SpainBARCELONA & CATALONIA
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainBarcelona & Catalonia
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,780 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday explores Barcelona and the surrounding region of Catalonia. Discover the amazing history, beautiful scenery and charming towns on the doorstep of Barcelona; all while staying in some of the finest hotels in the area. Beginning in the charming coastal town of Sitges, you will ride through picturesque Cava vineyards and stay in a stunning winery hotel. You will visit the ancient city of Tarragona and also stay at the spectacular hilltop complex of Montserrat, home to truly breathtaking landscapes. The tour finishes in the city of Barcelona itself - one of the most enchanting cities in the world.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels and follows very quiet roads and cycle paths. Below you can find a detailed itinerary; click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Sitges
We collect you from Barcelona airport or train station and transfer you to the town of Sitges on Spain's Golden Coast. Founded over two thousand years ago by ancient Iberian tribes, Sitges is the most picturesque town along
this part of the coast, with great beaches and a charming old town.
We do the bike fitting and, depending on your arrival time, there is the possibility of a short ride along the coast. In the evening you can explore the narrow streets of the old town, which are filled with traditional tapas bars and bodegas.
We do the bike fitting and, depending on your arrival time, there is the possibility of a short ride along the coast. In the evening you can explore the narrow streets of the old town, which are filled with traditional tapas bars and bodegas.
Sitges Beach
Day 2 - Garraf Natural Park
The riding today begins by heading inland into the Garraf Natural Park. Your route follows extremely quiet and scenic roads that wind through beautiful pine forests, with occasional views overlooking the coast. The longer route also visits an impressive Buddhist monastery nestled inside the park.
Emerging from the Garraf Park you enter the vineyards that are so characteristic of the Penedes region, which is the home of Cava wine.
And, your hotel itself is actually a winery. You will stay at this stunning 5-star boutique accommodation for two nights.
Short Route: 37km (23 miles)
Long Route: 57km (36 miles)
Emerging from the Garraf Park you enter the vineyards that are so characteristic of the Penedes region, which is the home of Cava wine.
And, your hotel itself is actually a winery. You will stay at this stunning 5-star boutique accommodation for two nights.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 37km (23 miles)
Long Route: 57km (36 miles)
Garraf Natural Park
Day 3 - Cava Vineyards
Today your route is a circular ride around cava wine country. It follows gently rolling back roads between the vineyards, passing through some of the charming villages that dot the region.
In the town of Sant Sadurni you can visit some of the region's best known wineries for a tasting of the local Cava. The town also makes for a nice lunch stop, where you can sample local dishes, including the classic paella catalana.
Short Route: 41km (25 miles)
Long Route: 55km (34 miles)
In the town of Sant Sadurni you can visit some of the region's best known wineries for a tasting of the local Cava. The town also makes for a nice lunch stop, where you can sample local dishes, including the classic paella catalana.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 41km (25 miles)
Long Route: 55km (34 miles)
Cava Vineyards
Day 4 - Tarragona
The ride today heads back towards the coast. It begins heading downhill through the vineyards, passing the scenic Foix Reservoir before reaching the coast near to Calafell.
In Calafell you can visit the 11th century castle, before riding parallel to the coast into the impressive city of Tarragona. The shorter route catches the local train part of the way, in case you want to save your legs for looking around the sights of Tarrragona.
And there is plenty to see! Tarragona was the first city that the Romans ever founded in Spain, and today it is still home to some of the best preserved ancient monuments in Europe. The Roman amphitheatre, Forum and Circus are UNESCO World Heritage sites. While the Medieval cathedral and historic center are vivid reminders of different periods in the city's history.
Short Route: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 62km (39 miles)
In Calafell you can visit the 11th century castle, before riding parallel to the coast into the impressive city of Tarragona. The shorter route catches the local train part of the way, in case you want to save your legs for looking around the sights of Tarrragona.
And there is plenty to see! Tarragona was the first city that the Romans ever founded in Spain, and today it is still home to some of the best preserved ancient monuments in Europe. The Roman amphitheatre, Forum and Circus are UNESCO World Heritage sites. While the Medieval cathedral and historic center are vivid reminders of different periods in the city's history.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 62km (39 miles)
Roman Amphitheatre - Tarragona
Day 5 - Montserrat
In the morning we transfer you up into the spectacular Montserrat Natural Park.
From here your route is a circular ride around the Natural Park which offers spectacular views of dramatic rocky peaks and valleys.
This is one of our favourite rides thanks to the quiet roads and stunning scenery.
If you would prefer to have a day off the bike, there is also the possibility of doing a hike here, with several excellent trails winding through the rocky park.
Your hotel for the night is in the heart of the Natural Park, housed in part of a 16th century Monastery complex that is great fun to explore.
Short Route: 19km (12 miles)
Medium Route: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 54km (34 miles)
If you would prefer to have a day off the bike, there is also the possibility of doing a hike here, with several excellent trails winding through the rocky park.
