Catalonia, in the north-east of Spain, is a region full of contrasting landscapes; from the beaches of the Costa Brava to the imposing Pyrenees and rolling vineyards. Its mild climate, varied landscapes and bike-friendly infrastructure make it a favourite place for cyclists and gravel riders.
Climbers can indulge in the Catalan part of the Pyrenees. Rugged natural parks such as Montseny offer cool off-road trails for mountain bikers and gravel lovers. On the Costa Brava, you can cycle more leisurely along the Mediterranean. You can even cycle almost flat along Catalonia's old railway lines; the Via Verdes.
Girona is the cycling heart of Catalonia. This city attracts pros from all over the world, and not only because of the fine rolling cycling routes on which they can train well. The city has plenty of nice cycling cafés and breathes cycling culture, mainly among the gravel scene.
Cycling in Catalonia is not complete without sampling the local cuisine. Settle down at a bodega for local wines from Priorat or Penedès, or recharge your energy with tapas and pan con tomate.
With varied landscapes, excellent roads and a mild climate, Catalonia is a destination where both novice and experienced cyclists feel at home. Add the delicious Catalan cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, and you have the perfect cycling holiday. Moreover, you can ideally combine a cycling holiday in this area with a visit to Girona or Barcelona. In short, Catalonia offers everything you need to combine nature, cycling and culture in one unforgettable experience!
In northern Catalonia the Pyrenees the landscape, a climber's paradise with high peaks, steep roads and spectacular views. Here you will find challenging climbs such as Vallter 2000 and the Col de la Creueta. Further south lies the vast Pre-Pyrenees, with rolling hills and quiet roads, ideal for longer rides with fewer altimeters.
In the heart of Catalonia lies Montserrat, a unique mountain massif with jagged rock formations and steep, winding roads that lead you to breathtaking views. The Garrotxa region offers a different kind of landscape, with ancient volcanic hills, dense forests and picturesque villages, perfect for gravel routes and leisurely rides.
Along the coast of the Costa Brava you cycle through rolling landscapes and along the rugged rocky coast with spectacular sea views. Here are idyllic villages such as Cadaqués and Calella de Palafrugell, where you can take a rest. Further south, the vineyards of Penedès and Priorat stretch out, where rolling hills and quiet country lanes invite you to leisurely rides through wine landscapes.
In southern Catalonia lies the nature reserve Els Ports, a rugged and remote area with deep gorges, dense forests and challenging routes for adventurous cyclists. Between the mountain areas, rolling landscapes, agricultural areas and flat coastal plains alternate.
Catalonia has a varied climate that can be suitable for cycling holidays all year round, depending on the type of routes you want to cycle.
Spring (March-May):
Spring is one of the best times to explore Catalonia by bike. Temperatures are mild, averaging between 15-25°C, and nature is in bloom. Ideal for longer rides through the Pyrenees or along the coast. This is also the season with the highest chance of precipitation, but showers are often short.
Summer (June-August):
Summer brings higher temperatures, ranging from 25-35°C in the valleys and on the coast, to cooler conditions in the mountains. For those who enjoy climbing, the Pyrenees are perfect because of the pleasant temperatures at altitude. In the lower regions and on the Costa Brava, it can get very hot.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn combines the advantages of summer and spring. Temperatures are often ideal (20-28°C), and the landscapes are made even more beautiful by the autumn colours. This season is perfect for rides through the vineyards of Penedès or challenging tours in the Pre-Pyrenees. The chance of rain increases slightly in October, but conditions usually remain good enough for cycling.
Winter (December-February):
In winter, the Pyrenees and other higher regions can be snow-covered, making them less suitable for cycling. Along the coast and in lower regions, however, it remains mild, with daytime temperatures between 9-17 °C. At night, temperatures can drop to freezing though. Catalonia is a popular winter destination for cyclists who want to work on their fitness without extreme cold. This area is a lot quieter than well-known training areas such as the Costa Blanca or Andalusia. It is therefore just a bit colder and there is more chance of rain.
In short, Catalonia is a good cycling destination almost all year round. For the most pleasant conditions, spring and autumn are the most popular for visiting this region by bike.
There are plenty of bike-friendly accommodations in this region. In Girona, for example, you will find guest house/B&B Equipe or VeloVern. In Barcelona, you can visit CityHotels. Since many cyclists visit this region, many accommodations have options for storing your bike somewhere safe or taking it into your room. Always check this well in advance when booking.
Renting a road or gravel bike in Barcelona or Girona? Then check Velodrom, which you can read more about in this article.
Length: 4 kilometres
Altimeters: 219 metres
Average gradient: 5,5%.
Starting point: Barcelona
Description: This is the climb to get out of the city. Where at first you still imagine yourself in the city bustle, the higher you get, you enjoy more peace and nature around you. The descent on the other side is rewarding; you leave the city far behind here and drive into a beautiful landscape.
Length: 8 kilometres
Altimeters: 352 metres
Average gradient: 4,7%.
Starting point: Sant Cugat del Vallès
Description: The Tibidabo is a hill near Barcelona. At 512 metres, it is the highest hill in the city's region. At the top, you'll find the Tibidabo church. The church is beautiful, and the view of the city is a fantastic reward for the achievement.
Length: 11 kilometres
Altimeters: 434 metres
Average gradient: 3,9%.
Starting point: Girona
Description: The iconic Els Ángels is a beautiful climb. Heavy it is not, but precisely thanks to its lower average gradient and gradual climb profile, this is a favourite climb for many cyclists.
Length: 12.3 kilometres
Altimeters: 797 metres
Average gradient: 6,5%.
Starting point: Banyoles
Description: You could say this is the toughest climb around Girona. The first half is still fairly doable, with about 5% average. After that it gets really tough with a maximum of 13.5%. It is the climb where many a pro from the region tests his/her form.
Length: 22 kilometres
Altimeters: 1218
Average gradient: 5,4%
Starting point: Barcelona
Description: This climb to ski station Vallter 2000 must be done once. The first section is fairly easy, with gradients under five per cent. But just over halfway, the hardest part starts. At 10 kilometres below the summit, you start the toughest part. You have over 10% of gradient in front of your feet for a kilometre here, with an outlier to 12%.
Naturally, Catalonia has some unmissable cycling routes. We have posted some of them on our Komoot page (see below).
Through our newsletter, we share exclusive insights with our community. Subscribe and benefit.
