Welcome to Girona! Sitting on the East coast of Spain & just beneath the French border, Girona is a firm favourite on cycling holiday calendar. Professionals, influencers & adventurers all come here throughout the year and it's easy to see why. The Catalan culture, local cuisine, views of the snowcapped Pyrenees & top class coffee houses mean that this is more than just a cycle haven... It's a cyclists dream!.
Here we'll explore why Girona is such a draw for cyclists, and unveil the top five routes that will satisfy your craving for adventure.
Living the dream in Girona
This small city was has a long and varied history - first inhabited first by the Iberians, then the Romans, eventually becoming one of the 14 founding counties of Catalonia in 785. Fast forward to today and life is much simpler. A typically trendy high street is scattered with boutique coffee shops, wine bars and small cobbled streets that you may recognise from the infamous Game of Thrones series. Cyclists are seen on every street corner, and at sunrise they'll all have a camera in their hand as they feed their followers on Instagram & Tick Tock. One thing is as undeniable today as it was 1,000 years ago - that the landscape, the roads, and the sea are some of the most impressive in all of Spain.
Landscape
Girona's unique position nestled between the foot of the Pyrenees mountain range, the Mediterranean coast and the Emporda Plain mean it's surrounding landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. With hardly any flat routes cyclists are force to climb out of the city in all directions, with the incredible backdrop of the Pyrenees never far from view.
Climate
Culture &
Infrastructure
Top 5 Cycling Routes in Girona
There are so many incredible cycling routes they are literally in all directions from the city centre! But we have whittled the favourites list down to just 5 to get you started. To compile this list we've spoken with locals, business owners, cyclists back in the UK and our very own local expert Alain - so enjoy our shortcut to 'The Good Stuff!'
#1: Els Angels
Sometimes mistakingly called 'Hells Angels', the Els Àngels route is the perfect way to start a cycling holiday in Girona. The roads are as good as they come with rolling hills, low traffic and plenty of beautiful small villages on the way. Keep an eye out of the angel statue near the top of the climb, and the chapel where Salvador Dali got married.
#2: Rocacorba
The Rocacorba ascent is the most famous climb in Girona. Whilst you won't see it int he Tour de France, you will often see the famous professional riders testing their mettle against the steady incline. Anything near or under 3o minutes it's epic, matched only by the views of the Pyrennes from the top. It's an out and back route so you can look forward to a long descent on the way back into town.
#3: Hincapie Loop
George Hincapie was a professional cyclist with Lance Armstrong in the 1990's, and moving to Girona helped to elevate the town's now legendary status. Such was the acclaim and the performance on Hincapie, that his favourite training route has become the stuff of legends. So for just one day, imagine being a wing man for Armstrong and smash this training route as hard as you can! When you make it to the top of Santa Pellaia, the incredible views of Gavarres Natural Park will be the perfect reward.
#4: Coastal loop
breaking out of Girona and heading straight for the coast, this route will ensure you get your fill of sea breeze and coastal views. The winding & climbing route takes in some of the very best Costa Bravo scenery... but don't make the same mistake as us, by trying to race some locals up the climbs... Of course, they have incredible legs!
#5: Sant Hilary Sacalm
This is a long route with a challenging amount of vertical ascent, but it's well distributed through the day so you won't find yourself in anything too challenging. After the initial 20km of steady ascent you'll be treated to a plethora of winding cambered roads through the forest, and some smooth beautiful descending back into town. the Susqueda reservoir is something to behold, and a perfect place to take a 'Bike Against A Wall' photograph for Instagram!
Summary
Girona is the probably one of the most Instagram'd cycling locations in the world, and for good reason. It's perfect combination of excellent cycling, cool city living and relaxed vibes. It's perfect for a long weekend escape, and with plenty of travel options through Barcelona or direct there is nothing standing in the way. If you're a professional, an influencer, or if you just love cycling - it's an absolute must visit for your Autumn and Spring calendar. This is a quick look at out top 5, and if you're visiting the island for the first time the routes and details should give you everything you need to get going. If you like more detailed routes with detailed walk throughs, coffee & photo stops and smooth back roads discovered by locals - then check out our detailed Ultimate Guide to Cycling Girona.
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