The Carrilet, a bikeway created along a former railway, takes you through the wonderful mosaïc of scenery that is Catalonia. From the pretty town of Olot, capital of the volcanic range of La Garrotxa, the gently sloping itinerary wends its way down to the sunny beaches of the Costa Brava. Far from the crowds, you follow a route of varied and contrasting countryside with volcanoes (extinct!), forests and the great Mediterranean sea, through colourful villages with heady scents. Historical Girona is watched over by its exceptional Gothic cathedral.
Nights in charming accommodation add to the pleasure of this journey rich in colour, sweetness and light that concludes in Mare Nostrum, the warm sea.
You'll love
your encounter with authentic Catalonia
the purpose-built itinerary with gentle slopes
discovering the volcanoes of the Garrotxa
making your way through the colourful narrow streets of Girona
Welcome to your hotel in Olot.
Capital of the Garrotxa region, Olot is a delightful town.
Slowly but surely you begin to soak up the warm atmosphere of this authentic Catalonian borough.
Dinner nearby (or actually in) the hotel restaurant.
Night in the 3 star hotel with pool.
D2
Round trip near Olot and its volcanoes
Just 8.4km with total uphill 133metres. Estimated time 1hr30.
A modest bike ride that enables you all the same to appreciate this magnificent volcanic region at the foot of the Pyrenees. You are surrounded by volcanic cones, notably the Montsacopa that is actually near the town centre! A visit to the Museu dels Volcans is recommended for those who are curious to know a little more about these basaltic giants.
Dinner nearby (or actually in) the hotel restaurant.
Night in the 3 star hotel with pool.
D3
From Olot to Les Planes d'Hostoles
28km - total uphill 170 metres - estimated time 3hrs.
Today you cycle through some of the typically colourful vllages of Catalonia with their handsome clocktowers, down to the charming small town of Les Planes d'Hostoles. Gradually you leave the Garrotxa region with its volcanic forests to come to the Valley of the river Ter.
Dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Night in a lovely 2 star hotel.
D4
From Les Planes d'Hostoles to Girona
35km - total uphill 10metres - around 3hrs30.
Now you continue along the the "Carrilet", a cycle path that takes you to the provincial capital, Girona. At the end of this fine ride, do take the time to walk around the narrow streets of the lovely town of Girona, and climb the exquisite stairway up to the cathedral.
You arrange your own evening meal today in Girona.
Night in fine 3 star hotel in the town centre.
D5
From Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols
43kms - total uphill 140 metres - about 5 hours.
We're off to the seaside today! This section of the Carrilet leads you to Sant Feliu de Guixols and tits celebrated Porta Ferrada. You may on arrival feel tempted to plunge into the blue waters of the Costa Brava.
You arrange your own evening meal today.
Night in 3 star hotel in Sant Feliu de Guixols, with pool.
D6
I do like to be beside the seaside!
Today we suggest a modest 17 km along the coast, by the sea.
Or of you prefer you can spend the day on the beach and splash about in the Med...
You arrange your own evening meal.
Night in 3 star hotel in Sant Feliu de Guixols with pool.
D7
Departure from Sant Feliu de Guixols
We provide you with a taxi to go back to Olot to pick up your own car.
Departure from Olot to wherever you please...
Dinner in Olot and in Les Planes d´Hostoles (days 1, 2, 3).
Baggage transport.
Transfer back to your vehicle in Olot.
Roadbook and map.
Update GPS tracks.
Technical and logistical assistance.
Parking for your vehicle at first stopover hotel.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike rental for adult or junior : 130 €
MTB for child : 90 €
Trailer bike or bike cart for child : 90 €
Child seat : 60 €
Electric power bike for adult or junior: 180 €
What's not included?
Dinners of days 4, 5 and 6
Beverage and extra
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Place-to-place self-guided cycle trip.
Daily stages from 8km to 43km, 1hr30 to 5hrs per day at your own pace.
Altitudes: between 600 and zero metres above sea level.
Organisation
The daily rides are about fun and exploration, not athletic performance! We transport your luggage between lodgings as necessary, and give you a detailed roadbook to guide you all along the way. We also provide logistical and technical support.
You'll be lodged in 2 or 3 star hotels or equivalent, chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and architectural and environmental quality. Some of the day stages are proposed without a midday and/or evening meal. In these cases, there is a good number and variety of eating places to choose from.
N.B : accommodation described here is given as a general indication and may be modified according to availability at final reservation .
Access
By car
From France, follow the motorway (Autoroute A-9/E-15), exit (salida) Figueres, then continue along the N-260 to Olot. From Barcelona: follow the C-17 to Vic then the C-37 to Olot. .
By air
GIRONA AIRPORT Girona-Costa Brava airport, also known as 'Barcelona (Girona)', code GRO, lies 65 km from Olot.
By train
Girona Railway station RENFE then bus from Girona to Olot (TEISA company)
By bus
Daily coaches of the TEISA company go from Girona to Olot.
By taxi
We can if you wish reserve you a taxi from Girona or Barcelona to your hotel in Olot.
Comments
Global note
5.0
Good choice of route and good organisation. Very warm welcome from the locals (translated from french)
Beautiful cycling route from the Catalan volcanoes to the Costa Brava. Magnificent scenery, beautiful city of Girona, warm welcome from the Catalans, great food, excellent organization (our third trip with Safran).
Translate from french
It's an easy tour to do whatever the weather, even when it's very hot, as it's practically always shaded!
Translate from french
Un séjour aux petits oignons, qui a roulé du début à la fin, des volcans espagnols à la mer !
Ce circuit peut être largement recommandé pour une famille et nous n'avons pas été gêné par la chaleur.
Pleasant cycling route from Olot to Saint Feliu which permit us to discover beautiful landscapes and riding in safe.
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