Spain Biking
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Culturally diverse, geographically varied, and awash in centuries-old customs, Spain's Catalonia region is made for exploration by bike. From Barcelona, discover medieval French and Spanish border towns hugging the majestic Pyrénées. Journey through the peculiar landscape that inspired some of Salvador Dalí's first paintings. Wind through the countryside, swapping rugged alpine terrain for the lush misty coastline. Finally, luxuriate in the transparent blue waters, untamed vegetation and secluded bays of Costa Brava, which more than lives up to its nickname, "the Wild Coast."
Trip Planning Links
- Kick off the journey in vibrant Barcelona
- Ride scenic routes in the Pyrénées foothills
- Costa Brava bike paths, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
- Highly acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood
- Admire the artistic genius of Salvador Dalí
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Bolvir de Cerdanya
Meet in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and a city bursting with artistic, architectural and cultural marvels 
Shuttle north into an alpine scenery of limestone cliffs, pine trees and meadows Pedal through rolling countryside past mountain villages, herds of cows and sheep, and farmers tending their crops Sample cava, Spain's delightful version of bubbly Follow a scenic route as you cross the border into the French Pyrénées foothills Traverse the famed Saint James Trail, a path taken by millions of pilgrims to reach the hallowed grounds at Santiago de Compostela Cap off your day in the saddle with a tasting of sun-kissed Catalan wines.
Day 3 figueres
Head to the Alt Empordà, Costa Brava's rugged north As you near the coast, pine and chestnut trees give way to oaks and olive groves Shop for traditional Catalan fabrics and textiles in charming St-Laurent-de-Cerdans.
Days 4-6 Palamós
Spin to the beautiful Baix Empordà, known as the "region of coves" En route, explore hamlets showcasing cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses Take a look inside the medieval Gala Dalí Castle, painstakingly restored by the artist for his wife and muse Feel the sea breeze against your face as you bike past miles of hidden bays Wind through villages clinging to the craggy forested hillside Wiggle your toes in the sand during some well-deserved beach time Stroll around Cap Roig Botanical Garden, where vibrant native and exotic flowers stream down terraces from a hilltop castle Return to Barcelona.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The itinerary you planned for this trip was an unforgettable combination of everything the region had to offer -- from the coastal ride, to the hills and valleys, from small villages to interesting ancient towns. I was completely delighted.- Minneapolis, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Spain Biking
A TASTE OF TRADITION: Premiere Inns
Torre del Remei
Bolvir de Cerdanya (2 nights) Set amid acres of lush manicured gardens, this 19th-century palace has been transformed into a 21st-century Relais & Chateaux-member hotel, complete with a swimming pool, day spa and ultra-chic amenities.
Mas Falgarona
Figueres (1 night) Owners Brigitta and Severino warmly welcome us into their renovated stone farmhouse, tucked into the countryside between the Pyrénées and Costa Brava.
La Malcontenta
Palamós (2 nights) You won't ever want to leave this well-appointed private home-turned-hotel, but a footpath leading to one of Costa Brava's prettiest beaches makes it quite tempting.
Spain Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 31 miles
- 700 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 3 3 Route Options Available
- 34, 37, 38 miles
- 2300 - 3900 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 28, 38, 41 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 23, 49, 56, 63 miles
- 700 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 28, 47 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 17 miles
- 400 - 600 feet elevation gain