Medieval Villages of Catalonia
6 nights from €1450
4.87Immerse yourself in the charm and splendor of seaside villages and serene country lanes
This medieval villages cycling tour is a perfect way to explore the quieter, less traveled areas in this fascinating region of Catalonia.
The tour starts in Girona city and winds its way gently through the undulating and ever-changing scenery of the Baix Emporda. All of the cycling takes place on quiet country roads that are part of the Baix Emporda Cycle Network which has been developed to allow cyclists to fully enjoy the splendors of this area.
The tour follows the cycling network and finishes in the charming medieval village of Monells. Your luggage will be transported for you from hotel to hotel, so you can relax and enjoy the cycling. The accommodation provided is 2-, 3-, and 4-star hotels, including breakfast with your stay. Hotels are dependent upon availability.
Each day’s ride is approximately 25 miles/40 km and covers terrain that is mostly flat with some rolling hills, so you can pace yourself to stop and enjoy the views. Each day, after arriving at your hotel, there are plenty of great cycling options, ranging from 12-25 miles/20-40km, to explore the local areas further, so if you have enough energy to see a little more, then each area is well worth exploring. You will be provided with detailed maps and route plans to help you on your way.
The medieval villages tour is our easiest tour of Catalonia, and it is well within the reach of almost all cycling abilities. In addition, it is a beautiful route that encompasses spending time exploring Girona city by the Mediterranean Sea and cycling through the timeless medieval villages of the Baix Emporda.
NOTE: If you wish, you may extend this program. In order to book during the months of July or August, the program must be extended by one night due to hotel restrictions. August is a high-volume travel month, so if you wish to book during this month, we will secure a price quote from our local partner. Please contact us for pricing.
Excellent getaway!
“Perfect way to experience Spain. The local organizer did an awesome job, logistics ran pefectly with luggage transfers and accommodations. The itineraries each day were as described and there was a good mix of riding and sights to see along the way, with food and drink options marked accordingly.”
—Sherri M.
Beautiful bike trip!
“This is my second European bike trip with bike tours and it was even better than the first. Daniel from Creative Catalonia really went above and beyond. He met us at our hotel with the bikes, a…” More
“This is my second European bike trip with bike tours and it was even better than the first. Daniel from Creative Catalonia really went above and beyond. He met us at our hotel with the bikes, a reusable bag, water bottles, a map and a GPS. He made sure the bikes fit us and that we knew where to start. He was a very thoughtful communicator. The bike rides are low mileage but it is hilly, with gorgeous views. The rides are mostly on bike trails with about 30% being packed dirt/gravel. The gps was awesome and Daniel included places of where to stop to see interesting sites, recommendations for lunches or dinners, etc. His recommendations were great and very appreciated. The hotels that we stayed in were lovely and we really enjoyed them.
My only tip to bikers would be to bring your own helmet. I used the one provided which was sufficient but it didn’t have mips technology which is really standard for helmets in the US and would be the safest.
And for bike tours & Daniel — I’d suggest figuring out an alternative for the ride from Monells to Girona if you’re concerned about the safety of the bikers. I would have loved another day of biking and near the sea.
This was a great tour, lovely hotels, nice e-bikes, fabulous recommendations, easy to use GPS, I would highly recommend this tour. We went in mid September and the weather was hot and beautiful.” Less
—Sarah
Fabulous tour in Catalonia
“This trip captures the essesnce of Catalonia, with rides along the coast, then into hinterland to see the countryside, ancient villages, & Dali castle”
—Kym
Daily Program
Day 1: Girona
Individual arrival in Girona. Once settled, set off to explore the city. Girona offers a unique experience with its medieval streets, the Gothic Cathedral, and views from the ancient city walls. Explore the Jewish Quarter and the colorful houses along the Onyar River. This evening, enjoy local Catalan cuisine.
Overnight in Girona.
Day 2: Girona to the Mediterranean Sea
25 miles/40 km
At 10 a.m., join a tour briefing and bike setup at your hotel in Girona. Cycle from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols along the Mediterranean coast using the 'Carrilet', a former railway now converted into a dedicated cycleway. Optionally, extend your ride to explore the coastal area from Sant Feliu de Guixols to Cala Sa Conca (13 miles/20 km).
