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Catalan Coast & Villages

The peaceful, northern bays of the Costa Brava are small arcs of inviting sand enclosed by rocky outcrops and wooded hills; inland, quiet, undulating lanes lead past tiny vineyards, cornfields and olive groves to medieval villages and bustling market towns. This is perfect cycling country, with plenty of time to pause for a dip in the sea, to visit a Romanesque church, or to linger over a seafood lunch. The warm, sunny climate ensures a long season, and much of life here is lived outdoors.

Nights: 6
Grade: 1-2
Terrain: rolling plain, farmland, olive groves, pine woods. You cycle principally on tracks and back roads
Hotels: two country houses; one 3-star hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 4 nights
Climate: this sunny Mediterranean region sees average temperatures ranging from 17°C in April to 27°C in July, and is a great choice for cycling in both spring and autumn.

Cycle through pretty villages

One of many beautiful villages

Views across the plain

The sandy bay of Llafranc

Attractive coastal villages

Starting point: Hotel El Racó (country hotel), Madremanya. Enjoy dinner with other guests in the cosy table d’hôte dining room of this friendly hotel, a converted 18th-century farmhouse with a pool.

Day 1: Enjoy a lazy day by the pool or explore the undulating countryside north of Madremanya, stopping to visit the fascinating Dalí museum in Púbol (pay locally; closed Mondays). A choice of pleasant routes brings you back to Madremanya. (up to 27km)

Accommodation: Hotel El Raco (as above)

Day 2: The initial stretch of today’s cycle is a pleasant, downhill ride through wonderful scenery heading for flatter tracks and quiet roads, with views of the Gavarres hills. You pass through the honey coloured villages of Monells and San Sadurni, on your way to Peratallada. (20km)

Accommodation: Hostal Miralluna (country house), Peratallada. Owner Nuria Martinez has taken great care when converting this attractive 17th-century country house – the bedrooms are furnished with many antiques and decorated with exquisite attention to detail, with many personal touches. The walled garden (complete with a splash pool) is very Provençal in style, with masses of herbs and lavender; the superb, individually-prepared breakfasts are served out here for most of the season. Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis – though small, Peratallada boasts several top-class restaurants, from which you can take your pick using our recommendations as a guide.

Day 3: Riding north of Peratallada, you visit the ruins of the old Iberian settlement of Ullastret, passing idyllic medieval villages, like delightful Palau Sator, ancient farms, fields of sunflowers and vineyards. Those feeling energetic can extend today’s route through the villages of Ultramort and Sant Iscle d’Empordà. (22km or 31km)

Accommodation: Hostal Miralluna (as above)

Day 4: Cycle south across the inland plain, taking time to visit hilltop medieval Pals brimming with ceramic shops. The terrain is mostly flat, and you eventually cruise into the quiet and delightful bay of Llafranc. (25km)

Accommodation: Hotel Terramar (3*), Llafranc. This comfortable hotel enjoys an excellent location right on the seafront promenade, and both the bedrooms (which all have a balcony) and the restaurant face the sea.

Day 5: You may wish to spend your final day relaxing on the beach or people watching in the seafront cafés in Llafranc. Alternatively, follow our final cycle route along a lovely coastal track to Palamós, passing many coves and beaches where you can relax by the sea, before returning to your hotel by an inland route to enjoy a final celebratory dinner. (up to 26km)

Accommodation: Hotel Terramar (as above).

Recommendations for extra nights: Llafranc or Peratallada. Alternatively you can combine this with our Heart of Catalonia cycle (the 8-night version featuring the Molí del Mig in Torroella) to make a lovely 14-night holiday, with leisurely routes, fantastic scenery and distinctive hotels.

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system.

Similar holidays: Heart of Catalonia (grade 1-2), A Meander along the Ebro (grade 1-2), Southern Beaches to Central Plain (grade 1-2)

Prices & travel 2008:

Recommended destination airports: Barcelona & Girona
Latest flight arrival time: Barcelona 1830; Girona flexible
Earliest flight departure time: Barcelona 1300; Girona flexible
*Connecting travel: return rail/taxi from Barcelona (out 2h/home 2h15) £84pp;
return taxi from Girona airport (out/home 1h) £74pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Extra nights can be booked at any hotel
Start: any day

Extra night prices 2008

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