Spain · Girona and the Costa Brava
Costa Brava & Girona Cycling Tour
Girona’s classic roads, the Costa Brava coast, and over the border into France
- Days
- 9
- Distance
- 566
km - Climbing
- 5,961
m - Group
- 8–15
- Grade
- Intermediate
The ride
About this tour
The Costa Brava and Girona offer a wonderful mix of cycling: quiet country roads, medieval villages, rugged coastline and forested climbs, with plenty of good places to stop for coffee along the way. We’re looking forward to exploring more of this part of Catalonia, beginning in Girona before heading to the coast.
We’ll spend the first few days riding Girona’s favourite cycling roads, through forested hills and medieval villages, with routes taking us towards Els Àngels, Tossa de Mar and Sant Martí Sacalm. After a rest day in Girona, we’ll ride inland towards Roses and the Alt Empordà, before exploring the roads around the Cap de Creus peninsula and the Costa Brava.
Expect varied terrain, quiet backroads, good coffee stops and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Catalonia at riding pace.
The shape of the week
566 km
5,961 m up
607 km
8,132 m up
Each bar is one day's climbing. Some days have a Challenge route; the toggle shows the week either way.
- 447m 447m
- 961m 961m
- 656m 1,277m
- 1,197m 1,943m
- Rest
- 661m 661m
- 1,359m 1,359m
- 680m 1,484m
- Depart
- D1 53 km 53 km
- D2 66 km 66 km
- D3 76 km 94 km
- D4 92 km 135 km
- D5 — —
- D6 83 km 83 km
- D7 105 km 105 km
- D8 91 km 71 km
- D9 — —
Highlights
What you'll
remember
Ride Girona’s favourite roads: the Hincapie Loop through the medieval village of Monells, and the climb to the Santuari dels Àngels on the way back from the coast.
Stop at Tossa de Mar, then ride the coastal stretch beyond it, with its twisting roads, turquoise coves and sweeping sea views.
Cross from Spain into France along the coast, with lunch in Banyuls-sur-Mer, between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Three nights by the sea at Roses, and a final loop out to Cadaqués and the almost lunar landscape of Cap de Creus.
Day by day
The itinerary
Where two figures are shown, the second is the optional Challenge route for that day.
Day 1 Arrival in Girona & Leg Opener 53 km447 m
- Distance
- 53 km
- Climbing
- 447 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
The day
Arrive in Girona and settle into Hotel Carlemany. After bike setup and a quick briefing, we’ll head out for an easy ride to shake out travel fatigue and get a feel for the local roads.
A relaxed group dinner at the hotel follows in the evening, our first taste of Girona’s vibrant food scene.
Day 2 The Hincapie Loop 66 km961 m
- Distance
- 66 km
- Climbing
- 961 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
A local classic named after George Hincapie, who first made Girona his European training base in the late 1990s. This route blends rolling countryside with peaceful climbs and descents through forest and farmland.
We’ll stop mid-ride at Monells, a beautiful medieval village with cobblestone streets and a sunny square, perfect for coffee before looping back to Girona.
In the evening, we can head into Girona’s old town for dinner at one of its many restaurants.
Day 3 Sant Martí Sacalm 76 km / 94 km656 m / 1,277 m
- Distance
- 76 km / 94 km
- Climbing
- 656 m / 1,277 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The day
We head inland through forested backroads and quiet villages on a ride that offers a different perspective on Girona’s surrounding countryside.
The route takes us towards Sant Martí Sacalm, a small settlement set among wooded hills. Here, riders can choose whether to take on the additional climb or turn back towards Girona for a gentler return.
Both options offer a rewarding day on quiet roads, with plenty of scenery along the way. We’ll return to Girona for our final evening before the rest day.
Day 4 Tossa de Mar & the Costa Brava 92 km / 135 km1,197 m / 1,943 m
- Distance
- 92 km / 135 km
- Climbing
- 1,197 m / 1,943 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The day
Today we ride from Girona towards the Mediterranean coast, combining rolling countryside with some of the most scenic roads in the region.
We’ll stop at Tossa de Mar for coffee or lunch before continuing along the spectacular coastal stretch, with its twisting roads, turquoise coves and sweeping sea views.
