Girona Gravel
Explore this European off-road paradise
Ride gravel in the majestic countryside of Spain.
Girona has recently garnered attention as a cycling mecca thanks to the many professional riders who call it home between racing grand tours such as the Tour De France, Giro D’Italia, and Vuelta España. The terrain is amazing, with everything from rugged coastlines along the Costa Brava to farmlands and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The gravel scene has grown tremendously in the past few years, and the untapped dirt roads are ready to be explored.
We love the beautiful walled city of Girona for many reasons, especially because it gives guests the chance to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. Our accommodations at Velo Vern are ideal for exploring the narrow, winding European streets on foot. Stroll down to Espresso Mafia or The Service Course for a pre- or post-ride espresso and take in Girona’s vibrant cycling culture.
In 2023 we introduced a Girona road itinerary, and we are excited to add a gravel option. This trip will cover the paths less traveled while still utilizing some of our classic roads from our Girona road itinerary.
More interested in riding on the road instead of gravel? Check out our Girona road cycling trip here.
Highlights
- A single room is included in the trip rate. Couples sharing the same room will receive a discounted trip rate.
- Six days of guided, supported gravel rides through mountains, vineyards, and the rugged Costa Brava coastline
- Stay in the beautiful old-city district of Girona
- Chef-prepared meals inspired by Mediterranean cuisine
- Rides exploring the Costa Brava and Spanish countryside
- Indulge in all-things Spain in the historic city of Girona
- More interested in riding road bikes? Check out our Girona road cycling trip here.
Food
Everyone comes to Girona for cycling, but some of your favorite memories may be of the local food. Every morning starts with a casual breakfast and espresso before heading out on the day’s riding adventure. Our chef prepares Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring authentic Spanish foods for dinners in. We’ll also eat at some of our favorite restaurants in Girona so you can experience a taste of the local cuisine.
Accommodations
We’ll be based out of the Velo Vern apartments, which are located in the heart of Girona’s old town. The apartments are meticulously restored and each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and shared living space. Old town Girona is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Spain and is also one of the most interesting in Catalonia.
Off the bike, enjoy the wonderful walled city of Girona, and explore the narrow winding streets. You will feel like a local as you are immediately immersed in the Spanish culture.
A single room is included in the trip rate. Couples sharing the same room will receive a discounted rate.
ITINERARY
Bienvenido a España
We will pick up guests at a prearranged meeting point in Girona.
For those flying into Barcelona, we will send details on how to get to Girona. TCH does not offer a shuttle from Barcelona, but it’s easy to take a train, taxi, or private car from Barcelona to Girona.
Upon arrival, our team will help get everyone settled into their rooms. Our mechanics will get to work building bikes, and after lunch, guests who rent can get fitted to their bikes.
The arrival spin will take us outside the walls of Girona, and we will take our first pedal strokes in the beautiful countryside. Post-ride, guests will have time to unwind before our arrival day meeting, with dinner to follow.
Today’s Ride:
Arrival day spin: Sant Grefori/Canet, 20-25 miles, 1,500 feet of climbing
Gravas Pals Ride
Today, we pedal to the Emporda Wine Region and stop mid-way at Gravas Pals – the official aid station on the Traka 360 gravel race.
On the way, we will pass through Peratallada, declared a historical and artistic monument. The name of the town is derived from pedra tallada – carved stone. Most buildings are built from stone from the moat that encircles the medieval village. The castle of Peratallada dates back as early as 1065 AD. The site was famous in 1991 when part of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed here. The rutted streets transport you back in time, and you can almost picture what it was like to live here thousands of years ago.
Today’s Ride:
Gravas Pals Ride: 60 miles, 2,500 feet of climbing
Costa Brava via Dirt
No cycling trip to Girona is complete without a ride to the Costa Brava coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The first 17 miles are an excellent warm-up with small climbs, descents, and a mix of gravel. At this point, we are met with a 3-mile climb before descending to the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful village of Tossa de Mar, where we will stop for a Cortado—espresso with steamed milk, the beverage of choice while cycling in Spain.
Post-coffee, be sure to stop at Mirador Tossa de Mar for incredible views of the Costa Brava! At mile 32, we start the biggest climb of the day, Saint Grau. The climb is 4.8 miles long, gaining 1,400 feet at an average grade of 4.7% and max grades of 18%—but don’t worry, the max grade is short.
From the summit of Sant Grau, it’s just over 22 miles back to Girona, and we lose 2,000 feet and climb 700 feet. This ride is what cycling dreams are made of!
Today’s Ride:
Costa Brava: 60 miles, 5,000 feet of climbing
Dos Kiwis
A week of cycling in Girona is about experiencing what this incredible place offers.
Today, we downshift and take it to tranquilo (chill) to prepare the legs for a couple of bigger rides.
The highlight is a stop at Dos Kiwis, a local brewery famous for the more leisurely days when you want to enjoy a mid-ride beer or kombucha.
Today’s Ride:
Dos Kiwis: 40 miles, 1,750 feet of climbing
Saint Marti Salcalm via Susqueda Dam
Remember what we said about going tranquilo so you can be ready for the big days? Well, today is that day!
Today’s Ride:
Saint Marti Salcalm: 53 miles, 4,600 feet of climbing
TBD
Lots of options here. Don’t worry it will be a great way to bring it home and celebrate a wonderful week of riding together.
Today’s Ride:
TBD: ? miles, ? feet of climbing
DATES & PRICES
- 2024
- Apr 9 - 15 $4,795 / Person
- Apr 16 - 22 $4,795 / Person
- Oct 22 - 28 $4,795 / Person
DETAILS
What's Included
- 6 nights/7 days accommodations (single occupancy—couples sharing a room will receive a discounted rate)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Mechanical support (including bike build and breakdown)
- Professional trip guides
- Daily sag support
- Ride nutrition products
- High-quality ride photos
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers to/from Barcelona Airport (BCN)
- Bike rentals (+$300)
- Gratuity for guides
- Mid-ride café stops
- Personal shopping
- Massage therapy
- Beer and wine
Questions?
BIKE OPTIONS
Rent A Bike
Traveling through the airport with a bike—and paying for it to fly—is not everyone’s idea of a fun way to start a vacation. Fortunately, we offer high-quality, full carbon bikes on all of our trips across the United States and Europe. Want to just show up and ride? Just bring your shoes, pedals, helmet, and saddle (if you want), and rent one of ours.
Bring Your Own
Your bike is yours—we get it. Bringing your own bike has obvious advantages in terms of individual comfort. Before your trip, we suggest getting a tune-up at your local bike shop so it’s ready to roll for your week of riding. Once you arrive, we’ll be sure to have our mechanics build it and help with any necessary tweaks. Check out some helpful resources here:
Skip The Bike
If you or your travel partner want to enjoy the trip and explore a new destination without a bike, drop us a line and we’ll discuss options. Some trips are better suited for non-rider participants than others.
