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Self-Guided Catalonia Bike Tour: One of our highest-rated tours! Starting in the vibrant city of Barcelona, we will meet you first thing in the morning at our shop for a private orientation and bike setup, followed by a transfer to your ride’s start in Catalonia! The experiences just get better as you stay in top-quality lodging with included gastronomic dining experiences on several nights! The gently rolling countryside will take you from the coastline to inland medieval villages, dotted in between by sunflower fields, rice fields, and vines. Being on the coast, seafood is a specialty of many chefs in Costa Brava and we give you a private experience later followed by a private wine tasting at a local wine maker’s bodega. On this private, self-guided bike tour from Barcelona to Girona, you will meet local people, enjoy top-quality lodging and food, and get away to the quiet of the countryside and the peace of the beaches and coastline. Now is your chance to plan your dream Self-Guided Catalonia bike tour without any hassle – let us take care of the details!
Top Fall Self Guided Bike Tours in Europe | 5 Reasons to Cycle Catalonia
Expert Tip: The sunny weather of the Costa Brava makes this tour a top choice for early and late-season travel with a chance to miss hotter months and busier travel periods.
Fly in/out of Barcelona. A private transfer is included from our bike shop to the tour’s start in Romanya on your first ride day. A return transfer is included to central Barcelona at the tour’s end.
Not Included:
Included Hotels:
About the Hotels: Our Self-Guided Short Catalonia Barcelona Spain Bike Tour offers 4 nights of accommodation in carefully selected deluxe 3- and 4-star hotels, providing both comfort and charm. For those seeking an elevated experience, upgraded lodging options are available, offering enhanced room categories within the same hotel. Each property includes private bathrooms and a host of thoughtful amenities to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Recommended Hotels Barcelona: We recommend hotels in the Eixample or Gracia districts for proximity to the bike shop, great walking to sites, tapas restaurants, and more. We like Hotel Balmes or others in that area.
About the Included Meals:
Hotel Sa Punta: Restaurant Sa Punta has 40 years of experience, offering a selection of the best market products. During the summer season, the restaurant is outdoors. Dinner consists of 3 courses: choice of 2 starters, 2 main dishes, 2 deserts The menu changes every day and the dishes are made with fresh, seasonal products. The upgraded (+20 euros/person) “Tasting Menu” is more elaborate and has: 1 appetizer + 1 first dish (usually cold), + 1 first dish (hot), + 1 fish, + 1 meat, + 2 desserts.
El Molí de L’Escala: Housed in a completely renovated flour mill, with over 23 centuries of history. Its stones bring to mind the Greco-Roman past of Empúries with the Heraklion Way, the first main means of communication, crossing through the building. It also preserves some features from the 12th, 17th, and 19th centuries. The owner Jordi Jacas is the heart and soul of Molí de L’Escala Restaurant. After working at the Albareda, Jean Luc Figueras, Casa Irene in Arties, and El Bulli in Roses, he joined the Molí in 1999, offering a concept of local, seasonal cuisine, with a touch of creativity and innovation, based exclusively on top-quality produce.
Hotel La Placa: The restaurant La Plaça always selects the best local ingredients for every season, of the highest quality, and from close proximity to the small town of Madremanya. Here, you can enjoy a romantic evening outdoors on their beautiful terrace. The menu has 3 dishes and the “Tasting Menu” upgrade (+17 euros/person) is composed of about 8 different small plates, including 4 starters, 2 main dishes, and a dessert.
Local Expert: Always on two wheels, Angel has been riding all over. Angel was born and raised in the city of Gaudi (Barcelona), where he obtained an engineering title. Ten years ago he decided to make his hobby his profession, sharing his passion and local knowledge with the visitors. Always delighted to introduce you to his country, he knows all the hidden places, small paths, restaurants, and local traditions.
Need to Know:
This morning, meet at our local bike shop bright and early for your welcome orientation and bike setup. Once ready, we’ll transfer you to Romanyà de la Selva on the stunning Costa Brava, where your adventure begins. Today’s ride takes you through the picturesque Empordanet area, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes and historic charm. Along the route, you’ll explore enchanting medieval villages such as Pals, Peratallada, and Palau-Sator, each brimming with character and inviting squares perfect for a relaxing snack or drink. For an extra treat, consider an optional visit to the quirky Jam Museum in Torrent.
The day concludes at Pals Beach (Platja de Pals), where you’ll unwind at the cozy Hotel Sa Punta, just 800 meters from a long, beautiful Mediterranean shoreline. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at your hotel, included in your stay.
Meals: dinner
Distance: 43 km / 26 miles
Elev: +360m
Highlights: Empordanet, historic walled villages, Jam Museum, beautiful landscapes & coast
Overnight: Pals
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel—one of the many perks of a self-guided bike tour is the freedom to set your own pace and plan your day as you like. Take advantage of your lovely beachside hotel, or opt for a scenic loop ride of approximately 40 km. This route offers the perfect balance of activity and discovery, taking you through charming, historic walled villages of the Empordanet and along the picturesque coastline. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, and we’ll provide some excellent recommendations to help you choose the perfect dining spots for a memorable culinary experience.
Recommended: Optional visit to the Anchovies Factory & Museum, located in L’Escala, in the oldest building of all village salting factories.
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 45 km / 28 miles
Elev: +422m
Highlights: beach time or loop ride, Empordanet exploration
Overnight: Pals
Today’s route begins along the serene beaches and sand dunes before taking you through the fascinating rice fields of Pals, a unique landscape of dunes, marshlands, irrigation canals, rice mills, and untouched beaches. It’s a day for the memory books! For an added adventure, consider a detour to the coast to visit the mouth of the Ter River and the nearby protected area of Basses d’en Coll. This region’s rich history of rice cultivation has influenced local cuisine—don’t miss the chance to try Arros a la Cassola, a traditional dish bursting with flavor.
