The Best Cycling Itineraries in Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees, Spain

Looking for the best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava? In this post we’ll give you a few suggestions of cycling paths in Costa Brava based on our own experience.

You’ll find here a full 30-day itinerary of the nearly 600 km that we did, with the focus on wine routes, medieval towns, beaches, and natural parks.

To help you to organize your trip better, we’ll give you some tips on where to stay in Costa Brava, as well as activities that you might be interested in while biking through the region.

We’ve created an optional 7-day route that is suitable for hard-core cyclists who wouldn’t mind biking up to 45 km per day including some brutal slopes. Or, maybe you can get inspired by an easier 5-day trip that will take you to a natural park, medieval towns, lush countryside, and coastal areas as a bonus.

Of course, you can modify the 30-day itinerary according to your fitness level and interests. Also, if you arrange the delivery and pick up of your bike in different locations with a bike rental company, then you don’t have to bike to the starting point, just enjoy the one-way trip. This way you can create a perfect cycling itinerary in Costa Brava that will fit you the most. Contact the guys from Trek & Ride to arrange everything.

For more biking tips, read our post about cycling in Costa Brava with information about the terrain, the best time to go, things to do along the way, and what equipment would you need for a biking vacation in Costa Brava.

best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava
Immersing in awesome views at the Martin Faixó winery.

The best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees

30-days itinerary of cycling in Costa Brava

Day 1
Girona –> Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Distance: 35,8
Route: Biking via the lovely well-marked greenway Carrilet II with low traffic. Easy ride.
Do & See: Visit the Benedictine monastery complex in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Chill out on the Sant Pol beach.
Where to stay: Hotel Restaurant Sant Pol, Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Day 2
Sant Feliu de Guíxols –> Palamós
Distance: 11 km
Route: Easy ride on a secondary road.
Do & See: Walk in the old town of Palamós & have a swim. We LOVED La Fosca beach. It’s cosy and quiet. Get some great food at the Hostal La Fosca.
You’re in the right area to learn about wine of Baix Empordà. Go wine tasting! Check out the unique architecture concept at the cellar Bell Llloc (5,4 km from Palamós). Palamós is one of the most important seaports in the province, and you can watch the fishermen selling their fresh catch at the fish market.
Where to stay: Hotel Trias, Palamós

Day 3
Palamós –> wineries in the area
Beaches are tempting, but don’t miss out on more local wine cellars: check out the family-run cellar Mas Eugeni in the morning (4,3 km from the town, biking on a flat secondary road), and the impressive vineyards at the Clos d’Agon winery, known also as Mas Gil, that is 6,5 km from the town, biking via a gravel path & secondary asphalt road.
Where to stay: Hotel Trias, Palamós

Day 4
Palamós –> Llafranc
Distance: 12 km
Route: Biking mostly via a secondary road. A few kilometres of highway with a bike lane for the last kilometres.
Do & See: Have a walk via coastal path to Calella de Palafrugell and back
Where to stay: Hotel Terramar, Llafranc

Day 5
Llafranc
Walk up to the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià. Leave the bikes at the hotel as the way up is too steep and is almost impossible to bike up.

Day 6
Llafranc –> Begur
Distance: 10,2 km
Route: Quite an easy ride via the countryside. Gravel paths & asphalt secondary road with low traffic.
Do & See: Explore the colonial heritage of Begur, walk up to the castle for some awesome views. Dine at the restaurant Fonda Caner in Hotel Rosa.
Where to stay: Hotel Aiguaclara, Begur

Day 7
Begur –> Pals
Distance: 6,7km
Route: Secondary road with low traffic. Don’t follow the GoogleMap for the biking path. It’ll lead you to the pine forest with sandy terrain. Tested it ourselves, and we don’t recommend it. You’d better stick to the asphalt secondary road from Begur.
Do & See: Visit the medieval town of Pals. Early morning and late afternoon is less crowded with fewer tourists.
Where to stay: Hotel Es Portal, Pals

Day 8
Pals –> Torrent –> Pals
Distance: 9,8 km
Route: Pleasant flat ride, nice countryside view. Very low traffic.
Do & See: Go wine tasting at the cellar Mas Oller.
Where to stay: Hotel Es Portal, Pals

Day 9
Pals –> Peratallada –> Pals
Distance: 14,2 km
Route: Very pleasant ride via some dirt and concrete roads through fields and small villages.
Do & See: Visit the beautiful medieval town of Peratallada.
Where to stay: Hotel Es Portal, Pals

Day 10
Pals –> Madremanya
Distance: 19,7 km
Route: Except of the last 5-6 km, it’s an easy ride with some tranquil countryside views. The last leg of the route (Cruïlles-Madremanya) is steep, take it easy and take enough breaks on the way up.
Do & See: Stop at the tiny medieval village of Monells. Have a stroll via its ancient streets in Madremanya in the evening.
Where to stay: Hotel la Plaça, Madremanya

best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava
Surrounded by nature in Costa Brava.

