What makes it special & how to do it best
Ride out of Girona on a weekday morning and there's a good chance you'll be passed by a group of professional cyclists heading for the hills. For years, riders from the WorldTour peloton have lived and trained here, and once you've ridden the roads yourself, it's easy to see why. Cycling in Girona offers climbs, flat roads and coastal towns that treat a coffee stop as part of the ride, rather than an interruption.
The riding
What makes Girona work is variety. Within five minutes of the old town you can be on an 11 km steady climb (Els Àngels), within 15 minutes you could be rolling through farmland, and within an hour you could be dropping down to the sea.
Rocacorba is the climb everyone has heard of and must tick off their bucket list. It's a long, steep climb through the forest north of Banyoles that tops out at 970 m above sea level. It's quiet, sheltered and honest. You find your rhythm and settle in.
Els Àngels is the local benchmark, a classic climb straight out of town. It's a gentle, winding road up to the sanctuary, with views back over Girona and across to the Pyrenees on a clear day. It's the one that everyone rides, and for good reason.
The Coastal Road between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Tossa de Mar twists along the cliffs above the Costa Brava. It has hundreds of bends, glimpses of coves below and very little flat sections. Ride it on a weekday without traffic and it's easily one of the best roads in Spain.
Between the big names there's also a network of back lanes through the Empordà countryside, with stone villages, fields and almost no cars. This is where a lot of the best riding happens. There's also plenty of good gravel if you want to get off the tarmac.
A favourite of ours heads west out of Girona and into the mountains towards Sant Hilari Sacalm. The usual loop is around 90 km, but it can be extended to 120 or 150 km. On a busy day you might see three cars on these pristine little mountain roads. The natural fountains along the way will keep your bidons full, and the famous petrol station café in Sant Hilari (or one of the traditional Catalan cafés) will make sure you don't go hungry.
When to go
Spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots, with spring undoubtedly the busiest period. Temperatures are milder at these times, the countryside is green and the roads are less crowded. July and August can be very hot inland, so rides start early and finish by lunch. Winter is underrated and very rideable, which is exactly why so many pros spend the colder months here.
Coffee and food
Girona has an established coffee scene, with no fewer than 10 speciality coffee shops. Many of the city's cafés are full of cyclists throughout the day, whether for a pre-, mid- or post-ride drink. For any ride starting from the Old Town, a coffee stop first is practically a requirement. You can find a list of some of our favourite spots here.
Girona also has plenty of traditional restaurants for your post-ride refuel. Catalan food is simple and delicious. Pa amb tomàquet, local cured meats, and fresh fish from the coast are all part of the tapas culture here, and a relaxed lunch with a cervesa at La Taverna is a must after a ride.
Girona city has three Michelin-starred restaurants in the current 2026 guide: El Celler de Can Roca with three stars, plus Massana and Divinum with one star each. There are a further 12 starred restaurants across the wider province. If fine dining is your thing, these restaurants are a must.
If you'd prefer to keep it simple with a burger and chips, Girona's most famous cycling-themed restaurant, Hors Catégorie, has you covered.
Who it suits
Girona works for anyone who rides road or gravel, and for groups of mixed abilities. Stronger riders can add Rocacorba or extra coastal kilometres, while others can take a shorter loop and meet up for lunch. It's also a good fit if you're travelling with a partner who doesn't ride, with the old town, the coast and day trips to Barcelona all within easy reach.
Ways to ride it
If you'd like everything taken care of, our guided Girona & Costa Brava tour combines the best of the inland climbs and the coastal road. Routes are set for each group, the weather and the season, with staff-supported lunches mid-ride and the logistics handled. Visit our Costa Brava & Girona page here
If you'd rather ride at your own pace, our self-guided Girona trip provides you with routes, accommodation and support, and leaves the days up to you.
Final word
Girona has earned its reputation as a mecca for cycling, and those who visit once are always left wanting more. So come and ride it, and see for yourself why it's one of the world's best cycling destinations.
Questions? Email us at hello@luxevelotours.com
