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Spain Portugal Biking

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."

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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 Torrent

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  Return to Barcelona.

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.
Kelly Babij - Minneapolis, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.

Spain Biking

A TASTE OF TRADITION: Premiere Inns

Torre del Remei
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 & Châteaux-member hotel, complete with a swimming pool, day spa and ultra-chic amenities.

Mas Falgarona
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.

Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa

Torrent (2 nights)

This Relais & Châteaux-member hotel maintains its historic country charm while pampering visitors with stylish guest rooms, a swimming pool, two restaurants and the full-service Mas Spa.

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
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 4 4 Route Options Available
  • 23, 41, 48, 51 miles
  • 650 - 1650 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
  • 22, 40, 50 miles
  • 750 - 2350 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 1 1 Route Option Available
  • 11 miles
  • 150 feet elevation gain

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Premiere Inns Trip Price:
  • $3,998 to $4,398 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$770 for sgl. occ.)
6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
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2010 CLASSIC DATES
Trip Notes

All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Barcelona, Spain

Special Interest

Culture & History, Fine Wine & Cuisine, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Romance &/or Honeymoon, Spa, Swim

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading

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