Girona
Girona has quietly become one of Europe's top destinations for road cycling. Pros and dedicated amateurs have been settling here for years, drawn by smooth tarmac, varied terrain, and a lifestyle that rewards you off the bike just as much as on it. Good food, great coffee, and a relaxed Catalan pace make it easy to see why people keep coming back.
The city sits in northeast Spain, about 70 kilometers south of the French border and a short trip from Barcelona. It's proudly Catalan, with its own language, culture, and identity. That local character gives Girona a feel that's distinct from anywhere else on the peninsula.
The road cycling infrastructure here has matured into something special. High-end bike shops, specialty coffee spots, rental services, and well-organized events now line the streets. Many of those events are run by former pros who chose Girona as their home long after they stopped racing.
The riding speaks for itself. Head east and the roads wind along the Costa Brava coastline. Go north and you're into the foothills of the Pyrenees. Closer to town, climbs like Els Àngels and Rocacorba have become bucket-list efforts for visiting road cyclists.
No two trips to Girona feel quite the same. There's always a route you haven't ridden, a café you haven't tried, or a climb that's calling you back.
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Best time to ride
Girona has a Mediterranean climate, which means good riding weather for most of the year. Spring from April to June and autumn from September to November are especially ideal, with mild temps and not much rain. Summer heats up, especially in July and August, but heading out early keeps things manageable. Winter is cooler but still rideable, especially if you're used to colder conditions.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Banyoles
If you’re after a quieter vibe, the nearby village of Banyoles delivers. It’s surrounded by peaceful landscapes and sits close to some great cycling routes. The pace is more relaxed, but still fully set up for riders.
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Accommodations (10)
Places in Girona that welcome you and your bike.
Cycle Haven Apartment
This central apartment is made with cyclists in mind, with a wall-mounted bike rack right in the hallway. It’s close to the train station and set up for an easy, bike-friendly stay.
Equipe Girona
Equipe is a laid-back guesthouse and bed & breakfast with a pool and a bike garage. It’s tucked into the quiet, safe Montjuïc area, giving you a peaceful spot to unwind after the ride.
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How to get there
- By Car: Girona’s easy to reach by road. From Barcelona, take the AP-7 (E15). From France the same route connects you straight from Perpignan.
- By Train: Girona sits on the Barcelona–Cerbère line. Bikes are welcome on many trains, especially if you’ve got a bike bag. You can roll in from major Spanish cities or cross over from France with a few smooth connections.
- By Air: Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is the closest, just 13 km from the city center. It serves several European destinations mostly through Ryanair. The biggest nearby airport is Barcelona El Prat (BCN), about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by train or car.
Bike Rentals (10)
Bikecat
Bike brands: Orbea
They don’t just rent out high-end bikes, they also make sure you are properly fitted. When booking, you can send over your bike measurements and they will set them up on the rental. You can even bring your own pedals and saddle to make it feel like your own ride.
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Shops (8)
Castelli Girona Store
The go-to place for Castelli fans, offering the latest seasonal kit in a sleek space made for riders.
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Cafes & bars (23)
Bar Restaurant l'Escola
A cyclist-friendly stop with generous set menus and outdoor seating, perfect for a relaxed meal in the sun.
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Popular Climbs (11)
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Road Cycling Routes (14)
Loop to the Costa Brava
88.4 km | 1140 m | Moderate
This 88 km loop from Girona showcases the best of the Costa Brava’s dramatic coastline. Enjoy flowing descents and the spectacular coastal road from. The climb to Sant Grau is steady and scenic, opening up to unforgettable sea views. It's a perfect blend of challenge, beauty and classic Mediterranean charm.
Cake Shop Loop
106.3 km | 1548 m | Hard
This big coastal loop from Girona packs in 1,700 meters of climbing and stunning sea views. It starts with the climb over Els Àngels, then heads to the coast for the tough ascent of Alto de la Ganga from Calonge. The highlight is Sant Grau d’Ardenya, which is steep, winding, and breathtaking. This is a challenging but beautiful ride.
Osor Road loop
89.2 km | 1100 m | Moderate
Head west toward Angles where the climb to Sant Hilari Sacalm starts. You pass through Osor and ride by the iconic arches alongside the road before reaching the top of the climb. The town of Sant Hilari is a perfect place for a coffee stop before heading back toward Girona.
Loop du France
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Reviews
Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Cycling in Girona was an amazing experience for me. The city has a very special atmosphere, calm but full of life, and very friendly for cyclists. There are many great cafés and bike shops where you can relax and feel welcome.
The riding around Girona is incredible, with diverse scenery, beautiful nature, and many different climbs. It is a perfect place for cycling and enjoying the city at the same time.
