Gravel Girona

Gravel Girona

A unique journey from Girona to the vibey Mediterranean port of Cadaqués and into the Pyrenees mountains.

While Girona is a mecca for road cyclists, the true allure lies beyond the popular paved routes frequented by many PRO cyclists. Experience the authentic beauty of this captivating region by going Beyond Tarmac. Discover hidden gems and embrace the charm of Girona and its surrounding Catalan countryside for a cycling adventure that goes off the beaten path.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 22nd 2025

From

USD $3,895

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

From USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Experience the charm of Girona and its surroundings on our beyond tarmac trip. Start in the old city’s narrow streets, pass through trendy cafés, and head east to the magical town of Cadaqués. Journey into Garrotxa National Park, home to extinct volcanoes and the stunning Fageda d’en Jorda beech forest. A thrilling ride along Sau River valley cliffs leads to one of Spain’s most scenic hotels. Finally, pedal back to Girona for a night out in the old town. Join us for an extraordinary cycling adventure beyond the usual routes.

Video

Get a glimpse of what to expect in our short film following the Thomson ride leaders on our reconnaissance trip through Girona and Catalonia

Trip Technical Difficulty

1
2
3
Mixed terrain gravel, from perfect double tracks to flowy singletrack. Possibly a few more technical sections, overall what most people would recognise as “classic gravel”.

Ride Surfaces

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
5%

Bike Setup Recommendations

Recommended Tires

700×40

A minimum 700×40, but feel free to use more rubber for more comfort and grip if your bike has extra tire clearance.

Recommended Gearing

38T × 11-42

We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.90 using a 38T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent). Check your gear ratios at www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.


Gravel Explained

Read below for a brief description of our gravel definitions. We have classed the surfaces into five categories, from tarmac to boulders, to give an indication of the amount and level of rough stuff on each trip.

Click below to see Cycling Tips’ great explainer video on gravel surfaces.
GRADE 1
Bad roads, cobbles and rough paved surfaces. You’d find this rideable on a standard road bike.
GRADE 2
Well-made, hard-packed dirt roads offering a road-like experience but without the traffic. Some rutting and looseness of stones.
GRADE 3
Reasonably smooth gravel. Discernible small rocks over a hard-packed surface.
GRADE 4
Rough gravel with conditions that may include shale, larger gravel and rocks. Tubeless tyres and big clearance are the most practical choice.
GRADE 5
Borderline MTB terrain, at the rougher end of the spectrum for the capabilities of most gravel bikes.

Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Girona Hotel CMC Girona
02 From Girona to the Mediterranean Hotel Boutique Can Picó
03 Magical Cadaqués Hotel Sol Ixent Cadaqués
04 Banyoles via Cap de Creus Natural Park Casa Anamaria
05 Vall d'en Bas Santuari La Salut
06 Back to Girona Hotel CMC Girona
07 Adeu!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Girona

Your trip starts at Barcelona Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Girona, next to the old town and close to the classic cyclist hotspots in town.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride in the hills of Girona.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


From Girona to the Mediterranean

We are saying goodbye to Girona and heading East to meet the Mediterranean coast, riding through endless fields of green grass, small medieval towns and perfect double tracks. As with all our gravel trips, we also make use of some secondary paved and b-roads with the least traffic possible to connect the best gravel segments.

Tip: today’s stage starts with a climb to get out of Girona, followed by a mainly flat terrain for the rest of the day, but there is a last steep climb to get to L’Escala, so save some power for that last segment.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Magical Cadaqués

Embark on a thrilling journey with us as we conquer a cherished stage beloved by our crew. Departing from L’Escala, our adventure unfolds through the Aiguamolls de L’Emporda, a flat Delta that sets the stage for the mid-stage destination—Roses, home to the world-renowned El Bulli restaurant. But, we won’t linger for a meal; instead, the real enchantment begins.

