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
Ride Surfaces
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.
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 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
Surface Details
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Dates & Prices
Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||||||
Book this tripClosed
|
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 |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
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
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Included |
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Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
|
What's Not Included |
|
Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
Pickup Location | Time |
---|---|
Barcelona Airport |
9:00am |
OR |
|
Meliá Hotel Barcelona Aeropuerto |
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 DetailsSpecialized 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 DetailsGravel Girona
A unique "beyond tarmac" experience in the Catalan countryside around Girona.