Have you considered Catalonia as a cycling destination? It might just become the cycling destination of 2026. This special Spanish region has everything a cycling fan can dream of; almost always nice weather, beautiful climbs for keen cyclists, vast plains with gravel roads, authentic villages where you can pause with tasty tapas and, of course, cycling capital Girona. Catalonia has always been popular among cyclists, but with the Tour de France's Grand Depart scheduled to take place in Barcelona in 2026, the region looks set to become even more noticeable among cyclists next year. And for good reason. In this article, we tell you more about the highlights of Catalonia as a cycling destination. Curious about great routes? Then check out the bottom of this article for road and gravel routes.
Visit the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Barcelona
Catalonia will be the setting for the start of the Tour de France in 2026! After the Tour previously started in the Spanish cities of San Sebastian (1992) and Bilbao (2023), the first yellow jersey wearer will be honoured in Barcelona. Do you love Spain and always follow the Tour de France on your feet? Then this is the perfect opportunity to combine those passions! There really is no better opportunity to see the opening stage with your own eyes; score a great spot in the city or on the Montjuic and see all the teams pass by one by one. The finish will take place at the foot of the Olympic Stadium.
Test your climbing legs in Val d'Aran
Val d'Aran is the most north-westerly tip of Catalonia and lies in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees. With peaks higher than 3,000 metres surrounding the valley, this destination is a hotspot for cyclists looking to tackle the region's tough climbs. For example, you can tackle the Port de la Bonaigua and the Pla de Beret climb, both known from the Vuelta. Val d'Aran is a special place, with its own culture and language (Aranese), traditional villages and vast natural parks. A perfect destination for nature lovers!
Immerse yourself in Girona's cycling culture
A visit to Girona should be on your bucket list as a cyclist anyway. This city is considered the cycling capital of Europe. Many professional cyclists (both cyclists and gravel pros) stay in this city for longer periods because of its fine climate and varied landscape with many training opportunities; from road climbs to winding gravel roads. There is a certain cycling culture in the city; cyclists meet at local bike cafes and several leave weekly social rides from the city centre. Be sure to visit La Fabrica - founded by former pro cyclist Christian Meier and his wife. Want to spend the night in real cycling accommodation? Then choose an overnight stay in Rocacorba Cycling.
Explore the endless gravel roads around Lleida
Catalonia's interior is flat to rolling. The area seems almost ‘forgotten’ when compared to touristy Catalan areas like the Costa Brava, Barcelona or the Pyrenees. Those who do not gravitate may only see the endless olive groves and wheat fields. But that is exactly what makes the heart of many a gravel biker beat faster. This agricultural landscape with its many unpaved country roads lends itself perfectly to a good gravel adventure. For example, the finish of the Gravel Earth Series was still held here in 2025 (Ranxo Gravel), because routes can still be made here that consist almost entirely of gravel. Because this area attracts less tourism, you really imagine yourself in the authentic Catalonia, with its beautiful authentic villages and old castles. So close to bustling Barcelona, time really does seem to stand still here.
Discover the mountain landscape behind the Costa Daurada
You may know the Costa Daurada from well-known sun holiday destinations such as Salou and Cambrils. But did you know that a true cycling paradise lies hidden when you go a little inland? Here you will find the Prades Mountains and behind them the even more rugged Montsant Mountains. The routes and climbs you can cycle here are a bit like those in more southern Costa Blanca. The big difference? The Costa Daurada is much less touristy! You will, however, find plenty of facilities here, such as bike-friendly accommodation and opportunities to rent racing or gravel bikes.
Route tips
Looking for route inspiration? We have already explored many roads in beautiful Catalonia. The routes below are a good start to exploring beautiful Catalonia. You can also take a look at the Komoot page of Catalunya For various road, gravel and mountain bike routes.