From here, your journey continues toward L’Escala, where you’ll choose between two distinct routes: a flatter, more leisurely path around Montgrí or a more challenging ride over the hills. End your day at a truly exceptional hotel, a beautifully restored flour mill with 23 centuries of history. To top off your experience, indulge in a gourmet dinner prepared by a celebrated chef who has worked at renowned three-star restaurants like El Bulli. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of exploration and enjoyment!
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Distance: 35 km / 22 miles
Elev: +163m
Highlights: beaches, rice fields, coastal riding & hills
Overnight: L’Escala
Today’s route offers the flexibility to make it your own! You can opt for a restful day at the beach or take a cultural journey to explore the ancient ruins of Empúries. For those looking to stay active, a scenic loop ride awaits, leading you through the Aiguamolls Natural Park, a vital wetland area renowned for its rich birdlife and ecological significance. Along the way, enjoy a stop at Castelló d’Empúries, a beautifully preserved medieval town steeped in historical importance.
Return to your hotel in the evening, where dinner will be at your leisure. For a unique experience, consider an optional visit to the Anchovy Factory & Museum in L’Escala, housed in the village’s oldest salting factory—a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and flavors.
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 51 km / 32 miles
Elev: +130m
Highlights: ruins of Empuries, nature reserve, Castello d’Empuries
Overnight: L’Escala
Today’s journey takes you into the heart of the region, through the rolling hills of the western borders and the fertile alluvial plains. This predominantly agricultural area is dotted with charming villages, such as Verges, a medieval gem where remnants of ancient walls whisper tales of the past.
For an enriching detour, consider visiting the village of Púbol, where you can enjoy a snack and explore the enchanting castle that once belonged to Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala, who is buried there. Dalí purchased the castle in 1969, transforming it into a personal retreat steeped in surrealist charm. Open to the public since 1996, it offers a glimpse into the life and creativity of this iconic artist.
Your day concludes with a warm welcome at La Placa, a delightful retreat where you can relax and savor the charm of your surroundings after an inspiring ride.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Distance: 38 km / 24 miles
Elev: +374m
Highlights: Verges medieval village, Pubol/Dalí castle
Overnight: Madremanya
Today, you can unwind by the pool, soaking in the serene ambiance of your hotel and the tranquil charm of the village, or embrace one final cycling challenge. For those choosing to ride, explore the enchanting countryside dotted with small yet captivating medieval villages like Monells, Casavells, Corçà, and Púbol. Along the way, you might stop at one of the local pottery shops in La Bisbal d’Empordà, renowned for its traditional ceramics and artistic heritage. Dinner is on your own tonight, and La Placa offers an excellent choice with a menu to suit your preferences. Whether relaxing or exploring, this day promises an unforgettable close to your journey.
Recommended Wine Tasting: For an added treat, consider an optional wine-tasting experience in Torrent, located in a beautifully preserved 17th-century farmhouse. During the guided visit, immerse yourself in the world of winemaking, from vineyard cultivation to the aging process, while savoring the exceptional flavors of the “Petit Empordà” region. (Not included, must be booked in advance of travel.)
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 39 km / 24 miles
Elev: +402m
Highlights: visit to medieval villages, optional vineyard visit & wine tasting
Overnight: Madremanya
Your included departure transfer to central Barcelona is conveniently scheduled for 9:30 am. However, we understand that travel plans can vary, so flexible timing can be arranged upon request to better suit your itinerary. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll be happy to assist in ensuring a seamless journey to your next destination. Once back in central Barcelona, you can continue your travels onward, whether continuing in the area or heading to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your time exploring scenic and delicious Catalonia!
Meals: breakfast
Dates: Plan your trip at a time that best fits your schedule! Pure Adventures tours have flexible start dates. This tour can start on any day from Tuesday through Saturday.
2025 Rates: based on double occupancy
Standard Lodging:
Upgraded Rooms: rates based on double occupancy
The upgraded room option includes superior rooms in each hotel. Both versions for the 6-night tour include 3 gastronomic dinners.
Choice of Bike Rental:
New! Travel Insurance is now required to participate in this tour. You can book through our preferred vendors or your own. Proof of coverage may be required.
We thoroughly enjoyed our adventure in Spain. We were lucky the weather was kind to us. Completing the trip in a quieter time of the year meant the ride was easier as we had to adjust to riding on the opposite side of the road. The bike paths and off road sections were particularly enjoyable. The accomodation was perfect and a lovely surprise as we arrived at our new stops. At our orientation meeting, Nora shared as much detail as we could take in about the ride, the drop offs and pick ups were on time and your team provided all the support that was required. I would recommend this ride and Pure Adventures to anyone looking to complete a ride in Spain.
Mar at Pure Adventures put together a self guided bike tour for us in Catalonia, Spain. Every aspect of the experience was top notch from the excellent and timely communication before the trip to the tour itself. The accommodation along the way was very good and our luggage was seamlessly transferred from place to place. We highly recommend Pure Adventures and will definitely be booking with them again in the future.
Wish we had spent more time in Barcelona but tour itself was amazing and would love to have more time there! We especially loved Madremanya. This was our fourth trip with Pure Adventures and we will be back for a fifth!!!
Love, love, love this trip! We did it as a group of old college gal-pals and this was one of the best trips we have done. Highly recommend!
We have done this tour two times! Once as a couple and most recently with our older teenagers. We love this part of Spain, and this is a great way to see it, by pedaling! The kids liked seeing the old villages and different landscapes, and the food & wine do not disappoint. The hotels on the tour are perfectly charming. Great tour, but now we have to decide where to go next year!