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Spain: Catalonia

Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling

Trip code: C06CN

Average customer rating 4.6 / 5(22 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
6 nights hotel-to-hotel
Steady
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Peaceful back roads suited to beginners and less confident cyclists

Naturally beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, hidden coves and fishing villages

Refreshing sea air and pleasantly warm temperatures throughout the season

Historic medieval villages to enjoy along the route and on rest days

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Trip details

Catalonia (Catalunya) is a semi-autonomous area of Spain; steeped in culture, its traditions and
festivals date back over thousands of years. Rich in medieval villages, highlights
include prosperous Peratallada, peach-coloured Pals and fashionable Begur. The
rocky coastline is dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal clear waters and
beautiful beaches which are perfect to explore.

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

Ghost, Square Trekking or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier and phone holder.

Ghost Square Trekking Standard

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell

Arrive in Calella de Palafrugell

You arrive at your hotel where all Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It’s less than 5 minutes’ walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from, we’ve left evening meals up to you.

You stay at Hotel Garbi

HOTEL GARBI, CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL (3 STAR)
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Hotel Garbi

Calella de Palafrugell

  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.

The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.

Day 2 · 33km/20.5miCalella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals

Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals

Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely medieval town with Romanesque church affording stunning views. After lunch, 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.

Elevation

Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Sa Punta

SPCASP - Sa Punta 7-8-15
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Hotel Sa Punta

Platja de Pals

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The newly renovated Hotel Sa Punta, just a five minute walk to the beach is set in beautiful grounds with a lovely terrace area for afternoon drinks. The Sa Punta offers a relaxed atmosphere with a ‘Beach House’ kind of look, where visitors can relax. There is also a semi-Olympic salt water swimming pool, an outdoor bar for refreshing cocktails and access to the beautiful garden.

The renewed rooms are spacious and modern with a minimalist and intimate style, with balcony or terrace.

Evening meals are taken either at ‘Dalia at Sa Punta’, the hotel restaurant and you can indulge on light dishes and snack throughout the day at the pool bar.

Day 3 · —At Platja de Pals

At Platja de Pals

We strongly recommend a visit to medieval Begur, a fashionable hilltop town with 11th century castle and outstanding views over the coast. Alternatively, relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal walking path or simply chill out by the hotel’s semi-Olympic pool.

Elevation

At Platja de Pals elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Sa Punta

SPCASP - Sa Punta 7-8-15
Image 1 of 10

Hotel Sa Punta

Platja de Pals

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The newly renovated Hotel Sa Punta, just a five minute walk to the beach is set in beautiful grounds with a lovely terrace area for afternoon drinks. The Sa Punta offers a relaxed atmosphere with a ‘Beach House’ kind of look, where visitors can relax. There is also a semi-Olympic salt water swimming pool, an outdoor bar for refreshing cocktails and access to the beautiful garden.

The renewed rooms are spacious and modern with a minimalist and intimate style, with balcony or terrace.

Evening meals are taken either at ‘Dalia at Sa Punta’, the hotel restaurant and you can indulge on light dishes and snack throughout the day at the pool bar.

Day 4 · 27km/16.8miPlatja de Pals to Casavells

Platja de Pals to Casavells

You’ll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque 16th century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica to Casavells, near La Bisbal

Elevation

Platja de Pals to Casavells elevation profile

You stay at Encis D’emporda

Encis Demporda
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Encis D’emporda

Casavells

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Tucked away in the charming medieval village of Casavells, Encís d’Empordà is a beautifully restored 16th-century country house. Ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those seeking peace, nature, and authenticity.

Encís d’Empordà offers seven spacious and uniquely styled suites, each filled with natural light and sweeping views of the Empordà landscape. Warm, cozy, and thoughtfully decorated, every room invites you to unwind or soak in a classic-style bathtub.

Each suite is inspired by a different era of Empordà’s rich heritage, blending history with comfort.

Day 5 · —At Casavells

At Casavells

Laze by the pool (there’s a fabulous sun terrace and bar area) or follow our suggested cycling circuit linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (pretty square and lovely choices for lunch) and La Bisbal, a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer del Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto, whose intricate arches are still intact today.

Elevation

At Casavells elevation profile

You stay at Encis D’emporda

Encis Demporda
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Encis D’emporda

Casavells

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Tucked away in the charming medieval village of Casavells, Encís d’Empordà is a beautifully restored 16th-century country house. Ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those seeking peace, nature, and authenticity.