Your hotel for the night is in the heart of the Natural Park, housed in part of a 16th century Monastery complex that is great fun to explore.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 19km (12 miles)
Medium Route: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 54km (34 miles)
Spectacular views of the hotel, housed within the Montserrat Monastery complex
Day 6 - Collserola Natural Park & Barcelona
The final day in the saddle is the longest, but it's not the most difficult. From Montserrat it is largely downhill as you cross the Collserola Natural Park back towards the cava vineyards and the city of Barcelona.
The route follows quiet country lanes passing by castles and picturesque villages This is a fun route to ride and finishes by catching a train into the center of Barcelona, to avoid all of the busy roads around the city.
Your bags will be waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel in Barcelona, which is situated just a short walk from many of the main sights, including the Medieval old town, the Sagrada Familia church and Las Ramblas boulevard.
Short Route: 46km (28 miles)
Long Route: 67km (44 miles)
The route follows quiet country lanes passing by castles and picturesque villages This is a fun route to ride and finishes by catching a train into the center of Barcelona, to avoid all of the busy roads around the city.
Your bags will be waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel in Barcelona, which is situated just a short walk from many of the main sights, including the Medieval old town, the Sagrada Familia church and Las Ramblas boulevard.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 46km (28 miles)
Long Route: 67km (44 miles)
Beautiful ride into Barcelona
Day 7 - Barcelona
After breakfast, the cycling holiday comes to an end. We can help to arrange extra nights for you to stay in Barcelona and fully discover this fascinating city.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Barcelona's airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Barcelona's airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
On this cycling holiday you will ride through vineyards and natural parks, and alongside rivers and the Mediterranean coast. But it's not only about the cycling, you will also become immersed
in the history and culture of Barcelona and the Catalan region.
You will visit Roman monuments and Medieval villages, and you will stay in hotels in spectacular settings. You will also have plenty of opportunities to delve into the local gastronomy, bringing you the authentic Catalan experience!
Check out the photos below for just a few of the many highlights:
You will visit Roman monuments and Medieval villages, and you will stay in hotels in spectacular settings. You will also have plenty of opportunities to delve into the local gastronomy, bringing you the authentic Catalan experience!
Check out the photos below for just a few of the many highlights:
Sitges
The most charming of all the towns along the Costa Daurada (Golden Coast).
Sitges Old Town
The colorful old town of Sitges is fun to explore either by bike or on foot.
Garraf Natural Park
A beautiful cycling route between Sitges and Vilafranca. This short section is on a light gravel cycle route, but there is also a paved alternative route if you prefer.
Mastinell Winery
Your luxurious accommodation on the second and third nights - you can also enjoy a wine tasting here.
Expansive Vineyards
This is real wine country! As well as cava, the region produces excellent red wines.
Calafell Castle
One of many great historic monuments dotted along the routes.
Tarragona Amphitheatre
Tarragona was the capital of the Roman province of 'Near Spain'. It was founded by the Romans during the Second Punic War, and continued to be a major port for the following six centuries!
Catalan Rabbit Stew
Enjoying the Catalan cuisine is one of the highlights of the holiday. This is a traditional rabbit stew and is typical of the inland areas. If it isn't to your taste, don't worry, we're sure you will find many other dishes here that you love!
Cava Vineyards
Large parts of the routes follow quiet lanes such as this through the cava vineyards of the Penedes region.
Montserrat Monastery
A remarkable hilltop monastery hotel, where you will spend the night. There are fantastic cycling routes around here with spectacular views all the way to the coast.
Tarragona Roman Aqueduct
A masterpiece of engineering. Built at the end of the 1st century BCE, under the rule of Augustus, this marked the beginning of the glory days for Roman Spain.
Montserrat Mountains
The saw-shaped profile of the Montserrat mountains is a dramatic sight. We transfer you up into the mountains from where you can do a beautiful circular ride.
Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
Designed by Antonà GaudÃ, this church is probably the most iconic of all Barcelona's monuments.
Barcelona Old Town
The narrow charming streets of the old town have a surprise lurking around every corner. During the Middle Ages, this claustrophobic center was one of the most powerful cities of the Mediterranean.
Barcelona Beach
On the final day we provide a route to do a short city tour on cycle lanes around Barcelona. This is a nice way to orientate yourself in the city, and to visit places like the impressive city beach!
Historic Villages
The rides pass between picturesque villages, which make for pleasant coffee stops.
Cava Wine Barrels
Cava has been made in the region since the mid 19th century. It was initially sold under the 'Champagne' label, before acquiring its own name. The word Cava literally means 'cave' and takes its name from the cavernous underground areas where the barrels are stored.
Wine Tasting
The town of Sant Sadurni, which you visit on Day 3, is home to the highest concentration of wineries. Depending on your plans, it is possible to get the local train back from here to the hotel ;-)
Quiet Country Lanes
The routes on this holiday follow tranquil back roads, including this one in the Montserrat Nautral Park.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast included each day
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, e-bike* - see below).
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival / departure point (see below)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Cava wine tasting
- ✔ GPS routes and mobile app to easily follow the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack about the routes, restaurants and everything to see along the rides
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions (optional extra)
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Hybrid bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday.
