Gravel routes in Girona: a gravel paradise

If you are a gravel lover, you have to try it Girona visit! This cycling hotspot in Catalonia Not only is it great to ride the race bike, but it also offers an abundance of beautiful gravel routes. Think from quiet forest roads to beautiful climbs. Just across the border with France, located in the northeast of Spain, Girona is becoming a Gravel Valley of delights. The town with its charming streets, historic buildings and vibrant cycling culture exudes everything you could want. The gravel routes in Girona are a feast for the eyes.

Gravel riding in Girona at a glance

• Why: quiet forest roads, unpaved climbs and a city full of cycling cafés and bike shops.
• Route to ride: the GiRodeo Shortcut, 100 kilometres with over 1,600 metres of climbing through forests and villages.
• Climb: the Rocacorba, 9.9 kilometres at an average of 7.4%, Girona’s benchmark.
• Best time: March to June and September to November, with 15 to 25 degrees. In summer it gets above 35 degrees.
• Getting there: fly to Girona or Barcelona, or drive about 1,500 kilometres.

Updated in October 2026 with the key facts and practical tips. The story below is our original article.

Ideal climate – except in the summer

The climate in Girona is ideal for gravel biking, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to cycle here is from March to June and from September to November, when the temperatures are pleasant, usually between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. In the summer it can get quite warm, reaching above 35 degrees Celsius, so leaving early is a must. But the view during those early mornings, with the sun just rising, makes it all worth it. We were on our way at the end of August, so it was good to plan ahead with the heat!

Onward to Girona

For a long time, gravel biking has been on my list in Spain, and Girona is the destination I want to go to. I had heard so many stories about this beautiful area. Actually, the idea was that we would go in March. That just didn’t work out though. So we went in the summer vacation instead. Was that the smartest thing we could have done? You can read more about that in this story!

We packed our bags and prepared the bikes. New tires and wheels, all ready for a gravel adventure. In the end, we have a 1,528-kilometer drive ahead by car. That’s just too much for one trip, so after 1,100 kilometers we stop for an overnight stay in France. The next morning we have only 4 hours left. With a little delay, we arrive at our B&B in Girona in the afternoon. First, relax, prepare the bikes, and acclimatize.

Day 1 of the bike tour: I started early on the gravel paths

Our first bike day in Girona starts early. At 06:45 the alarm goes off and at 07:30 we are on the bike, ready for a 75-kilometer ride, 90% of which are on 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 would expect from real gravel riding: beautiful views, challenging trails, and here and there an adventurous crossing over wooden planks. With about 700 meters of elevation gain and an average speed of 21 km/h, we finish the ride at La Fabrica Girona, a popular bike café in the city center, perfect for a nice cup of coffee and a hearty sandwich.

Bike Day 2: Exploration tour through the gravel paradise

Every day in Girona feels different. On our second day, we go for the GiRodeo 23 – Shortcut Route, an adventurous gravel race of 100 kilometers with 1,606 meters of elevation gain. This route takes you through dense forests, over dusty roads, and past quiet streams. The heat can reach up to 38 degrees, which makes it extra challenging, but the satisfaction after the race is immense. A liter of water and an ice cream at the supermarket feels like the ultimate reward.

The icing on the cake: Rocacorba

If you’re in Girona, you really have to climb the Rocacorba. This ‘house mountain’ of Girona is loved and hated. Loved because it’s a great training climb. Hated because it’s really a training climb. The more you do it, the more you’ll hate it. Or love it. That’s the question, of course. Whether it’s a good climb or not.

Rocacorba, Porqueres, Spain

• Distance: 9.9 km, Elevation: 737 m, Average grade: 7.4 %

Hotel tip: Hotel Nord 1901

For an ideal base in Girona, stay in Hotel Nord 1901. This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic center, close to the best restaurants and bike shops. The rooms are spacious and modern, with all the amenities you need as a cyclist, including a secure bike storage area.

Renting a bike

If you don't have your own gravel bike, that's no problem in Girona. At Eat Sleep Cycle You can rent top-quality bikes and also get advice on routes, accessories, and guided tours. 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. One tip: this rental company also targets the English market. Always check that the brakes are set to ‘European’ or ‘British’ mode.

Gravel routes in Girona

Questions about gravel riding in Girona

Can you rent a gravel bike in Girona?

Yes, there are several rental shops in the city with good gravel bikes. Book early in spring, when it is busy with training camps.

Is Girona good for road cycling too?

Definitely. Girona is one of the best-known road cycling destinations in Europe, with the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees within reach.

More routes, hotels and coffee stops are on our destination page: Girona.