Spectacular scenery framed by the Pyrenees mountains, carefully preserved thousand year old monasteries, lush green valleys, three rivers, rolling farmland with fields of orchards, sunflowers, vineyards, olive groves, coastal paths and unspoilt beaches not forgetting the medieval city of Girona – this cycling tour captures the breathtaking beauty of Catalonia.
My wife and I have just completed the Mountains to the Sea cycling trip organized by Cycle Catalan. What a fantastic experience, 4 days of cycling (we opted to rest at the beach on the last day) through beautiful Catalonian countryside. For inexperienced cyclists like us, the 40-50 km each day was very manageable, punctuated by coffee and lunch stops in picturesque towns and villages.
Jordi our guide was very helpful and friendly, explaining our daily routes and offering a wealth of local knowledge.
Highlight for us were the hilly passage from Sant Joan de les Aberdesses to Olot, the beautiful Vall d’en Bas, and the excellent food and accommodation along the way.
Cycle Catalan understate the quality of the accommodation, especially La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Hotel Llegendes in Girona, and Hotel Trias in Palamós – very classy and great food.
We highly recommend this adventure.
We meet you at Girona Airport or Ripoll Station (if arriving from Barcelona) and take you to the fantastic Rural retreat Les Planes Del Grau. A restored farmhouse dating back over 600 years. Relax, and enjoy the pool here for the day, or take in a short walk in hills or valley. The local town of Sant Joan de Abadesses is just 3km away.
We recomend having dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight.
This morning you are ready to set off on your 180km journey from the mountains to the sea. The first section follows the old carrilet railway originally used to bring ore and coal down from the mines in Ogassa. The route takes you up through the valley to the town of Sant Joan de les Abadesse where you can stop for a leisurely coffee. Onwards now to Olot which lies within the protected area of the Natural Park of the Volcanic area of the Garrotxa. The route continues down the old railway south of Olot to just north of Sant Feliu de Palleros.
You arrive at La Rectoria, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path, where you will spend the next two nights. Roy and Goretti will assure you of a warm welcome. Roy was previously a chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Goretti was a whisky taster at Glenmorangie so after they prepare you a delicious meal you may even get to sample a wee dram!!
Level: Moderate / Distance: 44 km
This morning you are ready to set off on your 180km journey from the mountains to the sea. The first section follows the old carrilet railway originally used to bring ore and coal down from the mines in Ogassa. The route takes you up through the valley to the town of Sant Joan de les Abadesse where you can stop for a leisurely coffee. Onwards now to Olot which lies within the protected area of the Natural Park of the Volcanic area of the Garrotxa. The route continues down the old railway south of Olot to just north of Sant Feliu de Palleros.
You arrive at La Rectoria, a beautifully restored rectory adjacent to the Vias Verdes cycle path, where you will spend the next two nights. Roy and Goretti will assure you of a warm welcome. Roy was previously a chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Goretti was a whisky taster at Glenmorangie so after they prepare you a delicious meal you may even get to sample a wee dram!!
Level: Moderate / Distance: 44 km
This morning you pick up the narrow-gauge railway route which descends smoothly from Sant Feliu de Pallerois to Girona . The trail is in very good condition and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs. It crosses through magnificent scenery of great ecological and cultural value. It continues through the Garrotxa and reaches the Ter valley and on to the pasturelands of Salt and Girona. Tonight will be spent in the Historic Hotel situated in the old town (the Jewish Quarter) of Girona near the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and a few minutes walk from some lively tapas bars and restaurants.
Level: Easy to Moderate / Distance: 32km
Today you will leave Girona on the Cycle paths and trails to the town of Banyoles, with it’s beautiful lake. If you like open water swimming this is the place to go. The lake was a venue in the Barcelona Olympics. Banyoles is more than the lake however, the town is rich with history, make time to explore.
Take a ride around the lake and explore the shores before heading to your hotel.
Tonight you will be staying just outside the town in the Hotel La Sala de Comes, a centuries-old building in a rural, wooded setting is a rare discovery. Offering authentic charm and character.
Dinner is include at this hotel
Level: Moderate / Distance: 30 km
Today you head essentially down hill, with a few small climbs across country to the inland town of Torroella de Montgri in the heart of the Rice production area of Biax Emproda
along the way you will pass through medieval villages, each has a place to stop for coffee and cake. We recommend stopping in Ultrmort for lunch of locally sourced produce before heading onto your hotel.
Tonight you will be checking into the Moli del Mig, a fantastic location on the edge of town, you will be staying here for two nights.
Level: Moderate / Distance: 46 km
This route takes you through many pretty medieval villages with options to visit local producers on the way. We recommend you stop in Ullastret to visit the ancient Iberian settlement dating back to the 6th Century BC.
After Ullastrett, you cycle via Peratallada and on to a highly respected artisan olive oil producer, Can Solivera. Hans and Daida have painstakingly restored this estate and house which dates back to the 12th Century. After a short tour and history of Can Solivera, you have the opportunity to taste the different olive oils they produce, which are first class! Even El Cellar de Can Roca, voted in the top 3 restaurants in the world, use these oils!
There is a shop on the premises and you can make some purchases after your tour. Just let us know if you would like to book this tour. Please note, it is only available Monday and Saturdays between 10am – 2pm.
Your route back to Torroella takes you via Palau Sator and Fontclara (meaning clear water), where you can stop at the ancient font for a drink.
The cider makers at Mooma, which is also on your way back, is well worth a visit if you like cider.
Explore Torroella this evening and enjoy dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.
We will meet you at the hotel at 09:00am to transfer your luggage to the Hotel Trias in Palamos.
You set off from Torroella passing the rice fields of Arros de Moli de Pals before stopping to explore the perfectly preserved hilltop medieval town of Pals. The old quarter, known as El Pedro within the medieval walls, contains many historic buildings. There is a gothic church at the centre surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets leading to the old castle. The views from the ancient wall to the sea are spectacular.
As you cycle down to Palafrugell, why not all in at the Museum de Confitura. A quirky little shop with over 100 varieties of jams and chutneys, run by Georgina Regas.
Just out of Torrent there is also a vineyard worthy of a visit called Mas Oller, which produces some excellent wines highly recommended in the Penin Wine Guide.
Next cycle over to Palafrugell and stop at Casa Serra, run by 4th Generation Enric Serra. Admire the kitsch window display of cakes and pop downstairs to the old kitchens, now a wine cellar, with over 1,000 wines to choose from. The speciality is the selection of sweet wines which complement the amazing cakes and homemade ice-cream. There is an option to book a wine and produce tasting here. We recommend a menu de dia at Les Palmeres for lunch, great food and fantastic value.
Your next stop is the lively town of Palamos where you will be staying in the Hotel Trias, a stunning location overlooking the port and the beach.
Level: Easy/Moderate / Distance: 37kms
Transfer back to Girona airport or Express Bus from Palamos to Barcelona (cost approximately €14 or Barcelona airport €19)
