Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Catalonia (Catalunya) is a region rich in contrast, where medieval villages, ancient churches, and hilltop castles meet the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava coastline. This stretch of northeastern Spain is known for its charming fishing villages, crystal-clear coves, and long, golden beaches, all set against a backdrop of Mediterranean pine forests. With deep cultural roots and traditions dating back thousands of years, Catalonia is a captivating destination for lovers of both history and nature.
This self-guided cycling holiday in Catalonia is filled with scenic variety and cultural treasures. Starting and finishing in the picturesque seaside town of Calella de Palafrugell, the route takes you through the lively town of Begur, then on to Torroella de Montgri, home to a 13th-century castle perched above the Emporda plain. Visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Empuries, then cycle inland to Figueres, the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. From there, you'll ride through tranquil meadows and cork forests to the city of Girona, famed for its medieval old town, riverside houses, and excellent dining. The final stage follows a converted railway line, now a Via Verde, as it winds its way back to the coast via Platja d'Aro and Calonge.
Accommodation throughout the trip reflects the region's diversity and charm. Highlights include the Hotel Garbi, overlooking the bay in Calella de Palafrugell, the modern Hotel Moli del Mig, a stylish conversion of a 15th-century mill and two elegant boutique hotels in town centres, one of which features a small pool-perfect for a post-ride dip. Expect comfortable stays, warm hospitality, and the opportunity to enjoy regional Catalan cuisine, from seafood paella to locally produced wines and cured meats.
This trip includes cycles on dedicated cycle tracks, dirt tracks and tarmac roads.
Arrive in Calella and head to the local 'blue flag' beaches or relax by the hotel pool before dinner. Enjoy your dinner at the hotel or there are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy a good view along with your dinner just a short walk away from the hotel.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
Bank
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Today's 'warm-up' ride takes you inland through Palafrugell, then on to Begur with its hilltop mediaeval castle remains and its colonial Cuban-influenced villas, built by locals who emigrated to Cuba and returned once they had made their fortunes. Visit the fabulous sweep of beach at Platja de Pals then continue on to Torroella de Montgri for two nights.
You stay at Hotel Moli del Mig.
MastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTV
Minibar
Aircon
SafeTea/coffee
The Moli del Mig is a beautiful combination of a converted mill from the 15th Century and a newly constructed modernist building with 19 rooms. The restaurant with its large windows offers great views across the 7HA of gardens and fields. There is also a garden terrace and pool with children's pool.
Cycle into Torroella and explore the mediaeval centre and walls, originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon, before the River Ter silted up and the port was moved to nearby L'Estartit. You could cycle here for some great beaches or walk up to the 13th century fortress, Montgri Castle, set on the top of the Montgri Massif, overlooking the town and the Emporda plain beyond.
You stay at Hotel Moli del Mig.
MastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Moli del Mig is a beautiful combination of a converted mill from the 15th Century and a newly constructed modernist building with 19 rooms. The restaurant with its large windows offers great views across the 7HA of gardens and fields. There is also a garden terrace and pool with children's pool.
Follow flat country lanes to the coast at L'Escala and explore the ancient Greek and Roman Empuries ruins. The town was founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists, later occupied by the Romans, then abandoned in the Middle Ages due to its exposed coastal position leaving it open to attack. Cycle on to Castello d'Empuries, with its 1,000-year-old church, Santa Maria de Castello, before continuing on to Figueres.
You stay at Hotel Pirineos.
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Cash machineAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The Hotel Pirineos, originally built in 1961 has been completely renovated in 2016. It has a great location in Figueres just a short walk from the Dali Museum. It has been always run by the Pelegri Family and is now run by Joan Pelegri, the son of the original owners. It's 54 rooms are decorated in a modern airy fashion and feature all mod-cons. It's on site restaurant offers superb Catalan food, due to its location it is also easy to choose one of the many bars and restaurants in Figueres.
Explore Figueres today. Stroll along La Rambla and discover the old town's mediaeval squares and arches. As the birthplace of Salvador Dali, the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali, designed by the artist himself, is a must-see. Also visit the 18th century Sant Ferran Castle, a large military fortress (the largest monument in Catalonia), built with a pentagonal plan and sophisticated construction techniques for the time.
You stay at Hotel Pirineos.
MarketBankCash machineAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The Hotel Pirineos, originally built in 1961 has been completely renovated in 2016. It has a great location in Figueres just a short walk from the Dali Museum. It has been always run by the Pelegri Family and is now run by Joan Pelegri, the son of the original owners. It's 54 rooms are decorated in a modern airy fashion and feature all mod-cons. It's on site restaurant offers superb Catalan food, due to its location it is also easy to choose one of the many bars and restaurants in Figueres.
Heading further inland, we follow an undulating route through deep green meadows, cork forests and tiny charming hamlets. Then follow the Rivers Ter and Onyar into the region's capital Girona.
You stay at Hotel Ciutat de Girona.
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The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
To access the bike storage, you will need to use a lift, and your bike must be placed in a vertical position. If you need any assistance, the hotel staff will be happy to help.
Explore this stunning city, dating back to pre-Roman times. Walk the city walls for a different perspective of the sights: discover the Placa de la Independencia, the impressive cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and the Onyar River's picturesque bridges and painted houses. A regular fast train can take you to Barcelona for a day in the Catalan capital. Or cycle to Catalonia's largest natural lake 'Estany de Banyoles' the venue for 1992 Olympic rowing events.
You stay at Hotel Ciutat de Girona.
MarketBankCash machineMastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
To access the bike storage, you will need to use a lift, and your bike must be placed in a vertical position. If you need any assistance, the hotel staff will be happy to help.
Ride out of Girona on the Via Verde, an old narrow-gauge railway line that heads, mostly downhill, all the way to the coast. Continue around the coast past Platja d'Aro and Calonge to the seafront town of Calella de Palafrugell.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
BankMastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own. Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Gallery Hotel, Barcelona; Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Girona.
MastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel has 25 years of experience to take care of you during your stay. The rooms are bright and have lots of home comforts included. The hotel also boasts a roof top pool and garden terrace.
MarketBankCash machineMastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
To access the bike storage, you will need to use a lift, and your bike must be placed in a vertical position. If you need any assistance, the hotel staff will be happy to help.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £326.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Barcelona airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Follow in Salvador Dalí’s footsteps through Catalunya, exploring surreal landscapes that inspired his masterpieces. From Cadaqués to Figueres, uncover Dalí’s eccentric world, rich with art, history, and breathtaking scenery. A must-visit for art lovers and adventurers alike!
Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
