Catalan Coast & Volcano Country – E-Bike Adventure

Time to take to two wheels and the ‘El Carrilet Via Verde’ – a scenic green way with a backdrop of the forest-covered mountains of the Gavarres Massif. Pedal through a patchwork landscape of woods, pasture and stretches of earthy farmlands, via Quart, Llambilles and Llagostera, then up to Col de Sant Grau. From here it’s a superb descent down towards the coast and the champagne cork capital, St Feliu de Guíxols. Don’t miss the famous Romanesque Porta Ferrada at the town’s Benedictine Monastery, or the fine seafront manor houses near the golden beach and blue Mediterranean waters of San Pol.

Overnight: St Feliu de Guíxols.

Miles 34 Kms 55

Point those e-bike handlebars northwards for a coast-hugging start to the day via the port town of Palmós to the unspoilt beaches of Platja de Castell cove – a must-stop spot for a picnic or to put a toe (or more!) in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The ‘Ruta del Tren Petit’ greenway then leads the way to Calella de Palafrugell. This charming old fishing village has a fab fruit, veg and fish market, and is where you’ll find a museum dedicated to the local cork industry – the product of the region’s cork oak forests.

Literally up next, is the hilltop village of Pals. This little medieval gem has with ramparts just made for looking out towards the Medes Islands and the Baix Empordà, the delta where the great River Ter meets the Mediterranean sea at Torroella de Montgrí after its 208 km journey from Setcases, 2,400m up in the Pyrenees.

Your cycling day finishes with some easy pedalling through a world of natural delta wetlands rich in migrating birds, rice fields and long sandy beaches all the way to Torroella de Montgrí at the foot of the Castle Montgrí Massif, where you will spend the night.

Overnight: Torroella de Montgri

Miles 37 Kms 59

Will the River Daro, Dali connections and coastal beach-village star of L’Estartit tempt you and your electric steed out on an optional circular day ride of medieval village discoveries? Or will putting your feet up by the pool win the day? On this relaxed e-bike adventure, it really is totally up to you.

Choose the saddle over the sunlounger and you’ll be in the company of the River Daro to medieval Fonolleres on your day ride, before heading inland to Púbol, location of the captivatingly decorated castle home and final resting place of Gala Dali (the Surrealist painter’s wife). As you return towards the coast taking in selfie-worthy panoramic views, you can choose either to make a bee-line for the big beaches of L’Estartit, or wind you way via the charming medieval villages of Palau-Sator and Peratallada to your accommodation in Torroella.

Overnight: Torroella de Montgri

Miles 40 Kms 65

Cycling northwards along the ancient coastline into Alt Empordà, the great Bay of Roses boasts not just an inviting stretch of sandy beaches and 3,000 years of fascinating history, but beautiful Mediterranean colours and truly amazing sunsets.

A visit to the Greek and Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Empúries near medieval Sant Marti de Empúries is a must – a real reflection of how those classic cultures interacted with the Iberian Peninsula.

Continue pedalling northwards and there are reflections of a different kind in the protected, wildlife-rich marshland habitats of the natural park of Aiguamolls de L’Emporada.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is in Castelló d’Empuries, a village rich in architectural heritage from its old market to impressive Gothic church and even a Count’s palace.

Overnight: Castelló d’Empúries

Miles 22 Kms 36

Here’s just one of the reasons why we’ve made this an e-bike only tour. With so much amazing scenery in this patch of Empordà, we just know you won’t want to miss out!

The route has two extended climbs, but the beauty of the e-bike is that it can take your cycling to the next level without you pulling out all your personal stops – so you can let the stunning Tudela Geological Park landscapes and Sant Pere de Rodes’ mountain-top monastery take your breath away instead. Just remember to pop the battery charger in the panniers with your picnic today, so both you and your bike get to refuel at lunchtime!

First up, the Coll de Perafita hills on route to the charming fishing village of Cadaqués can be long, but the stunning landscapes are reward enough and further exploration of Cape Creus soon reveals the magnificent rock formations and geological shapes of the Tudela Geological Park.

Down next, to Port de la Selva via a pleasant treat-of-a-descent, before the most challenging upward section to reach the awesome Roman Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. Perched right on top of a mountain, it’s a remarkable feat of architectural engineering and a truly memorable sight not to be missed.

And after being on top of the Empordà world, a long downhill journey completes the day. You’re sure to be spinning back to Castelló d’Empúries and your accommodation, full of tales of big adventures with relatively little effort.

Overnight: Castelló d’Empúries

Miles 42 Kms 68 (elevation 1130m+)

Prepare yourself for a true taste of the place at Peralada, heart and Designation of Origin of Empordà’s wine region. Immersing yourself in the local history of this wonderful wine-producing area couldn’t be easier. Stop off to stroll through the medieval town. Drink in the castle and visit the winery too.

As you (and your e-bike) pedal through the upper reaches of this delicious domain, you’ll be surrounded by vines, set against a backdrop of the Pyrenees and dotted with time-honoured villages announced only by their belltowers. Encounter the old – like Garriguella, Vilamaniscle and Rabos where some of the most historic vineyards survive today – and the new too – a visit to the modernist Espolla wine cooperative is well worth it!

Finally a downhill country lanes ride leads to Figueres, the city which celebrates the renowned eccentric surrealist painter, Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Theatre Museum – one of Spain’s simply-must-experience places to visit.

Overnight: Figueres

Miles 29 Kms 46

Heading towards the Pyrenees region, it’s awesome the way the landscape starts to change, becoming volcanic, undulating and, partially covered by Mediterranean forest. La Garrotxa natural park boasts more than 40 forest-wrapped small and medium-sized volcanoes – the largest concentration in Europe.

Cycle around Lake Banyoles to reach the tucked away little town of Santa Pau, hiding in the wooded volcanic slopes. It’s a magical place of natural beauty, but then so too are the beech forests paths which lead you all the way to La Garrotxa’s unexpected little city of Olot. Explore the city with its modernist architecture, historic Carmelite cloister and rich art connections, before spending the night in this beautiful wooded region.

Overnight: Olot

Miles 46 Kms 74

A leisurely ride today along the Carrilet – the former track-bed of a narrow gauge freight railway, now the very well maintained path for cyclists and ramblers known as the ‘Via Verde’ or Green Way. It leads through leafy tree tunnels and over bridges, following the Brugent river valley on a smooth and shaded ride, peppered with opportunities for wonderful natural vistas.

It’s pretty much downhill all the way too, so a great chance to relax and reflect the sheer diversity and spectacle of the past days. By the time you get to Girona, the path will have introduced you not just to three regions, but twelve towns and sun-baked villages too. And there’s one final vista to look forward to – where the path opens up into the pasturelands of the Ter Valley and the towering, solid mass of Girona cathedral appears on the horizon. Enjoy.

Overnight: Girona

Miles 37 Kms 59

Depart after breakfast, or make time for one last stroll along the banks of the River Onyar perhaps?

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore Girona at your leisure.