Cycling in Girona
Where the pros train and the roads stay quiet
Best time to ride
Best months
March to June, September to November
Temperature
14-27 C across the riding season
Rainfall
Driest months are June through August; spring can bring afternoon showers in the hills
The riding
Girona is the unofficial cycling capital of Europe. A few hundred professional riders live here for a reason: within 30 minutes of the medieval old town you reach rolling farmland, coastal flats, volcanic terrain in the Garrotxa, and the first serious foothills of the Pyrenees. Traffic on the secondary roads to the north and west is almost non-existent.
The terrain suits every rider. If you want steady Zone 2 volume, the GI-554 corridor towards Banyoles and the lake loop is flat-to-rolling perfection. If you want to hurt, Rocacorba, Mare de Deu del Mont, and the Pyrenean cols around Camprodon are all within reach of a long day. Gravel riders can disappear into the volcanic tracks around Olot or head east to the coastal paths of the Costa Brava.
Road surfaces are generally excellent. The Catalan government resurfaces cycling-popular roads regularly, and local drivers are accustomed to large groups. The cafe culture rounds it off: rides start and end at La Fabrica, Federal, or any of the bike-friendly stops along the Onyar.
Key climbs & routes
- Els Angels (10 km, avg 4-5%) — the daily bread of every Girona-based rider, steady gradient to a hilltop sanctuary at 485 m
- Rocacorba (10 km, avg 7%, ramps to 15%) — the local test piece, finishing above 990 m at the antenna cluster; sub-40 is a strong amateur benchmark
- Mare de Deu del Mont (12 km, avg 5.5%) — a longer, more isolated climb north of Banyoles through dense forest
- Coll de Bracons (10 km, avg 5.8%) — a quiet Pyrenean approach climb with consistent gradient and beautiful views
- Santa Pellaia loop — not a single climb but a rolling circuit through the Gavarres massif, punchy and technical
Practical info
Getting there
Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is 1h15 by car or 1h40 by direct train. Girona-Costa Brava airport (GRO) handles seasonal Ryanair flights and is 15 minutes from town.
Bike hire
Several shops in the old town rent high-end road and gravel bikes: Eat Sleep Cycle, Trek Travel, and La Bicicleta. Book frames in advance during March-May peak.
Where to stay
The old town (Barri Vell) is the classic base — walkable to cafes and ride start points. Budget hostels to boutique hotels. For longer stays, apartments in the Eixample or Pedret neighborhoods are popular with visiting riders.
Frequently asked questions
Is Girona good for cycling?
Girona is arguably the best cycling destination in Europe. Hundreds of professional riders live here year-round thanks to the combination of quiet roads, varied terrain from flat coastal lanes to Pyrenean cols, reliable weather and a strong cycling culture with bike-friendly cafes and shops throughout the city.
When is the best time to cycle in Girona?
The peak season runs from March to June and September to November. Spring offers mild temperatures (15-22 C), wildflowers and manageable tourist traffic. Autumn is drier and slightly warmer. July and August are hot (30 C+) but rideable with early starts. Winter (December-February) is cool but rarely freezing at lower elevations.
How do I get to Girona with a bike?
Fly into Barcelona El Prat and take the train or drive (1h15). Most airlines accept bike boxes as checked luggage. Girona-Costa Brava airport handles seasonal low-cost flights and is 15 minutes from the city centre. Several bike hire shops in Girona also offer airport transfers.
Can I ride gravel in Girona?
Yes. The volcanic zone around Olot and the Garrotxa natural park has excellent gravel tracks. The coastal paths along the Costa Brava and the forest tracks through the Gavarres massif are also popular. Many Girona-based pros train on gravel year-round.
What are the must-ride climbs near Girona?
Els Angels is the signature daily climb (10 km, 4-5%). Rocacorba is the test piece (10 km, 7% average with ramps to 15%). For longer efforts, Mare de Deu del Mont and the Pyrenean cols around Camprodon and Coll de Bracons are all within reach of a full day out.
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