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If there is one thing we know for sure, it's that bicycle touring in Catalonia is not a passing fad: it's almost a religion. Here we don't pedal just to get around, we pedal to have breakfast at a sanctuary, to cross spectacular vineyards or to end with the salty sea air on our skin in front of the Mediterranean. Whether you're looking for summits that will make you sweat or you prefer a greenway to take the kids on and have an improvised picnic, the answer is in Catalonia. Grab your helmet, pump up your tires and get ready to discover the best bike routes.
The 6 best climbs in Catalonia for road cyclists
There are mountain passes that are not simply tackled, they are conquered. And in Catalonia, we have a bunch that make the eyes of the most experienced road cyclists shine -and their legs tremble-.
1. Rocacorba (Girona)
One of the most famous climbs in the Girona area. This 13.5 km ascent with an average gradient of 7% is the initiation ritual of any cyclist who rides through the Girona lands. Demanding, constant, and without much respite, it is ideal for those who already have their legs prepared and want to put them to the test. As you climb, the city of Girona becomes small at your feet and the feeling of dominating the landscape is addictive.
- Altitude: 992 m
- Length: 13.5 km (from Girona)
- Elevation gain: ~800 m
- Maximum gradients: 15-18 %
2. Els Àngels (Girona)
The most spiritual (and social) ascent in the Girona area. 10 kilometres at an average gradient of 6% that you'll love. With stunning views over the Costa Brava and Empordà on clear days. It's the perfect option for a morning ride: cheerful ascent, coffee at the sanctuary at the top, and a quick descent with the wind in your face. Are you going to miss it?
- Altitude: 484 m
- Length: 10 km (from Girona)
- Elevation gain: ~420 m
- Average gradient: ~6 %
3. Coll de Pal (Berguedà)
One of the most spectacular mountain passes in Catalonia. 17 kilometres at an average gradient of 6.5% in an environment that reminds us that Berguedà is pure nature. Here, the road snakes between meadows and peaks, and each bend is like a postcard. It's an ideal route for those who enjoy the most elegant kind of challenge.
- Altitude: 2.106 m
- Length: 17 km (from Bagà)
- Vertical gain: ~1.240 m
- Maximum gradient: ~12 %
4. Collada de Toses (Cerdanya - Ripollès)
A very popular classic in competitions like La Volta Catalunya. 19 kilometers at a 7% slope. The climb is long and constant, with forest on both sides. When the Cerdanya valley opens up in front of you, you understand why this climb is one of the great classics of Catalan cycling.
- Altitude: 1,790 m
- Length: 19 km (from Ribes de Freser)
- Elevation gain: ~1,200 m
- Maximum gradient: ~10 %
5. Portella de Montgrony (Ripollès)
One of the most technical and less crowded cycling climbs. 14 kilometers at an average gradient of 6.5% with sections that require a cool head. Here, not everything is about power: skill is also needed. The wild landscape of Ripollès accompanies a climb that is enjoyed in silence and away from crowds.
- Altitude: 1.130 m
- Length: 14 km (from Campdevànol)
- Elevation gain: ~600 m
- Max gradient: ~12 %
6. Coll de la Creueta (Berguedà - Cerdanya)
An ideal mountain climb if you seek solitude and toughness. 10 kilometers with an average gradient of 7.5% in a wild area between Berguedà and Cerdanya. It's difficult, yes, but also hypnotic.
- Altitude: 1,923 m
- Length: 20 km (from La Poble de Lillet)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m
- Maximum Slope: ~12-13 %
The 5 most spectacular Greenways of Catalonia
Relax, not everything is suffering. The greenways in Catalonia are the perfect alternative to cycle without haste, with family or friends, and discover the territory at a different pace.
1. Greenway of the Carrilet (Girona)
The queen of green paths is, without a doubt, the Greenway of the Carrilet, which connects Olot with Sant Feliu de Guíxols passing through the city of Girona over about 90 km in total. It's easy, friendly and spectacular: you start among volcanoes in Garrotxa, cross the plain of Girona and end up by the sea.
