Itinerary Great Tour of the Empordà Self-Guided

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Itinerary

Day 1: Girona
Arrival Day
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia [wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”span”

Welcome to Catalonia, and the start of an amazing tour!

You can check into your hotel from 2pm. Please request your trip documentation from hotel reception upon arrival.

Enjoy some free time exploring the beautiful city of Girona: the colourful houses that line the River Onyar, the views from the medieval city walls and the atmosphere of one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world.

At leisure in Girona

• El Call: Girona is famous for its Jewish Quarter, where the winding cobblestone streets are still very similar to how they were 500 years ago, before the explusion of Spain’s Jewish population in 1492. If you would like to learn more, you can visit the excellent Museum of Jewish History (open 10am – 6pm Tue – Sat, and 10am – 2pm Mon and Sun).
• Girona city walls: The current city walls date back to the 14th century, and provide stunning views over Girona and the surrounding countryside, all the way to the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees! You can access the walls from Els Jardins dels Alemanys (just behind the Cathedral), the University of Girona and Jardí de la Infància (near Plaça Catalunya). Don’t miss sunset at Torre del Llamp!
• Onyar River walk: One of the most iconic images of Girona is that of the brightly-coloured houses that overlook the Onyar River. Take a walk along the riverbank, and enjoy views of both sides from one of the bridges: Pont de Pedra or Pont de les Peixateries Velles, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel. You can even visit one of the houses: Casa Masó (open for guided tours Tue – Sat), birthplace of Catalan architect Rafael Masó.
• Girona Cathedral: One of the “must-sees” of Girona is the spectacular cathedral (open Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm and Sun 12pm – 5pm), which dates back to the 11th century and whose Gothic nave is the widest in the world. The steps in front of the Cathedral are a popular meeting point among locals, and recently featured as a filming location for popular TV series Game of Thrones!

Eating and drinking in Girona

• Restaurant Blanc: Traditional Meditarranean fare (open daily 1pm – 3:45pm/8pm – 11pm)
• Restaurant Can Marqués: Locally-sourced traditional dishes (open Mon – Wed and Sat 1pm – 4pm and Thu & Fri 1pm – 4pm/8:30pm – 10:30pm)
• Restaurant Normal: Popular option by the Michelin star Roca brothers (open Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3pm/7:30pm – 10pm)

Day 2: Vall de Llémena Loop. Girona
Route: 66.5km/41.3 miles OR 102.3km/63.5 miles
Elevation: +949m/3113ft OR +1549m/5082 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia [wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”span”

Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (around 9am) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel.

9:30am: Please head to the offices of our local partners, CycleTours Catalonia (C. de Sta. Eugènia, 11), for your bike fitting. 

Next, it’s time to start cycling!

On the first day of your tour, you will discover the inland countryside of Llémena Valley, a paradise of volcanic landscape, dramatic cliffs and verdant forests, dotted with centuries-old farmhouses. After cycling around the base of the small volcano of Adri, you’ll follow the course of the river Canet, admiring the grottos and waterfalls that the river and the volcanic eruptions have sculpted into the landscape over the millennia. There are a few spots to stop for a swim if you need to cool off!

Next, your route takes you alongside the Llémena river towards the medieval town of Llorà, where you can grab a bite to eat at the traditional Restaurante Cal Ganso (open Thu – Mon 1pm – 3:30pm). From here, we’ll cycle around the Banya del Boc volcano and up the mountain of Sant Roc to enjoy fabulous views over the valley, before a winding descent to the banks of the river Ter and the small town of Bonmatí, where we recommend Restaurante Duc de l’Obac for lunch with a view (open Wed – Sun, 1pm – 3:30pm).

Crossing the river, you’ll pass through the small town of Anglès, whose Gothic old quarter is one of the oldest and most significant in the region.

Those looking for a challenge can head up into the forested mountains of Les Guilleries and visit the mountaintop town of Sant Hilari Sacalm, famous for the purity of its water and base of the well-known water company Font Vella. 

