This tour takes in three of the most famous and challenging climbs around Girona, the Garrotxa Volcanic National Park and the exquisite coastal views on the road to Tossa de Mar and of course the pretty countryside of this area of Catalonia.
This is a three centre tour starting in the unique, secluded La Rectoria, one of our most popular hotels. Then three nights in Girona, three rides are planned form here but many take a rest day to explore the City. You then head to the coastal town of Palamos for your last day of riding or simply to take it easy on the beach.
The routes are challenging and require a reasonably high level of both cycling experience and physical fitness. Our highly experienced guides are available for part or all of this tour. Please enquiry for details.
You will be met at Girona airport or Flaca station (if arriving from Barcelona) and transferred to La Rectoria de San Miguel, a beautifully restored rectory where Roy and Goretti will assure you of a warm welcome. Roy was previously a chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Goretti a whisky taster at Glenmorangie so after dinner you may even get a fine Scottish whisky.
A full brief and bike fitting will be given.
Optional Ride
Leaving your hotel we have an out and back route that will take you over the Puig Tosel Gros at over 1,100m before the winding descent into Torello. Possibly stop for a coffee before returning the way you came to tackle the climb in the opposite direction.
Single Espresso
Level: ModerateDistance: 68km (42miles) Max height: 1,100m (2,200′) Asc: 2,000m (6,500′)
Leaving La Rectoria behind, today you will tackle the first of the three famous climbs of Girona, the Rocacorba. A 14km climb taking you to just short of 1,000m, with an average gradient of 6.5% but with some ramps of over 10%. After the climb with the exception of a few bumps you are rewarded to a 35km downhill to Girona. where you will check into the Hotel Llegendes.
There is the option to skip the final ascent to Rocacorba while still completing the same route.
Girona is a wonderful compact city with great restaurants. We would suggest dining at Le Bistrot or, for a more gastronomic experience, try the restaurant NU. We can book the dinner for you in advance.
Double Espresso
Level: ChallengingDistance: 96km (60miles) Max height: 980m (3,200′) Asc: 1,891m (6,200′)
Cappuccino
Level: ModerateDistance: 74km (46miles) Max height: 626m (2,050′) Asc: 880m (2,900′)
The Epic day, this is one of the toughest routes Girona has to offer, thanks to the notorious Mare de Déu (Mother of God) del Mont climb. A tough climb for sure but on super quite small roads, with fabulous views over the whole region.
The climb is a popular testing ground for the pros and with good reason: from Cabanelles it’s 18km with an average 5.4% gradient with a couple of 14% sections. Top Strava times are around 50 minutes.
Getting to and from the climb is a lovely trip through rolling countryside, every cyclist dreams. At roughly 40km it is decision time, turn right to start the climb or keep straight on to continue the rolling gentle ride.
Double Espresso
Level: ChallengingDistance: 120km (75miles) Max height: 1,085m (3,560′) Asc: 2,260m (7,200′)
Cappuccino
Level: ModerateDistance: 68km (42miles) Max height: 240m (790′) Asc: 880m (2,900′)
Leaving Girona, you tackle the third and final famous climb, Els Angels. At only 460m and 10km it is the shortest and easiest but most well known. A long descent from Els Angels followed by the easy climb over La Ganga, takes you to within touching distance of the coast before you tackle the final climb of the day to Romania de la Selva before descending to Palamos.
The route can be shortened by missing the final climb to Romania de la Selva.
Check in to Hotel Trias overlooking the beach and harbour.
Espresso
Level: ChallengingDistance: 77km (48miles) Max height: 470m (1,550′) Asc: 1,325m (4,350′)
Cappuccino
Level: Moderate / ChallengingDistance: 60km (37miles) Max height: 330(1080′) Asc: 800(2,600′)
After a leisurely breakfast take the express bus to Barcelona from Palamos bus station (2 minutes from the hotel).
Transfer to Girona airport can be arranged for a small supplement.
Please Note: We endeavor to book your first choice of hotels, however occasionally we offer you an alternative hotel of the same standard. You will be notified of any hotel change at the time of booking.
