Contrasts of Catalunya Self-Guided Cycling - Short Break
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Packed with contrast and variety, this easy 4 night cycling tour takes in the unspoilt Catalan coast, passing through olive groves, peach orchards and stunningly beautiful, pretty coloured villages. All the hotels have pools and 1 night is spent in a luxury 14th century castle.
Who is it for?
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.
3 Days of Cycling
Terrain: Low altitude; 70% tarmac, 30% dirt tracks
Day 2
33.0km/21.0miles
Day 3
30.0km/19.0miles
Day 4
33.0km/21.0miles
Highlights
- Quiet country roads – perfect for first-timers or nervous cyclists
- Wide sandy beaches, beautiful bays, traditional fishing ports, sun-drenched villages off the tourist trail
- Excellent hotels, all with pools, including 14th century luxury castle
- Pretty medieval villages to explore en route and on your rest days
Program
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.
Staying at Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only
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.
Staying at Hotel Sa Punta, Half Board
Meals included: breakfast dinner
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 and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you’ll stay in a uniquely converted 14th century Gothic castle – once reputed to have been on Dali’s shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks.
Staying at the Hotel Castell d’Emporda, Half Board
Meals included: breakfast dinner
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.
Staying at Hotel Garbi, Breakfast only
Meals included: breakfast
Included
- All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
- All accommodation
- All luggage transfers
- Route notes and maps
- Local bike hire
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request – Compulsory supplement)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)
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