Holiday Overview:
The beautiful county of Empordà in Catalonia was an inspiration to Dalí and Picasso with its vineyards, Romanesque architecture, medieval villages, sun flower fields and much much more…. this county really is as amazing as it sounds.
This leisurely circular cycling route takes you through both, the inland and coastal charm of the Empordà region. You’ll explore historical landmarks, such as the regions important Greek-Roman ruins, and visit picturesque villages like Peratallada and Calella de Palafrugell.
Along the way, enjoy excellent local gastronomy and take in the breathtaking landscapes that once inspired Dalí.
Itinerary:
Nights: 7
Grade: 2 (click here to see our cycling grades)
Terrain: Rolling plains, farmland, olive groves, vineyards, pine woods and the Mediterranean Coast . You will cycle on quiet country lanes, farm tracks and greenways.
Day 1 (Arrival)
Arrival: Arrive at Girona Airport/Centre or Figueres Vilafant Train Station (if travelling from Barcelona) where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Castelló d’Empúries. This charming village, a medieval settlement, is centered around the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria.
Accommodation: Hotel, Castello D’Empuriès.
Day 2
Today you’ll set off for your first loop ride, heading to the first stop in Peralada, the wine capital of the Alt Empordà. For an immersive experience you can visit the new Peralada winery, the first in Europe to have the LEED® BD + C environmental and energy certification. Of course this includes tasting some of their excellent local wines. Afterwards you’ll continue to Figueres where you can stop for a visit to Salvador Dali’s Theatre Museum, the most visited museum in Spain. On your way back to Castelló d’Empuries you’ll pass through Siurana where you’ll find an olive oil mill. (47 km, 390m+)
Accommodation: Hotel, Castello D’Empuriès.
Day 3
Today you’re leaving Castelló d’Empúries behind, cycling through the inland and rural part of this area and making your way from the Alt Empordà to the Baix Empordà region. Along this stretch you will pass many typical Catalan villages, such as Sant Miquel de Fluvià showcasing a Romanesque monastery and magnificent tower, and Sant Mori and its castle. Enjoy exploring the remains of the ancient walls of Verges and the panoramic views onto the plains of the Baix Emprodà region. After passing through the medieval villages of La Pera and Púbol, you’ll arrive in Madremanya. (55km, 600m+)
Accommodation: Hotel, Madremanya.
Day 4
On this day you’re making your way from the interior part of the region to the coast, passing through numerous medieval settlements until arriving in La Bisbal d’Empordà, the regions’ capital and known for its medieval castle and famous Pottery Museum. The route continues to Torrent, home to a unique marmalade museum, and finishes in the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, which still preserves its original charm. (40 Km, 253m+)
Accommodation: Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell.
Day 5
Today’s itinerary is filled with scenic landscapes and cultural highlights. Explore the charming village of Pals and it’s remarkable medieval monument and continue cycling through the picturesque rice fields of Pals. For a slight detour, you can visit the long sandy beach at the mouth of the ‘Ter’ River. (29 Km, 180m+)
Accommodation: Hotel, Torroella de Montgrí.
Day 6
This day offers plenty of options to suit your pace. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, unwind by the hotel pool or take a leisurely ride to the beach and coastal village of L’Estartit. For a more active day, head out for a loop ride through the popularly known “Golden Triangle of Empordà”. Following along the Daro river, you’ll reach the ancient ruins of Ullastret from where you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views. On your way back, be sure to visit Peratallada, one of the area’s most beautiful medieval villages. For a few extra kilometers you can also explore Fontclara, a hidden yet award-winning olive oil manufacturer, globally recognized for their exceptional quality. (41 Km; short option 19 Km)
Accommodation: Hotel, Torroella de Montgrí.
Day 7
On your last stretch, you’ll cycle along the Montgrí massif and through the fishing village of L’Escala, famous for its anchovies production. From here you follow along the coastline. Plan a visit to the famous Empúries Ruins and explore the medieval settlement of St. Martí d’Empúries before arriving back in Castelló d’Empúries. (37Km, 162m+)
Accommodation: Hotel, Castello D’Empuriès.
Day 8
Departure: Today you depart with some great memories of your adventure in beautiful Catalonia, although we’re sure you will be back…
Prices 2025
Dates | Price (2 people sharing a twin/double room) | Single supplement | Single supplement (2 + people) |
---|---|---|---|
13 Apr to 20 Apr | €999 | €419 | €342 |
21 Apr to 13 June | €936 | €373 | €296 |
14 June to 18 July | €999 | €419 | €342 |
1 Sep to 30 Sep | €936 | €373 | €296 |
1 Oct to 31 Oct | €878 | €325 | €247 |
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
- Personal information pack
Optional Extras
Bike Rental- Touring bike: € 137
- Gravel bike: € 237
- E-bike: € 273
- 2 people sharing a twin/double room: € 98 per person
- 1 person in a double/twin room (solo occupancy): € 156 per person
NIGHTS 1,2+7
Hotel Canet
Castelló d’Empúries
Dating back to 1924, this charming hotel blends Catalan tradition with modern comforts, offering beautiful terrace views over the Alt Empordà region and an outdoor pool set in a former convent. –
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NIGHT 3
Hotel la Plaça
Madremanya
Set within beautiful gardens, this romantic hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and a sun terrace. The spacious rooms, housed in an authentic old Catalan building, are rich in ambiance and history. The hotel’s restaurant offers a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine, perfect for a memorable dining experience. –
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NIGHT 4
Hotel Sant Roc
Calella de Palafrugell
On top of a cliff and surrounded by pine woods this hotel is a favorite. Its panoramic views of the village and the Mediterranean Sea provide a tranquil backdrop for peaceful moments and relaxation. –
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NIGHTS 5+6
Hotel Palau Lo Mirador
Torroella de Montgrí
This restored 14th-century palace, hosts one of the Costa Brava’s most emblematic hotels. The hotel features beautifully landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, and thoughtfully preserved antique furniture, providing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. –
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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.
You also have the choice to book the optional private transfer from Barcelona Airport / Centre, you can find it here.
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?
- 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
- Personal information pack
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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