Holiday Overview:
Our best-selling cycling holiday gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Catalan countryside and rugged coast, surrounded by the Pyrenees and pine-fringed valleys dotted with historic castles, hilltop fortresses, ancient wine villages and fields full of lavender, this is a beautiful cycling holiday you will never forget!
It has been specifically designed to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia, giving you the opportunity to really scrach below the surface and to truly experience this wonderful region, you will:
- Cycle along the “wild coast” with its miles of golden beaches.
- Cycle inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled.
- Cycle along stunning trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.
- Discover Romanesque and Gothic buildings.
- Discover medieval villages.
- Visit the Greek and Roman Ruins of Empuries.
- Discover the region’s acclaimed gastronomy, the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route and much more!
Itinerary:
Catalan Coast & Village Cycling Holiday (7 Nights)
The Wild Coast, Medieval Villages and Mountainous Interior
Nights: 7 (if you would like a tailored itinerary please get in touch)
Grade: 1 & 2 (click here to see our cycling grades)
Terrain: Rolling plains, farmland, olive groves, vineyards, pine woods, wetlands and coastal trails. You will cycle principally on farm tracks and trails, sometimes on quiet country lanes.
Note: The cycle route times do not include breaks or visits to attractions.
Day 1 (Arrival)
Arrive at Girona Airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera.
Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, immerse yourself in the history and culture of this traditional Catalan farming village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover all the details that go together to make up the everyday life of this beautiful part of Catalonia.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, B&B, Palau Saverdera, the Niu de Sol. The hotel, renovated in 2006, is a charming hotel situated in a small Catalan farming village, only 5 km away from the sea. If you decide to eat in the restaurant in the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.
Day 2
Today you will head through the Alt Emporda, passing vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving at the pretty sea-side town of Roses, a perfect opportunity for a swim and a coffee stop in one of the many bars that lining the promenade. You’ll have the chance to visit the Roses Citadell before heading back through the countryside passing the village of Pau where you can visit the Empordalia Vineyard “agroshop” (farm shop), before finally heading back to Palau for a well-earned rest. (36km, 3hrs cycling time)
Day 3
Today you will travel west through fields lined with vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving in Peralada. Peralada’s historic character remains reflected in each step. Its narrow streets, Castle Museum, St. Domènec’s cloister and the impressive casino-castle with its beautiful gardens gives it a unique and exclusive air. You will then make your way back to Palau Saverdera via the Cooperativa in the sleepy village of Garriguella with its wide range of local wines and quality food produce. (39km, 3hrs 30 mins cycling time)
Day 4
Today you leave Palau Saverdera behind and head south, you will pass through Castello D’Empuries, a beautiful medieval village steeped in history. There are many historical buildings to visit; however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture.
You will travel through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you can make some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations: Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.
Then onwards through the stunning Catalan countryside onto the village of Sant Pere Pescador. Surrounded by areas of authentic natural beauty and bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere Pescador keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of its extensive beaches.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover the wide-open landscape on the banks of the River Fluvià, with its apple orchards and nature trails, and its glimpses of windsurfers and sand-dunes. (28km, 3hrs cycling time)
Accommodation: Rural Guest House (Casa Rural), B&B, Sant Pere Pescador, Can Mas. The beautiful farmhouse with 11 bedrooms keeps all the rustic charm and provides a warm and friendly ambience. You may enjoy the use of their two living rooms, a dining room, two terraces and an outdoor salt water swimming pool.
Day 5
Free Day. Perhaps a day on the beach, a visit to the Dali museum in Figueres or just a lazy day around the village would be in order. Pay Locally.
Day 6
Today you will travel on a circular route through stunning Catalan farming countryside; you will pass apple orchards and many small hamlets. You start by heading westwards, parallel with the River Fluvià, before crossing the river and looping southwards to arrive back at San Pere Pescador. Throughout the first section on a clear day there are superb views across the high Pyrenees. If you prefer to do very little cycling, you could simply head to the nearby beach and spend the day by the sea. (42km, 3hrs 15 mins cycling time)
Day 7
Today you will travel south; you will pass the walled coastal settlement of Sant Martí d’Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, most dating from 218BC onwards. You will pass several beaches where you could pause for a swim, then onwards via several small hamlets and finally back to Sant Pere Pescador. (42km, 3hrs 15mins cycling time).
Day 8
Pick up and transfer to Girona airport or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if returning to Barcelona)
Prices 2025
Dates | Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Solo traveller supplement | Single room supplement (2 + people) |
---|---|---|---|
13 April to 20 Apr | €1231 | €899 | €573 |
21 Apr to 13 June | €1071 | €748 | €410 |
14 June to 18 July | €1231 | €899 | €573 |
1 Sept to 22 Sept | €1117 | €782 | €484 |
What your holiday includes
- Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Departure transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English-speaking guide
- 24/7 local support
- 7 nights’ B&B accommodation
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- GPS fitted to one of the bikes with all the route pre-programmed in
- Fully equipped bicycles with panniers and relevant cycling accessories, locks, spare inner tubes, odometers etc.
