Santuari del Far, an amazing spot to get on the bike!

The Sanctuary at the top (picture by Seri Ros de Mora)

When you are cycling in Girona you have so many different choices. Climbing is our passion here, then everybody knows about Rocacorba, Mare de Deu del Mont, possibly Vallter 2000. You can reach all of them from Girona. But there is a climb, not-so-known, probably because it is not as demanding as those mentioned, that deserves a visit. Totally worth.

Unbeatable views from the top of El Far (Picture by Sergi Ros de Mora)

It is Santuari del Far, an amazing spot with unbeatable views of the mountains around. You reach this spot from Coll de Condreu, a very interesting climb reaching 1017 mts. On the west side, starting at Manlleu you will cross tiny medieval villages as Rupit and Pruit, and from the north side starting at Sant Esteve de'n Bas you have a nice wide, well asphalted road. At the top, just beside the roadsign there is a crossroad leading to Santuari del Far. Nice tiny narrow road which in about 5 km leads to the Sanctuary.

Not very steep, a doable climb!

When you get to the top you will find the Sanctuary, an amazing viewpoint that will leave you breathless and also a nice restaurant where you can stop for a while and get a coffee or maybe lunch.

Come to Catalonia and we will help you to discover amazing spots like this!

Catalonia long week end breakaway

Map of a sample tour

If your group doesn't have much time, we will help you to have the most of your time. You just need 4 days and 3 nights to enjoy cycling in Catalonia. We will take yout to the nicest roads, and also the kind of routes you would like (ergarding distance, etc.). You don't have to worry about the bike (we will provide some), nor the routes (we will design the best stages), nor the hotels (we will book the best hotels for you) nor the food (we will provide lunch in our supporting van). Here you have a sample tour:

Bike lane from L'Escala to Sant Pere Pescador

Day 1: Arrival to Girona airport. Caldes de Malavella-L’Escala 80 km.

We will pick you up at Girona airport and transport to starting point, to have a quick breakfast, will do bike setup and start first stage, including about 80 km with some climbing. Few miles after the start begins the climb of the day, a beautiful, solitaire and not very steep climb named Santa Pellaia. After the descent towards La Bisbal we will cycle through not very crowded roads, and then a stop in Peretallada is worth. Old and touristic town, cars are not allowed and lots of restaurants and shops welcome the tourists. After Peretallada we will continue through Torroella de Montgrí till L’Escala..

Arrival to the nice L’Escala, coastal town to enjoy a nice hotel by the sea.

Day 2  L’Escala Figueres 95 km 

L’Escala-Figueres 95 km including the climb from Roses to Alt de Perafita and stop in Cadaqués, where genious Salvador Dalí lived. And also the steep climb to the Monestry of San Pere de Rodes. Nice aerial views from there to Port de la Seva and Costa Brava. This area maybe windy, with the so named, tramuntana wind, very strong if it blows. Figueres is a must, with the Museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí.

Amazing views from Mare de Deu del Mont

Day 3 Figueres-Olot 110 km

The first climb is the toughest all over the trip. Mare de Deu del Mont, at 1100 mts. In my opinion much nicer than the much more known Rocacorba (nearby). Very steep parts and incredible views from the top to the Canigou peak, the highest in the Eastern Pyrenees. Once gain in the valley the stage continues to Banyoles (worth a stop for lunch/coffee) and then to Mieres and the Vulcano de Santa Margarida, as Olot is the main town of the vulcanic La Garrotxa region.

Day 4 Olot-Olot 90 km. Transportation to airport.

If you thought that the main part of the trip was done, you failed. Last stage includes the very tough and beautiful Coll de Bracons, and the even nicer Coll de Condreu and El Far. El Far is the perfect ending for a trip in Catalonia. Unbeatable views.

We will be able to have a shower and be transported to the airport (Barcelona or Girona)

Road Cycling in Girona

Girona Cathedral backwards

Girona has become a very popular destination for road cyclists all over the world.

Good weather all year long (specially mild winters), perfectly surfaced roads, polite and respectful drivers around, all that makes Girona a great cycling destination. Furthermore, being a small sized town it is easy and fast to get out and begin cycling. Last, but not least, pro cyclists can live in Girona without the hassle of being recognized for fans every now and then...

No wonder Girona is the living place of many professional cyclists. Since Lance Armstrong chose Girona in th 90's, many american cyclists have lived (and still do!) here. George Hincapie, David Millar, Christian Vandevelde and many others chose Girona as their living place.

Now many professional cyclists still do. Daniel Martin, Ryder Hesjedal, some Orica Green Edge cyclists, etc.

Some details at "La Fabrica"

After a long day in the saddle, we all love to stop for a coffee in a Cyclist Coffe Shop. Is there a better place to stop that "La Fabrica"? The shop opened by Christian Meier (the Orica Green Edge pro rider) & Amber Meier,

Climb to Els Angels is just beside town!

Destinations from Girona town are so many and so nice. The closest climb is Santuari dels Angels, a serious climb just beside the city!
Next to Girona you can get 2 of the nicest roads all over Catalonia:
- Road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols: 25 km of an amazing road beside the sea, watching the cliffs and hidden beaches...
- Road from Amer to Sant Hilari Sacalm: Unforgettable road, no traffic at all, mild climb to Sant Hilari Sacalm, a long and winding road...

Bridges over river Onyar, crossing Girona