It's one of the most popular national destinations for cyclists. A perfect region for both experienced cycle tourists and those who simply want to pedal on their days off. Girona has become a benchmark for multi-day cycling tours. At Bikefriendly , aware of the cycling prowess of this province, we propose this multi-day trip to discover Girona by bike.
Why choose Girona to take a trip by bike in stages?
The rise of cycle tourism is making Spain a favorite destination for those who want to discover the country by bike. Girona, in particular, is one of the trendiest areas in Spain for cycling routes. More and more cycling enthusiasts are choosing this Catalan province, and professional teams are also establishing their headquarters and training for their seasons in this region near the Mediterranean.
The area's pleasant climate, diverse activities, and the possibilities offered by Girona make it a top-tier tourist destination. Its secondary roads, dotted with mountain passes, are perfect for getting lost and staying in shape.
Through its network of roads, you can explore the Garrotxa region and its beech forests by bike, discover Catalan history and culture, or enjoy the Mediterranean breeze while pedaling along the roads that follow the Costa Brava coastline . To fully experience the region, we suggest a five-stage road cycling trip : the Girona Road Trip , an experience that has all the makings of becoming your next cycling adventure.
Girona Road Trip, five stages on a road bike
A five-day bicycle trip is the best way to get to know an area or region. Go through the most important cities, discover the most hidden spots and soak up the culture, gastronomy, history and nature. A tour of the province, starting and ending in the city of Girona, to give shape to an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. For this reason, we have designed five stages that make up the Girona Road Trip. Discover them:
Stage 1: Girona – Palamós / Calonge
74 km / + 1.185 m
Let's begin our journey! From Girona, one of Spain's leading cycling destinations, you'll explore the interior of the province. Your first renowned stop will be Caldes de Malavella, a Roman settlement famous for its thermal waters. After enjoying the spa, you'll continue to Llagostera along secondary roads. Here begins the climb to Sant Grau d'Ardenya, a favorite among professional cyclists. After a short break at its church-bar, continue your route to Palamós, following the coastal road while enjoying views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Stage 2: Palamós / Calonge – Roses
82 km / + 687 m
On the second day, we trade the climbs for a flatter stage, with only 687 meters of accumulated elevation gain. Ahead lie 82 kilometers that will take us first to Les Gaverres, the most famous mountains in Girona. After passing through La Bisbal, a town known for its ceramics, you'll continue enjoying various villages, most of medieval origin. Beyond the heart of the Baix Empordà region, a gentle climb northwards leads to Roses, your rest town before the third day of filming.
Stage 3: Roses – Figueres
77 km / + 1.407 m
The halfway point of the journey is marked by the stage between Roses and Figueres. From Roses, we'll head to Cadaqués and then Portlligat. In Portlligat, a stop is a must: Salvador Dalí's summer house. A fantastic place to learn about a genius. The next renowned stop is the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the easternmost on the Iberian Peninsula, reached by roads that look like something out of a lunar landscape. A short detour to Port de la Selva, before continuing up a mountain pass towards the beautiful monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. In Figueres, Dalí's presence is still felt, as his museum is located there. But before reaching the end of this stage, it's worth enjoying the final stretch: the olive oil and wine are renowned in the area, and the wineries of Garriguella have a reputation you shouldn't miss. Art and wine are a perfect combination!
Stage 4: Figueres – Olot / Batet de la Serra
82 km / + 1.895 m
82 kilometers and 1895 meters of accumulated elevation gain. The stage between Figueres and Olot presents itself as a challenge. On the way to La Garrotxa , you'll climb the Mare de Déu del Mont, one of the most renowned mountain passes in the area, the next challenge on the route. After the ascent, the route will take you to Besalú, another small town brimming with beauty. Leaving the town via its stone bridge, you'll continue towards Castellfollit de la Roca , a village named one of the most beautiful in Spain. The route then continues to Olot, the end of the fourth stage.
Stage 5: Olot / Batet de la Serra – Girona
86 km / + 1.481 m
We've saved the longest stage for last: 86 kilometers long with almost 1.500 meters of elevation gain. This chapter of our journey will continue to reveal wonderful places, such as our visit to Santa Pau, one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. Halfway through, we'll tackle the climb to Rocacorba, the most challenging point of the day, just before reaching Banyoles and its famous lake. The end of the road is approaching, and Girona is once again in sight. You've done it: you've cycled through one of the most beautiful provinces in Spain.
Everything you need on your stage trip through Girona
The best part of these trips is enjoying the route, spending quality time with friends and family, and resting between stages. To make all of this possible, the Girona Road Trip organized by Bikefriendly offers all the necessary services for the best possible experience cycling through this Catalan province.
