Part of Spain
General
Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, is a region full of contrasting landscapes; from the beaches on the Costa Brava to the imposing Pyrenees and rolling vineyards in the interior of Catalonia. The mild climate, the varied landscapes, and the cycling-friendly infrastructure make it a favorite spot for many cyclists and gravel enthusiasts.
Climbers can have their hearts filled with joy in the Catalan part of the Pyrenees. From Val d’Aran Along the coast are beautiful climbs, some of which are familiar from the Vuelta. On the Costa Brava you can cycle more relaxed along the Mediterranean Sea. In the interior, in the Terres de Lleida and Paisatges Barcelona regions, the landscape is much flatter, with endless options for gravel routes.
Val d’Aran
Val d’Aran is located in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, right at the northwest of Catalonia. The valley is isolated on the northern side of the Pyrenees, which gives it a French-influenced culture. With peaks higher than 3000 meters surrounding the valley, this destination is a hotspot for cyclists who want to venture into the region’s steep climbs, such as the Port de la Bonaigua and Pla de Beret, Both of them are known from the Vuelta. Val d’Aran is a special place, with its own culture and language (Aranese), traditional villages and vast nature parks. Thanks to the Atlantic climate, it is wetter and greener here than in the Pyrenees region. A perfect destination for nature lovers!
Pyrenees
The Pyrenees region – which is of course Catalan for ‘Pyrenees’ – is located in the far north of Spain and extends along the border with France, all the way to the Costa Brava. Here you will find beautiful climbs, such as the Port del Cantó (where you can also, by the way, do fantastic rock climbing and mountain biking), and the iconic Vallter 2000. From heavy, steep climbs to longer, gradual hills; there is enough climbing challenge to be found here for cyclists of all levels.
Costa Brava
Of Costa Brava Located in the northeast of Catalonia, it is known for its rugged coastline, with beautiful bays and fishing villages. In this province you can enjoy the combination of beautiful nature and challenging climbs, with a refreshing dip in the sea on the hottest day. Despite the fact that the coast attracts a lot of tourists, many cyclists choose to stay in Girona, where a true cycling culture reigns with bike cafés and social rides. From Girona, numerous beautiful routes can be discovered, both on the race bike and the gravel bike.
Terres de Lleida
Terres de Lleida is known for its vast plains of grain fields, olive trees and vineyards. Sometimes, amidst these arid landscapes, a dazzling spectacle appears. clear blue reservoirs, These are particularly contrasting with the landscape. Terres de Lleida is a special destination for gravel bikers. Unpaved, rural roads They take you from one medieval village to another. Don't forget to take a look at the old castles that give you an insight into the history of the region.
Sceneries Barcelona
Pasiatges Barcelona – also known as the interior of Barcelona – is located in the center of Catalonia. It is here that the Montserrat Nature Park, Known for the impressive rock formation in the park. You can cycle around it here, but cyclists often choose to climb to the Benedictine monastery. For gravel enthusiasts, there are several narrow paths and quiet country roads around the rocks for off-road adventures.
Costa Barcelona
Combining cycling and a city trip? With just a few hours of flying from the Netherlands, you’ll already be in the beautiful city of Barcelona. In 2026, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France take place in the form of a team time trial. The riders climb the Montjuïc Starting and ending at the Olympic Stadium. A short but iconic climb that you can also cycle! Curious about cycling routes from Barcelona city? Then read on this travel story.
North of Barcelona lies the mountainous landscape of Parc del Montnegre and the Corredor, a beautiful area for cyclists with challenging routes. For gravel and MTB enthusiasts, this is truly a fantastic destination, with numerous off-road trails for every level.
Along the Costa Barcelona, a more than 100-kilometer-long Mediterranean coastline that encompasses the regions of Maresme, Garraf, Baix Llobregat, Alt Penedès and Vallès, you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery as a cyclist or gravel rider. The roads along the coast offer a beautiful combination of stunning views of the villages with a smooth road surface.
The combination of beautifully smooth coastal roads and the quieter, unpaved country lanes make the region ideal for a beautiful cycling adventure.
Costa Dorada
Not for nothing is this region in Catalonia called the ‘Golden Coast’; the sandy beaches are beautiful here and the sea is a bright blue. Cyclists visit this region for the favorable climate and the beautiful cycling routes in the Prades mountain range and it is located a little further inland Montsant mountain range. Unique rock formations, vineyards and charming villages shape the landscape here. The roads here are quieter than in other popular training destinations on the Spanish coast, but at least as beautiful. That is why many cyclists choose a cycling holiday or training camp in this area.
Click here to learn more about cycling on the Costa Daurada.
Terres de L’Ebre
The southernmost point of Catalonia, Terres de L’Ebre, extends along the Ebro River. Where the Ebro flows into the sea, it is Ebro Delta originated; an area with rice fields and a rich diversity of bird species. A bike ride across the delta is definitely recommended. However, most cyclists come to Terres de L’Ebre for Els Ports; a rugged nature reserve on the border with Aragon. Here you will find beautiful rock climbing routes with beautiful views, such as the challenging climb to Mont Caro.
