Great Tour of Empordà Cycling Dalí 6 stages

In Girona there is plenty to see and do. The city is famous for having one of the best preserved Jewish old towns in the world, the Cathedral boasts one of the largest stone vaulted spaces in Gothic architecture and the walk along the cities ancient walls is a recommended highlight.

Delivery of the GPS and necessary documentation in our office. Bike fitting if bikes are rented. The first day you discover the inland country side of the Llémena Valley with his big ancient farms. After surrounding the small volcano of Adri, you continue crossing some humid and wooded areas. Today is a warm up ride.

The route starts south through a plane until reaching Llagostera. From there you start the climb of Sant Grau (465m). After passing the col, a great descent with fantastic views over the Mediterranean sea will be recorded on your memory for the rest of your live. This coastal road has been used for the Tour de France in 2009. You finish the ride at the beach of Sant Pol, just next to the main beach of Sant Feliu.

Starting from Sant Pol, you cross Platja d’Aro, Calonge and Palamós, 3 touristic villages in front of the sea. Also on the coast you will reach Calella, a cute fisherman village with its houses right in front of the beach. Calella is considered one of the best villages of the Costa Brava. Starting from Calella you deal with the short but really steep climb to the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià (climb 2 km 150m+). After that you climb to Begur and reach the gulf of Pals with its long sandy beach. From there you ride inland to Pals, a famous medieval village. It’s really worth to spend some time walking on its narrow streets. After crossing some more medieval villages you reach Torroella de Montgrí, just under its castle on the top of the mountain.

Today is an easy ride. This stage enables riders to cycle quietly towards the beaches in Empúries and l’Escala. In Empúries we recommend you take the time to visit the archeological site with Greek and Roman ruins dating from 600BC, the gateway of the classic cultures to the Iberian Peninsular. The route finishes in Castelló d’Empúries with a stunning cathedral that shows how powerful the village was in the ancient time.

From here you will cross a small wetland with an ornithological reserve, then the ride climbs the mountain pass of Perafita. Optional ride (11km) to reach Cadaqués, where famous artist Dalí used to live and coming back climbing the Perafita col again. From there you start descending to the flat area until reaching Port de la Selva. From there, another climb brings you up to the abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes and later you descend to Figueres where you stay overnight. We really recommend visiting the Dalí Museum, with its surrealistic paintings.

Today you will ride on quiet back roads through the undulated inland combining pine forests and agriculture areas, with many cozy villages. Finally you will climb up to the Sanctuary of Els Àngels as a “happy end”, with spectacular views. You will finish the route in Girona, where you can have dinner at one of the amazing restaurants downtown.

Departure from Girona after breakfast.