From Anglès, you’ll climb up to the hilltop village of Mas Llunès, before enjoying a winding descent through beautiful countryside to the little town of Aiguaviva and back to Girona.

Day 3: Girona – Sant Feliu Guíxols
Route: 57.9km/36 miles
Elevation: +996m/3268ft
Accommodation: Hotel S’Agaró Spa

Today you will follow a cycle path out of the city, heading south across a plain to Llagostera (weekly market on Thursdays). From there, you’ll start to climb Sant Grau (465m). After passing the summit, you will be rewarded with a wonderful winding descent with fantastic views over the Mediterranean sea – one of those rides that you’ll never forget! This coastal road was used for the Tour de France in 2009.

The day’s ride ends in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where you will stay near the charming Sant Pol beach.

At leisure in Sant Feliu de Guíxols

• Spend the afternoon at the beach! Sant Feliu boasts numerous beautiful coves, surrounded by pine forests, that are the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling.
• Monastery de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles: This Benedictine monastery dates back to the 10th century, when it was constructed on top of earlier Roman-era ruins.
• Modernist architecture along Playa Sant Pol: The boom in the cork industry in the 19th century funded to the construction of a series of modernist houses along the seafront in Playa Sant Pol.
• Clifftop viewpoints walk: Departing from either end of Playa Sant Pol, you can enjoy a beautiful clifftop walk, both of which include various miradores (viewpoints) with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea.
• Sunday morning market: from 9am – 1:30pm on Sunday mornings, you can buy all kinds of local products at the large weekly market in Sant Feliu.

Eating and drinking in Sant Feliu de Guíxols

• Sa Marinada: Elegant clifftop option with fabulous views over the bay (open Wed – Sun 12:30pm – 4pm and 7:30pm – 11pm and Mon 12:30pm – 4pm)
• Casa Teva Restaurant: Innovative seafront restaurant (open Thu -Sun 1pm – 4pm and 8pm – 10:45pm)
• Restaurant Can Kiku: Traditional tapas and local cuisine (open daily 8am – 12am)

Day 4: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Torroella de Montgrí 
Route: 66km/41 miles
Elevation: 669m+/2195ft
Accommodation: Hotel Moli del Mig

Today’s route takes you north along the coast, combining the coastal road with seafront boulevards and giving you fabulous views over the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll pass through the important port town of Palamós, where you can make a stop at the Museo de la Pesca (open Tue – Fri, 10am – 1:30pm/3:30pm – 6pm, Sat 10:30am – 2pm/4pm – 7pm and Sun 10:30am – 2pm), a unique museum which explores the past, present and future of fishing on the Costa Brava.

Heading out of Palamós, you’ll follow the historic “Ruta del Tren Petit” greenway towards the pristine cove of Platja de Castell, before heading inland towards Palafrugell, a lovely town with a fresh food market (C/Pi i Margall, open Tue – Sun, 8am – 1:30pm) where you can try locally-sourced fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. It’s a great place to discover local produce. You can also visit the Cork Museum (open Tue – Sun 10am – 1pm/4pm – 7pm), formerly one of the largest cork factories in the world and the source of much of the region’s wealth.

Leaving Castell behind, you’ll head back to the sea and the picturesque fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, considered to be one of the pearls of Costa Brava. Officially classifed with the “Poble amb encant” seal by the Catalonia Tourism Board, Calella retains its original charm, unspoiled by mass tourism. We recommend stopping for a bite to eat here at Calau, a trendy seafront spot where hot pintxos are served fresh from the kitchen (open daily 1pm – 3pm/7:30pm – 10:30pm).

As you leave Calella, you’ll tackle a short but steep climb up to the light house of Sant Sebastià, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea. Next, you’ll climb up to Begur, a charming medieval town overlooked by a castle, and continue to the gulf of Pals, where you can admire the long sandy beach.

