Overview🔗

Cycling in Girona offers something truly special that sets it apart from every other European destination. While Mallorca attracts training camps and the Alps draw summer tourists, Girona has become the year-round home for professional cyclists. Riders like Dan Martin, Alex Howes, and dozens of others have chosen this compact Catalan city as their permanent base, creating a cycling culture unlike anywhere else in the world.

The reasons are immediately clear when you roll out of the Old Town on your first ride. Within 15 minutes, you're climbing quiet roads through forests. Within 30 minutes, you can be pushing yourself up the lower ramps of Els Àngels, the iconic local climb that serves as every pro's training benchmark. The city sits at the perfect convergence point: the Pyrenees rise to the north, the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa spreads to the west, the dramatic cliffs of Collsacabra stretch northwest, and the Mediterranean coastline lies just 30km to the east.

But the routes alone don't explain Girona's magnetic pull. The cycling infrastructure is exceptional: bike lanes connect the city to surrounding towns, drivers are accustomed to sharing roads with cyclists, and the density of bike shops, cafés, and rental facilities rivals any European capital. The climate delivers 300+ days of rideable weather annually, with mild winters that rarely require more than a gilet and arm warmers. The compact Old Town offers genuine charm without the tourist saturation of Barcelona, and the cost of living remains reasonable despite the influx of international riders.

Most remarkably, Girona has developed a cycling community that welcomes everyone from weekend warriors to WorldTour professionals. You'll see both groups sharing cappuccinos at La Fabrica on a Wednesday morning, discussing the same Strava segments you rode that day. This accessibility and genuine passion for the sport creates an atmosphere that keeps drawing more riders every year.

Classic Climbs🔗

Girona's surrounding terrain delivers an exceptional variety of climbing, from short punchy ascents to multi-hour epics. These five climbs form the core of the local cycling experience and appear on virtually every rider's regular rotation.

Els Àngels🔗

The defining climb of Girona cycling culture, Els Àngels rises 3.5km from the town of the same name with an average gradient of 6.8%. The climb itself isn't particularly difficult by European standards, but its significance comes from its role as the universal training benchmark. Every pro living in Girona has ridden it hundreds of times, and the Strava leaderboard reads like a WorldTour start list.

The climb starts gently before steepening to 8-9% through the middle section. The road surface is excellent, and the canopy of trees provides welcome shade during summer training. From Girona's Old Town, you'll ride approximately 12km east through Sant Gregori to reach the base. The return journey via Cassà de la Selva creates a classic 60-70km loop that serves as a standard midweek training ride.

The main Strava segment sees constant activity, with local riders comparing times year-round. Expect to encounter other cyclists on virtually every ascent during peak season.

Rocacorba🔗

When pros want a more serious training effort, they head north to Rocacorba. This 11.3km climb gains 717m at an average gradient of 6.4%, making it substantially longer and more demanding than Els Àngels. The ascent starts from Sant Aniol de Finestres and climbs steadily through changing terrain, from forested lower slopes to exposed upper sections with sweeping views across the region.

The gradient remains consistent throughout, hovering around 6-7% with occasional ramps to 10%. The summit features a telecommunications tower and panoramic views that extend to the Pyrenees on clear days. From Girona, the full loop via the climb typically covers 90-110km depending on your route choice, making it a substantial training day.

Traffic is generally light, though weekends can see increased recreational riders. The descent offers multiple route options, allowing you to create varied loops that prevent the climb from becoming repetitive despite regular visits.

Mare de Déu del Mont🔗

Less famous than Els Àngels or Rocacorba but equally challenging, Mare de Déu del Mont offers 8.7km of climbing at 7.2% average gradient. The climb sits west of Girona near the town of Sant Hilari Sacalm, requiring a longer ride out through the volcanic region to reach the base.

What makes this climb particularly tough is the irregular gradient profile. After a moderate start, the road ramps up to 10-12% for extended sections in the middle kilometers before easing slightly toward the summit. The sanctuary at the top provides a natural turnaround point, and the surrounding area offers stunning views across the forested volcanic landscape.

You'll encounter fewer riders here compared to the more popular climbs closer to Girona, making it an excellent choice when you want a challenging effort without the crowd dynamics. The full loop from Girona typically exceeds 100km. [VERIFY: exact loop distance for Mare de Déu del Mont from Girona city center]

Sant Hilari Sacalm🔗

The town of Sant Hilari Sacalm serves as a launching point for multiple climbing routes through the volcanic zone. The most common approach climbs 6.8km at an average of 5.8%, making it more approachable than the steeper options but still providing solid training stimulus. The gentler gradient makes it popular for tempo efforts and threshold work.