Riders choosing the longer route will continue towards Sant Feliu de Guíxols before heading inland through La Bisbal and tackling the climb to the Santuari dels Àngels, a Girona favourite, on the way back.
The shorter route turns inland earlier, climbing through the Cadiretes range via Sant Grau before returning to Girona.
Day 5 A Day Off the Bike No riding
- Distance
- —
- Climbing
- —
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
After several days of riding, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Girona is well worth exploring on foot. Wander through the medieval old town, walk along the city walls, visit the cathedral or settle into a café and watch the city go by. The city also has a strong food culture, with plenty of places to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
If you’re interested in art, Figueres and the Dalí Theatre-Museum make for an interesting day trip. And if you’d rather not take a complete rest, we can suggest a short ride nearby.
Day 6 Girona to Roses 83 km661 m
- Distance
- 83 km
- Climbing
- 661 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The day
Today we leave Girona and ride towards the coast, heading through the rural landscapes of the Empordà to Roses.
The journey takes us through open countryside, small villages and quiet backroads, with the landscape gradually changing as we approach the Mediterranean.
We’ll aim to arrive in Roses with enough time to settle into the hotel and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Roses will be our base for the next three nights as we explore the Alt Empordà and the roads around the Cap de Creus peninsula.
Day 7 Across the Border into France 105 km1,359 m
- Distance
- 105 km
- Climbing
- 1,359 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The day
One of the most scenic rides of the trip takes us north from Roses, following beautiful coastal roads across the border from Spain into France.
We’ll stop for lunch in Banyuls-sur-Mer, a seaside town tucked between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Pyrenees, before making our way back towards Roses.
Expect sweeping sea views, rolling roads and a ride that takes us across two countries in a day. It’s a lovely way to explore the northern edge of the Costa Brava and the neighbouring French coastline.
Day 8 The Cadaqués & Cap de Creus Loop 91 km / 71 km680 m / 1,484 m
- Distance
- 91 km / 71 km
- Climbing
- 680 m / 1,484 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Canyelles Platja, Roses
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The day
Today we explore the distinctive landscapes around the Alt Empordà and Cap de Creus, with two options depending on how you’d like to spend the day.
The Classic route takes a gentler approach through the lowlands and rural countryside around the Alt Empordà. It’s a good choice for riders who prefer a more relaxed day with less climbing.
The Challenge route heads towards Cadaqués, one of the most distinctive villages on the Costa Brava. Known for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and beautiful Mediterranean setting, it has long attracted artists and travellers to this rugged stretch of coast. The route continues towards Cap de Creus, where the road winds through an almost lunar landscape, with the sea stretching out on either side.
Whichever option you choose, expect a rewarding final ride through this characterful part of Catalonia. We’ll return to Roses for our last evening on the coast.
Day 9 Departure to Barcelona or Transfer to Girona for Gravel No riding
- Distance
- —
- Climbing
- —
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
After breakfast, the main road tour comes to an end. Riders can depart for Barcelona, or those joining the gravel extension will transfer from Roses to Girona.
The extension offers two more days of riding, this time away from the tarmac and on the gravel roads and tracks around Girona.
Optional extension
Girona gravel
Extend your trip with two days of gravel riding around Girona. After transferring from Roses to Girona on 25 April, we’ll head out on gravel rides on 26 and 27 April, exploring forest roads, gravel tracks and quiet rural routes.
Girona is known not only for its road cycling but also for its thriving gravel scene. Home to The Traka, one of the best-known gravel cycling events, the region has an extensive network of gravel tracks and forest roads. Away from the main tarmac routes, the countryside opens up in a different way, with farm tracks, wooded trails and quiet gravel roads linking small villages and rural landscapes.
Day 10 Rustik Café Gravel Loop 79 km284 m
- Distance
- 79 km
- Climbing
- 284 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
This route heads east along the River Ter through the relatively flat Empordà region to Rustik Café, a favourite stop among local cyclists. The food and coffee are excellent, the fruit and yoghurt bowls are beautifully presented, and being a village bakery, the pastries are well worth trying too. It’s less than two hours by bike from Girona, making it a good spot to stop for a bite and a chat. Do note that Rustik is closed on Wednesdays and closes at 1:30 pm on other days.
