STAGE DESCRIPTION

The first stage of the tour begins in Platja d’Aro, which we will leave behind to head towards Tossa de Mar, riding along one of the most beautiful roads in Europe.

On this day, we will deal with two wonderful ascents: Alt de Sant Grau, which will offer breath-taking views of the sea as we work our way up to the summit at a height of 472 metres, and Puig d’Arques, the highest altitude in the whole Baix Empordà region and the summit of our tour, standing at a height of 532 metres above sea level. The 360º view from its man-made observation point will be the best reward after the steep slopes.

To end this amazing first stage, we will head towards Palamós, a pretty fishing village where we’ll be able to get our energy back in one of the numerous bars and restaurants, before tackling the last kilometres of the stage, which will take us to Platja d’Aro, the region’s quintessential tourist municipality with busy commercial activity and a good number of leisure and gastronomic offers.

STAGE DESCRIPTION

The second stage starts off following the coastline until we enter the Castell-Cap Roig Protected Natural Area, of considerable scenic interest, where we’ll ride along a gravel path for a few kilometres.

Without leaving the coastline, we’ll head towards Calella de Palafrugell and LLafranc, two villages that best preserve the old atmosphere of traditional fishing villages. After leaving LLafranc, we have to climb the 170-metre cliff where the Sant Sebastià lighthouse stands, a short but steep slope that will offer us the marvellous views of the sea that can be seen from the lighthouse presiding over the cliff. We’ll continue in a northerly direction, passing through the small, idyllic villages of Tamariu and Fornells, where we can make a stop to have a drink or bathe in the crystalline waters.

Before we get to Girona, we’ll have to overcome the last mountain pass of the day, the legendary Els Àngels, the most popular ascent in the Costa Brava for professionals and cycling fans. After reaching the top, we’ll go back down to end the day enjoying the city that has become a paradise for cyclists.

STAGE DESCRIPTION

We’ll leave the charm of Girona behind to set off on our third stage. Once again, we’ll be riding uphill, but in the opposite direction to the previous day, to go to Els Àngels, which will warm us up ready for the wonderful day we have ahead of us.

Once we have reached the top of the mountain pass, our next stops are the villages of Monells, Peratallada and Pals, mediaeval jewels of the Costa Brava, where we’ll ride among their walls and along the cobbled streets, breathing in the atmosphere of past centuries.

We’ll carry on following our mediaeval route until we get to Begur, a village that can’t be missed, standing on a hill facing the sea and overflowing with colonial houses, presided over by its 11th-century castle.

Immediately afterwards we have a vertiginous descent that will take us to the coves of Sa Tuna and Sa Riera, an ideal place for having a drink on one of the terraces or taking a dip among little fishing boats.

We’ll end the day riding up steep roads that lead to the inland plains. We’ll leave the coast behind while crossing rice fields and orchards to go to today’s destination, Torroella de Montgrí, where we will stay in an old water mill converted into a fantastic hotel.

STAGE DESCRIPTION

Last day of the tour. We’ll leave Torroella de Montgrí crossing Els Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, one of the most important biodiversity reserves in the country, before we start climbing the linked mountain passes of Alt de Can Berta and Puig del Pení, heading towards the bohemian town of Cadaqués, home of Salvador Dalí.

Before reaching the end of the stage in Vilajuïga, we will ride further north so we can visit Port de la Selva and enjoy the last two mountain passes of the trip: Coll de Perafita and the demanding Alt de Sant Pere de Rodes, which will take us to the Benedictine monastery of the same name, which is open to visitors.

After our final descent to Vilajuïga, the van will take us to our hotel in Girona (about an hour away), where we’ll have one more night to enjoy the quintessential cycling capital of Southern Europe, thus bringing our fantastic experience to an end.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Girona – Barcelona

Train: Renfe connects the cities of Girona and Barcelona with a wide variety of schedules and different types of journey. The length of the trip varies depending on the journey, and takes between 40 minutes and 2 hours. You can find more information about the price and timetable here. Renfe allows bicycles to be taken on trains as part of your luggage on all commuter and medium distance journeys. You will find more information about Renfe’s regulations here.

Bus: The 602 and 603 lines operated by Sagalés connect the cities and airports of Barcelona and Girona in less than 2 hours. The approximate cost is €15.00 per journey. Bicycles can be taken on buses free of charge, as long as they are placed in the luggage hold and are properly packed and protected. You can find more information about timetables and stops here.

ALL YEAR LONG