A proposal of 6 routes to travel by bicycle and contemplate the natural wealth of Catalonia.
Traveling through landscapes by bicycle is one of the most special and environmentally responsible ways of traveling: we do it at our own pace, contemplating nature and its nuances. With each route we discover something new and seem to savor time at a slower pace. And the truth is that you don’t have to go too far to be able to do it: here in Catalonia there is an extensive network of bike paths, greenways and itineraries prepared for cycle tourism. An extension that goes from the Pyrenees to the smaller beaches and coves of the Costa Brava, passing through the vineyards of the Penedès or the green plains of the Vall d’Aran. We invite you to discover it.
From the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava
The Pirinexus route is one of the longest in Catalan territory, with a total of 340 kilometers. A trip through two of the most unique landscape settings: the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava. It crosses ancient forests, volcanoes, natural parks, vineyards and virgin coves in towns such as Peralada, Sant Pere Pescador, Palafrugell, Girona, Camprodon or Céret.
From the bicycle, you can ride along green lanes, forest tracks and little-traveled roads. It is advisable to use a hybrid gravel, trekking or similar bike.
The Castles of La Segarra
History lovers will enjoy this tour that offers us a route through the Castles of La Segarra.
This region, located in the province of Lleida, is a land of castles and vestiges of ruins. In its territory we find a large number of fortifications, and between the 11th and 12th centuries the border between the Christian Catalan counties and Arab Al-Andalus was drawn. Specifically, the castles of Cervera, Florejacs, Les Palargues, Aranyó and Montcortès are located, the latter being a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
A route that offers us a trip to the past while we enjoy the views of the castles to the rhythm of the pedal.
At the foot of La Vall d’Aran
Anyone who knows Catalonia a little will know that La Vall d’Aran is one of the most beautiful areas of the territory. Surrounded by mountain ranges and green meadows, it is ideal for practicing sports such as skiing, but also hiking and cycling. On this, it is advisable to do the Honería route, which despite being demanding in terms of distance (more than 30 km) and gradient, is worth it to contemplate the almost virgin valley of Toran. There we can also enjoy a spectacular fir and beech forest, as well as panoramic views from Canejan over the towns of Les and Bossòst.
Sea, vineyards and mountains in Penedès
The Penedès is another of the areas that we have not finished discovering. Located about 40 minutes from Barcelona, it is the ideal setting to disconnect from the city without having to travel too far. In addition, it has an exceptionally rich landscape: long plains of vineyards, mountains and even views of the sea. A territory of contrasts that we can discover thanks to the Penedès 360º routes, designed to tour towns, wineries and hermitages along quiet paths that run through vineyards, with Montserrat in the background.
Most are routes without technical difficulties, but there are also longer and more complex ones. They are classified into three categories: Gravel, MTB and Road. For example, the latter is a 200-kilometer circular route that connects the inland mountains with the Mediterranean Sea and the vineyards. It passes through municipalities such as Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltrú.
The Ebro Delta and its rice fields
The Hotel SB Corona Tortosa, part of the SH Hotels & Bike chain, focuses on responding to all the needs of cyclists. For this reason, it offers us three routes to discover this area bathed by the Ebro River; a territory somewhat more unknown than the north of Catalonia and which nevertheless hides many treasures to discover.
The first is a circular route through Alfara de Carles that includes a stretch of greenway between forests. It runs through part of the Els Ports Natural Park, a limestone massif between Catalonia, Valencia and Aragon whose steep and abrupt relief has been humanized since prehistoric times.
In addition, the Park has a strong commitment to sustainable tourism recognized by EUROPARC through CETS certification. In that area we also find charming towns such as Horta de Sant Joan, considered one of the most beautiful in Catalonia.
The second route crosses the Ebro Delta combining asphalt with bike lanes, secondary roads and compact dirt roads. A delight to contemplate one of the most spectacular natural parks in Catalonia.
Finally, the third is the Mestral de Tornada route and brings us closer to the essence of Tortosa, capital of Baix Ebre.
Mont-roig del Camp: the area that inspired Joan Miró
It is a short excursion (5.6 km) that takes us to see the hermitages of the Virgen de la Roca and San Ramón de Mont-roig del Camp. Both stand as privileged watchtowers over Baix Camp, at the top of the Red Rock. That area was portrayed on multiple occasions by the painter Joan Miró, who was captivated by the strength of the Mont-roig landscape.
The route begins in Vilanova d’Escornalbou, a quiet town with a long agricultural tradition located in a privileged area between mountains, forests and small towns.
