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Why imagine yourself biking in delightful Mediterranean breezes, past turquoise seas, and through the glow of Spain’s famous Pyrenées-framed countryside when you can actually do it! Set out from the ancient Roman tower in medieval Pals for deserted beaches whose waters offer cooling respites, then enter the pine forests of Begur, where you’ll discover an 11th-century castle and superb coastal views. At Torroella de Montgri, explore age-old Roman defenses, then wander the feudal hamlet of Fonolleres and the carved stone alleyways of historic Peratallada. In La Bisbal, you’ll find markets famous for antiques and pottery, and an 8th-century castle you’ll call home. Pedal to the walled village of Ullastret, the site of one of Spain’s original Iberian settlements, and stop for a tasty lunch in Sant Feliu de Boada. Take your time, because there’s lots to see—the thousand-year-old cathedral at Castello d’Empuries, the 12th-century church in sun-dappled Fonteta, the Moorish tower houses of Ermedas, and much more. From tapas in lively towns to the views from the lighthouse at Llafranc, it’s the cycling dream of a lifetime.
tour includes
Arrival to Calella de Palafrugell
After settling in your sea-view room (all with private balcony), you might wish to stroll into the charming town (a 5-minute walk), where you have a wide array of restaurants from which to choose.
Hotel Garbi
Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Located on the famous Costa Brava just 5 minutes from a sandy beach, this family-run resort is set on the edge of town in expansive grounds shaded by manicured pine trees. Comfortable rooms have balconies and sea views; also with an inviting swimming pool with chaise lounges and umbrellas. Calella is a relaxed seaside resort town with three sandy coves for swimming and a wide choice of bars and restaurants for your two independent dinners.
Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals; 24km/15mi or 33km/20mi
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading to Pals—located in a marshy area where the River Ter meets the sea. The old quarter within the medieval walls, known as El Pedro, is preserved as a Historic Artistic Site and is worthy of exploration. After lunch you continue on through the pretty hamlets of Palau Sator (where there has been a settlement since Roman times) and Fontanilles before looping back towards the coast and along a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals.
Hotel Sa Punta
Platja de Pals, Spain
The Hotel Sa Punta, just a 5-minute walk to the beach, is set in expansive grounds with a wide terrace area surrounding its semi-Olympic-size swimming pool. Guest rooms are spacious, airy, and modern with either a balcony or terrace. Evening meals are served either in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace. The 2-mile-long beach, the Platja de Pals, is considered one of the Costa Brava’s best and is backed by sand dunes. Nearby is the medieval village of Pals.
Layover day at Platja de Pals
We strongly recommend the great circular ride option for today through the pine forests to Begur, a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th-century castle, impressive villas, and outstanding views over the coast. Alternatively, you may choose to relax on the beach, follow a superb coastal walking path, or take a dip in the hotel’s semi-Olympic salt-water pool.
Hotel Sa Punta
Platja de Pals, Spain
The Hotel Sa Punta, just a 5-minute walk to the beach, is set in expansive grounds with a wide terrace area surrounding its semi-Olympic-size swimming pool. Guest rooms are spacious, airy, and modern with either a balcony or terrace. Evening meals are served either in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace. The 2-mile-long beach, the Platja de Pals, is considered one of the Costa Brava’s best and is backed by sand dunes. Nearby is the medieval village of Pals.
Platja de Pals to Castell d'Empordà; 34km/20mi
You begin the day cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri, with stunning views of the Illes Medes serving as a backdrop. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (with a picturesque 16th-century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica, and Casavells, to Castell d’Empordà. A uniquely converted 14th-century Gothic castle (once reputed to have been coveted by Salvador Dalí and now family owned) is your home for the next two nights.
Hotel Castell d'Empordà
La Bisbal, Spain
A uniquely restored hotel in a castle dating from the 14th century (which Salvador Dalí once tried to acquire!) located on a 30-acre estate comprised of hundred-year-old forest and olive orchards. Spacious guest rooms are dramatically decorated with a mixture of modern and antique Spanish furnishings, with either a balcony or terrace overlooking the countryside. Dinner is a set menu from the restaurant renowned for its excellent local cuisine, also served on the patio area, weather permitting. An outdoor pool and deck area with chaise lounges looks over the Empordà plain.
Layover day at Castell d'Empordà
You may laze by the pool or follow our suggested cycling circuit linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (lovely square and great choices for lunch), and La Bisbal—a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto, whose intricate arches are still intact today.
Hotel Castell d'Empordà
La Bisbal, Spain
A uniquely restored hotel in a castle dating from the 14th century (which Salvador Dalí once tried to acquire!) located on a 30-acre estate comprised of hundred-year-old forest and olive orchards. Spacious guest rooms are dramatically decorated with a mixture of modern and antique Spanish furnishings, with either a balcony or terrace overlooking the countryside. Dinner is a set menu from the restaurant renowned for its excellent local cuisine, also served on the patio area, weather permitting. An outdoor pool and deck area with chaise lounges looks over the Empordà plain.
Castell d'Emporda to Calella de Palafrugell; 31km/19mi or 33km/23.5mi
Today features lovely gentle cycling, stopping first in the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. You then continue on to beautifully preserved Peretallada, and the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch.
Hotel Garbi
Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
Located on the famous Costa Brava just 5 minutes from a sandy beach, this family-run resort is set on the edge of town in expansive grounds shaded by manicured pine trees. Comfortable rooms have balconies and sea views; also with an inviting swimming pool with chaise lounges and umbrellas. Calella is a relaxed seaside resort town with three sandy coves for swimming and a wide choice of bars and restaurants for your two independent dinners.
