Cycle retreats in Spain
Ultonia is your basecamp hotel whenever is your bike break
Spain should be top of your list to visit for a bike holiday and if it isn’t, then by the time you’ve read this you might change your mind. Spain is one of the countries for sunshine hours in Europe, it has great cycling roads and a strong cycling culture. We’ve got something for every type of cyclist in this blog, from bikepacking trips and cycling retreats to races and training camps. These are ideas for bike holidays in Spain, but as we are located in Girona, they all have a Girona twist.
Cycling retreat
If you only have 3 or 4 days and want a cycling retreat, Girona has to be top of your list, home to more pro cyclists than anywhere else in Europe with many great cycling friendly cafés. A 3 day break, could include loops out to the Costa Brava, Garrotxa and Rocacorba. Exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town is the perfect way to unwind at the end of each day.
The Classic
Live like a pro and come for a week long trip to Girona. The full experience lets you discover Girona’s charm for yourself. The 1000’s of kilometres of great roads and cool restaurants and bars in the Old Town to replenish spent energy. Have a look at our best Girona Cycling Routes
Races and Events
Another great idea for a cycling break is to combine your cycling holiday with an event. The Traka 360 takes place in April is arguably Girona’s premier gravel event. The full 360 km is designed for ultra racers but they also have a 100 and 200 km event.
Another gravel event which we love is La Santa Vall which starts just a few kms from Girona’s centre. Only the segments are timed so if you want to do the event as a group, it’s ideal.
Spring is a busy time of year for cycling in Girona, we also host some of the world’s top cyclists in the Volta a Catalunya. The Volta in 2023 will take place from the 20th – 26th of March. Stage 1 and 2 can both be watched by riding out from Girona.
Bikepacking routes
The first and longest of these routes for a bike holiday. The Camino de Santiago is normally started in Irún or Logroño but could be done from Girona towards Santiago de Compostela following the footsteps of St James across northern Spain.
Bikepacking across the Pyrenees can be done as a point to point with Girona as a final destination from Pau in four days or from Biarritz in seven. What we love about this route is the combination of some of the Tour’s greatest climbs and relaxing in Girona at the end.
The final option for bikepacking would be to start in Girona and ride towards Andorra. Depending on the route, Andorra is around 200km from Girona, so this is better done in 4 or more days during summer. The passes of Andorra are stunning, and another hotspot for spotting the pros.
