Easy cycling tour where the whole family will enjoy from the gentle rolling terrain. A week in which you will cycle from the peaceful green countryside to the blue Mediterranean Sea. You will discover a piece of Spanish and Catalonian history as you pedal through Baix Emporda, visitng its medieval towns and its Iberian settlements; an ancient land settled by Iberians in pre-Roman times and once besieged by pirate attacks. The Natural Reserve of Aiguamolls is the perfect place for some bird observation since thousands of water birds visit these wetlands. Do not forget to visit the surprising Dalí Museum in Figueres. Stay at historical stone buildings which have been transformed into charming and family-friendly accommodations.
Arrival at your accommodation in La Pera. A taxi transfer from the airport or train station can be arranged.
Challenge: Travel to the Ampurdán.
Villages along the way: La Pera
Immerse yourself in the ambience of the Baix Empordà, or Lower Ampurdán, cycling through traditional and picturesque landscapes. Small vegetable gardens, Mediterranean woods, the Medieval village centres of Monells and Madremanya, and an interesting optional visit to the castle-museum in Pubol which Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. If the longer route seems a bit tough for a first day, there´s an optional shortcut.
Challenge: (short route) 17km, 300m ascent // (long route) 31km, 300m ascent
Villages along the way: Monells, Madremanya, Pubol
A short climb through the woods, then on to flat terrain surrounded by Tuscany-like hilltop villages. You traverse a vast and fertile agricultural region worked long ago by the Iberians, who introduced the use of the now-characteristic cypress tree as a wind-panel. This evening, you'll have the challenge of selecting one of Peratallada's 13 inviting restaurants for dinner.
Challenge: 24km, 150mascent, 175m descent
Villages along the way: La Pera, Peratallada
Today you cycle mainly on the flat, following gravel roads and quiet tarmac lanes through the Daro River delta. This area has vast swamps and rice fields, criss-crossed by numerous narrow irrigation channels. Again you ride by several pretty hilltop villages rising up out of the surrounding landscape. On the way, you also pass some beautiful beaches, as well as the wetlands of Les Basses d’en Coll, a nature preserve. Plan to make time to visit the Medieval villages of Fontclara and Gualta, with lovely windmills and a 16th-century 5-arch bridge.
Challenge: 31km, 150m ascent
Villages along the way: Pals, Mas Pinell, Gualta (Valle del Río Ter)
Today you do an interesting excursion along quiet country lanes to reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on this coast. Option of taking a break for lunch at a very nice restaurant on the beach (though, unfortunately, in order to get there you have to ride through the busy town centre of Palafrugell). Optional detour to visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig before cycling back to Peratalla
Challenge: 40,5km, 150m in ascent
Villages along the way: Pals, Palafrugell, Lafranca, Calella
Today you begin by cycling through lovely woodlands north of Peratallada. Along the way, you’ll pass an ancient Iberian settlement, interesting archaeological site on a hilltop, with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Further northward your route takes you past the base of El Montgri massif. On the coast, you cycle past a former Greek colony and a Roman town. Then, following quiet gravel tracks through a beautiful nature reserve, you come to the pretty village of Sant Pere Pescador, where your rural hotel is located (38km).
Challenge: 38km, 200m ascent, 200m descent
Villages along the way: Torroella, Bellcaire, Sant Pere
On to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with that of Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter's museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony.
Challenge: 53km, 125m ascent, 125m descent
Villages along the way: Figueres, Castello d'Empuries
Your arrangement ends today after breakfast. Transport to Flaça train station included. An optional taxi transfer to the airport may also be booked.
Challenge: Departure from the Ampurdán.
The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. Friendly accommodations where children are welcome. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way.
A true oasis to relax in a house and town like the seem like the ones from before. This rural guest house is located in a quiet environment, at the foot of the Gavarres massif and close to the beach. All rooms have en-suite bathroom, Wifi, air conditioning, central heating and antique furniture that has been carefully restored.
A beautiful rural tourism house in the pedestrian centre of the small medieval village of Peratallada. It has 7 rooms, each with a full bathroom, air conditioning, wifi, heating and television. It also has a terrace with a porch and a large garden.
This masía from the 19th century is surrounded by orchards and located by the Natural Reserve of “Parc de Mig de Dos Rius” , a natural reserve which features a wide diversity of fauna species. The manor house has been completely restored and decorated with care. It has a nice and sunny dinning room with views to the garden, an outdoor swimming pool and a playground area.
7 nights accommodation
3 family-friendly rural guest houses
7 breakfasts
2 dinners
Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
24-hour telephone assistance
Luggage transport according to program
Acces to the trip on our navigation app
Single Room Supplement(s)
Solo Traveller Supplement
Transfers to and from nearest railway station on days 1 and 8
Nearest airport to get to Baix Empordá is Barcelona-El Prat airport (BCN)
Arrival in Flaça
From Barcelona airport (BCN), you can travel by train or bus to Barcelona-Sants station in the city. From Barcelona-Sants station take a train to Flaça (on the Figueras line). There are daily services, with at least one train per hour. Travel time is 1h30min to 1h50min, depending on the type of train you take. Check timetables in www.renfe.es . Once you get to Flaça station you will need a taxi drive to your first accommodation.
Departure from San Pere Pescador
First you take a taxi from Sant Pere Pescador to Figueras. From Figueras take a train to Barcelona-Sants (daily services, with at least one train per hour). Travel time is around 2hrs. Check timtables at www.renfe.es. From Barcelona-Sants station, take train Line R2 (Cercanías) to Barcelona airport (departures every half hour).