Overnight in Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Day 3: Sant Feliu de Guixols to Llafranc
25 miles/40 km
Embark on a scenic journey along a stunning coastal route, winding through fields and forests of pine and cork trees as you head towards the charming village of Llafranc. For those seeking an extended adventure, consider an optional ride from Llafranc to Tamariu and back, covering 19 miles (30 km). This extra route offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline, with opportunities to enjoy secluded beaches and picturesque coves along the way.
Overnight in Llafranc.
Day 4: Llafranc loop ride
25 miles/40 km
Explore the bays of Llafranc and Tamariu, where you can experience Llafranc’s bustling harbor and sandy beach and Tamariu’s village with its small, picturesque bay. Both locations offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local seafood.
Overnight in Llafranc.
Day 5: Llafranc to Monells
25 miles/40 km
Wander through the enchanting medieval villages of the Baix Empordà where you’ll encounter well-preserved stone architecture and narrow winding streets. Discover historical gems like Pals, with its ancient tower and cobbled lanes, and Peratallada, known for its impressive fortified walls and charming town square.
Overnight in Monells.
Day 6: Monell's loop ride
25 miles/40 km
Continue your journey through the medieval villages of the Baix Empordà by following the region’s scenic cycle network. Along the way, make sure to visit the unique castle that Salvador Dalí designed and built for his wife, Gala. This intriguing structure, with its surreal design, offers a glimpse into Dalí's creative vision and a chance to explore the picturesque countryside that inspired him.
Overnight in Monells.
Day 7: Departure to Girona city
19 miles/30 km
Return to Girona, with the option to tackle the challenging and scenic 'Els Angels' monastery route, a favorite among professional cyclists based in the city. While lodging in Girona is not included, additional nights can be arranged. The tour concludes with your individual departure.
- Day 1: Girona
- Day 2: Girona to the Mediterranean Sea (25 miles/40 km)
- Day 3: Sant Feliu de Guixols to Llafranc (25 miles/40 km)
- Day 4: Llafranc loop ride (25 miles/40 km)
- Day 5: Llafranc to Monells (25 miles/40 km)
- Day 6: Monell's loop ride (25 miles/40 km)
- Day 7: Departure to Girona city (19 miles/30 km)
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Girona: Hotel Peninsular
Sant Feliu de Guixols: Hotel S’Agaro
Llafranc: Hotel Casamar
Monells: Hotel Arcs
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
Radon Scart 7.0
Equipped with the ever-reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain, Shimano disc brakes and a Suntour suspension fork, the Scart has a comfortable riding position and a triple (48/36/26) chainset – perfect for long days enjoying the delights of the region.
Standard touring bikes come equipped with:
- Helmet
- Pump
- Repair kit
- Spare tubes
- Multi-tool
- Lock
- Water bottle
- Handlebar bag
- Pannier (approximately 15 liters - the size of a small backpack)
- 1 x GPS device for the group with the cycling routes loaded on the RideWithGPS app
Electrically-assisted bike
SCOTT Sub Tour eRIDE 10
This unisex electric bike is the classic trekking style and is perfect for leisurely rides. The bike has got many features including an efficient electric motor centrally mounted to maintain a low centre of gravity, ideal for stability and control.
- Bosch E.DRIVE motor
- Unisex Alloy Frame
- Bosch Performance, 625Wh battery
- BT connectivity, Over-the-Air Updates
- Front suspension: Suntour 63mm
- Shimano 10 Speed
- Shimano disc brakes
Accessories
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour, but we recommend that you bring your own for safety and hygiene purposes.
Surface and terrain
The Medieval Villages tour has mostly flat riding with few hills. The route starts from Girona city to Sant Feliu de Guixols by the Mediterranean Sea along the "Carrilet" - the old converted railway that is now a dedicated dual-use cycle and walkway and is traffic-free (except where it passes through villages). The routes continue on the Baix Emporda Cycle Network which is a network of country lanes, seafront promenades, and secondary roads that are all designed to reduce the amount of cycling on roads with traffic. The surface is primarily asphalt or hard-packed gravel surface with a very easy gradient, with some sections that may be occasionally rocky, rutted, or sandy, depending on recent weather conditions.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport and train station: Girona (GRO), Spain
Please note: you are responsible for arranging transfer to/from the airport or train station and the first/last tour hotel.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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