This was my first bike tour and it was the best vacation I have taken. Traveling town to town, over varied terrain including beach boardwalks, medieval cobblestone roads, dirt paths, rocky trails, and cruising through small towns, thriving cities, beautiful agricultural lands and vineyards, and bisecting gorgeous pine forests, fed all my senses. The boutique hotels they chose for us were each special in their own way. In addition to the exceptional customer service and outstanding hotel choices, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the restaurant recommendations; I strongly suggest going with their choices. Portugal and Spain are each beautiful countries and the culture changed more than I expected as we moved along the route. Experiencing the region on two wheels gave us the opportunity to experience these countries using all five senses, at a perfect pace to take it all in. We Lived, We Loved and We Rode our way through one of the best experiences of our lives.
Girona Cycling Retreat: A 3-day bike tour of epic roads and Empordà elegance
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Catalan cycling with our Girona Cycling Retreat, a three-day adventure based in the medieval jewel of Girona.
Set against the backdrop of medieval Girona, your home for the retreat is a carefully selected hotel in the city center, providing the ideal balance of comfort and proximity to Catalonia’s cycling wonders.
Venture into the heart of Girona’s cycling allure as you explore iconic routes, each offering a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Ride along coastal roads with views of the Mediterranean, taking in the dramatic landscapes that make Girona a renowned cycling destination. Delve into the Empordà wine country, where vineyards stretch across rolling hills, and uncover the secrets of this enchanting region.
This retreat is a celebration of Girona’s cycling legacy, recognized globally as one of the premier cycling destinations. Choose from a variety of riding options tailored for intermediate to experienced cyclists, ensuring an exhilarating experience for all participants. After a day of exploration, return to the same hotel in the heart of Girona, where you can relax and relive the day’s adventures.
Join us for an unforgettable blend of scenic rides, cultural immersion, and the exhilarating spirit of Girona’s cycling culture on this Three-Day Catalan Escape.
Gallery
Day to Day
Day 1: Arrival in Girona. Transfer to hotel, setup of bikes, debrief by our local guide and afternoon loop ride, exploring Éls Angéls and the medieval vilalges of Empordá
Night at your hotel, Nord 1901 ( upgrade to superior room in "premium" option)
Day 2: Coastal Thrills and Mountain Majesty – Tossa de Mar loop
Ride: Girona – Salionç – Tossa del Mar – Girona (90km, 1350m elevation gain)
After breakfast, the journey kicks off with breathtaking journey spanning 95km with 1200m of accumulated height. This day's ride promises an exhilarating coastal adventure, hairpin turns, and a majestic ascent through the Massis de les Cadiretes. Begin your day with a pedal from Girona to Fornells de la Selva, a picturesque start to a coastal escapade. As you cycle through Caldes de Malavella, let the Mediterranean breeze guide you towards the charming town of Llagosterra, setting the stage for the coastal wonders that await. The highlight of the day unfolds as you approach Tossa de Mar, where coastal cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Navigate the exhilarating hairpin turns as you ascend the Massis de les Cadiretes, experiencing the thrill of conquering the twists and turns of this cycling paradise. Revel in panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland, providing a visual feast for your senses. Feel the rush of descending from the massif, the wind in your face as you return to Llagosterra, completing a loop that encapsulates the coastal beauty and mountain majesty of the Girona region. Conclude the day's ride with a triumphant return to Girona, having covered 95km with 1200m of elevation gain.
Night at your hotel, Nord 1901 ( upgrade to superior room in "premium" option)
Day 3: Scenic Loop Choices and Mountain Majesty – Lake Banyoles, Rocacorba or Mare de Deu del Mont
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, gearing up for a thrilling cycling adventure, choosing from the following loop rides:
Ride 1: Girona – Lake Banyolles Loop (58km, 740m elevation gain) Embark on a picturesque 58km loop from Girona to Lake Banyolles, a route that encapsulates the serene beauty of the Catalonian landscape. Traverse undulating terrains, with a manageable elevation gain of 740m, as you circle the scenic lake. Enjoy the rhythmic cadence of your ride, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Optional Rocacorba Climb (Total of 80km, 1300m elevation gain) For those seeking an extra challenge, extend your journey to include the legendary Rocacorba climb. This addition transforms your ride into an 80km adventure with a total elevation gain of 1300m. Conquer Rocacorba's ascent, celebrated among cycling enthusiasts for its rewarding views and testing gradients, before descending back to Girona.