The surrounding volcanic landscape creates unique scenery distinct from other Girona climbs. Rolling terrain and numerous smaller roads allow for creative route planning, and many riders combine Sant Hilari with other climbs in the area for substantial training days. The town itself offers cafés and services, making it a convenient stop on longer loops.

Collsacabra and Rupit🔗

Northwest of Girona, the Collsacabra plateau provides some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. Sheer cliffs rise from the valley floor, and the climbing to reach the plateau delivers genuine difficulty. The medieval village of Rupit, perched on the cliff edge, serves as a spectacular destination for longer adventure rides.

Multiple routes access the plateau, with varying levels of difficulty. The climb from Vic to Rupit covers approximately 9km with sections reaching 10% gradient. Once atop the plateau, the rolling terrain allows for extended riding before descending back to lower elevations. This area works best as a full-day adventure rather than a quick training loop, with round trips from Girona typically exceeding 120km.

The remote character and spectacular views make this region particularly popular for weekend rides when you have more time to explore. Traffic remains light even during peak season, and the quality of the road surface is generally excellent throughout the area.

Best Routes🔗

While the individual climbs provide training benchmarks, complete routes showcase the full diversity of Girona's cycling terrain. These four loops represent the essential Girona riding experience, from short training efforts to full-day adventures.

The Classic Els Àngels Loop🔗

Distance: 60-80km | Elevation gain: 700-900m | Difficulty: Moderate

The quintessential Girona ride heads east from the Old Town through Sant Gregori to the base of Els Àngels. After the climb, you'll descend toward Cassà de la Selva before looping back west through Quart and Fornells de la Selva. The route works perfectly for midweek training, offering enough climbing to provide stimulus without requiring excessive time.

The beauty of this loop lies in its flexibility. You can extend it by adding extra climbs like Sant Grau or heading further east toward the coast. Alternatively, keep it compact for a focused two-hour effort. The roads are well-maintained throughout, with dedicated bike lanes on several sections near Girona. Traffic is generally light, though the main road through Sant Gregori sees more vehicles during morning and evening commute hours.

You'll inevitably encounter other riders on this route, especially during morning hours when group rides roll out. The concentration of cyclists means drivers are exceptionally aware and courteous. Stop at any of the cafés in the villages along the route, though most riders save their coffee stop for the return to Girona.

Costa Brava Coastal Route🔗

Distance: 100-130km | Elevation gain: 1000-1400m | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

When you want to combine climbing with Mediterranean views, head east toward the Costa Brava coastline. The route descends from Girona through Celrà and Bordils before reaching the coastal town of Pals. From there, head south along quieter roads parallel to the coast, taking in views of the sea while navigating rolling terrain.

The return journey inland provides the main climbing, with several options for route variation. You can head back through Vall-llobrega and Corçà for a more direct route, or extend north through Begur and Palafrugell for additional distance and coastal scenery. The terrain never delivers Alpine-style climbing, but the constant rolling nature and accumulated elevation make this a solid workout.

Summer brings significantly more traffic along coastal sections, making spring and autumn the ideal seasons for this route. The coastal towns offer numerous café and food options, and the beaches provide a tempting rest stop on warm days. Wind can be a factor, particularly the Tramuntana from the north, so check conditions before committing to this loop.

Volcanic Zone Loop🔗

Distance: 110-140km | Elevation gain: 1600-2000m | Difficulty: Challenging

The La Garrotxa volcanic zone west of Girona creates distinctive landscape and challenging terrain. This loop heads northwest through Banyoles before entering the volcanic region around Olot. The climbing accumulates through constant rolling terrain rather than single major ascents, making it an excellent endurance workout.

From Olot, you can extend north into the mountains toward Capsacosta and Oix for additional climbing, or turn east through Santa Pau and the volcanic crater zone. The return to Girona via Sant Hilari Sacalm adds the option to include Mare de Déu del Mont or other climbs in that area. Route variations are nearly limitless, allowing you to adjust distance and difficulty based on conditions and fitness.

The volcanic landscape provides constantly changing scenery, from extinct crater cones to thick beech forests. Traffic is minimal once you leave the main roads, and the region sees far fewer cyclists than routes closer to Girona. Plan for self-sufficiency on water and food, as services can be sparse in the more remote sections. This makes an excellent weekend ride when you have five or more hours available.

Pyrenean Foothills Adventure🔗

Distance: 140-180km | Elevation gain: 2200-3000m | Difficulty: Very Challenging

For riders seeking genuine epic days, head north into the Pyrenean foothills. While true high-mountain cols require venturing further north, the southern foothills deliver substantial climbing and remote terrain within reach of Girona. Routes typically head through Besalú and Sant Jaume de Llierca before climbing into the mountains around Beget and Camprodon.

