Cycling routes in Girona: from rides for beginners to pros

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider chasing long distance rides and climbs, Girona has something to offer. From rolling countryside to legendary ascents, Girona’s cycling road cycling routes and gravel routes deliver unforgettable rides, stunning scenery, and, of course, plenty of great coffee stops along the way. Girona is famous for cycling for a reason, so let’s explore and ride ten cycling routes in Girona.

In this guide, Nafent Magazine and Wikiloc handpicked ten routes that showcase the best of Girona’s cycling scene. Whether you’re here to explore at a leisurely pace or test your legs on challenging climbs, these routes will make sure your time in Girona is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s dive in and find your perfect ride with cycling routes in Girona that suit all levels of cyclists, from beginners to pros.

Download the GPX-files from Wikiloc of each route by following the links in the stories.

Beginner-friendly cycling routes in Girona

1. Explore the Empordà: Yari’s Route in Verges

This scenic ride takes you from Girona to the charming town of Verges, nestled in the heart of the Empordà region. Perfect for beginners, the route features flat, smooth roads winding through picturesque villages and rolling countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, olive groves, and plenty of photo-worthy views.

The route can be extended at any time, visiting more stunning villages like La Pera, Pubol or Peratallada, that literally feel like you’re going back in time. Also the gravel cycling route is excellent to Verges, with so many options of gravel roads that you barely see asphalt on your way – and back.

The highlight of this ride is the stop at Yari’s Route in Verges, a cyclist-friendly spot with excellent coffee and homemade treats. It’s the ideal place to recharge before heading back to Girona.

Distance: ~65 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal (~500m)
Terrain: Mostly flat, quiet rural roads

2. Banyoles and Rocacorba

No Girona cycling experience is complete without a ride to Banyoles, home to Catalonia’s largest natural lake. This route starting in Girona is beginner-friendly, with an option to up the ante by tackling the famous Rocacorba climb—known for testing even the pros. Stick to the lake circuit for a relaxed ride, or add Rocacorba for a big challenge.

Once in Banyoles, a coffee break at Can Pericus is a must. It’s a favorite among cyclists for its welcoming vibe, great cakes and quality coffee.

Learn more about the best coffee rides in and around Girona with the Nafent Magazine Girona Cycling Guide.

Distance: ~55 km round trip (add ~20 km for Rocacorba)
Elevation Gain: ~300m (Rocacorba adds ~900m)
Terrain: Rolling hills with a mix of flat sections

3. The Hincapie Loop: Els Àngels and Santa Pellaia

Named after former pro cyclist George Hincapie, this classic loop offers a gentle introduction to Girona’s iconic climbs. Starting from the city, this cycling route first takes you up Els Àngels, a steady ascent through forested hills with rewarding views at the top. From there, you’ll glide down towards the quiet roads of Santa Pellaia, another favorite climb known for its gentler gradients.

The road cycling route from Girona is a perfect mix of effort and reward, with undulating terrain and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Girona’s stunning landscapes. With its connection to Hincapie’s training days, this ride offers a bit of history to go along with the coffee stops you’ll find in the quaint villages along the way.

Distance: ~70 km
Elevation Gain: ~600m
Terrain: Rolling with steady climbs

Intermediate cycling routes in Girona

1. The cake shop loop: Platja d’Aro and La Maglia

This road cycling route is affectionately known as the Cake Shop Loop, and for good reason! It combines rolling roads, stunning coastal views, and some tasty rewards along the way. Starting in Girona, you’ll ride towards the lively town of Platja d’Aro, with its Mediterranean flair and breezy seaside vibes.

Gravel cyclists will enjoy the gravel roads from Girona’s carrilet, Vies Verdes and Pirinexus, while also having more options through Les Gavarras on the way back.

On the way, you’ll conquer a couple of enjoyable climbs, including the iconic Els Angèls and La Ganga. After descending, treat yourself to a stop at La Maglia, a cyclist-loved café that serves some of the best pastries and coffee in town. It’s the perfect balance of effort and indulgence before the return leg to Girona.

Distance: ~95 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,200m
Terrain: Rolling hills with moderate climbs

2. Ruta del Año: Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Named Ruta del Año by locals and cyclotourists, this ride starting and finishing in Girona is a celebration of Girona’s coastal and countryside beauty. The road between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols has often been called ‘Catalonia’s most beautiful road’ – and for a reason.

Riding it from west to east results in the best cycling experience, with the greatest views and nicest ascents. On a road bike, this route is definitely more enjoyable than on a gravel bike.

The cycling route starts in Girona and winds through lush forests and quiet rural roads, eventually leading to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. This seaside gem on the Costa Brava offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and a relaxing vibe that makes it worth the trip.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to tackle some rolling climbs that test your legs without overwhelming you. The route is ideal for those who want to combine scenic exploration with a bit of a challenge. Make sure to take a break at Annna café, known for its cyclist-friendly atmosphere and excellent coffee.

Distance: ~120 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~900m
Terrain: Coastal rolling roads with moderate gradients

3. Volcanic wonders: Olot and the Garrotxa loop

This route is a true escape into nature, taking you from Girona to the volcanic region of La Garrotxa. The ride to Olot is filled with dramatic landscapes, quiet roads, and a sense of adventure. Along the way, you’ll pass extinct volcanoes, lush forests, and ancient villages that make this area so unique.

The ride includes a mix of steady climbs and fast descents. There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery. Olot itself offers several cozy cafés for a pit stop before heading back through Banyoles.