Day 11
Madremanya
Take a break from biking, relax at the hotel pool, or if you haven’t visited Monells on the way to Madremanya, do it today.

Day 12
Madremanya –> Púbol –> Torroella de Montgrí
Distance: 33,7,km
Route: Secondary road, gravel road via fields.
Do & See: Visit Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol (a must do!), chill out on a beach in L’Estartit in the evening.
Where to stay: Hotel Clipper & Villas, Torroella de Montgrí

Day 13
Torroella de Montgrí –> L’Estartit –> Torroella de Montgrí
Distance: 32,2 km
Route: Secondary road with higher traffic in the afternoon, busier in the town of Torroella de Montgrí.
Do & See: Visit the Natural Park of Medes Islands on board of Nautilus.
Where to stay: Hotel Clipper & Villas, Torroella de Montgrí

Day 14
Torroella de Montgrí –> L’Escala
Distance: 20,2 km
Route: Very pleasant ride, most of the route crosses the countryside or B-roads. Only a few inclined slopes.
Do & See: Walk the coastal path and visit the medieval town of Sant Martí d’Empúries and the historical remains of Ruïnes d’Empúries.
Where to stay: Hostal Spa Empúries, L’Escala

Day 15
L’Escala –> Roses
Distance: 25,3 km
Route: Flat & easy ride. You’re going to love it.
Do & See: Visit the Citadel of Roses, a ruined fortification, or if you feel like hiking, check out the coastal footpath Roses –> Cala Montjoi
Where to stay: Hotel & Spa Terraza, Roses

Day 16
Roses –> The Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà –> Roses
Distance: 26,2 km
Route: Flat sand & gravel road. You’ll need to cross a few tricky roundabouts near the highway, beautiful ride through serene nature. Bikes are not allowed in the park so, you’ll need to park them at the entrance.
Do & See: Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Do not miss this one.
Where to stay: Hotel & Spa Terraza, Roses

Day 17
Roses –> Castelló d’Empúries –> Roses
Distance: 19 km
Route: Secondary road with a bike lane, low traffic.
Do & See: Visit the medieval town of Castelló d’Empúries.
Where to stay: Hotel & Spa Terraza, Roses

Day 18
Roses –> Cadaqués
Distance: 17,5 km
Route: quite steep uphill & downhill. Not very safe in the afternoon with high traffic. Narrow road with no bike lane. It’s a popular training terrain for bike racers. That says it all.
Do & See: Do a tour & wine tasting at the Martín Faixó cellar on the way from Roses.
Have a walk among the white washed buildings of Cadaqués, get some local goodies at the artisan shop Botiga d’Orígen in the town, and have a late lunch near the sea.
Where to stay: Carpe Diem, Cadaqués

Day 19
Cadaqués –> Portlligat –> Cadaqués –> Cap de Creus –> Cadaqués
Distance: 15,4 km
Route: Absolutely scenic route, no bike lane. Avoid visiting the park on weekends. Too crowded and the narrow secondary road gets very busy.
Do & See: Visit Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat (sometimes spelled Port Lligat) in the morning. Head to the Natural Park of Cap de Creus in the afternoon.
Where to stay: Carpe Diem, Cadaqués

Day 20
Cadaqués –> Port de la Selva
Distance: 17,7 km
Route: First half is a very steep ascent, and the second half you can expect steep descent. It’s a narrow road without a bike lane.
Do & See: Have a stroll in the village, rest your muscles.
Where to stay: Hotel Spa Porto Cristo, Port de la Selva

best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava
Sunrise over Cap de Creus.

Day 21
Port de la Selva –> Vilajuïga
Distance: 17,7 km
Route: Secondary road, last 7 km of the route is a part of the national road N-260. Bike lane on the road. Don’t follow GoogleMap’s suggestion for cycling. It’ll lead you to a crazy steep hiking path of stones and you’ll end up having a good workout while pushing bike in front of you. It’s un-bikeable. Stick to the asphalt route GI-612 and N-260. Might get busy in the afternoon.
Do & See: Do a tour and wine tasting at the cellar Espelt Viticultors, Vilajuïga
Where to stay: Mas Espelt, Vilajuïga

Day 22
Vilajuïga –> Mas Llunes
Distance: 4,7 km
Route: Easy flat ride on an asphalt & gravel road.
Do & See: Go for a tour & wine tasting at Mas Llunes, have a brunch at the Cooperativa Garriguella across the road from the winery. Visit the medieval town of Pau in the afternoon.
Where to stay: Mas Espelt, Vilajuïga

Day 23
Vilajuïga –> Wine cellar Terra Remota –> Wine cellar La Vinyeta –> Villajuïga
Distance: 37 km
Route: Beautiful ride through countryside with minimal traffic. Flat, asphalt,partially gravel.
Do & See: Enjoy tours and wine tasting at the wineries. Visit the medieval town of Peralada.
Where to stay: Mas Espelt, Vilajuïga

