Cycling through the heart of the Empordà vineyards: between terroir and history

Starting in Girona, you'll follow a cycle path south out of the city. The route will take you directly to the Mediterranean Sea. This section follows the greenway known as "El Carrilet," passing through the towns of Quart, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera, and Santa Cristina d'Aro. Throughout the journey, you'll have the Gavarres massif as your backdrop, a mountainous forest area composed mainly of oak trees, important for cork production. You'll arrive in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Your accommodation will be near the beautiful Sant Pol beach.

Today, you'll cycle north along the coast, combining the coastal road with the seafront boulevards, and visiting the main port town of Palamós. After a few kilometers, you'll pass the unspoiled cove of Platja de Castell, with its Iberian settlement on the left. It's a lovely spot for a picnic and a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Later, you'll arrive in the picturesque old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, one of the gems of the Costa Brava. The final section will follow the greenway known as the "Ruta del Tren Petit" (Little Train Route).

The route begins heading north, inland, passing through Palafrugell, with its fish, meat, and vegetable market. It's a pleasant place to discover local produce from the region. You can also visit the Cork Museum. After leaving Palafrugell, you'll arrive in Pals, one of the best-preserved medieval towns. The route takes you through natural wetlands with vast rice paddies and long sandy beaches. The cycling tour ends in Torroella de Montgrí, at the foot of the Montgrí massif, with its impressive castle.

The route continues north through the Montgrí massif, entering the Alt Empordà region. We arrive at the long Bay of Roses with its expansive sandy beaches. Next to the charming medieval village of Sant Martí d'Empúries, and directly across from the stunning beach, we should take the time to visit the archaeological site of Empúries with its Greek and Roman ruins, the gateway of classical cultures to the Iberian Peninsula. The route then continues north, crossing the protected Aiguamolls de l'Empordà wetlands. The itinerary concludes in the village of Castelló d'Empúries, which boasts a rich architectural heritage: a Gothic church, a count's palace, the old market building, and the Jewish quarter.

This walk offers fantastic views of the Pyrenees as you stroll through centuries-old vineyards. Today, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the most interesting wineries, located mainly in the towns of Vilajuïga and Pau. You can also enjoy a tasting of wines and local products at the Espelt winery.

The final leg of the journey will first take you to Peralada, the capital of the wine DO. There, you can visit the castle and the medieval town. From there, you'll cross the upper part of the wine region, passing through Garriguella, Vilamaniscle, and Rabos, home to some of the oldest vineyards. The tour includes a visit to the spectacular La Vinyeta winery, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and wine tasting paired with local products. From there, the route descends to your final destination, the city of Figueres. Upon arrival in Figueres, you can enjoy a visit to the renowned Dalí Theatre-Museum, still one of Spain's most popular tourist attractions.

Today, you are leaving the hotel in Figueres.