Gifted with the Pyrenees, mid-mountains and endless rolling flats, it’s no surprise that over 60 professional cyclists currently base themselves in Girona. Lance Armstrong did for cyclists what Dalí did for art lovers, dragging a new generation of international tourists to the Spanish town. While the French Alps have their brutal charm, Girona has a year-round amicability during warm summer days and mild winter months. For cyclists looking to pay penance to the legacies of former cyclists, and do some hard riding in the mean time, Girona is a great place to visit regardless of the time of year.
Bike Rental
Whether you plan on drifting through Girona as part of a longer itinerary, or spend a good mid-winter week getting ahead of training, drop in at Bike Breaks. I stumbled across these guys on Google and they are without doubt the best rental agency I have ever come across. Owners Saskia and David run a slick show, stocking a large fleet of Cannondales including Supersixes roadies, F5 MTBs and a bunch of hybrid/tourers. The investment in good tech sets an example for other rental companies looking to hit performance cyclo-tourist. Beyond bike rental, Bike Breaks run trips and sell vital bike gear including maps and Mule Bars. Be sure to drop them an email in advance of your visit to get the latest on the both road and off-road routes – they know too much for their own good!
Accommodation
Two options for cyclists here: stay local or retreat to a rural accommodation. Staying in Girona itself has the benefits of restaurants, shops and easy access to Barcelona whilst rural situations are altogether more relaxing, and offer even better access to quiet roads and routes.
In Girona itself, Casa Cundaro has a number of rooms and apartments that come in at a modest rate of €80 per person. The apartments and rooms are run as a small family run business that started in the restoration of a medieval building, a project that has resulting in a gorgeous complex. The location of Casa Cundaro is ideal for culture-vultures, right opposite a cathedral in the Jewish quarter of the town. For a slightly smarter option, check out Hotel Historic, also in the centre of Girona.
Homegrown veg at Can Carreras del Mas
Although access to cyclable roads from Girona is excellent, rural accommodations in Catalonia provide suitable retreats for a cycling holiday. Hostal Empúries is a luxury eco hotel right on the coast, 30 miles north of Girona . The hotel has recently developed a spa to compliment it’s detoxifying all-day menu and mixture of modern and traditional rooms.
To stay rural but within access of Girona, look into Can Carreras del Mas which is smaller and has a more local feel than Hostal Empúries. Can Carreras del Mas sleeps 12 so if you were looking to take a group, organise a catered setup with owners and use this as your base (worth noting that there are 8 single beds).
As an aside, be sure to swing by Short of Thyme, a restaurant in Girona that offers a locally sourced menu. If you intend to go self-catered in an apartment, Short of Thyme might be a good place to seek out an alternative on odd nights.
Getting there
From London follow this London to Barcelona journey planner, organised by greentraveller.co.uk. Your best bet would be to get to Barcelona then buy a separate, local ticket to Girona, about an hour’s train ride from Barcelona.
Girona has a small international airport but you’re best option may be to fly into Barcelona which has good rail links to Girona.
Useful information
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