In Catalonia you find a perfect mix of tourism, sea, vineyards, mountains, gastronomy, culture and traditions. The world of bicycling gives one the opportunity to enjoy it as one pleases. There are those who look for a way to do sports, challenging stages and mountain passes; those, on the other hand, opt for a much quieter vision, in which the bicycle shares the spotlight with landscapes, culture and gastronomy. Each of these experiences can be lived intensely in Catalonia, as cycling is one of the best ways to discover the essence of an area.
Cycling discoveries
This land of contrasts reflects extraordinary diversity and, for this reason, has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe. Its natural landscapes are particularly suited to active tourism, interested in contact with nature and the regenerative experiences that come with it.
Tourist areas in Catalonia are the best way to identify the characteristics and peculiarities of each area. The Pyrenees, the Terres de Lleida, the Val d’Aran, the Costa Brava, the Costa Daurada, the Terres de l’Ebre, the coast, the landscapes and the city of Barcelona have become renowned cycling destinations due to their infrastructure and excellent services.
Whatever type of bike you choose-mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike, e-bike-the areas boast a wide range of offerings with a vast network of different routes: Greenways, fascinating stretches of road, bike routes, perfect and safe spaces for cycling.
Catalonia is ideal for a cycling vacation, thanks in part to the well-equipped accommodation facilities, service companies and accommodation agencies prepared for bicycle tourists and scattered throughout the territory.
Getting to know Catalonia to the rhythm of pedals will be a unique experience, riding itineraries full of attractions: mountain ranges and streams, ridges and hills, plains and agricultural fields, indelible images that will remain in the memory.
Val d’Aran: in the heart of the Pyrenees
The Aran Valley, with its privileged location, is the only Atlantic valley in the Spanish mountain range.. This gives it a wide variety of landscapes that allow it to enjoy nature in all its facets and in all seasons of the year.
The valley is a paradise for two-wheelers, with more than 800 km of approved trails for all levels, from the more technical and steep ones to family rides. Here you will find spectacular mountain passes, some of them the scene of the legendary Tour de France and, for the more experienced, vertiginous enduro circuits in the forests of Baricauba, La Tuca and Montromies Mountain.
A valley to be discovered through marked mountain bike and road trails, peaceful riverside walks connecting villages, or technical descents through lush forests.
Especially for MTB enthusiasts, they can refer to the Aran Valley mountain bike center, which offers more than 400 km of marked, approved and accessible trails at all levels, both for those who want to enjoy direct contact with nature and for the more demanding, lovers of technical trails, long descents and steep slopes. While those who prefer gravel biking will find an infinite number of route possibilities and paved surfaces to ride on in a wide variety of conditions, and at the same time they can ride comfortably and safely on natural trails, dirt, gravel, stone, grass or stone substrates.
Finally, thanks to e-bikes, the mountains have become accessible to everyone and cycling has become a family sport; in fact, the Val d’Aran presents a series of specific routes for eBikes that stand out for their low technical difficulty and beautiful routes.
Green Ways of Girona
Greenways are old disused railroad tracks that have been adapted for walking or cycling. The trails are easy, pleasant, safe, accessible and integrated into the natural environment.
They have their origins in the decommissioned train tracks that ran through the landscape of the province of Girona, which have now become walkable paths to enjoy the nature and culture of northeastern Catalonia.
These roads have not stopped growing since the Consortium of Green Streets of Girona began managing them in 2003. In 2013, the following was realized Pirinexus, a 353-kilometer circular bicycle route that connects territories located on both sides of the Pyrenean mountain range and connects with EuroVelo 8. It is a product of the cross-border cycle tourism, which allows uninterrupted cycling, aided by more than 700 markers, between Catalonia and France, encouraging respect for the environment and promoting tourist activity. Pirinexus encompasses culture, history, nature, sports, wine tourism and gastronomy. In 2022, the following was also integrated Pirinexus Litoral, an intermodal axis, allowing for the integration of bicycle and public transportation, be it train or bus, that crosses the coastal areas of Girona and connects with Rosselló.
Aparthotel & Village Golf Beach
An ideal place to stay, which enjoys a favored location of easy access to the Green Streets of Girona and the Pirinexus network. The complex is situated in the very heart of the Costa Brava, 900 meters away from the beach and 4 km from the old town of the small medieval village of Pals, one of the most emblematic and welcoming corners of the Baix Empordà, famous for its historical-patrimonial heritage. Open year-round, it is surrounded by an enchanting natural environment and offers diversified stay options.
Cambrils, Bike Paradise of the Costa Daurada
Cambrils, a destination specializing in sports tourism for more than 15 years, is certified as a Specialized Cycling Destination because there are 9 bike-friendly accommodations, 3 certified bike rental companies, 2 travel agencies specializing in accommodations for cyclists, and 2 agencies organizing cycling events.
Cambrils is located in the south-central part of the Costa Daurada, in a privileged setting where cyclists, in just a few kilometers, go from pedaling by the sea to cliffs with splendid views of the coast and hinterland. It also has more than 24 km of bicycle paths that run along the entire coastline and through the urban section on the plains.
The Costa Daurada offers a variety of landscapes of great beauty, both coastal and mountainous, characterized by some places with very challenging elevation differences and countless secondary roads with almost no traffic and in excellent condition, as well as family-friendly routes. Mountain bikers will also find wonderful and remote trails.