Volcanoes and the Catalan Coast

Heading out from Olot, the former trackbed of a narrow gauge freight railway is 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 Fluvia, Brugent and Ter river valleys. Enjoy a really smooth ride where greenery clears to reveal the most wonderful natural vistas. It’s downhill all the way too (with the exception of just one section of uphill effort), crossing three regions and taking in twelve towns and sun-baked villages including St Esteve, Amer, Angles and Bescano on the way to ancient Girona. As the route opens up into the pasturelands of the Ter Valley, the towering, solid mass of Girona cathedral appears on the horizon. Park up and refresh on the café terrace, before climbing the steep Roccoco steps leading up to the world’s widest Gothic nave or drinking in the most spectacular sunset views over the city from the town ramparts.

Overnight Girona.

Miles 36 Kms 57

From the art museum at the old Episcopal Palace to the bright façades of the medieval Onyar houses which cling to the old riverside walls, Girona is colourful stuff. Back on two wheels there’s a patchwork landscape of woods, pasture and stretches of earthy farmlands via Quart, Llambilles, Cassa de las Selva, Llagostera, San Cristina D’Aro and Castell D’Aro,en route down to 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 27 Kms 43

A day exploring the lovely towns and villages of the Empordà as you head north up the coast via Palamos, then across to the wildlife rich Gola del Ter estuary near L’Estartit. The broad beaches of L’Estartit overlook the craggy Illes Medes which are famed as a paradise for diving.

Overnight in L’Estartit.

Miles 27 Kms 43

Heading out from L’Estartit, you’ll have the sea on your right side as you pedal along this very special stretch of ancient coastline. The area is renowned for its wealth of creeks and beaches, its historic settlements and beautiful Mediterranean colours and the Aigamols natural park. Roses boasts 3,000 years of fascinating history, not to mention truly amazing sunsets perhaps best enjoyed from viewpoints such as the Puig Rom.

Overnight Roses.

Miles 31 Kms 49

Roses has so many sights to enjoy from its lighthouse to the historic citadel and its ancient megaliths, but the wine museum (admission ticket included in tour price) is a must before you head off to explore the vineyards en route back to Figueres. With the Pyrenees on your right, small country lanes lead through towns and villages like Vilanova de la Muga, Peralada and Vilabertran and gentle landscapes to Figueres, for your final taste of Catalan culture and last overnight.

Overnight in Figueres

Miles 20 Kms 32

Depart after breakfast, or make time to admire the eccentric architecture of Dalí’s Theatre Museum which also exhibits some of his artworks or find out more about the fascinating area in the Museum of the Empordà.

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore Figueres or the colourful Catalan coast at your leisure.