The old paths of the railway network today disappeared are convertes in new cycling routes. More than 100 km of pointed out routes from the Catalan Pyrenees to the Costa Brava. You’ll be pedalling along scenic trails where there’s no access for motorised vehicles.
The Vias Verdes (Greenways) are the result of converting disused railway lines into cycling and walking routes. Easy, accessible, far removed from motorised traffic and with hardly any steep slopes, they are specially recommended for cyclin and nature lovers.
The Vias Verdes (Greenways) are the result of converting disused railway lines into cycling and walking routes. Easy, accessible, far removed from motorised traffic and with hardly any steep slopes, they are specially recommended for cyclin and nature lovers.
This holiday includes 5 hotel nights based on half board except in Hotel Peninsular (breakfast only), luggage transfer between each hotel and a road book (containing maps and route notes) and cycle hire. It is pleasant to walk all year round, specially for spring (from March to June) and autumn (from September to November)
Meals: dinner & breakfast each day (except in Hotel Peninsular, with breakfast only)
Terrain: you cycle principally on vias verdes (disused railway), back roads and tracks
Length: daily routes of approximately 35-40 kilometres (4 hours)
Start & departure days: any day
Accommodation: one 4-star hotel and four 3-star hotels
Difficulty: low, recommended for for young people, adults and also families
Weather: the region usually enjoys year-round bright, sunny and mild weather with averages temperatures of 16°C in May and October and 20°C in September, and is a great choice for cycling in both spring and autumn.
Getting there: Ryanair flies to Girona from London
Starting Point: As the local saying has it, "Com a Olot enlloc" , there's nowhere like Olot. A lively litte town (capital of the Garrotxa region), devoted to its festival giants, appreciative of fine art and cuisine. Olot lies within the protected area of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of the Garrotxa.
The volcano of El Croscat was the last to rupt in the area, 11.500 years ago. Despite the millennia which have elapsed since then, the volcanoes are theoretically dormant rather than extinct. Some of the thirty cones have the classic circular shape, while others are horseshoe-shaped after part of the rim collapsed under the flowing lava.
There are over twenty lava flows in the park, some as much as 16 kms long and several dozen metres deep. There were demands to protect the area as early as 1917, at a time when concern for the environment was practically unheard of. The volcanic zone finally won protection in 1982 when a drecree was passed by the Catalan Parliament. It was declared a Natural Park in 1985.
The 3 star Hotel La Perla is located in the city of Olot, next to the Vocanoes Museum and inside the Natural Park at the impressive Garrotxa Volcanic zone. Hotel Perla d'Olot is a family run hotel, with great experience and modern amenities, guarantees a stay in a welcoming and quiet atmosphere. The traditonal Catalan cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel a la carte restaurant.
Day 1: This 57-km route from Olot to Girona crosses three regions and twelve towns, following the valleys of the Fluvià, Brugent and Ter rivers. The Narrow-Gauge Railway Route descends smoothly from Olot (440 m) to Girona (70 m). Its highest point is at Coll d'en Bas, which is a pass situated 558 metres above sea level. The trail is in very good condition, and has been fitted with new bridges, railings and signs.
The Narrow-Gauge Railway Route crosses through magnificent scenery of great ecological and cultural value. It begins in the Garrotxa Volcanic Area, and following the old narrow-gauge railway line, reaches the Ter valley and the pasturelands of Salt and Girona.
The old rail line that connected the Garrotxa and Girones regions now allows visitors to discover the natural resources of the Garrotxa Volcanic Area, the Hostoles castle, and the towns of Angles, Sant Feliu de Pallerols and Girona, among others. The last section of the trail runs along the Ter River as it crosses the pasturelands of Salt and Girona.
The city of Girona is a walled city of Roman origin and located at a strategic point on the route between the Pyrenees and Barcelona. The city has much to see in the way of a Cathedral, art & archaeology and an ancient Jewish quarter (El Call). The River Onyar divides the city from west to eat, most visitors spend their time on the east side in the old medieval part of the city. The Rambla, the main shopping street, bursts into bloom on Sunday mornings for the flower market.
Hotel: The 3 star Hotel Peninsular is gem located in the historical and commrcial centre of Girona, at only 5 minutes on foot from the Girona cathedral. Hotel Peninsular experience welcoming guest for over 150 years is a guarantee of quality and good service.
Day 2: The Narrow-Gauge Railway Route stretches out 39.7 km. With a smooth incline from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols (15 m), its highest point is at Cassa de la Selva (136 m). Following the old narrow-gauge railway line from Girona to Sant Feliu, you can get to know two of Girona's regions - the Girones and the Baix Emporda - from the Ter River basin, crossing the Selva depression and ending in the Ridaura valley.