The climbing here is more sustained and serious than the training loops closer to Girona. Expect multiple ascents of 8-12km with gradients regularly reaching 8-10%. The valleys between climbs provide recovery, but the accumulated elevation and distance make this a genuine test of fitness and endurance.

Services are limited in the mountains, so carry adequate food and water. Weather can change rapidly, particularly in spring and autumn, making it essential to pack extra layers. The scenery and sense of adventure more than compensate for the difficulty, and you'll finish with the satisfaction of having ridden genuine mountain terrain. These rides work best when you have a full day available and strong fitness built up from weeks of riding the more accessible routes around Girona.

When to Visit🔗

One of Girona's greatest advantages is year-round rideability. Unlike Alpine destinations that close for winter or Mediterranean islands that become uncomfortably hot in summer, Girona delivers excellent conditions across all twelve months. That said, certain seasons offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities.

Spring (March to June)🔗

Peak cycling season in Girona runs from March through June, when professional teams descend for training camps and the local rider population swells with visitors. March temperatures range from 10-18°C, warming to 15-25°C by June. Rain is possible but typically brief, and the countryside is at its most vibrant with spring flowers and green landscapes.

This season delivers ideal riding conditions: warm enough for short sleeve jerseys by midday, cool enough to climb comfortably, and long daylight hours for extended rides. The cycling infrastructure operates at full capacity, with all bike shops, rental facilities, and cycling cafés fully staffed. The trade-off is increased crowds on popular routes like Els Àngels and higher accommodation prices.

Book accommodation well in advance for April and May, when training camps and cycling events create high demand. If you're seeking the full Girona cycling experience with maximum atmosphere and group ride opportunities, spring is the optimal choice.

Summer (July to August)🔗

Summer brings genuine heat, with July and August temperatures regularly reaching 30-35°C. Early morning starts become essential for longer rides, with most serious training completed by noon. The heat makes coastal routes particularly appealing, and the option to finish rides with a Mediterranean swim adds to summer's attractions.

The cycling scene quietens during summer as many resident pros disperse for racing commitments and European holidays. Traffic increases on coastal roads as beach tourism peaks, making inland routes preferable. Accommodation becomes easier to find and prices moderate slightly compared to spring.

If you're comfortable with heat and early starts, summer offers excellent riding. The longer days provide ample time for big adventures, and the warm evenings make Girona's Old Town particularly pleasant for post-ride meals and recovery.

Autumn (September to November)🔗

Many experienced Girona visitors consider autumn the secret best season. September and October deliver near-perfect conditions: temperatures cooling to 15-25°C, reduced crowds compared to spring, and stunning autumn colors in the forested climbing areas. The cycling scene rebounds as pros return from summer racing, but the crowds never reach spring levels.

November marks the transition toward winter, with temperatures dropping to 10-18°C and increased rainfall. Days shorten significantly, limiting ride time, but the roads clear of tourists and the cycling infrastructure remains fully operational. Accommodation is readily available and often discounted compared to peak season.

For riders who want excellent conditions without peak-season crowds and prices, September and October represent ideal months. You'll experience the authentic local cycling scene without the temporary inflation of spring training camp season.

Winter (December to February)🔗

Girona's mild winter is precisely why so many pros choose to live here year-round. Temperatures range from 5-15°C, rarely dropping to freezing. Snow is virtually unheard of at Girona's elevation, though the higher Pyrenean routes become inaccessible. Rain increases in frequency but the majority of days remain rideable with appropriate clothing.

The winter cycling scene is dominated by resident riders maintaining base fitness. You'll find far fewer visitors, giving an authentic glimpse of daily life in the pro cycling capital. The cafés remain open and group rides continue throughout winter, though starting times shift later to avoid the coldest morning hours.

For northern European or North American riders escaping harsh winters, Girona provides excellent training conditions. While you'll need a full range of winter kit, you'll avoid the indoor trainer monotony that characterizes winter in colder climates. Accommodation reaches its lowest prices and availability is never an issue.

Where to Stay🔗

Accommodation in Girona ranges from budget hostels to luxury cycling hotels, with the majority concentrated in or near the Old Town. Staying within the medieval center puts you walking distance from cycling cafés, bike shops, and the cultural attractions while providing easy access to ride routes in all directions.

Old Town Area🔗

The Barri Vell (Old Town) offers the most atmospheric accommodation, with converted historic buildings providing character alongside modern amenities. The pedestrian-only streets mean you'll need to walk your bike through certain sections, but the convenience and ambiance justify the minor inconvenience. Numerous apartments cater specifically to cycling groups, offering secure bike storage, washing facilities, and kitchen access for self-catering.