Upon arrival, we'll give you a briefing and you'll receive a welcome pack to help you get ready from the very beginning. At the accommodations—included when you book your trip—you'll have breakfast and a Bikefriendly space for your bike : bike storage, a washing area, and a workshop at your complete disposal.
But these included services don't stop at the hotels. They also include pre-trip route information, GPS tracks to complete, and practical tips and information for each stage. At each stage, you'll have luggage transfer and travel insurance to ensure your cycling trip is a completely safe experience. Your luggage will be transported between accommodations, so when you arrive at your next hotel, everything will be just as you'd like, and you won't have to worry about a thing.
Airport transfers and bicycle rentals are additional services that can be booked. This category also includes the option to customize routes to your desired level, ensuring your trip is always tailored to your preferences; or to book cultural, gastronomic, or nature tours… so your trip to Girona is exactly as you've dreamed.
The best Bikefriendly accommodations for your bike trip in stages through Girona
After each cycling stage through Girona, a stop to rest and relax is essential. Some of the most iconic Bikefriendly accommodations are located in this province, and the Girona Road Trip route passes very close to two ideal places to find the peace and quiet needed after a tough stage: Mas La Mata and Hotel Cap Roig.
The first one is located in Batet de la Serra and you can choose it as an alternative to finishing the stage in Olot, while the second one is located in Calonge , next to Palamós, so you can also choose it to rest at the end of the first stage.
Mas la Mata
Few places in Spain are more synonymous with relaxation than this country house. Mas La Mata is located in Batet de la Serra , a small village between Olot and Santa Pau, and is surrounded on all sides by nature and the forests of Girona. The 206 m² house can accommodate up to eight people in four double bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The house features Wi-Fi, a barbecue, three fireplaces, and a swimming pool. It also has everything that makes it Bikefriendly accommodation, such as a washing area, a workshop, individual bike storage, and an e-bike charging station. Cyclist services are further enhanced with route information, bike rentals, and access to route maps on the Bikefriendly mobile app.
Imagine resting here after finishing the fourth stage of the Girona Road Trip.
Hotel Cap Roig
The views of the Mediterranean Sea from this accommodation will provide some of the most breathtaking scenery of your life. In a prime location on the Costa Brava, Cap Roig guarantees friendly, personalized service right on the seafront.
The hotel is surrounded by a garden filled with native trees and plants. There is elevator access to the Camí de Ronda coastal path, providing direct access to Cap Roig Beach. The massage service, sauna, jacuzzi, and spa will offer you the rest and recovery you need after completing a cycling route through Girona. With all the necessary amenities to be a Bikefriendly hotel, Hotel Cap Roig is an ideal place to enjoy cycle touring and a well-deserved rest in Girona, making it a perfect option to recharge between the first and second stages of the Girona Road Trip.
Hostal La Fosca
If you choose Palamós as the finish line for the first stage, you should stay at Hostal Restaurante La Fosca, a landmark for local cyclists and visitors to Palamós. This family-run guesthouse is located right on Fosca beach in the town of Palamós (Baix Empordà).
La Fosca offers 25 rooms and is located on one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the Costa Brava . It belongs to the Brugarol Group, whose owners are avid cyclists and, with the support of Bikefriendly, have designed a comprehensive guide to circular routes from their accommodations in the province of Girona, with options for gravel, road, and mountain biking.
Routes from Palamós that will allow you to breathe the fresh forest air and, at the same time, enjoy the sea breeze. If you want to see all the routes to get inspired and plan your getaway, you can do so by downloading the Bikefriendly app (available on the App Store and Google Play ). In the Featured Hotels section, you'll find Finca Bell-Lloc , which also belongs to the Brugarol Group, and there you'll find all the cycling routes it offers.
Furthermore, if you have time to extend your trip by another day, Brugarol also organizes a guided day tour by electric mountain bike (they rent them) through the most beautiful and representative locations and estates of the Catalan group. Called the Brugarol Experience Tour , the route consists of an 18-kilometer ride along forest tracks and includes a tasting of Brugarol wines and other products. The Brugarol Experience Tour takes place on Tuesdays and Sundays at 9:00 AM and you don't need to be a guest at one of their hotels, but you do need to book in advance by calling +34 972 60 10 71.
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Hostal La Fosca – Bike-friendly accommodation in Palamós -
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If you're thinking of hopping on a bike and doing several stages, Girona is your destination , and with the Girona Road Trip you'll discover its best spots on a cycling tour you won't want to miss. A unique opportunity to explore the province while enjoying one of your favorite activities. Enjoy!
