Spain Biking
From Barcelona to the Pyrénées & Costa Brava
Barcelona lures you with its irrepressible éclat. This city deserves its own adventure, but for you it’s the start of an unforgettable trip through the heart of Catalonia. Soon you’re swept into the Pyrénées. Straddling the border to France 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.
- 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
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 Spin past 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 
Spin 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 bays of 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.
- 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:
Portugal Biking Slovenia & Italy Biking Dalmatian Coast BikingOther Europe Trips
Look at what other guests are saying 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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. 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
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.
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa
Torrent (2 nights) A beautifully restored 18th-century manor house in the Empordà region, where Salvador Dalí was born. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Spain Biking
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 |
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
- 985 - 2950 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 23, 49, 56, 63 miles
- 655 - 2130 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 28, 47 miles
- 985 - 1970 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 17 miles
- 395 - 560 feet elevation gain