Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

If you have arranged to join the transfer we will meet you at Flaca railway station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where you are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It is less than 5 minutes walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we have left the choice up to you. Calella is a lovely seaside resort, popular with Spanish visitors, which boasts three little sandy coves, all popular for sunbathing and swimming.

Option: 1
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to Pals. The village was abandoned following the civil war, but has since been lovingly restored and has won many architectural awards. The narrow lanes lead to Gothic houses, a Romanesque clock tower and medieval walls. There are plenty of cafes, so it makes for a very pleasant coffee or lunch stop. You will then head on through the pretty hamlets of Palau Sator, where there has been a settlement since Roman times, and Fontanilles before looping back towards the coast and a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals. Here there is a stretch of beautiful golden beach, more than two miles long and our hotel is only 5 minutes walk away, so absolutely ideal for an afternoon dip or evening stroll. Here we stay in a gastronomic hotel where your evening meal can be taken in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace.
Option: 2
Today you ride inland from the coast to La Bisbal d'Emporda before returning to the coast and your hotel in Platja de Pals. The first climb of the day follows a series of classic switchback bends alongside the Riera de la Ganga before descending alongside the Riera del Vilar towards the plains and the second climb via Castell de Begur and down onto rolling terrain and finally the Hotel Sa Punta.

Today is a free day, so if you wish you can take full advantage of the fantastic location by the sea. You can relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal path for a lovely walk or simply chill out by the hotel's pool. If you are feeling more energetic we strongly recommend a great circular ride through the pine forests to mediaeval Begur. It is a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th Century castle and outstanding views over the coast.

Optional ride approx. 20km.
*Premium Hotel*

*/Option: 1/*

Today's ride will begin by cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. The town was originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon before the river started silting up, however, the town still retains its medieval core and walls. The Placa de la Vila, a porticoed square designed as a meeting point on the model of the Greek Agora and Roman Forum boasts the 15th Century Ajuntament and a lovely sundial dating from 1725. It is a great place to stop for lunch before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta, with its picturesque 16th Century bridge, and the pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here you will stay in a uniquely converted 14th Century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list.

*/Option: 2/*

25km of gentle warm up on the plains above Pals gives ample chance to view the majestic Gavarres massif, training ground for most of Europe's pro cyclists. The start of the first 500m climb out of Madremanya has signs warning of cyclists along all the road, indicating its popularity. Don't feel too bad if you are overtaken by someone in team lycra on one of the 15% switchbacks, they might be a world champion! After descending towards Girona you return via a more gradual climb over the Gavarres to your hotel in La Bisbal.

Castell d'Emporda was lovingly renovated by its owners and turned into an amazing place to stay in a fabulous location. The restaurant is renowned and full of character and you will enjoy food grown locally and prepared with flair. There is a lovely patio area so you can dine outside if it is warm enough. If you just fancy a lazy day at the hotel then the restaurant offers a lovely 3 course lunch or tapas at the bar and then you can just enjoy the pool. In the centre of the castle there is also Europe's largest scale model of the Battle of Waterloo, the 18 square meter representation is well worth a look. There is also plenty to explore in the local area and we recommend taking a trip out on the bikes. Our suggested cycling circuit takes you through the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells, which has a pretty square and lots of options for lunch, and La Bisbal - a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. It is worth taking the time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its intricate arches are still intact today.
*Premium Hotel*

*/Option: 1/*

Today we follow a gentle route, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. Founded in the 6th Century BC the settlement was protected by magnificent walls, part of which can still be seen. Within the walls you will find ruins of dwellings, temples, cisterns, silos, public squares and other remains of a bustling community. Your journey will then continue via the beautifully preserved walled village of Peratallada and onto the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch. The route will then guide you back to the coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell for your final evening. Once again we have left the restaurant choice up to you as there are many options.

*/Option: 2/*

Today's ride begins by retracing the end of the descent into La Bisbal. A prolonged climb is capped by a series of rooftop level switchbacks at 17%. The reward is 10km of sweeping roads down through the shade of the trees off the West side of Les Gavarres Massif. The cork producing town of Cassa de La Selva offers opportunities for refreshment, and maybe give brakes a chance to cool down after the 4km straight-line downhill section. A second shorter climb, followed by a further 12km of downhill, takes you to the coast and your hotel at the seaside town of Paloma.

If you have arranged for a transfer it will take you back to Girona station at midday to catch your train back to Barcelona.