The Catalan Coast

From the art museum at the old Episcopal Palace to the bright façades of the medieval Onyar houses which cling to the old riverside walls, Girona is colourful stuff. But it’s time to take to two wheels along the ‘El Carrilet Via Verde’ – a scenic, former railway track bed green way with a backdrop of the forest-covered mountains of the Gavarres Massif. Pedal through a patchwork landscape of woods, pasture and stretches of earthy farmlands via Quart, Llambilles, Cassa de las Selva, Llagostera, then up to Col de Sant Grau for a delightful descent down to the coast and the champagne cork capital, St Feliu de Guíxols. Don’t miss the famous Romanesque Porta Ferrada at the town’s Benedictine Monastery or the fine seafront manor houses near the golden beach and blue Mediterranean waters of San Pol.

Overnight: St Feliu de Guíxols.

Miles 28 Kms 45

On a day of coast-hugging cycling, the port town of Palamós is an ideal first stop and the perfect scene-setter with its fishing museum. Just a short pedal further and the beautiful, unspoilt sandy cove of Platja de Castell promises an archaeological site (pre-Roman Iberian settlement) at the far end of the beach and tempting restaurants overlooking the bay. Another former track-bed greenway – the ‘Ruta del Tren Petit’ – guides you gently northwards to the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, home not just to more beautiful beaches and coves, but a fab fruit, veg and fish market, where you’ll find a museum dedicated to the local cork industry – the product of the region’s cork oak forests.

Overnight: Calella de Palafrugell.

Miles 19 Kms 30

A short upward spin starts the day to reach the hilltop village of Pals – a little medieval gem with cobbled streets, a beautifully preserved centre and ramparts just made for looking out towards the Medes Islands and the Baix Empordà. Check out the Visigothic tombs here before pedalling a short or longer route through a world of natural delta wetlands rich in migrating birds, rice fields and long sandy beaches all the way to Torroella de Montgrí . This one-time ‘royal’ town set in the middle of a Natural Park has a magnificent (but unfinished) castle to the north of the town on top of the imposing Montgrí Massif. Park up and stroll out for an hour or two, and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views from the top.

Overnight: Torroella de Montgrí

Miles 18 Kms 29

Cycling northwards along the ancient coastline into Alt Empordà, the great Bay of Roses boasts not just an inviting stretch of sandy beaches and 3,000 years of fascinating history, but beautiful Mediterranean colours and truly amazing sunsets. A visit to the Greek and Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Empúries near medieval Sant Marti de Empúries is a must – a real reflection of how those classic cultures interacted with the Iberian Peninsula.

Continue pedalling northwards and there are reflections of a different kind in the protected, wildlife-rich marshland habitats of the natural park of Aiguamolls de L’Emporada. Your accommodation for the next two nights is in Castelló d’Empuries, a village rich in architectural heritage from its old market to impressive Gothic church and even a Count’s palace.

Overnight: Castelló d’Empúries

Miles 22 Kms 36

To make the most of the stunning Empordà scenery and century old vineyards, this day in the saddle includes a stop for a wine tasting and delicious picnic (both included in the tour price). It’s time to take a circular ride around the vine-filled slopes which undulate towards the sea, to the impressive mountain backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains. The famous wine cellars around Vilajuïga and Pau will be lining up along the route and at the heart of these Empordà villages, so prepare your palate for some fine visits and sampling experiences. And don’t worry – after a gastronomic assault on the taste buds, the loop back to Castelló d’Empúries is a leisurely one!

Overnight: Castelló d’Empúries

Miles 23 Kms 37

A chance to enjoy another true taste of the place, this time at medieval Peralada, heart and Designation of Origin of Empordà’s wine region, and home to both the prestigious Peralada winery and the impressive Castillo de Peralada, now a museum.

Pedal through the upper reaches of this delicious domain, dotted with time-honoured villages announced only by their belltowers, before a long, gentle downhill ride to Figueres, capital of the Emporadà. It’s a city which celebrates the renowned eccentric surrealist painter, Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Theatre Museum – one of Spain’s simply-must-experience places to visit. Enjoy!

Overnight: Figueres

Miles 27 Kms 43

Depart after breakfast following your final night in Figueres.

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore this vibrant city.