Spain Biking
- Kick off the journey in vibrant Barcelona
- Ride scenic routes in the Pyrénées foothills
- Highly acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood
- Costa Brava bike paths, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
- Admire the artistic genius of Salvador Dalí
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Barcelona lures you with its irrepressible éclat. But it’s just the start of an unforgettable trip through the heart of Catalonia. Soon you’re swept into the Pyrénées. Straddling the French border and riding roads the pro cyclists use to train for that famous French race. You’ll wonder how they just speed past these views. Descend and the air warms, the sun strengthens and the aroma of the coast fills the air. You’ll wind up on the Costa Brava, with glorious sea views and a landscape that inspired surrealist Salvador Dalí - a fitting end to this journey through one of Europe’s most enticing regions.
Day 1 Kick things off in Barcelona, Catalonia's effervescent capital 
Head north to the mountains and pedal past alpine villages, herds of cows and farmers tending their crops Sample cava, Spain’s beloved version of bubbly.
Day 2 Scenic routes in the Pyrénées foothills lead into France - the incredible views make your efforts worthwhile Gaze in awe at the limestone massif of Cadí-Moixeró Nature Reserve, standing above the idyllic Cerdanya Valley.
Day 3 Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood Pine and chestnut trees give way to oaks and olive groves en route to the coast Bike alongside deep valleys and rugged rock walls in La Garrotxa, a remote volcanic area rarely visited by tourists.
Day 4 Salvador Dalí's artistic genius shines at the medieval Gala Dalí Castle he restored for his wife Ride past fields of sunflowers and wheat to the beautiful Baix Empordà, the "region of coves," stopping to explore hamlets with cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses Penchant for pottery? You'll be in heaven in La Bisbal, Catalonia's ceramics capital Cap off your day with a tasting of Catalan wines.
Days 5-6 Bike along the Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays The Gavarres Nature Reserve offers up a pass to climb Lounge by the surf Fruit orchards, olive groves and rice paddies line a peaceful ride through the countryside.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I've only been on five Backroads trips, but this one has hit the top of my list as my most favorite!!! You have once again exceeded my expectations for a vacation!! The whole package is terrific. But the key, in my view, are the leaders. How do you SO consistently have the best people on the planet there to ensure the best vacations on the planet? I will enthusiastically recommend this Costa Brava trip to anyone who will listen. From mountains to sea, with gorgeous landscapes and villages between, not to mention starting in the beautiful and fascinating city of Barcelona. WOW!! Backroads, you've done it again.- Steamboat Springs, CO
I couldn’t imagine any aspect of the trip that could have been improved. The itinerary was very carefully and thoughtfully tweaked from the advertised itinerary so that we had the best possible opportunities to enjoy the countryside and the culture and have an active vacation that very successfully balanced fun, local culture, delicious food and very successfully. The organization that went into planning and executing the trip was apparent only because the adventure experience seemed almost effortless to the participants. Quite an accomplishment! I came away with a great sense of enthusiasm for this fascinating and beautiful region of Spain and France and would recommend the experience to anyone who is interested in this type of traveling.
This was far and away the best trip we have taken... it exceeded all of our expectations. The trip was easy... all we had to do was wake up in the morning and the only real decision we had to make was what wine to drink with dinner. The various options were great for different days. When the meals and hotels are factored in, Backroads is a great value. The little things - such as covering the beers at the beach bar - were also appreciated.
Premiere Inns
Torre del Remei
Bolvir de Cerdanya (2 nights) Set amid acres of lush manicured gardens, this modernist château from the early 1900s was designed by a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Mas Falgarona
Figueres (1 night) Owners Brigitta and Severino warmly welcome us into their renovated 15th-century stone farmhouse, tucked into the countryside between the Pyrénées and Costa Brava. (pool)
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa
Torrent (2 nights) A beautifully restored 18th-century manor house with stylish rooms and historic country charm. Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
Burgundy Biking
Legendary Vineyards & L'Art de Vivre
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Loire Valley Biking
Among the Grand Chateaux
Classic:
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Provence Biking
From Cotes du Rhone Vineyards to the Ochre-Kissed Luberon
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Mallorca Biking New!
Spain's Idyllic Mediterranean Island
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Spain Biking New!
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 31 miles
- 660 - 2460 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 3 3 Route Options Available
- 34, 37, 38 miles
- 2300 - 3940 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 28, 38, 41 miles
- 990 - 2950 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 23, 49, 56, 63 miles
- 660 - 2130 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 28, 47 miles
- 990 - 1970 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 17 miles
- 400 - 560 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Spain tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
