Costa Brava Cycle Map – The Best Bike Routes (PART 1):

Girona, unlike other regions of international tourist importance, concentrates a wide range of options into a very small space. Its geographical location and the superb climate it enjoys have enabled us to draw a map in the style of an animated film, given that within a very short distance you’ll find mountains more than 2,000 metres high, paradisiacal beaches and towns with age-old historical sites. And, depending on the time of year of your visit, this combination can be captured in a single photo. For example, if you’re in Torroella de Montgrí in March or April you’ll find that to the right you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful Medes Islands, to the left the Pyrenees coated in white and, between them, the Montgrí hill with a 13th-century castle at its top.

If anyone knows how to get the most out of the wealth of this province it’s a cycle tourist. This is why Girona has adapted to the interests of these visitors in recent years and built first-rate facilities that are ideal for people who decide to cycle around this region bordering France. There is currently a network of paths designed solely and exclusively for walkers and cyclists covering 500 kilometres (greenways and Pirinexus) that connects the Pyrenees with the Costa Brava. There’s also a network of roads around the province in excellent condition on which you can cycle in safety.

The Girona Campsite Association seeks to make things as easy as possible for people who opt to enjoy tourism on two wheels and to enable them to obtain all the useful information they need for an excellent cycling holiday. For this reason Inspira’t regularly publishes content related to the world of cycling in Girona.

We know that deciding what to do on holiday is no easy task, particularly so because there are so many options on offer in Girona. On this occasion, the purpose of our post is to suggest a series of bike routes along the Costa Brava. As there are so many different kinds of cyclists, what we’ll do is present several routes with different levels so that, no matter what type of cyclist you are, there will always be one or more routes for you. And as this little Catalan province has so many cycling options to offer, we’ll split this post into two parts! Two articles that will shape the Costa Brava Cycle Map.

So here it is, the Costa Brava Cycle Map:

• Banyoles Lake route: a perfect route for all the family with no difficulties other than pedalling and admiring the landscape. Banyoles Lake was the venue for several aquatic sporting events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and it currently welcomes a significant number of local and foreign sporting visitors.
  
• Girona-Tossa (round trip): the most demanding ride we propose is a Girona-Tossa round trip. More than 100 kilometres and a 1.7-kilometre difference in altitude definitely constitute an endurance test for more experienced cyclists. As you eat up the kilometres you’ll follow the rugged coastline offering spectacular views. There are also dozens of hidden coves and beaches where you can take a dip. The best beaches on the Costa Brava are here!
  
• Escala-Empúries-Sant Pere Pescador: you’ll see all kinds of things if you choose this option! The Greek and Roman ruins in Empúries, beaches where you can stop for a swim, fields, forests that you can ride through and a pleasant seafront in the town of L’Escala. Ideal for all the family!
  
• Madremanya-Púbol inland route:  if you choose this route, you’ll come across two small and very pleasant towns. Both Madremanya and Púbol stretch out around their old quarters full of narrow streets, arches and historical sites. The road that links the two towns is very enjoyable as it passes through fields and vineyards. You’ll love them.
  
• Route through the Empordà wetlands:  one of the must-see destinations in Empordà wetlands (Aiguamolls). In addition to having spectacular views of the Pyrenees, you’ll be surrounded by highly characteristic flora and fauna that will thrill the kids (and grown-ups too!).
  

If anyone knows how to get the most out of the wealth of this province it’s a cycle tourist. This is why Girona has adapted to the interests of these visitors in recent years and built first-rate facilities that are ideal for people who decide to cycle around this region bordering France. There is currently a network of paths designed solely and exclusively for walkers and cyclists covering 500 kilometres (greenways and Pirinexus) that connects the Pyrenees with the Costa Brava. There’s also a network of roads around the province in excellent condition on which you can cycle in safety.

The Girona Campsite Association seeks to make things as easy as possible for people who opt to enjoy tourism on two wheels and to enable them to obtain all the useful information they need for an excellent cycling holiday. For this reason Inspira’t regularly publishes content related to the world of cycling in Girona.

We know that deciding what to do on holiday is no easy task, particularly so because there are so many options on offer in Girona. On this occasion, the purpose of our post is to suggest a series of bike routes along the Costa Brava. As there are so many different kinds of cyclists, what we’ll do is present several routes with different levels so that, no matter what type of cyclist you are, there will always be one or more routes for you. And as this little Catalan province has so many cycling options to offer, we’ll split this post into two parts! Two articles that will shape the Costa Brava Cycle Map.

Many thanks and see you soon,

INSPIRA’T