Girona Challenge Bike Tour

Meet your guides in Perpignan this morning and get straight to it: our epic week of cycling begins from Collioure, a French seaside village that inspired Henri Matisse in the early 20th century. Ahead of us lies 40 kilometers of perfect road: not only is it one of Europe’s longest coastal corniches, but it also served as a strategic supply route during the Spanish Civil War. Today, it’s simply our own uninterrupted stretch of Mediterranean Sea on one side and vineyards on the other, delivering us from France into Spain. On the Spanish side of the border, we meet our first little climb over the Cap de Creus—a peninsula in the far north of Catalonia—and end our ride rolling into the port of Cadaqués on the Costa Brava. Check into our boutique hotel and freshen up before our first official dinner-with-a-view in Girona province.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Collioure, Portbou, Cadaqués
Accomplished: 39 miles / 63 km, elevation gain: 4,484 feet / 1,367 meters
Longer Option: 45 miles / 73 km, elevation gain: 6,335 feet / 1,931 meters
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Villa Gala

According to legend, Hercules himself shaped the dramatic rocky peninsula of Cap de Creus. With nearly 6,000 feet of elevation gain on today’s little loop, you might consider it your own Herculean feat—but first, every hero needs a hearty breakfast. After, clip in and head out along the rugged promontory shaped with cliffs and coves. The surreal contours of this coastline almost certainly influenced Salvador Dalí, who spent his summers on the Cap de Creus just an hour from his home town of Figueres. There are plenty of welcome distractions along our route, including the 19th-century lighthouse and Sant Pere de Rodes monastery clinging to the Verdera mountainside. Close out the loop back in Cadaqués, where our reward is a blissful afternoon at the beach.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: El Port de la Selva, Cap de Creus, Cadaqués
Accomplished: 46 miles / 75 km, elevation gain: 5,938 feet / 1,810 meters
Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Villa Gala

Today is all about the Empordà, a designated pocket of Catalonia divided into two comarques (counties): the Baix Empordà and the Alt Empordà. We’ll zero in on the Alt Empordà, heading inland where olives and grapes thrive between the mountains and the sea. Save for the occasional cow, there’s precious little traffic on the farm roads that weave through sleepy Spanish villages until we reach the base of Rocacorba. With just over 12 kilometers at an average 6.5% grade, Rocacorba is one of the most iconic climbs in the Girona region and a barometer of performance regularly used by professional cyclists. Dig deep and conquer this pro training ground; your prayers for relief arrive quite literally upon reaching the ancient church at the top. A delicious descent into Banyoles follows all the way to our boutique hotel—a cycling retreat converted from a 17th-century estate by a pro cyclist.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Castelló d’Empúries, Vilaür, Banyoles
Accomplished: 60 miles / 97 km, elevation gain: 6,240 feet / 1,902 meters
Accommodations: Can Campolier

Today we’re in Catalan cycling territory, starting out of the gate from our hub near Rocacorba and riding west towards Garrotxa Volcanic Park and the medieval village of Santa Pau. Our ride continues to Olot, a hotbed of art and culture uniquely inspired by the natural landscape—but the geographic influence isn’t limited to creatives. Professional cyclists are equally attracted to the area’s volcanic rolling terrain and long stretches of peaceful road on which we’ll loop back to the outskirts of Girona: the unofficial home of the international cycling community. Spend the rest of the day off the bike exploring the city’s iconic bike shops, athlete-owned cafés, and cycling clubs. Dine on your own this evening at any of Girona’s favorite après vélo restaurants frequented by cyclists; your guides can assist with recommendations or reservations.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Santa Pau, Olot, Sant Feliu de Pallerols, Girona
Accomplished: 70 miles / 112 km, elevation gain: 6,190 feet / 1,887 meters
Accommodations: Can Campolier

We reserved a show-stopping ride to end the trip, and we’ll begin by warming up our legs on the road into Girona where a coffee stop at a cycling café is compulsory. Refueled and ready for a challenge, we hit Els Àngels—a gentle giant that has become one of Girona’s classic climbs. At the top, we’ll work our way across the Empordà and back to the Costa Brava, ending with 15 glorious miles on a sweeping ribbon of coastal road. Our waterfront hotel marks the finish line, best celebrated with a swim in the Mediterranean and some recovery on Costa Brava’s famous beachfront. Regroup for a sunset apéritif, followed by our fantastic final dinner of the week.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Calonge, Tamariu, Begur
Accomplished: 72 miles / 116 km, elevation gain: 7,165 feet / 2,184 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Finca Victoria

Take a final restful morning to enjoy coffee at our Catalan villa. Your guides will transfer you to the Girona train station where you can spend a little more time in the city or connect to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Girona