Catalonia: unmissable bike routes and a wealth of contrasts

Admire the panoramic views offered by the peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees, follow the course of the Garona River through the Aran Valley, marvel at the monumental richness of the Lleida Lands. Feeling caressed by the sea breeze as you drive along the roads of the Costa Brava, as you discover the historical and cultural heritage of the province of Barcelona, or as you traverse the vibrant and shimmering sands of the Costa Daurada to the Ebro Lands nature reserve.

Catalonia Creu de Fumanya (c)Ziklo
Catalonia Creu de Fumanya (c)Ziklo

Its unique orography makes Catalonia a true paradise for all cycling enthusiasts. An area with its own identity and character, committed to promoting sustainable, conscious and recovery-oriented tourism. A destination favored by the Mediterranean climate that, thanks to its richly contrasting landscape and safe, untraveled roads, offers a unique experience that is ideal for all types of cyclists at any time of year.

Whatever your reason for cycling, Catalonia offers a number of must-ride routes.

Whether it’s a family ride through the forests and castles that guard the Riera de Gaià to the estuary or cycling to improve physical and mental health, calmly enjoying the landscapes and extraordinary scenic views that characterize the Via Verde del Carrilet, Catalonia will surprise you.

Catalonia Via Verda de Bot to Prat de Compte, Terra Alta.
Catalonia Via Verda de Bot to Prat de Compte, Terra Alta.

Enjoy the local cuisine after completing the various stages of the Camino Natural del Ebro to the delta, or take on a new sports challenge such as the Tour del Cadí, a loop trail of about ten hours with very steep inclines through one of the most biodiversity-rich natural parks in the entire area.

There are many reasons to explore Catalonia. An area with a large number of itineraries to discover and an endless number of experiences to enjoy.

The province of Barcelona, an ideal destination for cycling tourism

Whether you love the road, downhill mountain biking or riverside trails, In Barcelona Region you will find the ideal environment to live your passion for biking. It doesn’t matter whether you ride alone, with friends, or with family. Your next challenge awaits you: challenging mountain passes, dizzying descents on mountain bikes, staged routes through vineyards, or a quiet, fun ride with the kids!

Catalonia Passejada en bicis elèctriques per les vinyes de Gratallops (Priorat)
Catalonia, Gratallops Vineyards (Priorat)

The province of Barcelona is a vast territory rich in contrasts, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, through inland plains, all the way to the Pyrenees. So close to the city, the towns in the province of Barcelona offer a plethora of routes of all levels of difficulty for bicycle enthusiasts, a wide range of specialized services and a calendar full of events.

Cambrils, Bike Paradise of the Costa Daurada

Cambrils, a destination specializing in sports tourism for more than 15 years, is certified as a Specialized Cycling Destination. Here there are 9 bike-friendly accommodations, 3 certified bike rental companies, 2 travel agencies that specialize in accommodations for cyclists, and 2 bike event organizing agencies.

Catalonia Cambrils

Cambrils is situated in the south-central Costa Daurada, offering a privileged setting where cyclists can transition from pedaling along the coastline to traversing cliffs with splendid views of both the coast and hinterland in just a few kilometers. It also has more than 24 km of bicycle paths that run along the entire coastline and through the urban section on the plains.

The Costa Daurada boasts a diverse array of stunning landscapes, ranging from coastal to mountainous terrain. Some areas feature challenging elevation changes, while numerous secondary roads, often free of traffic and in excellent condition, wind through the region. Additionally, there are family-friendly routes available for leisurely exploration. Mountain bikers will also find wonderful and remote trails.

Catalonia Val d'Aran
Catalonia Val d’Aran

The Cambrils Tourist Office will be ready to welcome you and provide you with different detailed maps depending on the type of cycling you are interested in: road routes, mountain bikes, family bike routes, and more.

And who better to give concrete advice on how to experience Catalonia by bike than those who live the area every day?

According to Xavier Verdaguer, a Catalan entrepreneur, cycling tourism is freedom, respect, community, life and happiness. Cyclotourism is healthy for those who do it and is healthy for the area. It allows people to exercise and get to know every corner of our area, getting deeply in touch with nature and the local people.

Catalonia Maresme BTT Guillem ©Casanovas
Catalonia Maresme BTT Guillem ©Casanovas

His favorite route in Catalonia arethe medieval routes of the Baix Empordà, near Girona in the north of the Catalan region. Ideal for couples or families to learn together what nature and Catalonia’s incredible cultural heritage can teach.

Clara Sagrista, on the other hand, who is an editor by profession but in her spare time is passionate about bicycle travel, appreciates the opportunity that bicycle touring gives to learn more about oneself and to immerse oneself in a territory that is not one’s own. It is also a social activity that you can share with other people, chatting while pedaling. But at the same time, when doing very long rides alone, it is a very reflective time to let the mind wander. His favorite region is the Cerdanya region in the Pyrenees. “I love the whole mountainous area of Cadí with several mountain passes that are quite challenging, as you quickly face very steep slopes of up to 1 km. It is a very pleasant experience, ideal for those looking for a little adrenaline, surrounded by greenery, mountain wind, and the absence of cars. A region with many contrasts.

Tips

Related Articles