Catalonia by Bike for Families

If you are arriving into the train station in Flaça, on the Barcelona - Girona - Figueras line, you will be picked up at the station and transferred to the first night's accommodation. A transfer from Girona airport can also be arranged (additional cost may apply). Overnight stay in the small town of La Pera.

Your bikes will be delivered after breakfast. On your first cycling day you'll be immersed in the ambience of Lower Ampurdan (Baix Emporda), riding through traditional rural landscapes with farms and vegetable gardens, picturesque villages and Mediterranean woods. The Medieval villages of Monells and Madremanya both have interesting historical centres. In Pubol, you can visit the castle-museum which Dalí dedicated to his wife, Gala. If the regular route seems a bit tough for a first day, there is an optional shortcut. Overnight La Pera. Ascend and descend 200m or 300m/655 or 985ft

Today begins with a short climb through woods but afterwards the road is almost flat and you'll find yourself surrounded by Tuscany-like hilltop villages. Long ago, the Iberians worked this vast and fertile agricultural region and introduced cypress trees as windbreaks to protect against erosion. Once in Peratallada, you have a challenging task: take a stroll round the village to select one of many inviting restaurants for dinner. Overnight stay at Peratallada. Ascend 150m/490ft, descend 175m/574ft

Today you cycle out to the Costa Brava, along quiet country lanes through Pals to Palafrugell, then on to Llafranca to reach Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on this coast. You have the option of taking a lunch break at a nice restaurant on the beach. Visit the lovely botanical gardens in Cap Roig before cycling back to Peratallada, or venture further south through the valley of Aubi. This area has truly preserved its original rural character. Some farmhouses even have 15th- and 16th-century towers, ancient refuges from pirate attacks. Overnight at Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft

It's a relatively gentle cycling route today through the Ter River delta, with its green rice fields and charming windmills, then onward to sandy beaches on the coast. If you prefer to take a rest day, Peratallada is a perfect place to relax, or take a short stroll through the nearby Mediterranean woods. Overnight in Peratallada. Ascend and descend 150m/490ft

Head northwards into the region of Alt Empordà (the Upper Ampurdán), cycling through mixed forests, open rural landscape and endless orchards. There is an optional stop to admire the Greek and Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Empuries, then you can take a break and stroll along the Medieval lanes of Torroella de Montgri. In the afternoon you'll arrive at a charming country house, your accommodation with its own private swimming pool. Ascend and descend 200m/656ft

Today you'll cycle to Figueres, the village whose name is synonymous with Salvador Dalí. Visit the surrealist painter's museum, take a pleasant stroll along the town Rambla and admire the beautiful Augustine monastery just outside town. Then follow the Muga River to the medieval town of Castello d'Empuries. Later you are welcomed by the refreshing greenery of Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose wetlands are home to a significant seasonal waterbird colony. Alternatively, for a shorter option, you can cycle to the train station and take the train to Figueras, or take a bus directly from San Pere Pescador to Figueras and have a day off cycling. This allows more time to visit the Salvador Dali museum (at least 3 hours required. Note it is often closed on Mondays). Ascend and descend 125m/410ft