The most salient feature of the railway line trail from Sant Feliu de Guixols to Girona is the smoothness of its slopes and curves. The route is formed by a winding line that was mathematically mapped out over the rugged terrain. The paving is of a grainy “granite sand” type material that blends in nicely with the terrain it crosses, although there are also urban sections at all the towns that it runs through.
After leaving Girona behind, the route crosses the Selva depression, characterised by a patchwork mosaic formed by alternating croplands and forests. On clear days you can enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view that encompasses the easternmost mountains of the Pyrenees range all the way down to the Montseny massif, including the coastal Serralada Transversal (El Far, Sant Roc, Rocacorba).
The second half of the section crosses the Ridaura valley, which separates the Cadiretes massif to the south from the Gavarres massif, and runs gently down to the seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the birthplace of the Costa Brava place name, which offers breathtaking seascapes and views of the surrounding countryside. Follow the course of this path until reach Castell d'Aro.
Follows the coastal path called el Cami de Ronda. It one of the loviest routes in Costa Brava, made up of old coastguards and farmers trails tat hug the coastline. Parts cut accross small and intimate sandy coves.
You cycle accross Platja d'Aro, Sant Antoni de Calonge and Palamos harbours. After cycling Palamos sea promenade, you reach La Fosca cove.
Hotel: The 3 star Hotel Ancora is located few metres from the peaceful beach of La Fosca. With 46 rooms, modern facilities, local and international excellent cuisine. With its cool, airy rooms, this is a pleasant base.
Day 3: The path then heads inland, across fields and through woodland of pine, olive and oak trees, before returning to the coast for a splendid, and very scenic, section along the coastal path, passing numerous secret coves. Take some time to explore the inland market town of Palafrugell, the wonderful botanic garden on Cap Roig and relax in Calella de Palafrugell sandy coves.
From Calella de Palafrugell, you cycle along the coast to Llafranc, past several beaches where you can stop for a swim. This walk has some challenging sections and a mixture of coastal and inland stretches. Tou start by reaching the Sant Sebastia lighthouse, an excellent viewpoint. You then have a wonderful coastal section from the lovely rocky cove of Cala Pedrosa, along the coast of Tamariu to Aiguablava Cove and Begur.
Hotel: The 3 star Hotel Rosa is a small, family run hotel located in the centre of the lovely old city of Begur, in the very heart of the Costa Brava. Hotel Rosa is also located only few minutes from its coves, some of the most beautiful coves of the Mediterranean coastline.Hotel Rosa is a comfortable resort and, although a 3 star, you will be impressed with the quality of accommodation provided. Hotel Rosa offers 23 comfortable rooms, all with fully equipped bathroom, air conditioning, television and telephone. Rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished in classic style. partner, Narcis, an accomplished chef. The hotel's other great feature besides its locally renowned restaurant (where you eat from the extensive à la carte menu) is the roof terrace.
Day 4: Today’s cycle is a pleasant route, chiefly on quiet back roads, with views of cork oaks, pine woods, olive groves and vineyards. After cycling the Emporda plain through the medieval villages of Regencos, Pals, Sant Julia de Boada, Fontclara, Fontanilles, Gualta, Torroella de Montgri and Albons you reach the sandy beach of L'Escala.
L'Escala is a traditional centre of sleepy streets and tiny, rocky coves. A confusing maze of houses leads to several sand-and-pebble beaches, busy with French and Spanish families. The main beach, although small, is the most attractive, with a steep shore shelving into clear, rocky water. This is a good resort for families with older children as it is busy enough to keep different ages entertained.
Hotel: On L'Escala seafront, with wonderful views of the Gulf of Roses the 4 star Hotel Nieves Mar offers its 65 rooms and 10 suites, all completely renovated, extremely comfortable and with sea views. Managed by the owner with a homely and cordial atmosphere. You can also taste the fish and seafood dishes from the renowed restaurant Cala Neus situated in the hotel itself. We suggest you to follow the coastal path to discover the Empuries Ruins (only 2 kilometres from L'Escala).
Prices (Prices per person, based on 2 adults sharing a standard room):
Low Season (1 March-31 May & 1 October-31 October 2009): Eur 521
Middle Season (1 June-30 June & 1 September-30 September 2009): Eur 542
High Season (8 April-13 April 2009): Eur 582
Single Supplement: Eur 184 (Low Season), Eur 181 (Middle) & Eur 212 (High Season).