How To Plan a Cycling Trip in Girona

Best Cycling Routes In Girona

Road cycling in Girona is so popular that there are endless amounts of options when it comes to the best road bike routes. From the best climbs near Girona and how to make the most of your Girona cycling tour, check out our favourite rides below.

Rocacorba - Girona's Iconic Climb

Girona road cycling routes don't come much tougher than Rocacorba. From Girona, you will head west towards a road that was virtually unheard of until about 2006 but is now a staple of any cycling holiday in Girona.

Radio masts sit at the top, so other than a few engineers and hand gliders, nobody climbed the dirt path up to Rocacorba. Rumours abound that Lance Armstrong had the road paved, but what is true is that Girona resident David Millar formed the Velo Club Rocacorba and the influx of professional teams to Girona grew the legend of the climb.

This Girona cycling climb starts at the low stone bridge, which is 10.1km to the top (although there's a 3.8km drag before that). From there, it's a grind to the top averaging 6.5% but with ramps of up to 15%. The white painted line marks the end of the climb, at which point get onto Strava and check out how you compare to the who's who of cycling!

Els Àngels Cycling Climb

Girona cycling loop routes don't come much better than the Els Angels route from Girona. Th route is only 63.7km but manages to fit in over 1,000m of climbing, so it's a good acclimatisation ride and takes you through stunning scenery.

On a self guided road cycling tour of Girona, you will head east out of the city before immediately starting to climb Els Angels. The climb is a category 2 climb averaging 3%, but stretching out over 10km. You will pass by the metal cross a couple of hundred metres from the summit of the climb, before dropping down on a descent towards Bisbal d'Emporda. You won't quite reach the town before looping back up towards the church at Mateu de Montnegre, which is surrounded by stunning fresh forests. From there, you will drop back towards Girona before the relatively busy road back into town.

Girona To Olot

Any ride from Girona to Olot and back is a tough day in the saddle with just under 135km with a total climb of over 2,300m. It's perfect for weekend cycling trips in Girona as it will get you out into the heard of the Catalonia countryside.

Your ride heads past Lake Banyoles and into the Garrotxa region famous for its extinct volcanoes and medieval towns. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Olot which has stunning views over the surrounding countryside if you choose to climb the Montsacopa Volcano. Enjoy a coffee in the square and refuel well as your return journey takes in the legendary Rocacorba on your way home.

Loop Of Lake Banyoles From Girona

Cycling holidays in Girona cannot exclude Lake Banyoles. One the most scenic road cycling routes in Girona, the route has no major climbs but plenty of undulations and a few tough ramps between 7% and 9%. The ride takes you on the busy road out of Girona and comes off it as soon as possible, just before Medinya, heading north towards Orfes.

The route winds through the forest, popping out on flatter plains here and there but without any real flat sections. You will then loop around towards Esponella where the route climbs up to 225m, so nothing too difficult, before the ride heads south towards Banyoles and the magnificent natural lake. Take a stop by the water's edge of grab a coffee in town before another 20km through the forests and back in to Girona. Cycling Banyoles from Girona is one of our favorite routes in the area.

Road Cycling In Girona

There are certain things that make a cycling destination just epic, and road cycling in Girona is on another level. The best climbs near Girona offer riders quiet, tough switchbacks whilst Girona cycling routes also include scenic rides across the countryside.

Minimal Traffic

One thing that is absolutely incredible about Girona is that there's so little traffic outside the city centre, meaning the advanced road cycling routes Girona has to offer can be ridden with very few vehicles on the ride. The best spring road cycling in Girona will see virtually no traffic on the climbs and if you follow the pros on Strava, you'll soon see the best training rides Girona can provide.

Great Road Users

Cycling in other countries can sometimes be a very different experience from cycling at home. Girona cycling routes with low traffic roads are pretty much everywhere, once you are out of the city. You never really know how locals feel about cycling, and you never know how you're going to be treated. Girona locals are incredibly respectful of cyclists, and they are known for being very patient and giving cyclists a lot of space when riding.

Smooth Roads

The area has some fantastic roads for those top road bike climbs in Girona. Typically you find with roads that are pretty traffic free, and you tend not to see them as well maintained as a road that sees heavy traffic. This isn't the case in Girona. The roads are silky smooth, well looked after, and not a puncture waiting to happen. You are not riding on glass ridden cycle paths, your on beautiful smooth roads with nice grippy tarmac.

Amazing Scenery

You have amazing mountain views from the top of the Rocacorba climb, the beautiful medieval towns around Lake Banyoles, and the stunning coastal riding of the Costa brava region. If there's one thing that makes cycling in Girona so special, it's the scenic road cycling Girona has to offer.

Great Food And Drink

The Spanish region where Girona sits is known for incredible gastronomy so you are spoilt for choice here. The best Girona cycling trip itinerary has to include some of the restaurants in town and you can choose from hidden cellar restaurants serving local tapas, to Michelin starred restaurants.

It's Not Just Road Riding

Girona isn't just road riding. It's a cycling paradise for gravel cycling too. We have some of the best road road bike hire Girona can offer, as well as gravel bike hire in Girona.

Huge Climbs

There's nothing like a big cycling climb and Girona's cycling climbs list includes the Girona to Rocacorba climb, the Els Àngels climb as well as the Mare de Déu del Mont cycling climb. On each, the work you have to put into fighting your way up to the top will be rewarded with an exhilarating descent on the way down. In the region of Girona, you can get above 6,500ft in a vertical climb. That's hours worth of climbing and some absolutely incredible descending.