Alternatively, you can stop at one of the eateries on Verges’ main square. On the way back, it’s worth detouring to Doskiwis Brewery in Rupià, a great weekend stop for food, excellent beer and sometimes live music.
The route follows smooth, easy gravel paths throughout, and there are several points where you can shorten the ride if you prefer a shorter day.
Day 11 Banyoles Lake Gravel Loop 58 km666 m
- Distance
- 58 km
- Climbing
- 666 m
- Night stay
- Hotel Carlemany, Girona
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
A lovely ride through the gravel paths of the northern hills, with the mountain lake of Banyoles as our destination. The route takes us through quiet countryside and rolling terrain before bringing us to the lakeside, where there are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants to stop for a coffee or something to eat.
The ride is suitable for all levels, with mostly smooth and enjoyable gravel throughout.
Day 12 Departure No riding
- Distance
- —
- Climbing
- —
- Night stay
- —
- Meals
- Breakfast
The day
After breakfast, we’ll check out and transfer to Barcelona for onward travel.
Dates & pricing
Price to be announced
Costa Brava & Girona
The dates are set and the price is being finalised. Ask us about the tour and you'll hear the price first.
The detail
What's included
Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Girona
- 3 nights’ accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Roses
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
- Daily guided rides with ride leaders
- Support van with water, fruits, bars & electrolytes
- On-route coffee stops
- Mechanical support
- Daily route briefing and GPS files
Not included
- Airfare or travel to/from Girona
- Bike rental (available at additional cost)
- Travel or medical insurance
- Lunches (except on Day 1)
- Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
- Dinner on Days 2 and 5
Before you come
Practical
information
Fitness & preparation
This camp is designed for riders who are in good health, and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle each day. The routes include a mix of rolling terrain, steady climbs, and longer days, so arriving with a solid fitness base will help you make the most of the experience.
Participants are expected to:
Arrive with well-maintained bicycles and be familiar with basic on-the-road fixes such as flat repairs.
Use a navigation device such as a Wahoo or Garmin, which is mandatory for this camp. While a guide will ride with the group, riders are responsible for following the route and making their own turns. All route files will be shared in advance.
Be self-sufficient on the road, as this is not a “sagged” ride. While the support van will be available in case of injury or serious mechanical issues, it may not be immediately accessible at all times.
In short, come ready to ride the distances, embrace the challenge, and experience Girona’s world-class cycling the way it’s meant to be.
Weather
Late April is one of the best times to ride in Girona. Expect mild mornings, warm afternoons, and plenty of sunshine, ideal for long days on the bike. Average daytime temperatures range between 17°C and 23°C, with cooler mornings around 10–12°C.
While rain is uncommon, it’s a good idea to carry a light rain jacket and a wind vest for mountain descents or the occasional spring shower.
Travel & logistics
Arrival:
We’ll arrange a group pickup from Barcelona Sants station at 9:00 AM on 17th April 2027. The transfer to Girona takes about 90 minutes. Riders arriving by air can easily reach Barcelona Sants via the airport train or taxi from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN).
We recommend arriving in Barcelona a day earlier to allow time to recover from travel and adjust to the time zone. This additional night’s accommodation in Barcelona is not included in the camp cost.
Alternatively, riders can choose to spend the night of 16th April in Girona to get an early start on the local rhythm. In this case, the transfer to Girona on the 16th will be on your own, as the group transfer operates only on 17th April.
Departure: On 25th April, after breakfast, we’ll transfer guests to Barcelona Sants station for onward travel. Those joining the gravel extension will instead transfer from Roses to Girona.
Bike rental
For riders who prefer not to travel with their own bikes, top quality Bianchi road bikes are available for rental during the camp. Riders are welcome to bring their own pedals and saddles for a personalised setup.
Please note that bike rentals are not included in the camp cost and must be reserved in advance to ensure availability.
Repairs & safety
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
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Questions
Asked before
you book
If yours isn't here, ask us directly.
What level of fitness do I need for this tour?
This tour is designed for riders who are in good health, and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle each day.
On many days, we offer two route options, allowing you to choose between a shorter, easier ride and a longer or more challenging one, depending on your fitness and how you feel that day. You don’t need to be a racer, but a reasonable level of fitness and some preparation beforehand will help you enjoy the tour.
