Shift the Christmas weight with some great cycling routes in Catalonia
The average person consumes over 7000 calories on Christmas day (lifeatPGA included), so we thought we’d bring you some great cycling routes in Catalonia to help you get started shifting that holiday weight…
Spain’s Via Verdes provide popular biking trails, both in the city and further afield. With views varying from old railway lines to the Catalan Pyrenees, these trails will not disappoint.
1. Barcelona, although a busy city is easily explored on two wheels. The Gracia district within Barcelona offers a city bike ride with lots of fun pit-stops (and many temptations to avoid) along the way. Start at Calle Verdi, make your way through the Eixample district on Passeig de Gràcia, and continue through up and coming neighbourhood El Ravel and old fisherman’s neighbourhood Barceloneta where the route finishes on Calle Baluard. For more on this route and hiring bikes in the Barcelona area, click here.
2. This slightly more adventourus route starts in Ripoll in the Pyrenean foothills via Girona to the Mediterranean coast. This route has many hidden treasures along the way, with tucked away monasteries and stunning panoramic views of tree-covered volcanic peaks. Take it slowly and stretch the trip over two days or whizz through in one, click here for hints of what to see along the way and where to stay.
3. Heading over to the Costa Brava region and the Baix Empordà centre there are over 19 cycling routes to choose from. The best routes are found within the Les Gavarres and L’Ardenya protected areas, with spectacular countryside views and winding paths through the forests. After a hard day’s pedalling, pop into the Spa at the Beach Club at Hotel Santa Marta (which has a special partnership with Camiral) for some well deserved R&R.
4. Head high into the Pyrenees and visit La Seu d’Urgell and the Olympic Park international adventure sports centre. Cycle up to the Olympic park for a great whitewater course activity and cruise back downhill.
