Great Girona E-Bike Tour 8 Stages Guided

Girona offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Its renowned Jewish old town stands as a testament to history, while the Cathedral showcases impressive Gothic architecture with its vast stone vaulted interiors. Exploring the city walls or tracing the path along the river Onyar rewards you with stunning views of the vibrant, colorful houses lining its banks.

Starting our journey from the CycleToursCatalonia office, we’ll trace a cycle path leading south, guiding us out of the city. This route unfolds along the “El Carrilet” greenway, which passes through Quart, Cassà de la Selva, and Llagostera. Throughout the ride, the Gavarres massif, a forested mountain range predominantly by oak trees vital for the cork production, serves as a scenic backdrop. Moving onward, we’ll ascend towards Col de Sant Grau, setting the stage for an exhilarating descent overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The final stretch of our adventure hugs the coastline, treating you to breathtaking views from a lofty 100-meter vantage point above the sea. Our destination is San Feliu de Guíxols, and our hotel, nestled near the charming Sant Pol beach, offers a relaxing conclusion to this remarkable journey.

Today’s journey takes us northward along the coastline, seamlessly blending the coastal road with scenic seafront boulevards. Our route includes a visit to the prominent port town of Palamós. After a few kilometers, we’ll reach the pristine Platja de Castell cove, notable for its untouched beauty and the ancient Iberian settlement situated on its left side. This spot offers an ideal setting for a leisurely picnic and a refreshing swim in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Later we’ll follow the path of the “Ruta del Tren Petit” greenway. As we continue, we’ll reach the enchanting old fishermen’s village of Calella de Palafurgell, a true gem along the Costa Brava. This is also a great spot to stop to have lunch. After a rest in front of the sea the route goes towards the north, inland passing through Palafrugell, with its fish, meat and vegetables market. This is a nice place to learn about the local products of this region. You can also visit the Cork Museum. After exiting Palafrugell we will reach the medieval village of Pals, one of the better conserved medieval places. The ride will take us through natural wetlands with extensive rice fields and long sandy beaches. The bike tour ends in Torroella de Montgrí at the foot of the castle Montgri massif.

This day presents the option of relaxation by the pool or beach, yet an appealing loop ride also beckons. Follow the course of the river Daro, uncovering the allure of small, picturesque medieval villages like Fonolleres. Venturing deeper inland, our path leads to Púbol, where the Castle of Gala Dalí stands as a testament to Salvador Dalí’s surrealism, boasting a captivating decor. Returning towards the coast, we’ll encounter the ruins of an Iberian village near Ullastret, granting us a breathtaking panoramic view over the expanse. The journey back to Torroella winds through Palau-Sator and Peratallada, two exceptionally charming medieval villages. For a beachside perspective, an alternate route takes us to the coast, allowing to embrace the beach and explore the coastal village of L’Estartit, rounding off this day of diverse experiences.

The journey unfolds further north, leading us into the captivating Alt Empordà region. As we proceed, the expansive Bay of Roses opens up, featuring inviting sandy beaches that stretch along its coastline. Nestled near the picturesque medieval settlement of Sant Martí de Empúries and overlooking a stunning beach, a visit to the archaeological site of Empúries is a must. Here, Greek and Roman ruins stand as a testament of the classic cultures’ interaction with the Iberian Peninsula. Continuing our route northward, we’ll pass through the protected marshlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, a haven for diverse wildlife. The journey concludes at Castelló d’Empúries, a village adorned with a rich architectural heritage, including a Gothic church, the Count’s palace, an old market building, and a historic Jewish quarter, making it a fitting finale to this captivating expedition.

Today’s itinerary promises a more challenging adventure, leading us to the stunning Cape Creus with its breathtaking landscape. This route entails two extended climbs, making it advisable to carry a battery charger for recharging during lunch break. Upon conquering the Coll de Perafita ascent, we’ll arrive at Cadaqués, renowned as one of the most charming fishing villages. For those keen on exploration, extending the ride to the Cape will grant access to the Tudela geological park, revealing the region’s geological wonders in all their splendor. Following our exploration of Cape Creus, our route retraces its steps, leading us back up to Perafita before descending to Port de la Selva. From this point, a challenging ascent awaits, guiding us to the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. Perched atop a mountain, this remarkable structure is a testament to the region’s history and architectural marvels. Following this visit, a rewarding downhill journey will guide us back to our hotel, offering a fitting conclusion to a day filled with both physical and cultural exploration.

The cycling tour embarks towards Peralada, the heart of the wine Designation of Origin (DO). Here, we can immerse ourselves in the world of wine by visiting the winery, exploring the castle, and wandering through the medieval town. Continuing our journey, we’ll pedal through the upper reaches of the vineyard region, passing through Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, and Rabos, where the oldest vineyards lay. A brief stop at the modernist Espolla cooperative cellar is a must. The route then leads to a lengthy downhill ride that culminates in the city of Figueres. Upon arrival, cyclists are in for a treat with a visit to the renowned Theatre-Museum Dalí, an attraction that still ranks among Spain’s most visited tourist sites. This journey offers a perfect blend of wine, history, and artistry.

Leaving behind the surrealism capital, our journey takes us towards the volcanic landscapes of the Pyrenees region. We will start heading south, on an ondulated region partially covered by mediterranean forest. Continuing our exploration, we’ll traverse the area around the lake of Banyoles before arriving to Santa Pau. This picturesque town is nestled amidst a landscape dotted with small volcanoes, their wooded slopes adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings. Traversing a serene beech forest, our path guides us to the town of Olot. This town not only offers a scenic journey through nature but also invites us to explore its pedestrian-friendly downtown. With its own unique charm and attractions, Olot adds yet another layer of discovery to our cycling adventure through this diverse and captivating region.

The final leg of our journey unfolds as we leave Olot behind and follow the valley of the river Brugent through the historic train line known as the “Carrilet.” This route, mostly downhill, offers a leisurely ride, creating the perfect opportunity to reflect on all the sights and experiences we’ve encountered along the way. It serves as a serene conclusion to our remarkable adventure. As we pedal towards Girona, the memories of the places we’ve explored and the landscapes we’ve traversed will likely fill our thoughts. Girona, our last stop, provides an ideal setting for the culmination of our journey. Spending your last night in this city will undoubtedly be a fitting and rewarding way to bring your grand adventure to a close you head back home.

Departure from Girona after breakfast.