- Information pack with route highlights and maps
- Information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Optional Extras
- E-Bike: €210 per person
- Private transfer from or to Barcelona Airport/Centre: € 252, max. 8 people
- 2 people sharing a twin/double room: € 98 per person
- 1 person in a double/twin room (solo occupancy): € 156 per person
NIGHTS 1-3
Hotel Boutique Niu de Sol
Palau-Saverdera
The setting of this favorite hotel is truly unique, stylish and smartly furnished to create a natural and calming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace or relax on the comfortable sofas by the fireplace. –
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NIGHTS 4-7
Can Mas
Sant Pere Pescador
Surrounded by apple farms and agricultural fields, this restored 17th-century farmhouse provides a quiet and peaceful escape. Relax by the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy local wines from the nearby winery. –
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Arrival
From Girona
- Airport: There are regular flights from many European cities to Girona airport, the closest airport for this holiday, most of which are operated by Ryanair & Jet2.
- City Center: If you are staying in Girona before the start of the holiday we can collect you from your accommodation.
The transfer from Girona to your first accommodation takes approx. 1 hour.
From Barcelona
- Barcelona Airport: There is a wider choice of airlines flying into Barcelona see here. You would take the airport train to Barcelona-Sants (Estació Sants) from the airport (Terminal 2); they leave every 30 mins and take approx. 20 minutes, see info here. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you can take one of the free shuttle buses to Terminal 2 and catch the airport train to Barcelona-Sants from there. Tickets can be purchased locally at the train station.
(continue with the description from City Centre) - City Centre: From the station Barcelona-Sants the fastest and easiest way is to take the AVANT/AVE high-speed train to Figueres-Vilafant, there are approx. 9 trains a day that take about 55 minutes and cost approx. 20-25 Euros. Tickets can be booked here.
You can also take the local train to Figueres which takes about 2 hours, tickets for these trains can only be purchased locally in Barcelona-Sants station.
From Figueres or Figueres-Vilafant we provide the arrival transfer to your first accommodation which takes approx. 1 hour.
From France
- High-speed train: If you’re travelling by high-speed-train from or via France, you want to book your ticket to Figueres-Vilafant train station (trains run through to Spain). Tickets can be booked here.
From Figueres-Vilafant we provide the arrival transfer to your first accommodation which takes approx. 1 hour.
From Figueres
- Center: If you’re staying in Figueres before the start of your holiday, we can collect you from your accommodation there.
Departure
To Girona
Your departure transfer to Girona centre or Girona Airport is included in this tour.
To Barcelona / France
Your departure transfer to Figueres-Vilafant train station is included in this tour. You can book train tickets to your destination here.
Why choose Catalan Adventures?
At Catalan Adventures, our experienced, locally based team is dedicated to offering you a truly authentic Catalan experience. Every holiday/tour includes a personal welcome meeting and round-the-clock support throughout your trip. Our mission is to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
What is a self-guided holiday?
A “self-guided holiday” gives you the freedom to start your holiday any day you want and travel along a trail at you own speed with all the tools and information you need to make it a great adventure. All your needs are taken care of, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying every moment, taking in the rich culture, history and spectacular scenery this region of Spain has to offer.
How does the luggage transport service work?
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars and bits and pieces in a day rucksack and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
Every morning we’ll pick up your bags containing anything you don’t need for your day. By late afternoon, we’ll have them waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation.
What is included in this tour?
This holiday includes:
- Arrival transfer from Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona)
- Departure transfer to Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling to Barcelona)
- Welcome meeting with a local English-speaking guide
- 24/7 local support
- 7 nights’ B&B accommodation
- Moving of luggage between accommodations
- GPS fitted to one of the bikes with all the route pre-programmed in
- Fully equipped bicycles with panniers and relevant cycling accessories, locks, spare inner tubes, odometers etc.
- Information pack with route highlights and maps
- Information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
What are the bikes like?
Bikes are a hybrid type, fitted with panniers and a GPS on one of the bikes for navigation. For an optional extra, you can also choose electric bikes.
When and where can I start this tour?
You can find our availability here. Within these dates you can start your tour at any day you want (subject to accommodation availability).
We provide arrival transfers from Figueres (Center or Figueres-Vilafant train station) and Girona (Center or Airport). If you are staying in between this area before, we might also be able to pick you up from your location there, please contact us to organize it for you.
If you are arriving through Barcelona, you can take the high-speed train to Figueres-Vilafant, it is only a 50-minute train ride away. Same counts for coming from or through Perpignan. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us
Where do I stay?
Accommodations throughout are individual local hotels, many family-run, that offer all the usual 3-star hotel amenities. For more detailed information, please click here.
Can I adjust the itinerary to my travel needs?
Yes, we would be happy to tailor this tour to your needs, be it to add or remove nights or change accommodations upon your request. Please contact us and let us know the changes you’d like to make.
How do I depart?
We provide the departure transfer to Figueres (Center or Figueres-Vilafant train station) and Girona (Center or Airport). If you continue to stay within the area after your tour, we might be able to bring you to your next location, please contact us to organize it for you.
If you will be leaving to Barcelona or Perpignan / France, you would probably use the high-speed train from Figueres-Vilafant train station. Tickets can be booked via: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us
Couldn’t find what you’re looking for, then have a look at our general FAQs or Contact Us.
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