Book early for spring season, as the limited Old Town accommodation fills months in advance. Winter and autumn offer more flexibility and significantly lower prices.

Cycling-Specific Hotels🔗

Several hotels cater specifically to cycling guests with dedicated facilities. Hotel Música, a boutique property near the Old Town, has become particularly popular with the cycling community. The hotel offers secure bike storage, a workshop area with tools and maintenance supplies, early breakfast service for riders heading out at dawn, and staff who understand cycling logistics.

These cycling hotels typically cost more than basic accommodation but provide genuine value through their specialized services. Many offer partnerships with local bike shops for rentals and repairs, and the concentration of cycling guests creates excellent opportunities for finding riding partners and sharing route information. [VERIFY: current status and booking details for Hotel Música and other cycling hotels in Girona]

Apartments and Long-Term Rentals🔗

For longer stays or groups, apartments offer better value and more flexibility. The Airbnb market in Girona is well-developed, with many properties specifically targeting cycling visitors. Look for listings that mention bike storage, as secure indoor space is essential. Ground floor or elevator access becomes important when you're carrying bikes up stairs daily.

Monthly rental rates drop substantially compared to nightly rates, making Girona affordable for extended training camps or remote workers who ride. The cycling community includes many riders who spend weeks or months based in Girona, and you'll find various Facebook groups and online forums where residents share accommodation tips and occasional sublet opportunities.

The Cycling Scene🔗

What truly distinguishes Girona from other cycling destinations is the depth and authenticity of its cycling culture. This isn't a tourist attraction or seasonal phenomenon—it's a year-round community built around genuine passion for riding.

Cycling Cafés🔗

La Fabrica has established itself as the spiritual center of Girona cycling. This café near the Old Town serves exceptional coffee and food while providing a natural gathering point for the cycling community. On any morning, you'll find a mix of local riders, visiting amateurs, and occasionally recognizable pro faces discussing routes, comparing power data, or simply enjoying post-ride recovery.

The Service Course, owned by former pro Christian Vande Velde, combines café and bike shop in one location. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with staff who can discuss both espresso techniques and derailleur adjustments with equal expertise. The café hosts regular events and group ride meetups, making it an excellent place to connect with other riders.

Federal Café, Espresso Mafia, and several others round out the café scene. Each has its own character and regular clientele, and you'll quickly develop favorites based on location, coffee quality, and atmosphere. The cycling café culture here is genuine rather than manufactured—these are places where actual riders spend actual time, not tourist attractions dressed up with cycling memorabilia.

Group Rides and Etiquette🔗

Organized and informal group rides roll out daily from various cafés and bike shops. The shops typically maintain set schedules for different ability levels, from social-paced recovery rides to serious training efforts. Show up on time with a properly maintained bike and appropriate fitness level for the advertised pace.

Group ride etiquette in Girona follows standard European norms: rotate through smoothly, point out hazards, hold your line, and don't half-wheel. The international nature of the community means English is widely spoken, but learning basic Catalan or Spanish cycling vocabulary helps communication during rides.

Be aware that some groups maintain genuinely high paces suited to professional training speeds. Don't be discouraged if you get dropped from a fast group—there's a ride for every level, and the slower groups still deliver excellent routes and good company.

Pro Spotting and Community Integration🔗

Yes, you'll see professional riders. They live here, train here, and frequent the same cafés and roads as everyone else. The unspoken etiquette is to treat them as you would any other rider: a friendly nod is fine, asking for photos or autographs while they're training is not. If you happen to be climbing Els Àngels alongside a WorldTour rider, enjoy the experience but respect their training session.

The pros appreciate Girona specifically because it allows them normal lives outside racing. The community has developed an understanding that preserves this balance: enthusiasm for cycling is universal and welcomed, but harassment of professional riders is frowned upon. This mutual respect is what makes the integration work and what keeps the pros returning year after year.

Strava and the Digital Cycling Community🔗

The concentration of serious riders makes Girona one of the most active Strava regions globally. Local segments have leaderboards packed with professional riders and fast amateurs, creating legitimate benchmarks for measuring your efforts. Popular climbs like Els Àngels see dozens of attempts daily during peak season.

The Strava community extends the real-world cycling culture into the digital realm. You'll find active local clubs, route sharing, and genuine engagement rather than just automated kudos. Many riders planning Girona trips connect through Strava first, using it to find riding partners and get route recommendations from locals.