Encís d’Empordà offers seven spacious and uniquely styled suites, each filled with natural light and sweeping views of the Empordà landscape. Warm, cozy, and thoughtfully decorated, every room invites you to unwind or soak in a classic-style bathtub.

Each suite is inspired by a different era of Empordà’s rich heritage, blending history with comfort.

Day 6 · 33km/20.5miCasavells to Calella de Palafrugell

Casavells to Calella de Palafrugell

Today offers lovely gentle cycling, 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. Continue your journey through beautifully preserved Peratallada to the bustling market town of Palafrugell. Then back to Calella de Palafrugell for a final swim in the pool.

Elevation

Casavells to Calella de Palafrugell elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Garbi

HOTEL GARBI, CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL (3 STAR)
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Hotel Garbi

Calella de Palafrugell

  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.

The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.

Day 7 · —Leave Calella de Palafrugell

Leave Calella de Palafrugell

Depart Calella de Palafrugell and onward travel.

Extending your holiday

Gallery Hotel Barcelona - rooftop terrace & pool

Gallery Hotel

Barcelona

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Wifi access

Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Gallery Hotel has 25 years of experience to take care of you during your stay. The rooms are bright and have lots of home comforts included. The hotel also boasts a roof top pool and garden terrace.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona
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Hotel Ciutat de Girona

Girona

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona’s past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.

To access the bike storage, you will need to use a lift, and your bike must be placed in a vertical position. If you need any assistance, the hotel staff will be happy to help.

What our travellers say

Lovely to see a bit of Spain away from the main tourist areas.
Two of the hotels were very good with sensational food and good service
The cycling was through some scenic and interesting areas

Mrs Shann

Lovely cycling through varied terrain; but be prepared for a good few sharp climbs. The hotels were well appointed and the food was generally delicious. Although the location and development of the Castell D’ Emporda was unique, for us the better hotel was the Sa Punta where we spent two lovely relaxed evenings.

Mrs Lucas

A mixture of excellent (hotels) and fair (cycling). The cycling was only spoilt by really rough tracks, demanding too much concentration on the riding hence missing the surrounding landscape and features.

Mr Crawley

The hotels were in general well located. We particularly liked Sa Punta and the food here was very good. The cycling tracks were mainly gravel or sandy and a bit rutted and could be quite tricky in places and one had to keep one’s eye on the track rather than the scenery but that may be because we are not used to cycling off road. The route takes you through some lovely old towns and villages the highlight of which was probably Pals. Despite our initial reluctance, we were pleased that we used the GPS route guide as it would have been difficult without it to navigate the tracks. The area is spectacular and we would definitely consider re-visiting Catalan.

Mrs Hayden

Great location. Easy quiet cycling excellent food plenty of interesting places to visit

Mr Jones

Really enjoyed our holiday, hotels were of a good standard and in great locations, the route was varied and flexible allowing us to explore other areas on route.

Mr LEWIS

Absolutely fantastic week. The second hotel were,abit grumpy when we arrived and said we were B&B when we were half board so we missed two evening meal. Everything else was incredible. We feel like we’ve been on a honeymoon .

Mrs Atkinson

Well organised in every way. Excellent app giving general information and providing routes to follow. We loved every minute.

Mrs Bedford

We enjoyed our holiday in Catalan. We found the medieval towns such as Pals, Begur and Corca very interesting. Also the villages on the coast. We visited Salvador Dali’s Castle at Pubol which I would recommend. At Pubol we had very tasty and inexpensive lunch at the hotel there.
All the hotels were good but Hotel Castel d’Emporda was amazing. The battle of Waterloo display there was well worth viewing.
We went in the middle of September was lovely. Not too hot for cycling. The cycling was good too but there we did not like the hills to Begur or near the coast route so I would say it should have been marked as grade 1 bicycle with some steep hills occasionally

Mrs Reid

Our third cycling holiday with Headwater in a beautiful part of Spain. Travelling in early May Platja de Pals was very quiet and lots of bars and restaurants closed. We felt a hotel in the town of Begur would have given us more eating options. However, we had a lovely holiday and enjoyed exploring the Catalan coast and inland medieval villages.

LUPTON
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

13.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From the journal

From£1,269per person