Continuing along the inland road, passing by natural wetlands with extensive rice fields, you’ll reach Pals, a beautifully well-preserved medieval town (weekly market held on Tuesdays 9am – 2pm), the perfect place to take a break and explore the narrow cobbled streets flanked by elegant aristocratic houses. From here, you will cycle to San Julián de Boada, where we highly recommend a diversion to the spectacular medieval town of Peretallada. Don’t miss the delicious muffins at Cal Tuset! From here, you’ll continue on to Torroella de Montgrí, finishing at the foot of Montgrí castle.

At leisure in Torroella de Montgrí

The old town of Torroella de Montgrí is one of the best-preserved in the area, and features a porticoed central plaza. The historical centre is still surrounded by the medieval wall, which was built on top of an earlier Roman structure.

• Castillo del Montgrí: If your legs are up to it, we recommend a hike up to the hilltop Montgrí castle, which dates back to the 13th century. It’s still possible to climb up to the parapet, from where you can enjoy fabulous views over the surrounding area.
• Museu de la Mediterranià: Set in an aristocratic manor house dating back to the 15th century, this small museum is a great place to find out more about local history (open Mon and Wed – Sat 10am – 1:30pm / 5pm – 8pm and Sun 10am – 1:30pm).
• Museu Palau Solterra: Hidden gem of a museum set in a 15th century palace and now dedicated to contemporary photography (open Sat 11am – 2pm/4:30 – 8:30pm and Sun 11am – 2pm)
• Torroella de Montgrí weekly market: Mondays, 9am – 2pm.

Eating and drinking in Torroella de Montgrí

Your hotel, Molí del Mig, has its own excellent restaurant, Camí de l’Aigua, which offers creative seasonal fare. If you would prefer to explore the town further, we recommend Restaurant Bar Camelot (open daily 8:30am – 11:30pm).

Day 5: Torroella de Montgrí – Castelló d’Empúries 
Route: 52km/31.2 miles
Elevation: +190m/955ft
Accommodation: Hotel Palau Macelli

The route continues to the north, passing the Montgrí massif and into the region of Alt Empordà. You’ll cycle along the long Bay of Roses, enjoying views over sandy beaches.

At L’Escala (weekly market Sunday, 1am – 2pm), we highly recommend that you stop to visit the well-preserved archeological settlement of Empúries, once the gateway of the classical Greek and Roman cultures into Spain, and the only site on the Iberian Peninsula where the remains of a Greek city coexist with those of a Roman city. The Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia (open daily from 10am – 6pm) offers an audioguide tour of the archaeological site (headphones required).

Continuing along the coastline, you’ll pass by the pretty medieval settlement of Sant Martí de Empúries, which retians its original medieval city walls, and is situated right in front of a superb beach. Here, you can stop for lunch at converted manor house Mesón del Conde (open daily 10am – 5pm).

The route then continues north, finishing in the village of Castelló d’Empúries, which boasts a rich architectural heritage; a gothic church, a palace, an old market building and a well-preserved Jewish quarter.

At leisure in Castelló d’Empuries

• Church of Santa María: The splendid 14th-century Gothic church of Santa María (open daily 10am – 6pm) resembles a Cathedral, and boasts a Romasesque belltower, as well as its own museum.
• Jewish Quarter: Castelló d’Empuries was home to a significant Jewish community until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Their historical legacy is still visible in many sites around the old town.
• Ecomuseu Farinera: Fascinating museum set in an old flour mill, which retains the original milling machinery and provides an insight into local life in days gone by (open Tue -Sat 10am – 2pm/4pm – 6pm and Sun 10am – 2pm).
• Medieval Prison Museum: The Museu d’Història Medieval de la Cúria-Presó (open Thu – Sun 10am – 4pm) was built in 1336, and held prisoners during the Spanish Inquisition and beyond, some of whom left graffiti that is still visible on the prison walls.

