The best routes for experienced cyclists

Catalonia is a bicycle tourism paradise. More than 6,000 kilometres of roads and paths cover the region so you can discover its most privileged spots. You’ll find long routes designed to be covered over one or several days or to be travelled in various stages or circular routes from a base camp. There are also mountain routes through some of the natural settings of Catalonia which are ideal for intermediate-level and expert cyclists.

Cycling to Cornudella de Montsant

Varied terrain, good weather and specialised accommodation

One key difference with respect to countries in central and northern Europe and other cycling destinations is the fine weather. The mild temperatures throughout the year mean you can enjoy this sport 365 days a year.

Highly diverse terrain awaits you. Find out how, to the north, the mountain passes in the Val d’Aran and the Catalan Pyrenees merge with coves hidden between the cliffs and pine trees of the Costa Brava. Visit unique natural parks such as Montseny, Montnegre and Montserrat on the Costa Barcelona. To the south you can enjoy the Costa Daurada and Terres de l’Ebre, the gateway to paths that climb up the mountains of Prades and Els Ports.  Take the opportunity to relax at the end of the stage in accommodation with services tailored to cyclists.

The Mediterranean from the heights of Girona

If you’re a cycling enthusiast you’ll be interested in this. The Catalan Tourism Agency certifies towns with a range of cycling tourism activities on offer. This will make it easier for you to locate them. Girona is one of them. The city has become one of the world’s cycling capitals. You’ll feel it in the atmosphere. In the surrounding area you can cover the routes which are used regularly by dozens of professional cyclists for their training. Many of them have even made this Catalan city their usual place of residence. It also has legendary climbs such as Àngels i Rocacorba and Lloret Castle. The panoramic views they provide will remind you of picture postcards.    

On the Costa Brava, towns such as Blanes and Lloret de Mar allow you to pedal along routes which offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The climbs and descents are constant for several kilometres.

Cycling in Calella

Pedalling along the Costa Barcelona

Santa Susanna and Calella, situated on the Maresme coast, have become two exceptional destinations for bicycle tourism. They offer specialised accommodation and attractive routes for different levels of skill. If you’re a fan of the road, you have to try other circuits on the Costa Barcelona, such as the ride around Montseny and the route that climbs up to the Turó de l’Home, both of which involve a 2,000-metre ascent. If you’re looking for new motivating routes on your mountain bike, Calella is the gateway to the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park and the start of routes along the steep and rocky coast. You won’t be disappointed.

Through the fields of the Costa Daurada

There are also a large number of itineraries for two-wheel excursions along the Costa Daurada. Some start in Cambrils, Salou and Vila-seca beside the sea while others are located inland. For example, from Mont-roig del Camp you can reach a network of up to 140 kilometres of roads surrounded by nature, Priorat vineyards and beautiful fields where pedalling is a real pleasure.  Many of these routes climb up the mountains of the Costa Daurada and provide excellent panoramic views of Camp de Tarragona. Don’t miss the Cistercian Route beneath the Prades mountains, a path that takes in three beautiful monasteries in Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges in majestic natural settings.

Cycling in Rialp

The Pyrenees on two wheels

If you like mountain biking, here are some suggestions for a visit to the Catalan Pyrenees. The ride around the Cadí mountain range is one of the most difficult proposals. Passing through valleys and towns, it borders traditional paths linking up a 200-kilometre route that starts and ends in La Seu d’Urgell. The Val d’Aran is another paradise for mountain bike lovers, with technical itineraries, lengthy descents and major descents and climbs surrounded by spectacular Pyrenean landscapes and the wild nature. 

As you can see, many delightful paths run through various Catalan towns, many of them in the counties of Cerdanya, Solsonès, Garrotxa and Berguedà, providing the perfect setting for cycling with an extra attraction, namely the chance to enjoy the cultural heritage, gastronomy and traditions of Catalonia and make the most of your experience.

Are you up for it?