Current as of: March 31, 2025 - 19:37
Current as of: March 31, 2025 - 19:37
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Explore the Mediterranean coast in Spain on this week-long adventure on two wheels. We cycle the entire stretch from Barcelona down to Valencia, and at the end of each cycling day, we get the chance to enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean Sea as we stay in a different seafront hotel each night. Offering a fantastic mix of cycling lanes and quiet paved roads, this trip only includes four short transfers on the cycling days, so you really get a sense of accomplishment cycling the entire coastline from Barcelona to Valencia.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & 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.
There are some sections on main roads, but we cycle using the hard shoulder, which are wide and well kept. These sections will be on Day 2 (3mi/5km) and Day 3 (5.5mi/9km). Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.
If you are unsure about tackling six 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.
There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Fly to Barcelona where we start our adventure. We enjoy a guided walk of the city centre before a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.
Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
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, 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 Hotel Ronda House (or similar)
After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately one hour) to Sitges where we adjust our bikes before we start cycling by the coast. We explore some of Sitges, cutting through the cobbled streets and along the promenade before we start a gentle climb through a forest to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú, where we stop for a well-deserved coffee. Afterwards we enjoy lunch at one of the many great restaurants along the way with sea-view tables. We then jump back on the bike and join the national road leading us to the Arc de Berà, which marks the Via Augusta connecting all the cities the Roman Empire controlled. Our destination today is the medieval town of Altafulla. This evening, we have a guided walking tour, visiting the castle and the main square, Plaça del Pou, where there is a sculpture called Castell depicting an eight-person-high human tower.
Accommodation: Hotel Altafulla Mar (or similar)
We start with a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) this morning to cross the city of Tarragona and begin cycling in the coastal town of Salou. We ride along the promenade in Salou and Cambrils until we join a road running parallel to the coast. We have another transfer (approximately 10 minutes) to avoid pedalling past a nuclear power station. After lunch, we cycle to the picturesque fishing village of L’Ametlla de Mar and enjoy a quick break before our final stretch on the saddle. Our ride ends in the seaside town of L’Ampolla, known for having lovely beaches and great restaurants. As we are staying at a beachfront hotel, you have the chance for a swim in the sea or in the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Hotel Flamingo (or similar)
The highlight today is riding through the Ebro Delta Natural Park, the largest wetland area in Catalonia and home to more than 300 bird species. We cycle alongside canals that travel through rice fields and lagoons. Our first stop is the town of Deltebre, where we enjoy a coffee before crossing the Ebro river, situated in the middle of the delta. When we reach Tancada Lagoon, we admire and take pictures of all the flamingos, plus other birds, such as gulls, marine crows and ducks.
When we leave the delta, we take a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque fishing town of Sant Carles de la Rapita and enjoy time to relax at the beach or the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Hotel Miami Mar (or similar)
Today we enter the Valencia region and enjoy the most scenic day as we cycle through Sierra de Irta Natural Park. We ride mainly next to the coast and pass through the fishing town of Les Cases d’Alcanar where we find the remains of two defensive bunkers from the Spanish Civil War. We stop for lunch in Peñíscola and get a chance to explore the old streets and white houses surrounding the castle. After lunch, we enter Sierra de Irta Natural Park and ride on a bumpy dirt track with a few short, steep climbs. This is a truly spectacular section: an unspoiled stretch of coastline offering Mediterranean Sea views while cycling through forest.
Accommodation: Gran Hotel Las Fuentes (or similar)
Today we continue cycling south along the coast, mostly using cycling paths and enjoying inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. We pass through the Parque Natural del Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca, one of the most unspoiled wetlands in the Valencia region. Once we have reached the town of Oropesa, we use a car-free cycling path that runs along the coast and includes a few short tunnels. We stop in Benicassim and have lunch at one of the many restaurants with sea-view terraces. After, we continue using cycling lanes but head inland to reach our destination for the night, El Grau de Castello.
Accommodation: Hotel Doña Lola (or similar)
On our last day of cycling, we start with a transfer (approximately one hour) to Playa Puzol on the outskirts of Valencia. From here, we jump on our bikes and take modern cycling lanes passing typical vegetable orchards growing the delicious produce used in the classic local paella. When we arrive in Valencia, we enjoy a guided cycling tour of the city, which includes stops at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Quart and Serranos towers, and the central market. After, we check into our hotel for a chance to shower, before we head into the city to enjoy our last group meal and reflect on an incredible week of cycling.
Accommodation: Hotel Olympia Universidades (or similar)
After breakfast, the trip ends with a transfer (approximately four hours) to Barcelona Airport for your departure flight.
Our adventure ends with a transfer (approximately four hours) from Valencia to Barcelona airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Valencia or Barcelona hotel.
We spend seven nights in three-to-four-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or sea view.
Examples of hotels used:
Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia or Hotel Ronda House
Altafulla: Hotel Altafulla Mar
L’Ampollla: Hotel Flamingo
Sant Carles de la Rapita: Hotel Miami Mar
Alcossebre: Gran Hotel Las Fuentes
El Grau de Castello: Hotel Doña Lola
Valencia: Hotel Olympia Universidades
Single supplement from £ 440
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, 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.
Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with assistance or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.
The climate 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).
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)
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.
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: Valencia
We recommend packing the following items:
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Specialized Crosstrail (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Kalkhoff Tasman Impulse 8R HS electric bikes (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag are available on this trip; prices from £95/US$135/180 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
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
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
There are cash points available in most towns along the route and most places take credit and debit cards, though cash is generally easier for smaller payments.
The Mediterranean coast includes some of the most expensive regions in Spain; however, food and drink will be reasonably priced in the places we stop to eat and where we overnight. We recommend you allow approximately €50 per day for meals, coffees and other drinks. So approximately €300-€400 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.
Local taxes: Catalonia has introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €5 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €8-€10 for the week.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.