Gravel cycling tour from Banyuls to Barcelona under the Catalan sun
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationCatalonia / Spain
-
AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
-
CO₂-Emissions71.27 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
English
French
Spanish
In a few words
Treat yourself to a winter gravel bike adventure between the Mediterranean Sea and the Catalan mountains , on a unique crossing from Cerbère to Barcelona . For four days , you'll cycle in the mild Spanish winter climate, on an accessible route combining quiet roads , forest tracks , and smooth trails . This route, without technical difficulty, is ideal for discovering gravel bikepacking while enjoying varied landscapes and a friendly atmosphere.
Suitable for regular cyclists, this trip requires good endurance to complete the stages with moderate elevation gain . The entire organization is taken care of: luggage transport , customized refreshments , professional support throughout the route, and easy return to the starting point .
A great opportunity to live an immersive experience , punctuated by effort, nature and the pleasure of cycling, through the wild landscapes of Catalonia to the urban effervescence of Barcelona .
The highlights
-
A unique crossing from Cerbère to Barcelona between the sea and the Catalan mountains
-
Friendly atmosphere and nature immersion in a small, guided group
-
Turnkey logistics with customized baggage transport and supply services
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountain biking and e-mountain biking
The expert's opinion
I'm not setting a speed for the stages; we have all day. (Unless the weather is bad)
Simply being able to run the proposed program.
Of course, the vehicle is also there if needed.
In figures
Gravel
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 88 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1575 m
Management
English
French
Spanish
Qualified instructor and organizer of the trip.
+1 person to handle logistics and luggage transport during our stay
Program
-
Arrival in Banyuls and preparation
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in at the hotel is from 4 pm. You will meet the group and the support team for a complete equipment check. In the late afternoon, a briefing will detail the program for the coming days, safety instructions, and the expected weather conditions. This initial time allows everyone to prepare calmly before departure.
Day 1 -
From Cerbère to Roses: between coastal roads and forest tracks
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 80 km
- Positive elevation gain 2200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The journey begins with a long stage of 70km and 1500m of elevation gain, alternating between 48km of roads and 19.3km of forest tracks. The route follows the coast before heading into the Catalan mountains. Two demanding climbs mark the day, located just before and after Cadaqués. The effort is rewarded with sea views and wild landscapes typical of the region. Arrival in Roses, on the Mediterranean coast, is in the late afternoon.
Day 2 -
From Roses to Caldes de Malavella: a long, rolling journey
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 115 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The second stage of the tour covers a long distance of 115km but with a moderate elevation gain of 550m. The route follows a mix of roads and smooth, rolling tracks, perfect for maintaining a good pace throughout the day. There are no particular technical difficulties, apart from the physical challenge posed by the length of the stage. A beautiful crossing of the Catalan hinterland to Caldes de Malavella, known for its thermal springs.
Day 3 -
From Caldes de Malavella to Roca de Vales: gradual climb and forest atmosphere
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 90 km
- Positive elevation gain 1800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This third stage offers 75km and 1200m of elevation gain, on a route balanced between 55% road and 45% forest tracks and trails. The main effort of the day is a long 12km climb at an average gradient of 5%, with some sections exceeding 10%, on a wide and consistent track. The route crosses wooded and hilly landscapes, alternating between rolling and more technical sections. The finish at Roca de Vales offers a more secluded and natural setting.
Day 4 -
From Roca de Vales to Barcelona: the final leg with a sea view
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 250km
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 65 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final day of our cycling trip was a 66km stage with 1500m of elevation gain, alternating between 60% forest tracks and 40% roads. The route offered stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean and breathtaking vistas of Barcelona as we approached the city. The main challenge was a short but intense 1km climb with a gradient exceeding 12%. We arrived in Barcelona in the early afternoon. Our bikes were then loaded into the van for the return journey to Cerbère.
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Meeting point in Argelès.
After changing bikes, we set off together to Banyuls.
The exact bridge will be communicated before departure.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation: 4 nights in a hotel with full board
- Luggage transfers
- Return to the starting point
- Supplies
- Professional and friendly support (guide + logistics coordinator)
- Mechanical assistance (we are talking about roadside assistance)
- Travel agent professional liability insurance
- Everything I can do to make the stay even more enjoyable!
The price does not include
- Transportation to the starting point of the stay
- Visits during the stages
- Personal expenses
- Bicycle rental (on request, approximately €60/day)
- Single room option (+€60/night)
- cancellation insurance
- Assistance insurance, medical expenses and civil liability
Options
- Bike rental : CHF219.55 / unit
- 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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- mechanical crate
- pump
- extra inner tube
Equipment to bring
- bicycle in good condition and serviced
- tire in good condition
- charged batteries
- 2 inner tubes
- Helmet required
- I send a short checklist via the WhatsApp group a few days before departure.
Clothing to bring
- cycling outfit suitable for the weather
- outfit for the evening
- I send a short checklist via the WhatsApp group a few days before departure.
They traveled with us
