The historic fishing town of Palamos has all the ingredients for creating an amazing holiday, combining cycling and relaxation. The surrounding area offers an undeveloped coastline, beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, and hundreds of kilometres of designated cycle trails. Palamos itself is a vibrant town, and is famous for its seafood and numerous tapas bars and restaurants, all within a 3-minute walk of the house.
Your base for the next 7 nights is a luxury, fully restored townhouse in the centre of Palamos, next to the old quarter, and only a 5-minute walk to some of the best beaches on the Costa Brava.
The beautiful sandy beach in Palamos stretches from the fishing port all the way to Playa Torre Valentina, which is just 3 kms from the historic village of Calonge. This is a charming coastline with a series of spectacular rocky coves and breath-taking scenery. Behind Calonge there are a number of cycle and walking paths with several vineyards worth a visit.
Self-catering accommodation, sleeping minimum 2 / maximum 6
The accommodation comprises of lounge with balcony, 3 bedrooms (two with balconies) – 2 doubles and a twin, 3 bathrooms, a large utility room, small exterior patio, herb garden, a large fully equipped kitchen which opens to the dining room and a patio. There is a large roof terrace with outdoor kitchen and a heated plunge pool, plus a garage for bikes. Full air conditioning throughout, Free View TV and WIFI, books, games and DVDs.
You will be collected from Palamos bus station if arriving from Barcelona. A private transfer can be arranged from Girona airport at a small supplement. Welcome meeting, tour briefing and bike fitting over a glass of Cava.
Leaving Palamos, follow the cycle network heading north towards Palafrugell turning down to Castells. This unspoilt beach has no development around it, and sea kayaking is available from June to September. Return to Palamos.
Level: Easy
Distance: 20 km
Head out towards Calonge via the Paseo de Palamos and visit Celler Mas Eugeni for a guided tour of the vineyards and some wine tasting. Tours cost EUR 5 per person (free for children), and last about an hour. We can arrange this for you. Head back to Palamos and visit the Fish Museum in the port, then spend some time in the old quarter. If you are still in town at 4.30pm the fish auction is well worth a visit to see the fishermen bringing in their catch, and be amazed at all the strange fish eaten in this region. You could even buy some fresh fish for dinner.
Level: Easy
Distance: 12 km
Today you will be dropped off in the pretty medieval village of Pals. You will do a circular tour of the surrounding countryside and pass through many pretty perfectly preserved medieval villages. You can visit the Museu de Confitura in Torrent and sample/ purchase some of the 120 varieties of jams/chutneys. There are great restaurants for lunch in most of the villages, Mas Pau in Palau Sator being particularly good. Back to Pals where you will have time to explore the old quarter known as el Pedro before being picked up and taken back to Palamos.
Level: Easy/moderate
Distance: 18 km
Maybe spend some time on the beach at Palamos, and the lovely La Fosca beach is just a short ride away with some great options for lunch. Or perhaps a short cycle around the vineyards at the back of Calonge. You could play paddle or tennis at the courts in Calonge village. Visit the castle. The day is up to you.
Visit the market in Calonge around the old church and buy some local produce for a picnic on the beach at Torre Valentino. Leave the bikes at the beach and walk the coastal path south and swim in one of the small coves or stop for a drink in the beach bar.
Level: Easy
Distance: 12 km
Heading through Palamos you follow the cycle paths past Castells and on to Palafrugell, and then down to Calella. This is one of the prettiest coastal villages in the area. There are 6 beaches to choose from with lots of places to have lunch. Then head back along the cycle network to Palamos following the route of the ‘old train’.
Level: Easy/moderate
Distance: 20 km
Transfer back to Girona airport, or depart from Palamos bus station if travelling to Barcelona.
New map will show here soon
We couldn’t have been made more comfortable here. Every attention to detail was taken care of. The colours of this sun filled home wanted me to get my paints out to record the inspiration. The cycling was incredible, just the right amount to get us all to gain confidence and we will never forget the wonderful views, stone walls and castles, our sore muscles then lovely swims in the sea after our day in the saddle.
Thank you Vivian and Alan, would love to come back one day!
What a wonderful, wonderful time we’ve had! Safe to say Team Ammar is not going to win the Tour de France anytime soon……. Couldn’t ask for friendlier or more obliging hosts. Highlights? Calella de Palafrugell and the pretty medieval villages….Mostafa
Naomi Baum has reviewed her Cycle and Chill experience on the following blogpost. Click here to read