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The climbs of Catalonia
With the Pyrenees in the north and beautiful nature parks with rock formations scattered throughout the region, there are more than enough options for cyclists and gravel bikers who want to test their climbing abilities. For long, more difficult climbs, you’d best stay in the area around Val d’Aran. From the more eastern La Cerdanya You can also ride a fantastic bike. The climbs are long there, but a little less steep than in Val d’Aran. Climb the one in particular Coll de la Creueta. If you go further east, you will find the iconic Vallter 2000; a spectacular climb with breathtaking views.
But anyone who enjoys climbing doesn't have to stay in the Pyrenees. There are plenty of other mountain regions in Catalonia with challenging routes. Girona For example, it is a popular city among cyclists, thanks to the many training opportunities in the area. Most of the climbs are not extremely steep or difficult, making them ideal for building up your fitness. For example, you can find stunning routes in the rugged Les Guilleries, west of the city.
In addition, the Costa Dorada A beautiful training area for climbers. West of Tarragona, in the Prades Mountains, you'll find steep climbs such as the Climb the Coll de les Llebres which leads to a mysterious ghost town.
Discover more about five must-do climbs in Catalonia in this article.
Travel tips for Catalonia
Bike Friendly accommodations
Catalonia is truly a cycling region. Many hotels are therefore designed with cyclists in mind. These include secure bike parking facilities and a place where you can clean or repair your bike if necessary. Click on the regions below for our bike friendly accommodation tips.
Pyrenees
Fietshotels Pyrenees in Catalonia
- Hotel La Morera — Alt Àneu
- Hotel Terradets — Castell de Mur
- Hotel Saurat — Espot
- Hotel Apartaments Trainera — Esterri d’Àneu
- Nou Càmping — La Guingueta d’Àneu
- El Castell de la Pobla de Lillet — La Pobla de Lillet
- Hotel Nice — La Seu d’Urgell
- Hotel Vall Fosca — La Torre de Cabdella
- Mas de Bruquet — Llimiana
- Hotel Can Boix de Peramola — Peramola
- Cerdanya Ecoresort — Prullans
- Casa Leonardo — Senterada
- Camping el Solsonès — Solsona
- Hotel La Freixera — Solsona
- Mónnatura Pirineus — Son
Costa Brava
Costa Brava bike hotels
- Camiral Golf & Wellness — Caldes de Malavella
- Hotel Planamar — Castell-Platja d’Aro
- HTop Caleta Palace — Castell-Platja d’Aro
- HTop Platja Park — Castell-Platja d’Aro
- Hotel Carlemany Girona — Girona
- Hotel Ciutat de Girona — Girona
- Hotel Best Premier CMC Girona — Girona
- Hotel Gran Ultonia — Girona
- Hotel Rosamar Es Blau — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Rosamar Spa — Lloret de Mar
- Evenia Olympic Resort — Lloret de Mar
- Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Acapulco Lloret — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Anabel — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Fenals Garden — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Helios Lloret — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel I Apartaments Xaine — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel L’Azure — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Maria del Mar — Lloret de Mar
- Hotel Samba — Lloret de Mar
- Camping Lloret Blau — Lloret de Mar
- El Trull Accommodation — Lloret de Mar
- Can Bassa and Happybikes Girona — Madremanya
- Prestige Victoria Hotel & Spa —Roses
- Càmping La Ballena Alegre Costa Brava — Sant Pere Pescador
- URH Hotel Molí Del Mig — Torroella de Montgrí
- Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa — Tossa de Mar
- Zel Costa Brava — Tossa de Mar
Sceneries Barcelona
Fietshotels Paisatges Barcelona
- El Vilar de la Duquessa — Cardona
- Ca l’Estamenya — Perafita
- Mas de la Sala — Sallent
- Hotel Món Sant Benet — Sant Fruitós de Bages
Costa Barcelona
Costa Barcelona Bike Hotels
- Hotel Bernat II — Calella
- HTop Amaika — Calella
- HTop Calella Palace — Calella
- Neptuno Hotel & Spa — Calella
- Hotel GHT Balmes — Calella
- Aqua Hotel Silhouette & Spa — Malgrat de Mar
- Atzavara Hotel & Spa — Santa Susanna
- Alegria Caprici Verde — Santa Susanna
- AQUA Hotel Aquamarina & Spa — Santa Susanna
- HTop Royal Sun — Santa Susanna
- HTop Royal Sun Suites — Santa Susanna
- Indalo Park — Santa Susanna
Costa Dorada
Costa Daurada bike hotels
- Altafulla Mar Hotel — Altafulla
- August — Altafulla
- Cesar Augustus — Cambrils
- Estival ElDorado Resort — Cambrils
- Cambrils Park Sport Village — Cambrils
- Estival Centurion Playa — Cambrils
- H10 Cambrils Playa — Cambrils
- Hotel Best Marítim — Cambrils
- Hotel Mas Gallau — Cambrils
- Hotel Sol Port Cambrils — Cambrils
- Mònica Hotel — Cambrils
- Càmping Prades Park — Prades
- H10 Vintage Salou — Salou
- Hotel Calypso — Salou
- Vila Romana — Salou
- 4R Playa Park — Salou
- Tamarit Beach Resort — Tamarit
- Hotel Gran Palas Spa & Beach Resort — Vila-seca
- Aparthotel Olimar II — Vinyols and the Arcs
Terres de L’Ebre
Terres de l’Ebre bike hotels
- Hotel Restaurant l’Algadir del Delta — Poblenou del Delta
- Hotel SB Corona Tortosa — Tortosa
Catalonia: more than just cycling…
Culture
The landscapes in Catalonia are beautiful, but the region also has much to offer in terms of culture. During bike rides, you will pass through various centuries-old villages. The Catalans are proud of their history, which is why great efforts are made to protect historical buildings and sites. Catalonia has many small, remote villages that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Besalú, located in the province of Girona, is a good example of this: this is one of the oldest medieval villages in the region and is definitely worth a visit. Further to the northwest, in the mountains Vall de Boí, You really feel like you’re back in time. Especially the nine churches from the 11th and 12th centuries, which are even included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stand out with their high bell towers.