Day 24
Vilajuïga –> Figueres
Distance: 14,2 km
Route: Partially gravel, nice views of the countryside. Second half of the route goes via the highway on a bike lane.
Do & See: Visit Dalí Theatre–Museum (must do!)
Where to stay: Hotel Duran, Figueres

Day 25
Figueres –> Besalú
Distance: 24,5 km
Route: Asphalt terrain, biking on a highway (next to the major one) with a bike lane,partially uphill.
Do & See: Get lost in the streets of Besalú, go for a guided visit of the Jewish bath (entrance only possible with a guide, but very worth it).
Where to stay: Els Jardins de la Martana, Besalú

Day 26
Besalú –> Castellfollit de la Roca –> La Pinya
Distance: 27,7km
Route: Main road with a bike lane on most of the route. Get ready for some steep slopes and traffic on the road.
Do & See: Stop after 15,3 km to enjoy the views of Castellfollit de la Roca. Chill out at the pool with fantastic views from the rural house of Mas Garganta.
Where to stay: Mas Garganta, La Pinya

Day 27
La Pinya –> Olot –> La Pinya
Distance: 6 km
Route: Easy ride on a secondary road with low traffic
Do & See: Check out the volcano crater in the middle of the city.
Where to stay: Mas Garganta, La Pinya

Day 28
La Pinya –> Olot –> Santa Pau –> Olot –> La Pinya
Distance: 21 km
Route: Narrow secondary road GI-524 without a bike lane. You might want to bike this route early in the morning to avoid the afternoon traffic and big trucks passing by.
Do & See: Explore the medieval town of Santa Pau.
Where to stay: Mas Garganta, La Pinya

Day 29
La Pinya –> Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa Region –> La Pinya
Distance: 16 km
Route: The same kind of route as to Santa Pau. Quieter in the morning.
Do & See: Visit the incredible volcanic area in the Garrotxa Natural Park. Have a stroll in Fageda d’en Jordà, a beech forest on lava flow from the Croscat volcano.
Where to stay: Mas Garganta, La Pinya

Day 30
La Pinya –> Girona
Distance: 64 km
Route: One of the best biking paths in Costa Brava! It’s a flat greenway, Carrilet I route is on hard gravel and asphalt. You’ll bike via lovely countryside paths, through forests (great if you cycle at midday, you have plenty of shade). Olot – Girona route is pretty flat and for about 20 km it goes slightly downhill through the forest. Just
splendid!

best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava
Girona: a must stop on your Costa Brava biking trip.

1-week itinerary of cycling in Costa Brava for hard-core cyclists

For more details of things to do and hotels to stay at during this trip, check out the 30-day itinerary above.

Day 1
Girona –> Sant Feliu de Guíxols –> Palamós
Distance: 46,8 km
Beach time!

Day 2
Palamós
Wine tasting! (Bell Lloc, Clos d’Agon, Mas Eugeni)
Distance: max. 13 km for a return trip to each of the wineries.

Day 3
Palamós –> Llafranc –> Begur –> Pals
Distance: 28,9 km
Beach time & cultural exploration.

Day 4
Pals –> Peratalada –> Madremanya –> Púbol –> L’Escala
Distance: 45,3 km
Medieval towns, beaches & art

Day 5
L’Escala –> Roses –> Cadaqués
Distance: 48 km
Beaches and natural park

Day 6
Cadaqués –> Port Lligat –> El Port de la Selva –> Vilajuïga
Distance: 31,3 km
Art & wine

Day 7
Vilajuïga –> Figueres > Train back to Girona
Distance: 15,3 km
Art & city.

best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava
Besalú town early in the morning.

5-day itinerary for cycling in Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees

For more details of things to do and hotels in this trip, check out the 30-day itinerary above.

Day 1
Train Girona –> Figueres
Cycling Figueres –> Besalú
Distance: 24, 3 km
Art, medieval town

Day 2
Besalú –> Olot –> La Pinya
Distance: 28,2 km
Volcanic area

Day 3
La Pinya –> Santa Pau –> Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa Region –> La Pinya
Distance: 31,5 km
Medieval town, nature

Day 4
La Pinya –> Girona
Distance: 64 km
Medieval town

Day 5
Exploring the medieval town of Girona
Optional: Biking Girona –> Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Distance: 35,8

 

Hope this post gave you a better idea where and how you can bike around Costa Brava. The suggestions of the best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava are based on our personal experience biking in Costa Brava for 30 days.

You might discover more hidden villages, routes that aren’t on official maps, or wineries not mentioned in this post. If you do, please, share with us your experience in the comments below!

Happy pedalling!

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best cycling itineraries in Costa Brava

 

Disclosure: This epic 30-day trip happened thanks to support of Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona.

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