Eating and drinking in Castellò d’Empuries

• Emporium*: Michelin star restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine from sea and land (entrance from 1pm – 2pm and 8pm – 9pm Thu – Sat and 1pm – 2pm Sun, Tue and Wed).
• Restaurant Cal Patufet: Popular local option serving authentic Cuban fare (open 1pm –3:30pm Wed – Mon and 1pm – 3:30pm /7:30pm – 10:15pm Fri and Sat).

Day 6: Castelló – Perafita – Figueres 
Route: 69km/43 miles or 80km/50 miles
Elevation: +1052m/3451ft or +1300m/4265ft
Accommodation: Hotel Pirineos

Today, you’ll cross the protected marshlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, situated within L’Empordá Nature Reserve, the most important of its kind in the region, and pass by the beautiful seaside town of Roses before climbing up to the Perafita mountain pass.

Optionally, you can extend today’s cycling route and visit Cadaques, a charming fishing port made famous for its association with Catalan painter Dalí. Here, you can visit the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat (open Tue – Sun 10:30 – 5:10, prior booking required), and admire the seafront modernist buildings, built by local residents who made their fortune in Cuba, and inspired by Cuban architectural styles. The route also passes through the picturesque Natural Park of Cap de Creus, a windswept peninsula at the foothills of the Pyrenees.

From Perafita, you’ll enjoy a smooth downhill ride to Port de la Selva, before another climb brings us up to the hilltop abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes, which dates back to the 9th century (open Tue – Sun, 10am – 5:30pm).

From here, you’ll cycle through the vineyards of the Alt Empordà, passing by Garriguella – where you can visit Mas Llunes Vinyard and Cellars (hop open 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri, 9am – 3pm Sat and 10am – 2pm Sun, guided tours available on request) – as well as Vilamaniscle and Rabos, where you can find the oldest groves.

Next, you’ll pass through Peralada, famous for cava and wine production, where you can visit the Castle Museum, (open Tue – Sun 10 am – 12pm/3:30pm – 5:30pm), which features wine-making artifacts dating back to the 14th century, visit the Bodega Castell de Peralada at the foot of the castle (open Mon – Fri 6am – 2pm) and explore the medieval town centre. Peralada Castle houses its own Michelin star restaurant, considered to be one of the best in Spain (open Thu 8pm – 10pm and Fri – Sun 1pm – 3pm/8pm – 10pm. Prior reservation required).

From there, the route takes you on a downhill ride until you reach your final destination, the city of Figueres,  known as the home of Catalan genius Salvador Dalí.

At leisure in Figueres

The capital of the Alt Empordà boasts a charismatic and diverse architectural heritage, from the medieval city walls to the modernist and neo-classical structures around La Rambla.

• Theatre-Museum Dalí: Still one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Spain, this museum dedicated to Catalonia’s most famous son is a must! (open Tue – Sun, 10:30am – 5:15pm).
• San Ferrán Castle: Enjoy fabulous views and fascinating historical tales from the hilltop San Ferrán Castle, the largest of its kind in Europe (open Tue -Sun 10:30am – 3pm)

Eating and drinking in Figueres

Your hotel has its own excellent restaurant, Restaurante El Pelegrí. However, if you would prefer to explore the town, we recommend Restaurant El Motel: Traditional, family-run business serving local Catalan cuisine (open daily 12:45pm – 3:30 pm).

Day 7: Figueres – Girona 
Route: 68.6 km/42.6 miles
Elevation: +1004m/3292 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Ultonia [wp-svg-icons icon=”star-3″ wrap=”span”

Day 8: Departure Day

After breakfast, our tour will come to an end.

Let our Bike Spain Tours team know if you would like any assistance with your onward travel from Girona, or if you would like to add any extra nights to your tour.

Hotel

Hotel Gran Ultonia

Hotel S´Agaró Wellness & Spa

Hotel URH Molí del Mig

Hotel Palau Macelli

Hotel Pirineos