With its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, captivating city views, and impressive architecture, Girona is truly a paradise for cyclists. As one of the top cycling destinations in Europe, Girona offers some of the most remarkable cycling routes found anywhere in the world. No wonder why Girona is home to over 100 pro cyclists.
If you’re planning a cycling trip to Girona, you need to read this guide. It has all the information you need to plan the perfect cycling holiday. You’ll find great bike routes that will take you on unforgettable journeys. It also gives recommendations on where to stay and rent a bike. You’ll even get tips on enjoying delicious food along the way. Get ready to have the adventure of a lifetime, exploring the amazing cycling opportunities in Girona.
What’s cycling in Girona like?
Girona has everything a cyclist could ask for. The roads are peaceful, and cyclists are usually given great respect. The area is known for its demanding ascents, but don’t worry, the roads are well-paved and meticulously maintained. No matter your skill level, Girona offers a wide range of cycling experiences. You can tackle challenging mountain routes or enjoy leisurely rides along the stunning coast.
What sets Girona apart is the vibrant local cycling community and the abundance of bike stores. The city truly is a cycling paradise, catering to all preferences. And if you’re worried about travel logistics, Girona has you covered. With the convenience of Girona airport located right in the city, getting there and starting your cycling adventure is a breeze.
When is the best time to cycle in Girona?
While the prime cycling seasons in Girona typically fall between March to May and October to November, biking enthusiasts can pedal through the city all year round, depending on their weather preferences.
Girona rarely experiences gloomy days; even if rain sets in, sunshine quickly follows. Therefore, even in the cooler months of January and February, mornings and evenings may be chilly, but daytime temperatures usually reach pleasant highs. This kind of weather is ideal for cycling!
To make the most of your rides, adjust your cycling schedule accordingly: opt for midday rides in winter, mornings in summer, and any time of day during spring and autumn.
Best Girona Routes
Els Angels Loop
Distance: 68 km with 1,343 meters of climbing
Cycling through the picturesque Girona countryside offers a delightful and smooth experience, including a magnificent ascent to Santa Pellaia, also known as ‘Hincapie Hill’. This route gained fame thanks to Armstrong, who loved it for his intense training sessions. The Els Angels Loop promises quiet, rolling roads with minimal traffic, scenic woodlands, historic villages, and ancient churches along the way. It’s a common route for the locals in Girona, and throughout the year, you might encounter some professional cyclists from the area striving to beat their own records.
The Rocacorba Climb
Distance: 38,7 km with 1225 meters of climbing
The route presents quite a challenging ascent. Following its full pavement around 2000, Rocacorba has served as a benchmark climb for the best cyclists globally to gauge their fitness levels. While rumors suggest Lance Armstrong was behind the paving of this road, the truth is that Girona local David Millar established the Velo Club Rocacorba, leading to an increase in professional teams flocking to Girona and enhancing the renown of this climb.
Girona to Lake Banyoles Loop
Distance: 57,5 km with 636 meters of climbing
This route is likely the top pick for professional cyclists in Girona to enjoy a casual coffee ride. While you may encounter larger roads during your journey, they typically offer enough shoulder space and tend to incline downhill, allowing you to breeze through them quickly. The trip boasts charming narrow pathways, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a beloved choice among riders. Choose any cafe by the lakeside when you get there to enjoy the breathtaking views coupled with a well-deserved cup of coffee.
The Coast Loop
Distance: 93 km with 1,560 meters of climbing
It’s a must-do route in Girona. Not riding the Coast Loop is like missing the Statue of Liberty in New York. You’ll start your journey heading south from the city, passing through peaceful paths by Fornells de la Selva and Sant Andreu Salou, eventually making your way to Caldes de Malavella. As you move on to Llagostera, get ready for the tough 10km climb of Sant Grau and one of the best parts after—a thrilling downhill ride along the coast with stunning ocean views. After the descent, cruise towards Tossa de Mar, where you can leisurely pedal along the beach, grab an ice cream, or enjoy a lovely lunch.
Mare de Déu del Mont
Distance: 126 km with 1,800 meters of climbing
Despite being famous for its challenging climbs (there are sections with steep inclines reaching up to 14%), this trail offers a picturesque experience with breathtaking views spanning the entire region. Navigating to and from the climb is quite easy. It includes the idyllic, tranquil landscape that every cyclist dreams of—rolling countryside that promises a truly delightful ride.
Sant Hilari & Pantà de Susqueda
Distance: 105 km with 1,898 meters of climbing
This fantastic route should definitely be at the top of your must-ride list in Girona. The journey is defined by a moderate 20 km ascent to Sant Hilari, followed by a pleasant stop at Sant Hilari Sacalm to recuperate from this climb before tackling the shorter yet steeper journey to Panta Susqueda. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy delightful descents and picturesque winding roads that transport you away from busy traffic, creating a truly memorable riding experience.
Where to stay?
The Catalan Tourist Board has officially recognized the Girona region as a premier Sports Holiday Destination. This certification involves the identification of certain hotels as Girona bike hotels. These accommodations are promoted for offering the feature set needed for cyclists: bike parking areas, on-site workshops, facilities for cleaning bicycles, early morning breakfast options, and more. This is The Tourist Board’s official list of Girona cycling hotels:
Gran Ultònia: Gran Via de Jaume I, 22 Booking | Instagram
Hotel AC Paulau de Bellavista: Pujada Polvorins, 1 Booking | Instagram
Hotel Carlemany: Plaça Miquel Santalo, Girona Booking | Instagram
Best Western Premier CMC Girona: Carrer Barcelona, 112 Booking | Instagram
Doubletree by Hilton: Mossèn Joan Pons, 1 Booking | Instagram
Ibis Girona Nord: Francesc Ferrer, 16-18 Booking | Instagram
Where to rent a bike?
Eat Sleep Cycle, Girona: Carrer del Vern, 3, 17004 Girona Web | Instagram
Cycle Tours Catalonia: C. Santa Eugènia, 11, Shop 5 17005 Girona Web | Instagram
The Service Course: Carrer Nord, 10, 17001 Girona Web | Instagram
When planning to rent a bike in Girona, here are some essential pointers to consider.
Given Girona’s popularity among cyclists worldwide, it’s advisable to reserve your bike ahead of time, particularly during busy periods. Before setting off, make sure to confirm the arrangement of your brakes. Depending on the location, the front brakes could be on the right (typical in the UK) or on the left (common elsewhere in Europe).
Best coffee places to refuel in Girona
When cycling in Girona, take a break at one of the charming cafes along your route and savor a delightful cup of coffee. Whether you prefer a cozy spot nestled in the city center, a scenic café overlooking the river, or a place somewhere in the historic quarter, Girona offers a diverse range of coffee shops to suit every rider’s taste.
La Maglia Coffee & Co: C/ Juli Garreta, 10 – Platja d’Aro Web | Instagram
Espresso Mafia: C/ de la Cort Reial 5, 17004, Girona, Spain Web | Instagram
CasaCacao: Plaça Catalunya, 23, Girona Web | Instagram
Nonita Coffee Bar: Carrer Sèquia, 25, Girona, Spain Instagram
Federal Cafe Girona: Carrer de la Força 9, Girona, Spain Web | Instagram
Banys Vells Banyoles: Passeig Lluís Maria Vidal, 1, Banyoles, Girona Web | Instagram
Nabila Cafè: Av. Veneçuela, 1, 17800 Olot, Girona Instagram
Girona offers fantastic cycling routes suitable for riders of all kinds. If you have routes to share or recommendations based on your firsthand experiences, we’d love to feature them in our guide. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with your suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you!
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