Spain Biking New!
- Get started in vibrant Barcelona, likely to ignite your love affair with Catalonia
- Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrénées, where pros train for the Tour de France
- An epic climb and descent over La Toses Pass
- Highly acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood
- Spin through the stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against miles of white-sand beaches
From Barcelona to the Pyrenees & Costa Brava
Everything about Catalonia is unique. Part of Spain, but an independent nation, it flies its own flag and speaks its own language. It dances the sardana, drinks wine from a porró and has created some of the world's most acclaimed artists and architects. And its sights? They're distinctive too, from the rugged Pyrénées to the spectacular Costa Brava and the pulsing stylish city of Barcelona. Just wait 'til you get a whiff - the sea air, a steaming bowl of fideuà, a forest of pines. You know instantly that this place is different. Special. Memorable. Just like each day of your Catalan vacation.
Day 1 Get things started in vibrant Barcelona, likely to ignite your love affair with Catalonia 
After reaching the mountains, bike past alpine villages, herds of cows and farmers tending their crops Sample cava, Spain's beloved version of bubbly.
Day 2 Ride scenic routes into the French Pyrénées, where pros train for the Tour de 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 An epic climb and descent across Coll de la Crueta, which at nearly 6,200 feet is one of the highest paved roads in the Pyrénées Relish miles and miles of smooth winding downhill into a sunkissed valley Quiet pastoral lanes and riverside bike paths lead to the picturesque village of Llanars.
Day 4 Acclaimed Catalan fusion cuisine and fresh seafood Bike alongside deep valleys and rugged rock walls in La Garrotxa, a remote volcanic area rarely visited by tourists Ready for a break? Stroll through medieval towns where stone homes come with red-tile roofs and wooden balconies Pine and chestnut trees give way to oaks and olive groves en route to the coast.
Days 5-6 Spin through the stunning Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean laps against white-sand beaches and villages cling to forested hills above hidden bays Salvador Dalí's artistic genius shines at the medieval Gala Dalí Castle he restored for his wife Pedal past fields of sunflowers and wheat to the Baix Empordà, the "region of coves," stopping to explore hamlets with cobbled town squares, Baroque-style churches and ancient fortresses A tasting of Catalan wines caps off your day Fruit orchards, olive groves and rice paddies line a peaceful ride through the countryside.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I really can't rave enough about Catalonia. From the Pyrénées to the magical Costa Brava, the landscape is truly spectacular. The ancient villages are fascinating to explore. And the seafood and wine are out of this world! This trip offers the perfect introduction to all the region has to offer, including hidden spots that the locals know well but visitors don't often see. To top it off, Barcelona is your gateway city and a perfect place to extend your vacation before or after your trip.- Regional Manager, Spain
Casual Inns
Hotel del Lago
Puigcerdà (2 nights) Set amid peaceful manicured gardens a short walk from this Pyrénées town's picturesque lake and center. (pool, spa)
Hotel Grèvol
Llanars (2 nights) The design and warmth of an alpine chalet in the beautiful Camprodon Valley. (pool, spa)
Hotel Trias
Palamós (1 night) A beachfront hotel open since 1900 and renovated with bold contemporary décor. (pool)
Loire Valley Biking
Among the Grand Chateaux
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Provence Biking
From Cotes du Rhone Vineyards to the Ochre-Kissed Luberon
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
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 2 2 Route Options Available
- 16, 23 miles
- 660 - 1060 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 38, 41 miles 3
- 3370 - 4570 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 16, 52 miles
- 1220 - 2330 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 28, 64 miles
- 1500 - 2300 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 40, 46 miles
- 850 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 160 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.