Behold one of the region’s best-kept secrets—a flawless gravel trail tracing alongside serene turquoise waters and cliffs. Picture yourself immersed in the “magic” of this hidden gem,  leading you to the picturesque fishing town of Cadaqués. It was here that Salvador Dalí found inspiration for his masterpieces, making it one of Catalonia’s most captivating villages.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Banyoles via Cap de Creus Natural Park

Our trail traces the untamed beauty of the west side of Cap de Creus, navigating through gravel “pistas” and serpentine roads devoid of traffic. Picture yourself conquering Port de la Selva, a gateway to a mountain pass that unfolds unparalleled vistas of the sea and the French coastline.

After conquering the ascent, the Mediterranean fades from view, opening the door to a flat expanse where green fields and charming Catalan villages welcome you.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Vall d'en Bas

On the 5th day of our cycling journey, we kick off with a leisurely ride through easy terrain, making a quick stop at the captivating Banyoles Lake. As we turn left past a quaint church, get ready for the first climb of the day. Once conquered, we find ourselves in the heart of Catalonia, meandering through the volcanic landscapes surrounding Olot.

Our path leads us through the mesmerizing “La Fageda d’en Jordà,” a rare biological gem and the southernmost beech forest in Europe—an ideal playground for your gravel bike.

Adding a touch of humor to our route, there’s another challenging ascent waiting for us, leading to our hotel perched on cliffs…

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Back to Girona

Celebrate the final day with a stage that leans more towards exhilarating descents than challenging ascents. While you’ll enjoy the thrill of more downhill stretches, don’t let the excitement overshadow the fact that we’ve still got a couple of steep sections to conquer after the dam. It’s a satisfying ride, offering fantastic views and a chance to discover the charming town of Rupit before smoothly gliding onto a cycling path that guides us back to Girona, completing the full circle to our journey’s starting point.

Before you break out the metaphorical champagne, a gentle reminder: this may be an easier stage, but it’s still a 75km gravel adventure after five days in the saddle. So, perhaps save the red wine for the final night in Girona – a fitting toast to the triumphs, camaraderie, and memories forged on this incredible cycling escapade! Cheers to the journey, the challenges conquered, and the exhilarating ride that brings us full circle to where it all began.

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Adeu!

Unfortunately, your loop through Girona and the Catalan countryside has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Barcelona Airport.

Map & Profile

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
40%
Grade 2
25%
Grade 3
20%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
20%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
15%
Grade 5
10%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
35%
Grade 2
20%
Grade 3
10%
Grade 4
20%
Grade 5
15%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
35%
Grade 2
25%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
50%
Grade 2
20%
Grade 3
10%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
10%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
0%
Grade 2
0%
Grade 3
0%
Grade 4
0%
Grade 5
0%

Surface Details

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06

Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2024
Sep 29 - Oct 5
Closed
Places Available
USD $3,895
USD $700
USD $730
Book this trip
2025
Jun 22 - 28
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $3,895
USD $650
USD $730
Book this trip
Sep 21 - 27
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $3,895
USD $650
USD $730
Book this trip
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Waiting List


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    Trip Hotels

    Hotel CMC Girona

    Hotel Boutique Can Picó

    Hotel Sol Ixent Cadaqués

    Casa Anamaria

    Santuari La Salut


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Barcelona El Prat Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Barcelona El Prat Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Barcelona Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Meliá Hotel Barcelona Aeropuerto

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Barcelona Airport

    9:30am


    Rental Bikes

    3T Exploro Boost e-bike

    Frame

    3T Exploro Ultra Boost Carbon

    Groupset

    Sram Rival AXS XPLR Electronic

    Weight

    12.8kg

    Wheels

    Rodi alloy 700c

    Chainrings

    40

    Cassette

    12-speed 10-44t

    Sizes

    XXS, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $750

    View Details

    Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon

    Frame

    Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon

    Groupset

    SRAM Eagle

    Weight

    Under 1kg (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval Terra C

    Chainrings

    40T

    Cassette

    11-50t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    Gravel Girona

    A unique "beyond tarmac" experience in the Catalan countryside around Girona.


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