Cycling on the costa brava
The Costa Brava covers the 200 kilometers of the Spanish coast that are located in the most northeastern part. The area starts at the French border and extends all the way to the popular coastal town of Blanes. The cycling city of Girona (30 kilometers inland) is also part of the Costa Blanca region. In late spring and summer, destinations like Blanes and Lloret de Mar attract many tourists. Although these holiday destinations mostly evoke the image of a beach and sun holiday, the Costa Brava really has much more to offer. From autumn until the first weeks of spring, the region attracts a very different audience: cyclists!
Thanks to its pleasant, mild climate, the Costa Brava is a popular destination for winter training. Hotels are priced reasonably during this time of year and often have facilities for cyclists. The landscape offers beautiful routes for both road and gravel bikes.
The Costa Brava has a lot to offer for cyclists. Especially Girona is seen as a real cycling hotspot and attracts a lot of cycling tourism every year. Not surprisingly, because Girona is a good starting point for various road and gravel routes and the Mediterranean climate ensures ideal cycling weather. Many professional riders have settled in the city or train there regularly. As a result, there is now a real cycling atmosphere in the city center, with bike cafes, bike shops and always groups of cyclists in the street who gather for a social ride.
Not only is Girona a great cycling destination. You can also make fantastic trips from coastal towns like Platja d’Aro. You’re here at the foot of the Massís de les Gavarres. But beware: most of the roads in this area are gravel roads. That makes it a fantastic gravel destination, but for road routes you have more choice of routes from the more centrally located Girona.
The mild Mediterranean climate on the Costa Brava makes the region attractive for cycling all year round, but the best time for a cycling holiday is between October and April. In autumn, the forests turn a beautiful orange color and it is still warm enough to cycle for short distances. Even the sea water can still be at a temperature suitable for a refreshing swim, while the busy tourist season is already coming to an end.
In winter, temperatures in Girona and along the coast often range between 12 and 15 degrees, with relatively few rainy days. In winter and early spring, the Costa Brava attracts the most cycling tourism.
The summer temperatures on the Costa Brava are usually between 28 and 32 degrees. In July and August, on peak days it can reach towards 35 degrees, especially inland around Girona.
Popular climbs on the costa brava
The Costa Brava attracts many professional cyclists for a reason! These are the most popular climbs in the region:
Els Àngels – 11 kilometers with 434 meters of elevation gain
This is the popular training route from Girona. The climb owes its name to Santuario dels Àngels, a small monastery at the top. Cultural fact: world-famous artist Dalí got married here. Be sure to take a look here, or enjoy a coffee at the adjacent café. The climb is curvy and not too steep, making it a perfect training climb for many cyclists.
Rocacorba – 2.3 kilometers with 797 meters of elevation gain
You had to do the Rocacorba climb. The road is dead at the top and the road surface gets worse and worse in the final kilometers. What makes the climb so popular anyway? Old professional cyclist David Millar named his training club after the climb. Nowadays, it’s the very climb where many riders test their form.
Sant Grau – 6.2 kilometers with 471 meters of elevation gain
This climb is located on the coast, and is perhaps one of the most beautiful climbs in the region. With an average gradient of 5.7%, it is a challenging climb, but the views over the clear blue sea and rocky coastline provide a good distraction during the descent.
Travel tips for the Costa Brava
Bike Friendly accommodations
Would you like to stay by the coast? A stay in Platje d’Aro is an excellent choice if you want to cycle during the day and enjoy a relaxed coastal atmosphere and dining on the promenade in the evening. Stay, for example, in one of the Htophotels, which have special facilities for cyclists. This way you can be sure that your bike is safe and a workshop has been set up to properly maintain or repair your bike. Handy, right?
Stay in Girona at the Best Western hotel, which also has all kinds of cycling facilities.
Tip: On websites like Booking.com you can also find many apartments or holiday homes. In the winter months, the season is low season on the Costa Brava. Many holiday homes are then priced lower, meaning a cottage doesn’t have to cost much more than a hotel room.
Costa Brava: more than just cycling…
Culture
Especially outside the tourist season, you discover the real Costa Brava. The bicycle is a perfect means of transport to get you from place to place. For example, take the route to Cadaqués on the Cap de Creus archipelago; an old fishing town where artists like Dalí and Picasso used to live and work. This archipelago is also ideal for a good gravel adventure!
There are many centuries-old villages and towns to discover on the Costa Blanca. Especially in the interior of the region – far from the mass tourism – it seems as if time has stood still. Besalú is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Catalonia and is definitely worth a stop for coffee. Girona is a must for its historical charm as well as its vibrant cycling culture. Together they form a special mix that many cyclists will find appealing.
Culinary
After a day of climbing and winding descents, eating at the Costa Brava tastes extra good. Start with “pa amb tomàquet”, a simple but delicious bread with tomato and olive oil, or enjoy fresh seafood like fideos de mariscos, a noodle paella with shrimp and mussels. Finish with a glass of Empordà wine. Eating here is truly a moment to share, relax, and feel the life of the region.
When are you leaving?
How do you get there?
- Flying: Fly to Girona · Barcelona. Bring your own bike; book a place for your bike box in time.
- By train: Easy to get to. Convenient stations: Girona · Figueres.
- By car: From Utrecht you are in about 13 hours. Costa BravaPlan 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.
