Catalan Coast

The contrasting charms of unspoiled Catalonia are impossible to resist. This stretch of coastline, between Palamós and Begur, reveals hidden coves and sandy beaches where you can relax well away from the crowds, while the inland Empordà Plain, south of the River Ter, is a beguiling patchwork of medieval farms, ancient villages, fields of sunflowers and vineyards.

Nights: 4
Grade: 1, occasional uphill sections
Terrain: inland plain, farmland, olive groves, pine woods, cycling principally on tracks and back roads
Hotels: two country houses; one 3-star hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 2 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.

Arrival at the charming small town of Madremanya, where you enjoy dinner in the excellent table d’hôte restaurant of the friendly Hotel El Raco.

Accommodation: Hotel El Raco with pool.

Day 1: Warm wooded hills (20km) Today’s cycle is a pleasant, downhill ride through wonderful scenery, partly along the rivers Daró and Ruissec, with wonderful views of the Gavarres hills and the Pyrenees. You pass through the pretty villages of Corca and Monells on your way to Peratallada.

Accommodation: two nights at the Miralluna, a welcoming hostel decorated with exceptional attention to detail by your host, Nuria. Enjoy delicious breakfasts served in the flower-filled garden, then explore the village in the evenings.

Day 2: Around Peratallada (up to 31km) On your day here, you can ride north of Peratallada to 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.

Accommodation: Miralluna (as above)

Day 3: Down to the Mediterranean (25km) 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, where you spend your last night.

Accommodation: the Hotel Terramar on the front, with comfortable sea-facing rooms and restaurant.

Madremanya (1 night), Peratallada (2 nights), Llanfranc (1 night)

Prices & travel 2008

£ per person based on 2 in a double rm	Cycle price*	Single room
4 nights: 29 March-31 October2008
1 Mar-30 Apr	495	138
1-23 May	505	140
24 May-30 Jun	536	150
1 Jul-29 Aug	560	170
30 Aug-30 Sep	536	150
1-31 Oct	505	140
3rd+ person saving	75

Start: any day
*Price includes: cycle hire and transfers
*Price includes: return taxi from Girona airport (out/home 1h)
Recommended airport: Girona
Alternative airport: Barcelona.
Add £10 per person for return rail/taxi from Barcelona city centre (out/home 2h)
Latest flight arrival time: Girona flexible; Barcelona 1830
Earliest flight departure time: Girona flexible; Barcelona 1300
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