About 50 kilometers inland from Barcelona lies the Montserrat Park with its iconic rock formations and the extraordinary Monastery of Montserrat. This is a special historical place to visit, especially on a mountain bike. The climb is very beautiful and at the top there is a great reward: a stunning view of Barcelona, the coastline and the Pyrenees.
Stay in Barcelona or Girona if you are curious about the brilliant character from Catalonia. Admire the iconic masterpieces of Gaudí in Barcelona or immerse yourself in the Cycling culture in Girona. You can enjoy beautiful cycling from both cities. Also handy: in these cities there are plenty of options for bike rental, and you can be there in just a few hours by plane.
Another special city that should be on your list is Tarragona; Here many remains of the Roman Empire have been well preserved. The amphitheater and the city walls are centuries old and are particularly worth seeing.
One of the most special traditions in Catalonia are the Castellers: human towers These sometimes reach heights of ten floors. This tradition dates back to the 18th century and is especially seen during local festivals and celebrations, such as La Mercè in Barcelona (around September 24th) and Santa Tecla in Tarragona (around September 23rd), where the tallest and most impressive towers can be admired. You can also often find summer and autumn festivals in smaller villages between June and September, where local teams build their own towers. It is a unique spectacle that gives a unique insight into Catalan culture!
Culinary
And what should you really have for dinner after your sporty day on the bike? Try ‘pa amb tomàquet’, a simple but delicious toast with tomato, olive oil and garlic. Enjoy esqueixada, a fresh salad with salted cod, and try fideuà, a paella variant with noodles and seafood. Don’t forget to save some room for dessert; crema catalana, a dessert with a crispy layer of caramelized sugar. Of course, all this tastes delicious with a glass of local cava or Priorat wine!
Best time for a cycling holiday in Catalonia
Cycling in Catalonia is possible all year round! However, it depends on the season when you can best go cycling.
In the winter months, cyclists flock to the Spanish coast to train. In Catalonia, the Costa Brava and Costa Daurada are particularly popular due to their beautiful training routes and pleasant climate. In the interior and the Pyrenees, it can be very cold in the winter months. Snowfall and temperatures below freezing make it better to avoid these areas in the winter months.
In spring and autumn, you can cycle all over Catalonia. Be aware that there may still be snow in the mountains in early spring. Autumn and spring are great times to visit Catalonia because there is the least amount of tourism and you can discover the true Catalan way of life.
In the summer, it can get very hot in the interior and on the coast of Catalonia, with temperatures above 33°C. During this period, cycling in the rugged Pyrenees is best, where it remains much cooler.
Tip: Always bring a wind- and rain-proof jacket when you go to the Pyrenees; the weather in the mountains can change suddenly.
Cycling routes in Catalonia
Of course, Catalonia has a number of must-see cycling routes. We have placed some of them on our Komoot page (see below).
This page has been compiled in collaboration with the ‘Catalan Tourist Office’
Our gravel routes in Catalonia
Three gravel routes that we created together with Turisme de Catalunya: along the castles of the Segarra Valley, through the vineyards of the Penedès and around Mount Montserrat.
Route collection · Gravel
Gravel in Catalonia
- 3routes
- 58–163km per ride
- 1.928max. altitude meters
- 284km in total
- 1
Route 1 · 58.3 km · 710 hmCatalonia gravel: castles of the SegarraAlong the castles of the Segarra.Map, profile & GPX of route 1 → - 2
Route 2 · 163.3 km · 1,928 hmCatalonia gravel: Penedès 360Through the Cavada vineyards of the Penedès.Map, profile & GPX of route 2 → - 3
Route 3 · 62.4 km · 785 hmCatalonia gravel: around MontserratGravel with Montserrat in the background.Map, profile & GPX of route 3 →
When are you leaving?
Areas
Areas in Catalonia
How do you get there?
- Flying: Fly to Barcelona · Girona. Bring your own bike; book a place for your bike box in time.
- By train: Easy to get to. Convenient stations: Barcelona · Girona (TGV).
- By car: From Utrecht you are in about 13 hours. CataloniaPlan an overnight stop along the way, or drive in two days.
This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.
Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.
