As a gravel lover you must Girona visit! This cycling hotspot in Catalonia is not only good to conquer by road bike, but it also offers an abundance of beautiful gravel routes. Think quiet forest roads to scenic climbs. Just across the border with France, located in the north-east of Spain, Girona is becoming a Gravel Walhalla. The town with its charming streets, historic buildings and vibrant cycling culture breathes everything you want to have. The gravel routes in Girona are to be savoured.
Ideal climate - except in summer
The climate in Girona is ideal for graveling, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to cycle here is from March to June and from September to November, when temperatures are pleasant, usually between 15 and 25 degrees. In summer, it can heat up considerably to above 35 degrees, so leaving early is a must then. But the views during those early mornings, with the sun just rising, make it all worthwhile. We were travelling at the end of August, so it took some planning with the heat!
On to Girona
For a long time, gravelling in Spain has been on my list, and Girona is the destination I have been dying to go to. I had heard so many stories about this beautiful area. Actually, the idea was to go in March. That just didn't work out for a while. So let's go in the summer holidays. Was that the smartest thing we could think of? You can read more about it in this story!
We packed our bags and prepared bikes. New tyres and wheels, all set for a gravel adventure. In the end, we have a 1,528-kilometre drive ahead of us by car. That's just too much for one ride, so after 1,100 kilometres we stop for an overnight stay in France. The next morning, we still have four hours to go. With a slight delay, we arrive at our B&B in Girona by noon. First we relax, get the bikes ready and acclimatise.
Cycling day 1: Up the gravel paths early
Our first day of cycling in Girona starts early. The alarm goes off at 06:45 and by 07:30 we are on our bikes, ready for a 75-kilometre ride, of which 90% is over gravel. We start the day at a local bakery with a cappuccino and a croissant, a ritual that soon feels familiar. The route is exactly what you expect from real gravel: beautiful views, challenging trails and an adventurous crossing here and there via wooden planks. With some 700 altimeters and an average speed of 21 km/h, we finish the ride at La Fabrica Girona, a popular cycling café in the city centre, perfect for a good coffee and a hearty sandwich.
Cycling day 2: Discovery tour of gravel paradise
Every day in Girona feels different. On our second day, we go for the GiRodeo 23 - Shortcut Route, a challenging 100-kilometre gravel ride with 1,606 altimeters. This route takes us through dense forests, over dusty roads and along quiet streams. The heat soars to 38 degrees, which makes it extra tough, but the satisfaction afterwards is enormous. A litre of water and an ice cream at the supermarket then feels like the ultimate reward.
Cherry on the cake: Rocacorba
If you are in Girona, you actually have to go up the Rocacorba. This 'house mountain' of Girona is loved and hated. Loved because it's a great training climb. Hated because it really is a training climb. The more often you do it, the more you start to hate it. Or love it. That, of course, is the question. That it is not a
Rocacorba, Porqueres, Spain
- Distance: 9.9 km, Elevation: 737 m, Avg. Grade: 7.4 %
Hotel tip: Hotel Nord 1901
For an ideal base in Girona, stay at Hotel Nord 1901. This charming boutique hotel is located right in the historic centre, close to the best restaurants and bike shops. Rooms are spacious and modern, with all the amenities you need as a cyclist, including secure bike storage.
Rent a bike
Don't have your own gravel bike? That's no problem in Girona. At Eat Sleep Cycle rent top-quality bikes and you can also get route advice, accessories and guided rides. Their bike café offers delicious coffee and fresh pastries, the perfect place to start or end your ride. With the helpful team and bike-friendly atmosphere, your gravel adventure in Girona will be unforgettable. Just a tip, though: this rental company also caters to the UK market. Always check whether the brakes are set to 'European' or 'British'.
