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, mainly because it allows guests to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. Our accommodations 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. We can’t wait to show you why Girona has become a cycling mecca.
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
- Six days of guided, supported rides through mountains, vineyards, and the rugged Costa Brava coastline
- Accommodations in the beautiful 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
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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 in a 7-bedroom, 8-bath home in Girona; each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. The home has everything we look for in a cycling house location: a large dining table for everyone to sit around while enjoying chef-prepared meals, lots of communal space, and a swimming pool.
Girona is one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval cities and one of the most interesting in Catalonia, and it’s a short 15-minute walk to the old town.
ITINERARIES
Girona Gravel - 6 Nights
Bienvenido a España - Arrival Day
We will pick up guests at a prearranged meeting point in Girona.
We will send details on how to get to Girona for those flying into Barcelona. TCH does not offer a shuttle from Barcelona, but taking a train, taxi, or private car is easy.
Upon arrival, our team will help everyone settle into their rooms. Our mechanics will then 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 Spin
22 miles & 800′
Costa Brava
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
41 miles & 3,200′
Rustik
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 few 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: Rustik
42-63 miles & 800 – 1,600′
Banyoles
Today’s main option is a recovery ride to the beautiful Banyoles Lake and then back to Girona. Guests looking for more time in the saddle can tackle Rocacorba, a challenging climb.
Today’s Ride: Banyoles
38 miles & 1,600′
Hilari
The first 15 miles will be a nice warm-up; after we pass the village of Angles, we climb. Don’t worry—it’s an excellent grade with beautiful views. The climb is 15 miles long, gaining 2,500 feet at an average grade of 3.1% and max grades of 7.4%. The climb tops out at Sant Hilari Sacalm, and the real fun begins.
Over the next 12 miles, we descend 2,300 feet, landing in Santa Coloma de Farners. From there, we have just over 15 miles back to Girona. The route has a few climbs with equal ascents to descents.
Today’s Ride: Hilari
64 miles & 4,900′
Catalunya Countryside
What makes Girona great for cycling? Like many things in life, it’s hard to describe until you are there. Today’s ride could be best described as pleasant, you’ll feel the miles tick by as you enjoy the countrside.
Today’s Ride: Catalunya Countryside
44 miles & 2,500′
Adiós - Departure Day
Today, we will shuttle guests back to the Girona train station or the Girona airport for departing flights.
Guests departing Barcelona will need to arrange their own transportation, and we can help with the logistics.
Today’s Plan: Departure Day
Shuttles to Girona train and Girona airport.
Guests need to arrange their transportation to the Barcelona airport.
DATES & PRICES
- 2024
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Oct 22 - 28 Gravel - 7 Day$4,285 / Person Almost Full!
- 2025
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Apr 15 - 21 Gravel - 7 Day$4,285 / Person Limited Spots Available
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Apr 23 - 29 Gravel - 7 Day - Book it Private$4,285 / Person Many Spots Available
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Oct 7 - 13 Gravel - 7 Day$4,285 / Person Limited Spots Available
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Oct 15 - 21 Gravel - 7 Day - Book it Private$4,285 / Person Many Spots Available
DETAILS
What's Included
- 6 nights/7 days accommodations
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Mechanical support (including bike build and breakdown)
- Professional trip guides
- Daily sag support
- Ride nutrition products
- High-quality ride photo
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.
