Slow cycling in Empordà, villages and local flavors
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationCatalonia / Costa Brava
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions36.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
In the heart of the Empordà region , between the Mediterranean Sea and the Catalan hinterland , this cycling holiday invites you to explore an authentic territory at the pace of the locals. Accompanied by a local cycling guide , you'll follow flat and accessible routes by trekking, gravel, or electric bike , for a gentle and refreshing immersion.
From the rice paddies of Pals , you'll discover traditional rice cultivation, a historic mill, and sample a surprising local rice beer . The route continues to the inland vineyards , where a breathtaking sunset enhances the landscapes before meeting farmers committed to regenerative agriculture . A fresh cheese-making workshop, followed by lunch at the farm, extends this rural immersion.
The journey concludes amidst medieval villages and ancient olive groves , exploring the millennia-old culture of the olive. A tasting of extra virgin olive oils and a traditional breakfast featuring seasonal produce awaken the senses.
An active and gourmet interlude, placed under the sign of slow travel , where each pedal stroke brings you a little closer to the Catalan soul.
The highlights
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Authentic immersion and local culture
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Local expertise and passionate guiding
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"Slow Travel" cycling accessible to all
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
This trip has been designed to prioritize enjoyment and discovery rather than athletic performance. Thanks to the mostly flat terrain and the support of our local guides, we don't impose any strict fitness level requirements: we adapt the pace, breaks, and explanations to each participant, whether you're a casual cyclist or an active traveler looking to disconnect.
In figures
Gravel
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 28 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 108 m
- Average daily descent: 108 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
Your stay will be accompanied by a passionate local guide, a true expert on the Empordà region and recreational cycling. More than just a guide, they will be your connection to the area: they will share the secrets of its medieval history, introduce you to local producers, and ensure that the pace is always tailored to your preferences. Their mission is to guarantee your safety and comfort while offering an authentic immersion, far from the beaten track, for a warm and welcoming experience.
Program
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The rice paddies of Pals
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 45 m
- Negative elevation 45 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From the moment you arrive at Pals Beach , your adventure in the heart of the Empordà begins. After settling in, we'll embark on a gentle first day of cycling through rice paddies, along riverbanks, and through vineyards . This flat and relaxing route will allow you to immediately soak up the serenity of the landscape. To conclude this welcoming day in style, we'll visit a historic mill to discover the secrets of local rice, before sharing a tasting of local wine at dusk , overlooking the vineyards bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.
The experience includes:
- Guided tour of the historic Pals rice mill.
- Introduction to traditional rice cultivation.
- Tasting of local rice beer.
- Vineyard tour
- Local wine tasting at sunset
Day 1 -
Local produce and farm life
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 195 m
- Negative elevation 195 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This second stage takes you to the heart of rural Empordà . After a stroll through peaceful countryside landscapes, you'll enjoy a unique , restorative culinary experience. We'll stop at a local farm for a complete immersion: after a tour of the facilities, you'll participate in a workshop on making fresh sheep's milk cheese . The day will end with an authentic farm lunch , where you'll savor seasonal, local products, straight from the producer to your table.
The experience includes:
- Visit to the flock of sheep and explanations on animal welfare.
- Practical workshop on making fresh sheep's milk cheese.
- Lunch and tasting of dairy products made on the farm
Day 2 -
Olive oil and medieval heritage
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Negative elevation 140 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we'll cycle through ancient olive groves and historic towns. The route will reveal the inseparable link between the landscape and the region's history. You'll enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local products before experiencing a sensory awakening with a tasting of extra virgin olive oils (HOVE) . Finally, we'll explore one of the most emblematic medieval villages of the Empordà before bringing this trip to a gentle close. A perfect end to your journey, combining culture, heritage, and timeless flavors.
The experience includes:
- Guided walk through the heart of the olive groves.
- Awakening of the senses: tasting of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO).
- Traditional lunch featuring local seasonal produce
Day 3
Note
The itinerary of this program may be adapted according to weather conditions to ensure your safety and comfort. In case of adverse weather, we reserve the right to modify the order of the stages or the timing of visits and tastings, while maintaining all the planned experiences. Furthermore, although the routes are designed to be accessible to everyone, the guide may adjust the pace of the group according to the preferences and abilities of the participants to ensure a truly enjoyable experience.
Accommodation
You will stay at the Hotel Molí del Mig by URH, an exceptional establishment that combines the charm of a former 15th-century mill with contemporary and sustainable design. Nestled in the heart of 7 hectares of gardens and rice paddies, this hotel offers a peaceful setting, ideal for recharging after a day of cycling. You will enjoy spacious and bright rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and quality local cuisine, all just minutes from the medieval village of Pals and the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava. A true haven of serenity for total immersion in the Empordà region.
The 4-star La Costa Beach & Golf Resort is a true haven of peace located in the heart of the Costa Brava, with direct access to the long Pals beach. Surrounded by one of the region's finest golf courses, the hotel offers an atmosphere of absolute relaxation and top-of-the-range facilities. Its spacious rooms, all with terraces overlooking the pool or the golf course, make it the ideal starting point for exploring the Empordà region by bicycle. After your round, you can enjoy its expansive gardens and exclusive Mediterranean ambiance.
Access
We are completely flexible regarding your arrival and departure times, and we gladly adapt to your schedule so that you can enjoy your stay in complete peace of mind.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 2 nights in a comfortable double room with breakfast included.
- Bike, helmet and GPS rental
- Fully guided experience with a local guide
- Insurance, safety kit and repair kit
- All the tastings and experiences planned in the itinerary
The price does not include
- Transportation to/from Pals beach
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Tourist tax , to be paid directly to the hotel
- Transportation to the place of stay
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