*We can also supply e-bikes for an extra supplemental charge of €100 per bike.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
*We can also supply e-bikes for an extra supplemental charge of €100 per bike.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as easy level of difficulty if you ride the shorter routes. The daily distances are mostly around 30km (19 miles) and are rolling, with only a couple of slightly longer climbs, which are well worth it for the resulting views!
The ride on the last day is a bit longer, but is mostly downhill so is not really any more challenging.
This is a leisurely cycling tour, with plenty of time built into the routes for you to explore and look around, while riding at your own pace. We believe that this is perfectly suitable for a first time cycling holiday, and also a good option for more experienced riders who want a rounded holiday, with things to do both on and off the bike.
The longer routes are available for those of you who wish to cycle further. These also tend to be rolling rather than hilly, and you can choose on any given day whether to do the longer or shorter route.
The routes are on a combination of quiet country roads and cycling paths. Most of the route is paved, but there are some gravel sections at times, such as through some of the vineyards. These can be avoided though if you wish to do the tour on a road bike.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The ride on the last day is a bit longer, but is mostly downhill so is not really any more challenging.
This is a leisurely cycling tour, with plenty of time built into the routes for you to explore and look around, while riding at your own pace. We believe that this is perfectly suitable for a first time cycling holiday, and also a good option for more experienced riders who want a rounded holiday, with things to do both on and off the bike.
The longer routes are available for those of you who wish to cycle further. These also tend to be rolling rather than hilly, and you can choose on any given day whether to do the longer or shorter route.
The routes are on a combination of quiet country roads and cycling paths. Most of the route is paved, but there are some gravel sections at times, such as through some of the vineyards. These can be avoided though if you wish to do the tour on a road bike.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival and departure points are the city of Barcelona. Barcelona has a large international airport serving many destinations throughout the world.
It also has regular train connections to most of Spain and France, as well as ferries to Mallorca, Sardinia and Civitavecchia (Rome).
We will pick you up form anywhere in Barcelona (e.g. airport, train station, a hotel) and transfer you to the hotel in Sitges at the start of the tour. At the end of the holiday we will also transfer you from the hotel to Barcelona airport or train station.
Please don't heistate to contact us if you would like any advice or more information about the options.
It also has regular train connections to most of Spain and France, as well as ferries to Mallorca, Sardinia and Civitavecchia (Rome).
We will pick you up form anywhere in Barcelona (e.g. airport, train station, a hotel) and transfer you to the hotel in Sitges at the start of the tour. At the end of the holiday we will also transfer you from the hotel to Barcelona airport or train station.
Please don't heistate to contact us if you would like any advice or more information about the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Should I do the longer or shorter routes?
This depends entirely on you! The longer and shorter routes all start and finish at the same place, and so you can decide on any given day which you would prefer to do. There is no need to commit until the day of the ride itself.
On the longer routes you see more and are able to visit more places, while the shorter routes are more relaxing and ideal if you like to take your time and go at a slower pace.
If you would like to visit the extra towns and monuments on the longer routes, but are worried about the distances, then we recommend hiring an e-bike, which will give you more flexibility.
What is the weather like?
The Barcelona region is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain.
The best temperatures for riding are from late March to June and from September to November. Daytime temperatures during these months are usually between 20°C (68°F)
and 25°C (77°F), which is very pleasant for cycling.
But it is possible to go on this holiday at other times of the year. In July and August temperatures are regularly above 30°C (85°F), and so we would only recommend doing the tour at this time of year if you have experience of riding
in hot conditions. Winter is also a possibility, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15°C (60°F): not exactly t-shirt weather, but also not unpleasant for cycling.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Barcelona.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit Madrid,
Valencia, the Costa Brava, or elsewhere.
Do you run this as a guided tour?
Yes, for more details, check out the guided version of this holiday.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our page on Barcelona for more information about the city itself.
Hotel Kalma
A boutique 4-star hotel situated next to the beach and promenade in Sitges, and just a short distance from the historic center of the town. The rooms here are very nicely styled, and the hotel has a nice terrace and swimming pool for relaxing.
Hotel Mastinell
You spend two nights in this stunning 5-star boutique hotel. The hotel has won awards for its architectural design, with each room shaped like a cava bottle, and offering views looking out over the surrounding vineyards.
It is a great place to relax at the end of a day's riding.
It is a great place to relax at the end of a day's riding.
H10 Imperial Tarraco
This excellent 4-star hotel is situated next to both Tarragona's main amphitheatre, and the city's finest beach. It also has a great swimming pool terrace with fine views overlooking the historic heart of the city.
Hotel Abad Cisneros
This unique hotel is perched high up in the mountains of Montserrat, and forms part of a 16th century monastery complex. It has stunning views looking over the plains below and is ideally located for exploring all the hidden corners of Montserrat.
Hotel Gran Via
A modern and very comfortable 4-star hotel in the center of Barcelona. It is situated next to a metro station, but also is within comfortable walking distance of the Medieval center, the Sagrada Familia church, and the bustling Ramblas boulevard.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
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