Weather

The best time of year to cycle Girona is undoubtedly in the Spring and Fall. Girona cycling vacations at this time will see warm weather and the best coffee stops for cyclists in Girona will be jam packed. You can ride in the summer although we'd recommend riding early as it can get very hot.

Tips For Cycling In Girona

Cycling in Girona is terrific, and like with any kind of travel, you face different challenges, and there are different rules and etiquette when it comes to the road. What are some top tips for cycling in Girona?

Nutrition

Most Girona cycling loop routes will take you deep into the countryside or into the foothills of the mountains. That means you can find yourself in quite isolated places without access to food and water. We always recommend carrying plenty of food and water to ensure that you are adequately fuelled at all times, especially if you're heading towards the mountains and out of the towns. Also, having electrolytes with you will help when it gets hot.

Carry Plenty Of Spares

Although Girona is full of fantastic bike shops and you will find spares everywhere, you might struggle in the smaller villages. Your bike will be equipped with an inner tube, gas cannister and pump but we always recommend taking a very small multi tool with you if you have the space.

Always Take Cash And A Card

It's always good to carry cash and a card around with you to ensure if you need anything, you will be able to get it. Some shops you might need don't have card machines in the smaller villages and will require cash, so we recommend taking both. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Start early to enjoy the best road cycling routes in Girona

Start Early

If you want to ride the best road cycling routes in Girona, head out before 9am. Roads are quieter, temperatures are cooler, and you’ll get a much smoother experience on popular climbs like Rocacorba and Els Àngels. Girona has everything from rolling roads to brutal ascents so beginners should choose easy road cycling routes Girona, while stronger riders can target the hardest climbs. Planning the right routes makes your Girona road cycling holiday itinerary far more enjoyable and we have the best routes for whatever your cycling ability.

Download & Review GPX files before you ride

Even though Girona is cyclist-friendly, it’s easy to take a wrong turn in the hills. For a smooth trip, use the Girona cycling routes with GPX that we will provide you. Review them first so you get a feel of the type of riding and you can choose the ones the are most appropriate to your cycling ability, allowing you to get the most from a self guided cycling holiday Girona.

One of the best parts of Girona is how close it is to the sea. A classic ride is the Girona to Costa Brava cycling route, which gives you incredible scenery and a totally different vibe from the climbs. It’s ideal if you're planning a 7 day cycling holiday Girona itinerary as it will talke you right to the coastline and back.

Book your road bike rental in Girona Spain in advance

Girona is packed with visiting cyclists, especially in spring and fall. You will want top quality carbon road bike hire so book with us early to get your top pick of the bikes, especially if you need fairly common sizing.

Choose our cycling-friendly accommodation

There are plenty of cycling friendly hotels in Girona as well as Girona hotels with bike storage. We send hundreds of cyclists to Girona every year so we get the best hotel rates - contact us to find out more.

Things To Do Off The Bike In Girona

A cycling tour in Girona doesn’t have to be all about training rides, café stops, and chasing KOMs. Most riders planning cycling holidays in Girona, Spain will want at least one rest day, and Girona is one of the best places in Europe to explore on foot.

Whether you're here for a road cycling training camp in Girona or a relaxed bike break in Girona, the city is packed with culture, history, and amazing viewpoints, perfect for switching off and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Here are some of the best things to do in Girona when you're not riding.

Girona Old Town (Barri Vell)

Girona’s Old Town, known locally as Barri Vell, is one of the most beautiful historic centres in Spain. Expect narrow stone streets, hidden squares, and medieval buildings that make it easy to wander for hours. It’s a great rest-day activity for anyone on a Girona cycling vacation, and it’s also one of the most photogenic parts of the city. The area became even more famous after appearing in Game of Thrones, especially the iconic Escales de Sant Martí steps leading up to Girona Cathedral. If you're staying centrally during your Girona cycling holiday itinerary, Barri Vell is right on your doorstep.

Girona Cathedral

No visit to Girona is complete without seeing the legendary Girona Cathedral. Towering above the Old Town, it’s one of the city’s most impressive landmarks and a must-see during any cycling holiday in Girona. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, giving it a unique look compared to other cathedrals in Spain. If you manage to visit when it’s open, the interior is just as striking as the exterior. It’s an ideal low-effort activity on a recovery day, especially if you’ve spent the week tackling climbs like Rocacorba.

The Old City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla)

If you want some gentle movement without another ride, Girona’s old city walls are a perfect option. Head to the Passeig de la Muralla, where you can walk along the ancient defensive walls and enjoy panoramic views over Girona. From the top, you’ll see the city rooftops, the cathedral, and the surrounding hills, giving you a real sense of Girona’s layout. It’s also a great way to appreciate why Girona is such a popular base for road cycling holidays in Catalonia. This is easily one of the best viewpoints in Girona, and a brilliant option for a rest afternoon.

Museu del Cinema

For something different (and less physically demanding), the Museu del Cinema is one of Girona’s most interesting museums. It explores the history of cinema and visual storytelling, from early shadow theatre and optical illusions to the invention of film.

It’s a great indoor option if the weather turns, and a perfect activity during a quieter day on your Girona cycling holiday packages itinerary. You can comfortably explore the museum in a couple of hours, leaving plenty of time for lunch and coffee in the Old Town.