.

If you are unsure about tackling five days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this trip, we recommend an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.

The first couple of days of cycling follow disused railway lines, so we cycle on good off-road tracks with some paved sections. The rest of the trip is on quieter paved backroads and some good off-road sections. The most difficult day is the last day of cycling when we cycle the longest distance (37mi/60km) and tackle the biggest accumulated climb. The support vehicle will be available throughout this day, so you can jump in at any point. This trip is ideal for confident cyclists who exercise regularly and have a good level of fitness.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Besalu

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included and will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.

Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, please note the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

The climate in Catalonia is Mediterranean with mild temperatures and most rain falling in winter, but also possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. For this reason, we avoid departures during the hottest months of July and August. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).

TRIP

MEQ - Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels

Spend six nights in three to four-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or a sea view.

Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Begin the adventure at this contemporary hotel, just a 15-minute walk from Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia – an icon of the city. If the sun is shining, head to the solarium/pool area for a dip and to make use of the loungers. The hotel also has a gym plus a gastro-bar serving international and Mediterranean dishes, cocktails and more.

Girona: Hotel Gran Ultonia

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

With a spot in the heart of the city, this 71-room hotel has an ideal location. Post ride, there’s no better spot to relax than the rooftop cocktail bar, which has views of the Old Town, cathedral and, they say, the best sunset in Girona. The next morning, fuel up with the buffet breakfast, which includes local produce.

Calella de Palafrugell: Hotel Alga

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Enjoy a post-cycle dip in the pool or relax on a sun lounger when you arrive at the Hotel Alga. Elsewhere, El Càntir restaurant, helmed by chef Pere Malagelada, serves a selection of Mediterranean dishes made with seasonal local produce, plus there’s a snack bar by the pool serving coffee, tea and cocktails.

Torroella de Montgri: Hotel Moli del Mig

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Stay in a 15th-century mill revamped and restored into a modern hotel by architect Josep M. Deulofeu. The 32 rooms have been designed to embrace the natural beauty of the rural landscape, while the restaurant makes use of the local produce. Additionally, the hotel has a swimming pool, wellness hub and padel courts.

Besalú: Els Jardins De La Martana

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

End the trip with a stay at this 11-room hotel, which sits right next to the medieval bridge of Besalú. You can gather as a group to recount your adventures together in the living room or unwind in the wood-paneled library. There’s also a private jacuzzi available to rent (€20 per hour).

TRIP

MEQ - Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Joyanne Landers

Reviewed November 2023

Fascinating, Fantastic, Fun

I’ve been on a lot of cycle tours. This was my first with Exodus. What an experience! I was impressed by the high level of organization and professionalism. Cycling through medieval villages, beautiful farmlands and some days overlooking the Mediterranean gave variety to each day. As did the multitude of trails and pathways. Each restaurant and hotel was specially chosen to offer a unique and quality experience. The leader had really done his homework and pointed out points of interest along the way. I appreciated the guided walks around each town in the evening. And, most importantly, we had a lot of fun!

Most Inspirational Moment

The town of Besalu with its winding streets, monastery and absolutely breathtaking12th Century Bridge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was organized, professional, and patient. He was also a wealth of knowledge on each place we visited.

Malcolm P

Reviewed September 2023

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

The trip was excellent from start to finish.

Most Inspirational Moment

2 nights in Calella de Palafrugell, the cycling using cycle lanes, the food, the variety of scenery throughout.

Joyanne L

Reviewed September 2023

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

My Catalonia cycle trip went beyond my expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery in the farmlands and the medieval villages.

Read All Reviews

Sunday Sunday

13 Apr 2025 13 Apr 2025

Saturday Saturday

19 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

11 May 2025 11 May 2025

Saturday Saturday

17 May 2025 17 May 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

01 Jun 2025 01 Jun 2025

Saturday Saturday

07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

22 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025

Saturday Saturday

28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

07 Sep 2025 07 Sep 2025

Saturday Saturday

13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

12 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025

Saturday Saturday

18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 705

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026

Saturday Saturday

18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4200 Book with USD 1050 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

10 May 2026 10 May 2026

Saturday Saturday

16 May 2026 16 May 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4200 Book with USD 1050 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

31 May 2026 31 May 2026

Saturday Saturday

06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4350 Book with USD 1087 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

21 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026

Saturday Saturday

27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4350 Book with USD 1087 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 2026

Saturday Saturday

12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4350 Book with USD 1087 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Sunday

11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026

Saturday Saturday

17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4200 Book with USD 1050 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 780

Availability

View Trip Notes

The Adventure Begins Here

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Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

5.0/5 from

7 Days Excluding Flights

7 Days from

USD 3900

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Ride through the cycling world’s favourite place in Spain

5 Days of Cycling

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Barcelona Besalu

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Fascinating, Fantastic, Fun

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

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Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

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5 Days of Cycling

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Barcelona Besalu

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Fascinating, Fantastic, Fun

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast

Most Inspirational Moment

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

You may also like

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

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The Adventure Begins Here

Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast