Catalonia Heritage: Dali, Costa Brava and more
This bike trip will give you a global view of the beautiful region of Catalonia, Nothern Spain and particularly the Emporda area, home of the world famous artist Salvador Dali and of some of the best Costa Brava beaches. Emporda has a unique atmosphere perfect to visit by bike.
During this bike tour, you will discover the work and life of the famous artist Salvador Dali. As you are in Figueres, Dali’s hometown, make sure to visit the famous Dali Museum. Later on in the trip, you will be cycle to Pubol, another key city in the life of Salvador Dali. It is in this village that the artist lived with his wife Gala. You will get a chance to visit the Castle of Pubol, also called the Gala Dali Castle.
This trip also allows you to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava and takes you to one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Northern Spain: Baix d'Emporda.
Culture and history, good food, beautiful landscapes and relaxation: this bike trip combines everything you need for the perfect vacation!
This tour is 70% on paths and road bikes are not available.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Catalonia
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Figueres
Arrive in Figueres where an English speaking team member will meet you in your hotel to give you your personalized tour orientation and bike setup.
Accommodation : Hotel Ronda - "Figueres"
Accommodation : Hotel Ronda - "Figueres"
Day 2 : Figueres and the Dali Museum
Distance 1 : 11 Miles - 17 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 29 Meters
For your first day on the bike, you have several distances to choose from. You can choose a short ride, to see the Dali Museum if you missed it yesterday. Or you can ride along the vineyards around the village of Peralada, which is famous for its wine Castillo Perelada and has continually been produced here since the middle ages. You’ll then continue to Castello d’Empuries, the capital of Emporda.
Accommodation : Hotel de la Moneda - "Castello d'Empuries"
Accommodation : Hotel de la Moneda - "Castello d'Empuries"
Day 3 : Castello d’Empuries and surroundings
Distance 1 : 24 Miles - 38 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 132 Meters
Today you will continue to ride on flat terrain, where certain sections are reserved exclusively for bikes and were made for the Pirinexus route, some of which is riding on the Sirvent Canal. After the canal, you will ride through agricultural areas, where the route is mostly paved until you get to San Marti d’Empuries with its beaches with fine sand.
This area was strategic for the Greeks in the 6 century BC, which chose it as their port to dock at. You can discover this magnificent port which has some of the most interesting Antiquity engineering on the Iberian Peninsula. Now it is time to continue on l’Escala and the archeological sites of Empuries, Bellcaire, and then Castello d’Empuries following the Montgri mountain range.
Accommodation : Hotel Palau Lo Mirador - "Torroella de Montgri"
Accommodation : Moli del Mig - "Torroella de Montgri"
Day 4 : Cycle the Costa Brava
Distance 1 : 12 Miles - 20 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 88 Meters
Today we have planned a flat loop tour around the plains to the “Gola” on the mouth of the Ter River. We suggest a circular route on plains until the mouth’s river, to see the magnificent “Gola” of the Ter River, where the river finishes into the Mediterranean Sea with its wetlands in the Baix Ter.
You will then ride to l’Estartit, a fishing arts and crafts village, which has converted into an important tourist centre with a wide range of services and facilities. Its main attraction is the “Illes Medes” which have been declared a natural coast reserve.
Accommodation : Hotel Palau Lo Mirador - "Torroella de Montgri"
Accommodation : Moli del Mig - "Torroella de Montgri"
Day 5 : Cycle to Pubol, and the Gala Dali Castle
Distance 1 : 23 Miles - 37 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 444 Meters
From Torroella, you will ride up the Ter River through on a cycle path to Pubol. The castle in this village was bought by Salvador Dali for his wife Gala. The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, open to the public since 1996, allows visitors to discover a medieval building in which Salvador Dalí modified with his mind on only one person, Gala. The paintings, sculptures, and its library show an exuberant creative effort. After your visit, you will join the charming village of Madremanya… a haven of peace and tranquility!
Accommodation : Hotel La Placa de Madremanya - "Madremanya"
Accommodation : El Raco de Madremanya - "Madremanya"
Day 6 : Loop ride around Madremanya
Distance 1 : 25 Miles - 41 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 433 Meters
For your last ride we suggest a loop for discovering some of the most beautiful medieval villages in the Baix d’Emporda.
Accommodation : Hotel La Placa de Madremanya - "Madremanya"
Accommodation : El Raco de Madremanya - "Madremanya"
Day 7 : Leave Northern Spain
We will transfer you back to Girona train station at 9:30 am . According to your program, we can arrange accommodations and transportation
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
Hotel Ronda Figueres is a family-run hotel in central Figueres, the birthplace of the artist Salvador Dali. It includes free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. The City restaurant serves Spanish, Catalan and international cuisine. There is a bar and a terrace. Rooms at Ronda Figueres are all air conditioned and come with satellite TV. It is a short walk to the Dali Gallery and Sant Ferran Castle.
Day : 2
In the core of the Jewish quarter of Castell d'Empuries is the old 17th century old mansion of the Earl of Dosaigées, which has been restored and turned into a four star hotel, called La Casa de la Moneda. This tastefully decorated building is considered a historic monument and it still preserves some parts of its architectural origin.
Day : 3, 4
The Boutique Hotel and Restaurant Palau Lo Mirador, located in Girona, just 7 km from the beautiful beaches of L'Estartit, opens its doors and welcomes you with a new illusion. Not forgetting its history, and highlighting the most stunning architecture, they have redesigned the existing areas of Hotel Palau Lo Mirador, fulfilling a dream: to create and arouse new emotions for their guests and visitors are captivated, for them to enjoy an unforgettable experience and decide to return in search of new sensations.
Day : 5, 6
Located in the village of Madremanya, behind a colourful field of sunflowers is La Plaça, which is not only a fine accommodation in itself but also a place that is widely renowned for its restaurant. The building is made of a light brown stone dating back to the time of the Romans. It integrates so well with the village’s architecture that you can’t really tell where the hotel starts or ends. The apartments are well decorated, each one containing a chimney, small lights and candles, high quality furniture as well as a very well equipped kitchen and a terrace. Rooms are just as attractive and comfortable. The surrounding village is charming. You can easily get lost as you walk through the small cobble stoned inroads - a perfect place to spend relaxing days.
Day : 1
Hotel Ronda Figueres is a family-run hotel in central Figueres, the birthplace of the artist Salvador Dali. It includes free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. The City restaurant serves Spanish, Catalan and international cuisine. There is a bar and a terrace. Rooms at Ronda Figueres are all air conditioned and come with satellite TV. It is a short walk to the Dali Gallery and Sant Ferran Castle.
Day : 2
In the core of the Jewish quarter of Castell d'Empuries is the old 17th century old mansion of the Earl of Dosaigées, which has been restored and turned into a four star hotel, called La Casa de la Moneda. This tastefully decorated building is considered a historic monument and it still preserves some parts of its architectural origin.
Day : 3, 4
Located in the heart of the Costa Brava, the Moli del Mig is a stylish 4-star hotel located in Torroella de Montgri, only 6km from the beach. This property blends a charming, historic building with the most contemporary design and over 17 acres of picturesque grounds. The main building of El Molí del Mig is set in a renovated former mill dating all the way back to the 15th century. Admire its historic features, which have been complemented by stylish contemporary decor and state-of-the-art amenities. More modern facilities include 2 outdoor swimming pools and an impressive, 21st century glass pavilion which looks out over the beautiful surrounding scenery of the Baix Empordà area. Enjoy an al-fresco meal at the hotel’s chic restaurant, which opens onto a scenic terrace.
Day : 5, 6
Near Costa Brava beaches, golf, horse riding, Dalí route, Girona, ... El Racó de Madremanya has preserved the warmth of ancient times, of its stones, of its vaulted ceilings, combines echoes of history with a sophisticated and contemporary style. Boutique hotel with 12 rooms (4 suites) with all the charm of a medieval village and the comfort of impeccable details. Each of its rooms has a different personality and decoration. The garden's 3000 plus square meters, covered in lush grass, house 2 beautiful swimming pools: one is salt water and the other is freshwater (HEATED from April to October).
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SQUARE Cross is for city and country alike - a true Crossover bike. A clean, urban style, fast and smooth on the road, superior and comfortable on gravel. Based on a stiff, beautifully designed frame which sets the simple and high-quality standard with regards to design and construction. Size: S, M, L, XL (Man), Size: XS, S, M, L (female)
Hybrid bike - Standard
GHOST SQUARE CROSS X - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The Sinus Tria by WINORA is THE urban electric bike par excellence! With its modern design and its equipment perfectly adapted to the requirements of the city. Magura HS11 hydraulic brakes, Suntour NEX E25 fork, adjustable, Nexus 7 gear change, a frame-mounted anti-theft device and finally: luggage rack, mudguards and very high quality lighting! It will also prove to be very versatile with its Bosch Active Plus central engine and its Bocsh PowerPack 400Wh battery and its central position.
Electric assist bike - Standard
WINORA SINUS TRIA - ( or equivalent) with supplement (115€) 
The BMC Gravel is the bike to ride on all roads in all weather conditions!!
Gravel bike - Standard
BMC GRAVEL BIKE URS FOUR - ( or equivalent) with supplement (115€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
GHOST SQUARE CROSS X - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SQUARE Cross is for city and country alike - a true Crossover bike. A clean, urban style, fast and smooth on the road, superior and comfortable on gravel. Based on a stiff, beautifully designed frame which sets the simple and high-quality standard with regards to design and construction.
Size: S, M, L, XL (Man), Size: XS, S, M, L (female)
Descripció: 24 velocitats, frens de disc, rodes de 28″ i portaequipatges.
- Rear pannier containing : Helmet / Lock / pump / 2 spare tubes
- Handlebar bag containing : Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit
- 1 water bottle
- Odometer
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps/cages on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 11 Miles - 17 Km Elevation gain 1 : 29 Meters
Option 1: 24 Miles - 38 Km Elevation gain 1 : 132 Meters
Option 1: 12 Miles - 20 Km Elevation gain 1 : 88 Meters
Option 1: 23 Miles - 37 Km Elevation gain 1 : 444 Meters
Option 1: 25 Miles - 41 Km Elevation gain 1 : 433 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 3 dinners included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Transfer from Madremanya to Girona on the last day
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
The nearest airports are : Girona-Costa Brava airport (situated approx. 50km south of Figueres) or Barcelona Airport "El Prat" (situated approx. 150 km from Figueres). To get to Figueres from Barcelona airport: Take a train to Barcelona-Sants station (every 30 minutes) and connect with rail services to the train station in Figueres.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1450 € | 395 € | 1875 € |
| Upgraded | 1550 € | 450 € | 1975 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 115 € |
| Gravel Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 115 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Bracaglia
United States
The rides were fun and the routes avoided traffic. I find that European drivers were more tolerant of cyclists than are US drivers. Maybe it’s because their speeds are lower, cyclists are more common or the European mentality. For whatever reason, it was very nice. Plus, we liked that the rides were self guided. It forces you to let go and put your faith in technology and yourselves in a rural and foreign setting, especially given that my Spanish language skills are limited to “dos cerveza, por favor”. Plus, you never know what’s around the corner. Castelló de Empuries was a neat town. The Land of Troubadours medieval festival was taking place that weekend. A fun surprise. The hotels were all nice. The Moli de Mig and the Plaça Madremanya were very pastoral. We got lazy upon arriving at the Moli de Mig and hung out at the pool instead of riding to the sea. That would be a nice place to spend a second day- hike to the castle in the morning and ride to the beach in the afternoon. Really neat arriving at the Plaça Madremanya. Didn’t know what was around that corner. Loved the hotel. All of the logistics were seamless. Hard to decide which Spain ride we liked better. This trip was more remote and bucolic. The other trip had Girona, which Wendy and I thought was great fun for a two night stay. Remember the concerns about National Day of Catalunya? That took place when we were in Barcelona. We really liked being there when it was being celebrated and have never seen such a respectful demonstration. Worlds different from the Eagles Super Bowl win.
Line
United States
We finished our last day of riding today. Everything has been wonderful. We are still good for the ride tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. to the Girona train station. Thank you very much for putting this all together for us. We were happy to see Carlos in Figueres - we met him in 2017! Thanks again for everything.
United States
The trip was fabulous. Our greeter (Eduardo??) was so nice, informed and helpful. Bikes were perfectly equipped and the GPS and the road books worked perfectly together. Everything was seamless as far as our luggage being in our room at the hotels when we arrived. It was nice after a day of riding to be able to be able to go directly to the hotel, our rooms and a hot shower. The route took us to spots we never would have seen otherwise. The scenery and the landscape was so varied and all so beautiful. We had lovely lunch and coffee stops in tiny medieval villages during the day and had ample time in the evening to explore the areas around the different hotels. All the hotels were elegant and comfortable. Also everyone was friendly, helpful and tolerant of our non-existent Spanish. As I said, the unpaved roads took some getting used to. No spills but we definitely took them slow. Some were hard packed (better) but some were either really very rutted (harder) or rocky (hardest). Fortunately they were all quite flat. We didn't really encounter any hills until the last two days and all of those were on paved roads. Thanks for everything. We are already dreaming of our next trip with you guys.
United States
The trip is wonderful. We are so grateful. We have enjoyed our hotels/accommodations. We do wish we could have had a little more time on the beach, but that wasn’t available too much with our itinerary. The bikes have worked well! Everything has been very smooth! Thanks
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions