Contrasts Of Catalunya Cycling

Day 1
If you have arranged to join the transfer we will meet you at Flaca railway station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where you are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It is less than 5mins walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we have left the choice up to you. Calella is a lovely seaside resort, popular with Spanish visitors, which boasts three little sandy coves, all popular for sunbathing and swimming.

Day 2
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to Pals. The village was abandoned following the civil war, but has since been lovingly restored and has won many architectural awards. The narrow lanes lead to Gothic houses, a Romanesque clock tower and mediaeval walls. There are plenty of cafes, so it makes for a very pleasant coffee or lunch stop. You will then head 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 a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals. Here there is a stretch of beautiful golden beach, more than two miles long and our hotel is only 5 minutes walk away, so absolutely ideal for an afternoon dip or evening stroll. Here we stay in a gastronomic hotel where your evening meal can be taken in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace. Ride Approx. 24km.

Day 3
Today is a free day, so if you wish you can take full advantage of the fantastic location by the sea. You can relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal path for a lovely walk or simply chill out by the hotel's pool. If you are feeling more energetic we strongly recommend a great circular ride through the pine forests to mediaeval Begur. It is a fashionable hilltop town with an 11th Century castle and outstanding views over the coast. Optional Ride.

Day 4
Today's ride will begin by cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. The town was originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon before the river started silting up, however, the town still retains its mediaeval core and walls. The Placa de la Vila, a porticoed square designed as a meeting point on the model of the Greek Agora and Roman Forum boasts the 15th Century Ajuntament and a lovely sundial dating from from 1725. It is a great place to stop for lunch before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta, with its picturesque 16th Century bridge, and the pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here you will stay in a uniquely converted 14th Century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list. Ride Approx. 34km.

Day 5
Castell d'Emporda was lovingly renovated by its owners and turned into an amazing place to stay in a fabulous location. The restaurant is renowned and full of character where you will enjoy food grown locally and prepared with flair. There is a lovely patio area so you can dine outside if it is warm enough. If you just fancy a lazy day at the hotel then the restaurant offers a lovely 3 course lunch or tapas at the bar and then you can just enjoy the pool. In the centre of the castle there is also Europe's largest scale model of the Battle of Waterloo, the 18 square meter representation is well worth a look. There is also plenty to explore in the local area and we recommend taking a trip out on the bikes. Our suggested cycling circuit takes you through the pretty mediaeval villages of Corca, Monells, which has a pretty square and lots of options for lunch, and La Bisbal - a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. It is worth taking the time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its intricate arches are still intact today. Optional Ride.

Day 6
Today we follow a gentle route, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. Founded in the 6th Century BC the settlement was protected by magnificent walls, part of which can still be seen. Within the walls you will find ruins of dwellings, temples, cisterns, silos, public squares and other remains of a bustling community. Your journey will then continue via the beautifully preserved walled village of Peratallada and onto the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch. The route will then guide you back to the coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell for your final evening. Once again we have left the restaurant choice up to you as there are many options.
Ride Approx. 35km.

Day 7
We have arranged for a transfer to take you back to Flaca station at midday to catch your train back to Barcelona.