Exploring Girona by gravel bike - an off-road adventure in the heart of Catalonia

Welcome to a cyclist’s paradise! Girona, a small Catalan city nestled in the north-east of Spain, has become a top destination for cyclists in search of nature and adventure. Ideally situated between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the shores of the Mediterranean, you’ll find the perfect combo of small winding roads, steep trails and varied landscapes for gravel biking and hiking. Girona is the perfect playground with plenty of treats in store. Read on for an overview of this renowned cycling destination! 

Explore Girona by gravel bike

The incredible versatility of a gravel bike and its ability to ride on tarmac, dirt tracks and rocky trails makes it THE weapon of choice for exploration.

Which is lucky because in Girona and the surrounding area you’ll find a multitude of trails winding through the hills and valleys. Girona is a perfect playground for nature and adventure lovers, and gravel riders of course!

With a gravel bike, you can explore Girona's medieval streets, take in the diversity of the surrounding landscapes and test yourself on the sometimes steep climbs you’ll find in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

In a nutshell an awesome adventure awaits, with spectacular views and a healthy dose of culture, all fuelled by (in)numerous tapas.

Girona and the surrounding area - beautiful landscapes that are not to be missed!

Girona and its surrounding area are brimming with places to see, where nature and history meet to offer plenty to explore. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

• Girona

In Girona you’ll find Roman remains standing side by side with medieval monuments and modern architecture - making for a living breathing city that’s brimming with cyclists, and easy to escape from. Start your adventure by wandering (or riding!) through the medieval streets of the old town. Admire its architecture, marvel at the majestic Catedral de Santa Maria, the Eiffel-esque Pont de les Peixateries Velles and the colourful houses along the banks of the river Onyar. Girona's city walls are also worth exploring for their panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

One of Girona’s many charms is how easy it is to access the surrounding countryside. You can quickly leave city life behind to explore unspoilt nature, and cycle through rolling hills and vineyards in protected Natural Parks… Read on!

• The Gavarres Mountains

This chain of green hills to the south east of Girona stretchs for over 35km and offers panoramic views over the Catalan countryside. Filled with forests of mediterranean pines and green valleys leading to coastal cliffs, the Gavarres hills are the lungs of the Costa Brava. As well as being home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, you’ll also find a number of notable archaeological sites - dolmens, menhirs and prehistoric remains. A real journey through time!

• The Costa Brava

The Costa Brava, the famous Mediterranean coast just a stones throw to the east Girona, is renowned for its beautiful coves, steep cliffs and clear waters. Riding the coastal road here is a must do - soak up the intense blue of the Mediterranean and explore the numerous secluded beaches. Make sure to stop in some of the various fishing villages dotted along the coast for some tapas and to meet some colourful locals.

• La Garrotxa Natural Park

The region of Girona boasts a number of well-preserved Natural Parks, including the pristine Garrotxa. Famous for its volcanic landscapes, indeed it’s home to one of the highest concentrations of volcanoes in Europe. It’s also ideal for off-road riding, with trails connecting green craters (extinct don’t worry!) and loads to explore in a unique landscape.

• The vineyards of the Empordà

On the Empordà plain between Girona and the Med you’ll find some of the region’s best known vineyards. Delve into some of the many wine cellars dotted throughout the hills and make sure you take some time out to enjoy some tastings too!

• The Pyrenees

If you head north you eventually hit the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees. Here you’ll find stunning panoramas of lush green valleys topped by snow-capped peaks hiding crystal clear lakes. The Catalan Pyrenees are sure to entice you in to explore their heights.

Keen? Here’s some gravel route ideas from Girona to whet your appetite even more:

• The Col des Anges Loop

The Col des Anges is one of the most popular climbs in and around Girona, offering breathtaking views of the region. Start from Girona, climb the col and then finish your loop via the Gavarres massif.

• To the Sea!

From Girona take a long cycle path that takes you out of the city to the south. The route follows the greenway known as El Carrilet, passing through the small towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera and Santa Cristina d'Aro, with the Gavarres massif as a backdrop. 45km later you’ll arrive in Sant-Feliu-de-Guíxols, a lovely seaside town. Enjoy the beach and dip your toes in the sea before retracing your steps back to Girona.

• The Monasteries Route

If history and monuments are your thing, this is the route for you. It mainly follows the GR 175, the trail that links the three most important monasteries of Catalonia. Also known as the Cistercian route, it will take you on a tour of the monasteries of Sante Creus followed by Poblet and finally Vallbona de les Monges. 

Our top tips for Gravel riding around Girona.

Any gravel adventure needs a bit of preparation, so here’s a few top tips to help you plan your trip:

• Plan your route

Plan your routes and rides beforehand, taking into account how far and long you’d like to ride for (and your fitness!) and what you’d like to see en route. Don’t forget to check the weather beforehand and adjust your ride as needed. You could choose a fairly flat ride exploring the Empordà plain of head towards or even into the mountains for more of a challenge.

Here at GravelUp we have trips to suit all levels. Thanks to the local knowledge of our guides (who have all the appropriate qualifications and first-aid certificates of course) we tailor-make the best routes for you, to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure.

• Check your kit

As for any bike trip, your bike needs to be in perfect condition for the adventure that awaits. Treat it to a service and some TLC at your local bike shop, paying particular attention to the brakes and tyres. If you don't have a Gravel bike yet, we have both traditional and electric bikes available to rent from Origine, a French bike manufacturer. Our high end bikes combine comfort and performance to ensure you have a top-class experience.

• Take care of yourself

You’ll need to stay well fuelled and hydrated, not always easy in more isolated areas. Make sure you can carry enough water and snacks with you, and consider taking electrolytes to help stay hydrated. Don’t forget to have regular breaks to enjoy some local tapas too!

The weather in Catalonia can be very hot, so don't forget your high factor suncream and take a small bottle with you on your ride. Choose light, breathable clothing to help stay cool on the climbs.

• Ride safely

As with any bike trip, it's important to respect the local rules and protect the environment. Before you set off, inform yourself of any local trail, or other, restrictions - for example wild camping is generally illegal in Spain.

Most cyclists in Spain ride with a fixed or flashing rear red light, even when on the trails. Make sure you are as visible as possible, and respect the Spanish Highway Code.

Exploring Girona by gravel bike: a tailor-made adventure from GravelUp

By choosing an adventure with GravelUp, you’ll be choosing to join a tailor-made bike trip organised and led by an uber professional team.

Our aim is to ensure that EVERYONE has a great time, from first time riders to the most converted gravel-lers. Whatever your level and experience, join us for a gravel bike trip to one of the top spots in France, or indeed Europe.

We take care of everything during your trip so that you can focus on the important things - exploring, pedalling, relaxing in our carefully chosen accommodations, and making the most of every moment, including delicious meals, local tastings and yoga.

All our trips are led by a qualified and passionate guide, and we have top of the range gravel bikes available for hire.

All that’s left to be done is choose where you’d like to go, we’ll take care of the rest!

→ Find out more about the Girona destination

→ Get in touch for a tailor made trip.