Catalan Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in Spain | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

This Spanish cycling holiday has been specifically designed to reveal the best aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia. You will cycle along the wild coast with its many miles of golden beaches. You will ride inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where multitudes of seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will cycle along stunning trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees. You will have the chance to discover Romanesque and Gothic buildings, medieval villages, the region's acclaimed gastronomy, the wines produced by the vineyards you pass on your route and much more! We have carefully selected accommodations that fit the character of the holiday.

Grade: Easy

Getting There:
By air: Fly to and from Girona Airport
By rail: Travel to Figueres Train Station

Day 1 Arrival.
Arrive at Girona Airport or Figueres Train Station where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Palau Saverdera. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, immerse yourself in the history and culture of this traditional Catalan farming village, take a cycle through the local countryside and discover all the details that go together to make up the everyday life of this beautiful part of Catalonia.

Accommodation: The guesthouse, renovated in 2006, is a charming house situated in a small Catalan farming village, only 5 km away from the sea. The rooms offer you all the services of a small hotel. If you decide to eat in the restaurant in the evening you will have the opportunity to savour some wonderful traditional Catalan cuisine.

Day 2 Circular Ride.
Today you will travel west on a circular route, you will travel through beautiful Catalan countryside; you will pass fields lined with vineyards and olive groves, eventually arriving at the historic town of Peralada. Peralada's historic character remains reflected in each step. Its narrow streets, museums, St. Domènec's cloister, the impressive casino-castle with its gardens and library give it a unique and exclusive air. You will then make your way back to Palau Saverdera via the sleepy hamlets of Pedret and Marza. ~ 36km, 3hrs 30mins

Day 3 Circular Ride.
Today you will again travel west, you will travel through beautiful Catalan countryside; you will pass fields lined with vineyards and olive groves. You will pass through the village of Vilaberton home of the Monastary of Santa Maria, built in 1069 and steeped in history. You will pass through the sleepy hamlet of Vilanova de la Muga with the 11th century Church of Santa Eulàlia de Vilanova and finally onwards back to Palau Savedera. ~ 39km, 3hrs 40mins

Day 4 Palau Saverdera to Sant Pere Pescador
Today you leave Palau Saverdera behind and head south, passing through Castello D’Empuries, a beautiful medieval village. There are many historical buildings to visit, however the landmark of the village, visible from afar, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria, which is often called the “Cathedral of the Empordà” because of its size and gothic influenced architecture. You will travel through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, dotted with bird hides. At any time of the year you are likely to spot birds such as Ibis, Herons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Snipes, Redshanks, Marsh Harriers and Sandpipers, but if you are lucky you might have some exciting sightings during the spring and autumn migrations of Grey Herons, Golden Plovers, Flamingos, Black Storks and Spoonbills.

You continue through the stunning Catalan countryside onto the village of Sant Pere Pescador.
Bordered by the River Fluvià, Sant Pere Pescador keeps a perfect balance between land and sea, between the greens and yellows of its orchards and the blue and gold of its extensive beaches. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the village or take a ride through the local countryside and discover the wide-open landscape on the banks of the River Fluvià, with its apple orchards and nature trails, and its glimpses of windsurfers and sand-dunes. ~28km, 3hrs 20mins

Accommodation: The Guest House is situated next to the River Fluvia and surrounded by fields of fruit trees. The imposing Catalan farmhouse, lovingly converted by Miquel and Anna, is set in landscaped gardens with a small pool. It comprises five individually-styled bedrooms, each one in keeping with the original building, with lots of exposed stone and dark wooden beams. The dining room is very sunny with views to the garden; the living room has a chimney, television, music equipment and board games. In the lounge you will be able to relax, read or simply enjoy the view.

Day 5 Free Day.
Perhaps a day on the beach or a visit to Dali’s museum in Figueres or just a lazy day around the village would be in order.

Day 6 Circular Ride.
Today you will travel on a circular route through stunning Catalan farming countryside; you will pass apple orchards and many small hamlets. You start by heading westwards, parallel with the River Fluvià, before crossing the river and looping southwards to arrive back at San Pere Pescador. Throughout the first section on a clear day there are superb views across the high Pyrenees. If you prefer to do very little cycling, you could simply head to the nearby beach and spend the day by the sea. ~37km, 3hrs 30mins

Day 7 Circular Ride.
Today you will travel south; you will pass the walled coastal settlement of Sant Martí d'Empúries, which is well worth a visit. The real highlight, however, is the fascinating Greek and Roman ruin at nearby Empúries (pay locally). The ancient city was used by the Romans as their base for the invasion and dominance of the Iberian Peninsula. There are some excellent mosaics and other remains, many dating from 218BC. You will pass several beaches where you could pause for a swim, then onwards via several small hamlets and finally back to Sant Pere Pescador. ~ 39km, 3hrs 40mins

Day 8 Departure.
You will be picked up and transfered to Girona airport or Figueres Train Station.