Despite Barcelona’s bustling nature, the city surprises with serene roads and nearby mountains, offering ample opportunities for cyclists. The well-maintained roads, along with numerous secondary routes linking cities, villages, and Barcelona itself, make cycling here a breeze. And with the added bonus of Mediterranean forests, vineyards, cultural sites, and delicious cuisine, it’s an unbeatable cycling holiday destination.
When to Go
Thanks to the region’s diverse landscapes and mild temperatures, cyclists can enjoy year-round riding opportunities.
Spring and autumn offer optimal conditions for cycling, but winter can be a fantastic time to ride along the sea in El Maresme or in Penedès, where temperatures remain mild.
Summer presents great cycling opportunities in the Pyrenees, with exhilarating mountain climbs and stunning landscapes around Pedraforca. Alternatively, explore the shaded routes of El Montseny, Guilleries, or Lluçanès in Osona.
Whether you choose to cycle in winter or summer, the regions comprising the Barcelona province promise excellent cycling experiences throughout the year. Keep in mind that coastal cities and towns will be crowded in summer, especially popular destinations like Sitges, Calella, and Vilanova, whereas inland areas like Osona and Berguedà offer a quieter retreat during this season.
Must-Ride Cycling Routes
COLLSEROLA LOOP
Distance: 63 km with 1351 m elevation gain
Embark on a scenic cycling journey from Barcelona, starting on Via Augusta and BV-1462 to Vallvidrera. Enjoy a challenging warmup on a 10% gradient stretch, then a more manageable 6% climb. Join local cyclists and refuel at Les Escales in La Floresta for homemade pastries and Lavazza coffee.
Continue your ride with a downhill stretch to La Rierada before ascending to Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra and climbing Santa Creu d’ Olorda. Pass through Vallvidrera to Tibidabo, home to Europe’s oldest amusement park. Choose between a steep summit climb or an easier route around the park.
Descend to Sant Cugat, then head to Cerdanyola to conquer the 7-kilometer Forat del Vent hill before returning to Barcelona.
SANTA SUSANNA TO EL TURÓ DE L’HOME, MARESME
Distance: 130 km with 2460 m elevation gain
Start your cycling journey from Santa Susanna, known for its bike-friendly amenities and beaches. Ride through fields and villages to Malgrat de Mar, then inland along the Tordera river, where traffic may be heavy. Explore alternative routes via Palafolls or the Tordera path.
Continue to Hostalric and Sant Celoni, where the challenging climb begins. Ascend through beautiful forests, enjoying scenic views of the coast and possibly Mallorca.
Descend to Montseny and return to the coast through picturesque valleys and villages like Vallgorguina. Complete your journey along the scenic coastline back to Santa Susanna.
MARESME PORTS
Distance: 102.6 km with 1104 m elevation gain
This traditional route begins with a pleasant 40km ride along the coast, featuring minimal altitude gain. You’ll then tackle the Col de la Font de Cera, pass through DO Allela vineyards, and conquer the Coll de Sant Bartomeu climbs. Finally, descend back to Calella along the coastal route, enjoying varied terrain and scenic views throughout.
EL COLL DE LA CREUETA – VUELTA POR EL COLL DE MEROLLA
Distance: 107.7 km with 3131 m elevation gain
This challenging route starts at Creueta or Merolla pass and takes you through Castellar de n’Hug, known for its lovely plaza, church, and castle. Then, you’ll tackle Coll de la Creueta, followed by Eix Pirinenc with its stunning valley vistas. Finally, you’ll pass through Carretera de Gombrén a Cal Ros, featuring a picturesque stone-cut tunnel.
DESCOBRINT LES GUILLERIES
Distance: 101 km with 1534 m elevation gain
Explore the breathtaking scenery of Barcelona’s region with this delightful cycling route.
Begin and end your journey in the charming medieval town of Vic. Ride through tranquil plains in Osona and experience rolling terrain near the El Montseny UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Nature Park of Les Guilleries—Savassona.
Embark on a cycling journey from Vic, exploring scenic landscapes and charming villages. Pedal through Hostalets de Balenyà, enjoy quiet paths to Sant Jaume de Viladorver, then roll into Seva and Mas Vidal. Conquer four climbs, including Coll de Gomara and El Coll del Buc, before facing the toughest ascent at the Pass of Malafogassa.