Be realistic about where you stand on the leaderboards—the top positions are held by WorldTour professionals riding at threshold efforts. Focus on your own improvements rather than comparing yourself to riders who compete in Grand Tours.

Getting There🔗

Girona's location in Catalonia provides excellent transport connections, with multiple options for reaching the city with or without your bike.

By Air🔗

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) sits just 12km south of the city center, offering the most convenient access. Ryanair operates numerous routes from European cities, though service is seasonal with more flights during summer months. The airport is small and efficient, making bike handling straightforward. Taxis and buses connect to Girona city in 20-30 minutes.

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) provides far more flight options and better connections to North America and Asia. The airport sits approximately 100km south of Girona, with several transport options for the final connection. Direct buses run regularly between Barcelona airport and Girona bus station, taking around 90 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Barcelona Sants station to Girona, though this requires navigating Barcelona's metro system to reach the train station from the airport.

Bike transport policies vary by airline. Most European carriers charge €50-100 each way for bikes, with specific packing requirements. Book bike space in advance as airlines limit the number of bikes per flight. Budget extra time at both ends for bike packing and unpacking.

By Train🔗

Girona sits on the main rail line connecting Barcelona with France, receiving frequent high-speed AVE and regional train service. From Barcelona Sants station, trains reach Girona in 37-75 minutes depending on service type. The fast AVE trains don't accept bikes, but regional trains do with advance reservation (limited spaces per train). From France, trains run via Figueres with connections to the French rail network.

Girona's train station sits about 1km south of the Old Town, an easy walk or short taxi ride. The station has elevators and is manageable with bikes, though you'll navigate stairs at some platforms.

Bike Rental🔗

For riders not bringing their own bikes, Girona offers excellent rental options. Multiple shops stock high-quality road bikes from brands like Canyon, Specialized, and Pinarello. Expect to pay €50-100 per day depending on bike specification, with discounts for weekly rentals. Reserve well in advance for peak season (April-May) when demand exceeds supply.

Most rental shops provide pedals (bring your own shoes and cleats), basic tools, and a spare tube. Some offer delivery to your accommodation and provide support vehicles for organized group rides. The shops understand cycling logistics and can advise on route planning, weather considerations, and local riding conditions.

Practical Information🔗

Bike Shops and Mechanical Support🔗

The density of bike shops in Girona rivals major cycling capitals. You'll find everything from quick roadside puncture repairs to complete bike builds. Most shops have English-speaking staff and stock common parts from major manufacturers. The Service Course, Cicles Grau, and several others operate full-service workshops with same-day or next-day turnaround on most repairs.

Carry basic tools and a spare tube on every ride, but know that help is rarely far away if you encounter problems you can't fix roadside. The cycling community is exceptionally supportive, and you'll often see riders stopping to assist others with mechanical issues.

Navigation and Route Planning🔗

Most riders navigate using GPS devices loaded with routes from Strava, Komoot, or RideWithGPS. Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent throughout the region, making phone-based navigation reliable. Download offline maps for remote areas where data service can be spotty.

The bike shops and cafés can provide route recommendations and GPX files for popular loops. Don't hesitate to ask other riders for advice—sharing route knowledge is deeply embedded in the local cycling culture. Start with the classic routes to build familiarity with the region before venturing into more remote areas.

Language and Culture🔗

Catalan is the primary local language, though Spanish is universally understood and spoken. In cycling-focused establishments, you'll find English widely spoken due to the international rider community. Learning basic greetings in Catalan is appreciated: 'bon dia' (good morning), 'gràcies' (thank you), and 'adéu' (goodbye) will be well received.

The cycling community in Girona is exceptionally welcoming to visitors but maintains certain cultural norms. Mealtimes run later than northern Europe or North America—lunch starts at 2pm, dinner rarely begins before 9pm. Shops close for siesta between 2-5pm, though cycling cafés and bike shops increasingly remain open to serve the international community.

Safety and Emergency Services🔗

Girona and surrounding areas are generally very safe for cycling. Drivers are accustomed to sharing roads with cyclists, though you should maintain normal defensive riding practices. The main hospital (Hospital Universitari de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta) provides excellent medical care, and emergency services respond quickly throughout the region.

The European emergency number 112 works throughout Spain and will connect you to appropriate services. Save this number in your phone and carry identification with emergency contact information on every ride. Travel insurance that covers cycling activities is strongly recommended, as medical evacuation from remote mountain areas can be expensive.

Petty theft can occur in any tourist area. Never leave bikes unattended outside cafés or shops, even when locked. The bike storage at your accommodation should be secure and monitored. Most established cycling hotels and apartments understand the value of the bikes they're storing and take security seriously.