Greenway Carrilet I (Olot - Girona)
- Length: ~55 km
- Start: Olot (Garrotxa)
- End: Girona (Gironès)
- Total elevation change: ~160 m descent (approx. 440 m => 70 m)
- Average gradient: ~0.3 %
- Maximum gradient: ~1.5 %
Greenway Carrilet II (Girona - Sant Feliu de Guíxols)
- Length: ~40 km
- Start: Girona (Gironès)
- End: Sant Feliu de Guíxols (Baix Empordà)
- Total gradient: ~150 m descent (approx. 70 m => sea level)
- Average gradient: ~0.4 %
- Maximum gradient: ~1.5 %
2. Greenway of the Terra Alta
The Greenway of Terra Alta, follows the old railway route between Arnes-Lledo and Pinell de Brai, crossing the Pàndols and Cavalls mountain ranges, some of the scenarios of the Battle of the Ebro, with the Canaleta river as the common thread. Old stations, tunnels and viaducts tell a railway history while you pedal through dry and spectacular landscapes.
- Length: ~24 km
- Start: Arnes-Lledo
- End: Pinell de Brai
- Total elevation: ~200 m
- Maximum slope: ~3 %
3. Greenway of the Conca de Barberà
The Greenway of Conca de Barberà, between Montblanc and Vimbodí, is pure calm: a gentle 12 km through vineyards and medieval villages with the most history in the province of Tarragona. Ideal for combining cycling and wine tourism at a relaxed pace.
- Length: ~12 km
- Start: Montblanc
- End: Vimbodí
- Total gradient: ~150 m
- Maximum slope: ~2.5 %
4. Llobregat Greenway
The Llobregat Greenway, a more urban route but just as pleasant as it follows the river from the Devil's Bridge in Martorell to the mouth near El Prat de Llobregat. It's a flat and very accessible route, ideal for a time shared with friends or family.
- Length: ~40 km
- Start: Martorell
- End: Prat del Llobregat
- Total difference in height: ~200 m
- Average gradient: ~1-2 %
- Maximum gradient: ~4 %
5. Greenway of the Zafán Valley
One of the most emblematic greenways of Tarragona, which connects the regions of Matarranya in Aragon, with the Ebro Delta, passing through Terra Alta and Ribera d'Ebre.
- Length: ~82 km
- Start: Alcañiz (Aragon)
- End: Tortosa (Tarragona)
- Total elevation: ~1,200 m
- Maximum slope: ~3-4 %
The best 5 cycle touring routes in Catalonia
When we talk about bike touring in Catalonia in the truest sense of the word, it's the long distance routes that come to mind: routes designed to explore the region at a leisurely pace, discovering landscapes and heritage as you pedal along.
1. Pirinexus Route
A circular adventure of around 360 km that connects the Pyrenees with Empordà and also crosses through Northern Catalonia. It's an ideal route to do over several days.
2. Cister Route by bicycle
The Cistercian Route, around 100 km, connects three major Cistercian monasteries - Poblet Monastery, Santes Creus Monastery, and Vallbona de les Monges Monastery - through vineyards, cereal fields, and soft hills. It is a journey that combines sport, culture, and history.
3. Ter Route
The Ter Route is an itinerary that follows the Ter river course for about 70 km of cycle paths, from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a friendly route, with little unevenness, but spectacular at a landscape level.
4. Priorat Bike Route
The Priorat Route offers something different: a route of about 50 km, that winds through narrow roads between old vineyards and stone villages. Here, cycling tastes like territory: short, but intense, climbs, panoramas over vineyard terraces and totally Instagrammable villages.
5. Route of the Anoia Castles by bicycle
An ideal route for lovers of the Middle Ages. The Route of the Castles of Anoia, about 90 km, is practically a journey through time. The itinerary links various medieval fortresses in the Anoia region with small villages and natural viewpoints. Awesome.
Destinations for BTT routes in Catalonia
If you like mountains and challenging terrain, mountain biking in Catalonia is a real treat. In La Garrotxa, you will find the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa which offers trails between volcanoes and beech forests that seem like something out of a fairytale. In Ripollès, the Natural Park of the Ter and Freser Springs Natural Park combines soft and technical routes with high mountain panoramas.
If you opt to approach Priorat, go to the Montsant Mountain Range Natural Park, with explosive climbs among vineyards and cliffs. Another must-visit is the Montseny Natural Park, where you will find the Matagalls Route that offers lush forests and panoramic views. In Terres de l'Ebre, don't miss the Ports Natural Park. Wild and spectacular. And on the Costa Brava, you can opt for one of the Round Paths which we recommend here, which runs through spectacular coves and cliffs. For the most mountainous, the Vall de Núria offers high-altitude routes that will leave you breathless. And not just from the effort.
The cyclo-tourism in Catalonia is, as you can see, as diverse as its landscape. From iconic peaks to family-friendly greenways, from major crossings to technical MTB trails, here you will find routes for all tastes. You just have to decide where to start.