Finally, Descend to Vilanova de Sau and return to Vic via Folgueroles, Tavèrnoles, Roda de Ter, Manlleu, Les Masies de Voltregà, and Gurb.
BARCELONA – COLLSEROLA – MOLINS DE REI
Distance: 53 km with 1202 m elevation gain
Beginning in the heart of Barcelona, the route winds its way up into the surrounding hills, culminating at the majestic Tibidabo peak, offering unparalleled views of the city from its 500-meter summit. Afterward, the journey continues with a climb to the Col de Santa Creu d’Olorda before descending to the charming village of Molins de Rei, passing by Sant Bartameu along the way.
From there, a U-turn leads back to Santa Creu for another ascent, followed by a scenic descent through Sarria, ultimately returning to Barcelona.
This ride is challenging but rewarding, requiring good physical fitness. However, the well-paved surfaces make for an enjoyable cycling experience.
CANET DE MAR – ACANTILADOS DE SANT POL DE MAR LOOP FROM GORG
Distance: 105.4 km with 719 m elevation gain
Embark on a moderate road cycling trip with beautiful views and easy surfaces. Start at Playa del Coco, a lovely beach (but busy in summer). Explore Canet de Mar, known for tourism and farming. Don’t miss its historic center with unique architecture. Enjoy sea views at Acantilados de Sant Pol de Mar and visit Sant Pol, a charming fishing village. Try local rice dishes and enjoy the coastal scenery. Pass through Calella for more views and ride along Paseo Maritimo de Pineda, but watch out for crowds on weekends and holidays.
Places to Stay
The availability of accommodation options in the Barcelona region varies depending on the area you wish to explore. The good news is that there are numerous certified bike-friendly hotels to choose from in any area. See the list below:
Hotel Volga: C/ Jovara, 350 08370 Calella Barcelona link
Mas Salagros: Riera de Vallromanes, s/n, Vallromanes, 08188 link instagram
Bed&Bike Vilafranca (Alberg Municipal de Juventut de Vilafranca) : Avinguda de Catalunya, 22 – 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès link instagram
El Codinach: Mas el Codinach s/n 08586 St. Agustí de Lluçanès link
Cal Cisteller De Ferreres: Masia Ferreres 08611 – Olvan (Barcelona) link instagram
Bike Rentals
There are quite a few bike rentals in the Barcelona region. Check the list below to find the most suitable one:
Velodrom Road Bike Rental: Carrer del Comte de Salvatierra, 6, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08006 Barcelona link instagram
Descent: delivery link instagram
Cicles Vic: Eix Onze De Setemebre, 48, Baixo link instagram
Letsvelo: Avinguda del Pla del Diable, 1 08720 Vilafranca Del Penedès link instagram
Riera Bikes: C/ Valldebanador, 2 08370 Calella link instagram
Esportec: Carretera De Puigdàlber A Can Cartró Km 0,6, Bv-2155, 08797, Puigdàlber link instagram
Cafe Stops
When cycling around Barcelona, remember that local cuisine varies by region.
For example, in Maresme, you can enjoy white wines, strawberries, and seafood. Penedès offers wines, red prawns, duck, and black rooster. In Berguedà and Osona, savor heartier fare like meats, beans, chestnuts, mushrooms, and mountain potatoes.
No matter the route you choose, throughout your ride, you’ll cover lots of villages with plenty of places to enjoy regional food and drinks. So, instead of covering each of them, I’ve decided to compile a list of the most popular cycling-themed cafes in Barcelona.
Make sure to check them out since they are great for meeting local cycling community:
Volata: Hautacam 94, SCP. Apdo postal 9047 – 08012 link instagram
Eroica Caffé: C/ del Consell de Cent, 350, L’Eixample, 08009 link instagram
La Fuga Barcelona: C/ del Consell de Cent, 350, L’Eixample, 08009 link | instagram
Bicioci: C/ de Venus, 1, Gràcia, 08012 link instagram
On Y Va Coffee: Carrer de Cornet i Mas, 9, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 link instagram
If you find any errors or have more routes, events, perspectives, or locations to share for the guide, don’t hesitate to reach out on Instagram. We value your input and are keen to update the guide for an improved experience.
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