Girona Biking: Get off the Beaten Track this Spring

As temperatures start to nudge towards Spring cyclists all over the world are dreaming of ripping off the leg warmers...

As temperatures start to nudge towards Spring cyclists all over the world are dreaming of ripping off the leg warmers and indulging in some quality legs-out cycling. Here in our Girona HQ that dream is already coming true with the early arrival of Spring in mid-February.

Girona Biking in Spring

Whilst most cyclists choose to visit Girona in April, May & June, February & March also offer great cycling. Whilst temperatures are ‘fresh’ in the mornings they climb steadily during the day to often reach 20 degress by lunchtime – perfect riding conditions. They are also ‘dry’ months with much less rainfall than the warmer months that follow. Add to this the quiet roads, yet to be filled by holiday makers heading to the Coast, early Spring is one of the best times of the year to enjoy cycling in Girona.

Enjoy Girona Off-Season

Avoiding the peak Girona cycling season has many benefits:

Accommodation is more widely available and can often be secured at a cheaper rate
Pro-Spotting can begin as professional riders return to their Euopean base for the race season
The Costa Brava is divine with empty beaches and empty roads
Have your pick of the rental bikes on offer – lower demand for bikes in February & March means your bike of choice is highly likely to be available
Enjoy the pick of the best restaurants in town – less visitors means restaurants which can be fully booked in the peak times are available for you to enjoy.

Our Favourite Spring Girona Cycling Routes

It’s a tough one to call but February & March are the perfect time of year to explore the Empordà region and the beautiful coastline of the Costa Brava. Both these areas can get a little congested as temperatures warm and should be avoided completely by cyclists in July & August (unless riding at sunrise, which is still stunning!)

Hidden Costa Brava

From Girona cycle south through the lanes to San Andreu Salou and on to Llaostera. From here climb up to San Grau and swing a left when the road hits the Mediterranean. Enjoy the rollercoaster of one of the best roads in the world to San Feliu where you can choose an elegant coffee at the harbour or keep going a little further to the secuded beach at S’Agaro. From here there are many options depening on how long of a ride you’re looking for. One option is to keep hugging the coast as far as Platja D’Aro. Here you can visit the cake shop Dulce Pikka for a caffeine & sugar hit ahead of tackling the super-steep climb up to the golf course. Descend and head home via Llagostera – a nice option is to take the Via Verde from here back to Girona.

Empordà & the Begur Hills

Another treat of a ride taking in the lanes of the Empordà region. Ride north out of Girona and skirt around the mountains to the farmlands around Celrà. Climb up to Foixa and drop down to the flatlands of the Empordà. Set a course east through a myriad of lanes, taking care to avoid the main roads. Emerge in Palau-Sator, Ultramort and continue on to the medieveal village of Pals. It’s here that the fun starts with a steady climb to the Begur headland. Here enjoy a series of short, sharp climbs which navigate the coves & beaches around Begur. Pause in Tamariu for lunch and set a course home via Palafrugell and the lanes to Calonge. From here choose your climb – Rumanya or Calonge and make your way back on lanes to Girona.

Girona Biking Events in Spring

There’s plenty happening on the local cycling scene for all to get involved in.

International Women’s Day Rides, 8th March 2019

One for the ladies and supporters of gender equality! We’re hosting a day of rides for cyclists of all levels to celebrate women in cycling.

Rocacorba Gravel Gran Fondo, 17th March 2019

If gravel’s your thing this is one of the best new events in town with a challenging off-road route to reach the summit of Rocacorba.

Rocacorba Gran Fondo, 25th May 2019

A new event this year this is set to become a Girona Cycling Classic, with a route designed around conquering the mighty Rocacorba.

Terra de Remences, 12th May 2019

An incredible ride exploring the region west of Girona. Packed full of climbing the parcour includes the Capsacosta, Col de Canes and the 1st Cat Col de Bracons. Find out more on the Terra de Remences site.

Travelling to Girona in Spring

March is the month when Girona Airport starts to welcome direct flights from all over Europe for super cheap prices. Flying direct into Girona means a travel day can also be a bike ride day as the airport is just a 20 min transfer from the city centre. If that’s not an option for you Barcelona welcomes flights from all over the world and a well timed flight can also leave you time to pedal up Els Àngels before sundown.

Inspired to Visit Girona this Spring?

If you’re planning to cycle in Girona check out our Spring cycling tours, including our Girona Ride Camp, Women’s Camp, Tour of the Costa Brava & Girona Classic Climbs. Or why not contact us and we can arrange anything from a full custom package to sorting you out with your dream bike rental.

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Written by Louise Laker

The bike has always been an escape for me - a way to get rid of the stresses of the day, to set myself a physical & mental challenge, to meet great people and have ton of fun. After years of studying, working in the sustainability sector and road racing on the UK circuit, I moved from London to Girona to pursue the dream of professional cycling. Instead, something more incredible happened - I co-founded Eat Sleep Cycle in the cycling capital of Europe, Girona. We create & deliver beautiful cycling tours all over Europe. We love what we do and that shows in our work.