Holiday Overview:
This cycling holiday gives you the opportunity to discover the many faces that make up the region of Girona, you will discover the beautiful historic centre of Girona itself, the magical lake of Banyoles, the Natural Park of Garrotxa and the beautiful Mediterranean coast all very close to the majestic Pyrenees.
You will start in Girona, the province capital with its charming old quarter. The first bike ride of the route takes cyclists to the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols along the “El Carrilet” Greenway, a former narrow gauge railway route converted into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists in the late 1990’s. From Sant Feliu de Guíxols the route turns north along the coast to the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. From Calella de Palafrugell you enter the fascinating area of “l’Empordanet” with its beautiful rural landscape and numerous medieval villages before reaching the market town of Torroella de Montgri. The small town of Banyoles brings us back to the interior and its magical lake. You will visit Olot, the main town in the Natural Park La Garrotxa and famous for its 40 volcanoes (dormant). The last bike ride passes along another beautiful Greenway route all the way from Olot back to Girona.
Itinerary:
Girona Banyoles Lake and the Volcanic Natural Park Cycling Holiday (7 Nights)
“A beautiful route exploring the stunning Catalan countryside!”
Nights: 7
Grade: 2 (click here to see our cycling grades)
Terrain: Rolling plains, farmland, olive groves, vineyards, pine woods and Mediterranean Coast . You will cycle on farm tracks, greenways and on quiet country lanes.
Day 1 (Arrival)
Day 1, Arrival: Arrival in the city of Girona. You can round off the day by visiting the old part of this historical city, where the cathedral, the remains of walls and the Jewish quarter are very outstanding. We also recommend a stroll along the Ramblas. Lodging in a 4 star hotel near the old quarter.
Day 2
Day 2, Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols: The first bike route takes you to the beautiful Mediterranean coast, you will follow the converted railway line called “El Carrilet”. Finally you will arrive at Sant Feliu with its wonderful seaport and old Monastery. Lodging in a 3 star hotel situated on a beautiful beach. (45 km)
Day 3
Day 3, Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Calella de Palafrugell: Today takes you north along the coast visiting the main port town Palamós and the secluded cove Platja de Castell before arriving to the lovely village of Calella de Palafrugell. The last 10km section pass along the newest of the Greenways: “Ruta del Tren Petit”, another great cycling path connecting Palamós and Palafrugell with its adjacent beach resorts. (31 km)
Day 4
Day 4, Calella de Palafrugell – Torroella de Montgrí : You will continue towards the north, following always the stunning coast, You will visit places of outstanding interest, including Pals and Torroella de Montgrí. You will also visit the natural wetlands of Pals and the rice growing areas surrounding it. (37 km)
Day 5
Day 5, Torroella de Montgrí – Banyoles: Today you will make your way to the town of Banyoles with the biggest lake in Catalonia. The old quarter of the town is very interesting and well worth a visit. You have the choice of two routes here. Route 1 is more direct following the course of the river Ter until reaching Colomers. Route 2 starts going north around the Montgrí massif and includes a visit to the archaeological site of Empuries, the most important archaeological site in Catalonia consisting of a Greek and Roman town. From here riders turn west and follow the Fluvia river towards Banyoles. (Route 1: 51km & Route 2: 70km)
Day 6
Day 6, Banyoles – Olot: This is a slightly more challenging ride that takes you into the volcanic area of La Garrotxa, the most important of the Iberian Peninsula. As another highlight you can visit and enjoy a lunch stop in the medieval village of Santa Pau with its fortressed nucleus, lovely square and castle before cycling through the heart of the park with its beech woods, volcanoes and finally arriving in Olot. (40 km)
Day 7
Day 7, Olot – Girona: This slightly longer but equally beautiful route follows the converted railway line “El Carrilet”, one of the first Vias Verdes (Greenways) to be opened to the public in Spain. This route takes riders through the Vall d’en Bas and then follows the river Brugent along the old train line “El Carrilet” to Girona. (59 km)
Day 8
Day 8, Departure: Say goodbye or perhaps stay on for a couple night in the beautiful city of Girona.
What your holiday includes:
- 24/ local support
- Seven nights in 3 and 4 star accommodations, B&B
- Moving of luggage between accommodation
- Detailed route notes
- Local maps
- Personal information pack including information about local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Optional Extras:
- Bicycle Rent (€ 80 per person)
- Half Board, 5 Nights, not Girona (€ 97 per person)
Prices 2024
€1019 per person (based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room)
What your holiday includes
- 24/ local support
- 7 nights in 3 and 4 star accommodations, B&B
- Moving of luggage between accommodation
- GPS with the routes pre-programmed in
- Local maps
- Personal information pack including information about the route highlights, local history, culture, traditions, restaurants, shops and local attractions etc
Optional Extras
- Bicycle Rental (€ 189 per person)
- Half Board, 5 Nights, not available in Girona (€ 200 per person)
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