Strong(er) riders would consider taking gravel sections towards Olot. This is because the route of the Pirinexus also leads to Olot. In Garrotxa, there is plenty of excellent gravel to enjoy the ride as well.

Distance: ~110 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,200m
Terrain: A mix of rolling hills and longer climbs

Advanced cycling routes in Girona

1. The Montseny epic: Turó de l’Home

For those ready to test their limits, the ride to Turó de l’Home in the Montseny Natural Park is an unforgettable challenge. Starting from Girona, this route takes you through quiet backroads and small villages before tackling one of Catalonia’s most iconic climbs.

The ascent to Turó de l’Home is relentless, with steep gradients and not so great tarmac, that will push even seasoned cyclists to their limits. But the reward? Sweeping views from the summit and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. Make sure to refuel at one of the cafés in the foothill villages before beginning the long journey back to Girona.

Montseny is also home to the M&M Gravel Grinder, the gravel cycling event that Nafent Magazine featured in one of its bilingual cycling magazines. Nafent Magazine is your cycling guide for cycling events in Girona.

Distance: ~160 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,500m
Terrain: Long and steep climbs, challenging gradients

2. Sacred heights: Mare de Déu del Mont

When it is about one of the must-do cycling routes in Girona, the ride to the sanctuary of Mare de Déu del Mont, is one for the books. This cycling route in Girona is a classic route that combines beauty and brutality. This climb (1111 above sea level) is similar to Rocacorba and some cyclists do both climbs on the same ride. The gradients to the sanctuary, however, are more variable. From Girona, you will ride through the rolling hills of Banyoles and beyond. You will be gradually making your way towards the dramatic climb.

The final ascent is as tough as it gets, with steep gradients and tight switchbacks that lead to the sanctuary perched high above the region. The views from the top, stretching across the Pyrenees and the Empordà, are nothing short of spectacular. A true bucket-list climb for any Girona cyclist.

Distance: ~130 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,300m
Terrain: Long and steep climbs, with some flatter sections en route

3. Girona’s best-kept secret: Susqueda and Rupit

For those seeking a hidden gem, this cycling route from Girona to Susqueda and Rupit, and back to Girona delivers on all fronts. The ride is a journey through some of Catalonia’s most stunning and lesser-known landscapes, passing through the Vilanova de Sau Reservoir and the rugged beauty of the Collsacabra mountains.

The climbs are long and steady, with plenty of undulating terrain to keep things interesting. Along the way, you’ll encounter quiet roads, dense forests, and breathtaking viewpoints that make every meter of climbing worth it. This is Girona’s cycling at its most authentic and rewarding.

Going by gravel bike could result in a shorter distance, a better Susqueda reservoir experience and less elevation, especially since it is nice and easy to leave Girona by gravel bike. Because, honestly, gravel cycling in Girona is also phenomal.

Learn more about gravel cycling in Girona by exploring Nafent Magazine’s webshop.

Distance: ~160 km round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,100m
Terrain: A mix of long climbs and rolling hills

Bike packing from Girona – a multi day cycling tour

The best cycling tour from Girona: Pirinexus

For those seeking the ultimate cycling adventure, the Pirinexus route offers an unforgettable experience. This 350-kilometer loop connects Girona with the Pyrenees, the French border, and the Costa Brava, blending diverse terrains and breathtaking scenery. The route takes you from vibrant towns to remote trails, passing through lush valleys, rugged mountain passes, and serene coastal roads. It’s a journey that demands endurance but rewards riders with unmatched views and a deep connection to the landscapes of Catalonia and southern France.

The Pirinexus is best tackled on a gravel bike, as many sections feature gravel paths and quiet rural tracks. To make the most of your trip, consider using bikepacking gear from SKS Germany—their lightweight and durable products ensure a comfortable and organized ride. The adventure is made even better by well-planned stops, such as a night at Pyrenees CC across the French border. This cyclist-friendly accommodation provides everything you need to recharge, from cozy beds to hearty meals and inspiring mountain views.

Whether you choose to complete the Pirinexus in two, three or four days, it’s a ride that will push your limits while offering moments of pure cycling joy. With plenty of picturesque towns, hidden trails, and a mix of road and gravel, this journey is a true test of endurance and spirit. It’s a must-do for cyclists looking to combine their love of riding with the thrill of exploring new places.

Distance: ~350 km loop
Elevation Gain: ~3,000m
Terrain: A mix of gravel, quiet rural tracks, and paved sections
Recommendation: Ideal for a gravel bike and 2–3 days with overnight stays

Ride the best gravel routes and road routes in Girona

Girona offers everything from beginner-friendly coffee rides to advanced mountain climbs and epic multi-day adventures. Whether you’re riding gravel cycling routes through the picturesque Empordà, climbing iconic peaks like Turo de l’Home or Mare de Déu del Mont, or tackling the gravel-packed Pirinexus route, Girona delivers cycling experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable.

With its mix of smooth tarmac, quiet country roads, and scenic gravel trails, Girona has a route for every type of rider. Plus, the region’s incredible coffee stops, in and around the city of Girona, ensure you’ll always have a place to recharge before the next adventure.

Looking for even more inspiration? Download the Nafent Magazine Girona Cycling Guide for insider tips, detailed route recommendations, and everything you need to plan your next ride in Girona. From tranquil rides around Banyoles to the rugged beauty of Els Àngels and Santa Pellaia, Girona has a cycling journey waiting for you. Ready to ride?