The Girona Experience
From the terracotta gravel of the Empordà to the wild edge of the Costa Brava, this corner of Catalonia has become the beating heart of European cycling.
Home to the legendary Traka, whose gravel routes run right past our door, this is a landscape made for riding. The Montgrí massif rises behind us, its unfinished medieval castle watching over the plain, while ahead the white gravel lanes roll through olive groves and stone villages all the way to the Mediterranean. Nearby Pals, Peratallada, and Ullastret are some of the best-preserved medieval villages in Spain, each one an espresso stop with a thousand years of history.
Just over half an hour from Girona, and only three kilometres from the sea, you'll swap the city for salt air and open roads. Days here roll between fast gravel tracks, marquee road climbs, and coves on the Costa Brava. Evenings are for long tables, Empordà wine, and the slow Catalan sunset.
Why Girona?
Cycling in Girona puts you at the heart of Europe's cycling capital. The terracotta gravel of the Empordà has become legendary thanks to the Traka, the continent's defining gravel race, where the world's best battle over the same roads you'll ride. It's a landscape that's been called the Tuscany of Spain: olive groves, vineyards, and stone farmhouses, but here the white roads run all the way to the sea.
This is a region that gives you everything in a single week. Wild, rolling gravel across the Montgrí and the Empordà plain. Iconic road climbs like Els Àngels and the edge of the Pyrenees. And the spectacular coastal roads of the Costa Brava, dropping to hidden coves and the sparkling Mediterranean. Test yourself on the terrain that inspires the pros, then reward yourself with world-class food, wine, and the timeless charm of medieval Spain.
Accommodation
A catered villa between the mountains and the sea.
We know that recovery and comfort are just as important as the ride. That's why our Girona retreats are based in one beautiful Catalan masia for the entire week - no moving, no repacking, just a perfect base between the Montgrí hills and the Mediterranean.
Our farmhouse is a centuries-old stone masia, lovingly restored with respect for traditional Catalan architecture. Expect elegant en-suite bedrooms, spacious living areas with original stone walls and an open fireplace, and a vast kitchen with a five-metre table made for long dinners together.
After a day on the gravel of the Empordà or the climbs above Girona, cool off in the saltwater pool, unwind in the gardens, or share an evening meal in the courtyard as the sun sets behind the castle. With the Medes islands marine reserve behind you and the beaches of L'Estartit just three kilometres away, your Girona retreat is more than just a place to stay - it's part of the adventure.
Between Mountains and Sea
Our villa sits on the edge of the Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park, surrounded by olive groves, gravel tracks, and views across the Ter plain to the sea. While Girona and the medieval villages of the Empordà are a short ride or drive away, the setting offers tranquillity, sweeping views, and the perfect base for exploring Catalonia's coast, culture, and cuisine at your own pace.
En-suite Rooms
Our riders deserve a private retreat after a day in the saddle. Our handpicked masia offers that personal space with comfortable en-suite rooms, each carrying the rustic character of the building.
A True Catalan Stay
Our farmhouse is chosen with cyclists in mind - a peaceful setting within a natural park, a saltwater pool for post-ride recovery, a secure bike room, and shaded terraces for al fresco dining. It's the perfect base whether you're chasing the Traka's gravel or simply soaking up the slow rhythm of the Costa Brava.
The Gravel Rides
Our guided cycling holidays in Girona are designed to balance effort and indulgence, with each day shaped by terracotta gravel, marquee climbs, and rides through medieval villages to the sea. Here's a sample itinerary of how your week could unfold:
Day 1 – Benvinguts
Arrive in Barcelona or Girona where your driver will meet you for the transfer to our villa near Torroella de Montgrí. Once settled, we'll help set up your bike, test it with a gentle spin through the Empordà countryside, and finish the day with a glass of local wine as the castle catches the last of the light.
Day 2 - The Empordà
A perfect introduction to Catalan gravel. Wide terracotta farm tracks roll through olive groves and apple orchards, linking medieval villages with the Montgrí castle always on the horizon. A relaxed day to get your legs turning and your eye in on the white roads.
Day 3 - Gravel to the Sea
The ride that makes this place unlike anywhere else. We thread through the Montgrí massif and the Baix Ter wetlands before the land opens to the Mediterranean. Expect coves, salt air, and a coffee stop with your feet almost in the sand.
Day 4 - The Pilgrimage
A road day among the climbs that made Girona famous. We ride for Els Àngels, the classic ascent to the hilltop sanctuary where Dalí married Gala, with sweeping views over the city at the top. Strong legs can take on the legendary Rocacorba, the climb the pros use to measure themselves.
Day 5 - Rest Day Your Way
Recharge as you wish: start with a dip in the pool, book a massage, or head to the beach at L'Estartit. We can also arrange a boat trip to the Medes islands, a tasting of Empordà wine, or a wander through the medieval streets of Girona, Pals and Peratallada.
Day 6 - The Costa Brava
One of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. We climb Sant Grau and descend through pine-clad switchbacks toward the sea, riding the cliffs and bays of the Costa Brava with the Mediterranean glittering below.
Day 7 - Il Traka
Our tribute to the race that put this place on the map. We ride a stretch of the legendary Traka 360 course itself, the fast gravel and punchy climbs of the Empordà, finishing with one last dinner together to toast the week.
Day 8 - Adéu
Enjoy a private transfer to the airport, bidding farewell to an unforgettable week on Catalan roads and gravel.
Food. Indulge in our catered dining experience
Exceptional food is at the heart of every Slipstream Adventures trip. Our catered cycling holidays include a dining experience crafted by a professional private chef – with menus designed to nourish, delight, and restore. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, we've got you covered.
You'll enjoy nutritionally balanced meals tailored for performance on the bike - from hearty breakfasts and protein-rich afternoon tea to elegant three-course dinners with wine, all from the comfort of your villa.
Breakfast
This is the most important meal of the day, a chance to give the body all the fuel needed to kick off the ride in the right gear.
Afternoon Tea
Waiting for our riders when back to the villa at the end of each ride.
Relax with a cup of coffee & cake, this is how we like to finish the day!
Dinner
A delicious 3-course meal (5 nights out of the 7) prepared by a Private Chef.
We serve restaurant-quality food from the comfort of your villa, wine included.
Luxury Gravel Cycling Holidays in Girona, Spain
Highlights. What’s Included:
Logistics
Group Girona airport transfers including bike luggage
Hosted by English-speaking guides both in the villa and while out cycling
Cycling
5 led group rides with extra self-guided options
Route maps and GPX files, tailored around your group
Mechanical expertise for minor repairs
In-depth rider briefings the day before each stage.
Food & Nutrition
Breakfast, afternoon tea and 3-course evening dinner 5 days
Continental self-service breakfast on the chef’s days off
Sports nutrition welcome pack and an Elite Slipstream water bottle to fuel your rides
Dietary needs covered vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free friendly
Accommodation
7 nights luxury accommodation in Tuscany
Our accommodation is based on 2 people sharing a room, however, if you would like a private room, feel free to get in touch.
Swimming pool, bike storage and laundry
What’s Not Included
Flights are organised directly by the riders
Bike Hire (see FAQ for recommendations)
Travel Insurance (see FAQ for details)
Lunch (see FAQ for suggestions)
Dinner on 2 nights (we can facilitate restaurant reservations)
Optionally, you can add:
Sport Massage (mobile service)
Slipstream Adventures Jersey
Bike Hire (see our options for more info)
There are loads of activities to do for non-riders and on your rest day. More information will be sent to you in our booking guide