What are the roads and terrain like?
We’ll ride along some beautiful scenic roads, through quiet countryside, rolling hills, forested climbs and stretches of the Costa Brava coastline. The routes are primarily on paved roads and are designed for road bikes.
Are the rides fully supported?
Yes. All rides are supported, with a support vehicle carrying water, refreshments, luggage and essential spares. The support team helps keep the rides running smoothly, so you can focus on the riding and enjoy the day.
Can I ride at my own pace?
Absolutely. Riders can go at a pace that suits them, though we encourage everyone to ride responsibly and regroup at agreed stops. There will be opportunities to ride together, enjoy coffee stops and explore the villages along the way.
What kind of bike should I bring?
A road bike is ideal for this tour. Make sure it is in good working condition before you travel, with suitable gearing for the climbs.
If you prefer not to bring your own bike, let us know and we can help explore rental options through our local partners. Rental availability should be confirmed well in advance.
Will I receive the routes in advance?
Yes. We’ll share the planned routes as GPX files before the tour. We recommend bringing a Garmin, Wahoo or another reliable GPS cycling computer so you can follow the routes easily.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Both properties in Girona and Roses are 4-star hotels. In Girona, our hotel is about a 7–8 minute walk from the Old Town, making it easy to explore the city after the rides. On the Costa Brava, we stay by a picturesque little bay with a sandy beach and clear Mediterranean waters, just outside Roses.
What meals are included?
All breakfasts and most dinners are included, as specified in the itinerary. We choose cafés and restaurants along the routes based on our own experience and recce visits. There will be opportunities to enjoy local Catalan food, stop for coffee and sample some of the region’s excellent bakeries and restaurants. Any meals not included in the tour price will be mentioned in the itinerary.
Can I join the gravel extension?
Yes. There is an optional two-day gravel extension for riders who would like to spend more time exploring the Girona area on gravel bikes. It is a separate add-on to the main tour, with its own rides and arrangements. Please let us know when enquiring so we can confirm availability, bike rental options and the additional cost.
Where should I fly into, and when should I arrive?
Barcelona is the most convenient international gateway for the tour. We’ll share the recommended arrival and departure timings, along with transfer arrangements, once your booking is confirmed. If you’re joining the gravel extension, your departure arrangements will differ from those of the main group, as the extension continues in Girona.
Private groups
Bring your own
group of eight
8 riders or more and we will run Costa Brava & Girona on your dates rather than ours, with the week built around what your group actually rides.
The week that suits you
Not the departures listed above. Tell us roughly when, and we will work back from the season.
Set to your riders
Daily distance and climbing pitched at the group you are actually bringing, not at an average.
Longer or shorter
The itinerary here runs 9 days. Yours can run longer if you want more of the country, or shorter if the time is what it is.
We scout every route ourselves, so a change to the itinerary is one we plan rather than pass to somebody else. Corporate groups, clubs and friends riding together are all the same job to us.
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Difficulty
What the grades mean
Climbing sets the grade, not distance. Measured per riding day, averaged across the tour, with rest days excluded.
Beginner
- Climbing
- Under 500 m
- Distance
- Varies with the terrain
Flatter terrain with fewer challenging inclines. A more relaxed ride, suitable for those not yet accustomed to frequent climbing.
Intermediate
This tour- Climbing
- 500 – 1,200 m
- Distance
- Usually 48 to 88 km
A mix of flat sections, rolling hills and occasional moderate climbs. A more diverse range of landscapes and challenges through the week.
Advanced
- Climbing
- 1,200 m+
- Distance
- Usually 68 to 99 km
For experienced cyclists after a genuinely demanding week. Steep ascents and descents, and a real test of climbing.
On Costa Brava & Girona the average riding day is 81 km with 852 m of climbing, across 7 riding days.
Not sure it's for you? Read the full guide or ask us. We will tell you honestly.
Booking
What happens after you pay
PayPal confirms the payment to us straight away, so your place is held the moment it goes through.
You get an email with your booking reference immediately, and we call you within a day to talk through fitness, bike and logistics. There is nothing further for you to send us.
The balance is arranged with you afterwards, on the schedule shown beside the prices. Nothing is taken automatically; every payment is one you make yourself.