8-day Baix Empordà Family Cycling Holiday

Arrival at your accommodation in La Pera. A taxi transfer from the airport or train station can be arranged.

Challenge: Travel to the Empordà.

Villages along the way: La Pera

Immerse yourself in the ambience of the Baix Empordà, or Lower Ampurdán, cycling through traditional and picturesque landscapes. Small vegetable gardens, Mediterranean woods, the Medieval village centres of Monells and Madremanya, and an interesting optional visit to the castle-museum in Pubol which Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. If the longer route seems a bit tough for a first day, there´s an optional shortcut.

Challenge: Short route: 17 km / 10,5 mi, 200 m ascent and descent

                       Long route: 31 km / 19 mi, 300 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Monells, Madremanya, Pubol

A short climb through the woods, then on to flat terrain surrounded by Tuscany-like hilltop villages. You traverse a vast and fertile agricultural region worked long ago by the Iberians, who introduced the use of the now-characteristic cypress tree as a wind-panel. This evening, you'll have the challenge of selecting one of Peratallada's 13 inviting restaurants for dinner.

Challenge: 24 km / 15 mi, 150 m ascent, 175 m descent 

Villages along the way: La Pera, Peratallada

Today you cycle mainly on the flat, following gravel roads and quiet tarmac lanes through the Daro River delta. This area has vast swamps and rice fields, criss-crossed by numerous narrow irrigation channels. Again you ride by several pretty hilltop villages rising up out of the surrounding landscape. On the way, you also pass some beautiful beaches, as well as the wetlands of Les Basses d’en Coll, a nature preserve. Plan to make time to visit the Medieval villages of Fontclara and Gualta, with lovely windmills and a 16th-century 5-arch bridge.

Challenge: 31 km / 19 mi, 150 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Pals, Mas Pinell, Gualta (Valle del Río Ter)

Today you do an interesting excursion along quiet country lanes to reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on this coast. Option of taking a break for lunch at a very nice restaurant on the beach (though, unfortunately, in order to get there you have to ride through the busy town centre of Palafrugell). Optional detour to visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig before cycling back to Peratalla.

Challenge: 39 km / 24 mi, 150 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Pals, Palafrugell, Lafranca, Calella

Today you begin by cycling through lovely woodlands north of Peratallada. Along the way, you’ll pass an ancient Iberian settlement, interesting archaeological site on a hilltop, with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Further northward your route takes you past the base of El Montgri massif. On the coast, you cycle past a former Greek colony and a Roman town. Then, following quiet gravel tracks through a beautiful nature reserve, you come to the pretty village of Sant Pere Pescador, where your rural hotel is located (38 km).

Challenge: 38 km / 23,5 mi, 200 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Torroella, Bellcaire, Sant Pere

On to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with that of Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter's museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony.

Challenge: 53 km / 33 mi, 125 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Figueres, Castello d'Empuries

Your arrangement ends today after breakfast. Transport to Flaça train station included. An optional taxi transfer to the airport may also be booked. 

Challenge: Departure from the Empordà.