Ride 2: Girona – Cabanelles – Mare de Déu del Mont Loop (120km, 2200m of accumulated height) Alternatively, choose the second option, a loop ride to Mare de Déu del Mont in the Baix Pyrenees. Begin your journey from Girona, passing through Cabanelles, and ascend the challenging Mare de Déu del Mont climb. Feel the satisfaction of conquering this iconic ascent before descending through Esponella and returning to Girona.
Day 3 offers a fitting finale to your Girona Cycling Retreat, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences, whether it's a scenic lakeside loop, a challenging climb up Rocacorba, or a journey to the majestic heights of Mare de Déu del Mont. Whatever your choice, it's a day to celebrate the joy of cycling and the diverse landscapes that define Girona.
After the ride, check out at your hotel, and transfer to Girona train station to end this fantastic adventure – or opt for an extension of this tour for an additional day to explore more of Girona's epic climbs!!
Extend your stay in Girona or Barcelona: on request
Map
This tour offers a mix of rolling hills, challenging climbs, and scenic coastal and mountain roads. Riders will tackle iconic ascents like Éls Àngels, Rocacorba, and Mare de Déu del Mont, which test endurance with steep gradients and rewarding vistas. Coastal sections near Tossa de Mar feature exhilarating hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, serene routes through Lake Banyoles and the medieval villages of Empordà provide a balance of undulating terrain and cultural immersion. This dynamic terrain showcases Girona's diverse landscapes, blending cycling challenges with stunning scenery.
Tour Options
Not available during the months of July and August
Tour Options
Not available during the months of July and August
Tour Prices
Not available during the months of July and August
Group Dates
Your group, your dates.
Private rides:
If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.
Customized rides:
If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of spanish tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Spain.
For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We work with Specialized to equip our tours with high-performance bicycles designed for comfort, reliability and exceptional riding experiences on Portugal’s most beautiful cycling routes.
Road Bikes - Specialized Tarmac SL8
For our road cycling tours, we use the Specialized Tarmac SL8, one of the most advanced performance road bikes available today. These lightweight carbon bikes are designed for speed and efficiency, whether climbing mountain roads or cruising along Portugal’s scenic coastal routes.
Equipped with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, the Tarmac SL8 offers precise gear changes, excellent control, and exceptional ride quality.
Gravel Bikes - Specialized Diverge
Our gravel bike fleet features the Specialized Diverge, a versatile bike built for adventure and mixed terrain riding. With its Future Shock front suspension, carbon fork, and stable geometry, the Diverge delivers comfort and confidence on both paved roads and gravel tracks.
This makes it the ideal choice for exploring Spain’s quiet countryside roads, coastal paths and scenic gravel routes.
Electric Touring Bikes - Specialized Turbo Vado
For riders looking for extra assistance on hills or longer distances, our electric touring fleet features the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 IGH Step-Through.
These comfortable e-bikes combine smooth pedal assistance with a powerful motor and long-range battery, allowing riders to enjoy Portugal’s landscapes with ease while still experiencing the joy of cycling.
E-Road & E-Gravel Bikes - Specialized Turbo Creo
Our Specialized Turbo Creo fleet offers the perfect balance between performance and electric assistance. Designed as a lightweight e-road and e-gravel bike, the Creo provides subtle motor support while maintaining the feel and agility of a traditional performance bicycle.
This makes it an excellent option for riders who want to tackle longer routes and climbs while still enjoying a dynamic cycling experience.
Mountain & Touring Bikes - Specialized Rockhopper
For adventure rides and mixed terrain routes, we offer the Specialized Rockhopper Comp, a recreational mountain bike designed for stability and comfort.
With its relaxed geometry, front suspension and wide tires, the Rockhopper is perfect for exploring countryside trails, natural parks and scenic rural roads.
Professionally Maintained and Fitted to Every Rider
All bikes are carefully prepared and adjusted for each guest before the start of the tour. Our team ensures every rider enjoys the correct bike fit for maximum comfort and efficiency during the trip.
The exact bike model used on your tour may vary depending on availability. All bicycles in our fleet are carefully maintained and prepared by our mechanics to ensure reliability and performance. At the start of your tour, each bike is individually fitted to every rider for optimal comfort and efficiency. If you have a specific bike preference or special request, please feel free to contact us.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Spain.
At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.
/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;
Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.
/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Spain!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER
While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.
RIDER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
3 EXPERT
/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Cycling holidays Spain for all.