Girona, Spain. Somehow all those youtubers didn't do it justice.

[zaykay]

I've done a plenty of riding around Europe's cycling hot spots (Norther and Southern Alps, most of Pyrenees, most of Provence, Marseille, Nice-Cote d'Azur, most of Tuscany, Liguria, Lucca, Pistoia, Majorca, Murcia, Calpe, Malaga) and Girona is still on top for me. There are few things where it differentiates. It has very little traffic and most roads are in a very good shape compared to France & Italy & rest of mainland Spain. One can find all possible cycling related services what one can imagine within the city limits. Most of the flat area around the city is farm land with a lot of small paved roads crossing the fields. There are hidden passages through these routes which one only finds if you do your homework by following local pros. Especially to the routes to west & north from the city. The food is great (even for vegans which is an issue in many places still). It's university city with vibrant and young culture combined with old town charm. It has a bullet train connection to France and rest of the Spain. The cycling scene both hobby & professional level is unmatched compared to anywhere in the world. Great cycling shops. It's still relatively affordable compared to most other places. Only cheaper places can be found elsewhere in inland Spain where there's nothing else. Best riding around Girona is North & West of Banyoles. Only thing it lacks is real alpine climbs and they can be found only few hours drive away in Andorra. Valter 2000 can be done straight from the city.

[zaykay]

Nowadays I usually alter between Girona and Nice and do not bother with the rest. Best of both worlds (overall scene in Girona, the most beautiful surroundings in Nice).

[Mr.Gib]

@zaykay, what time of year are you talking about? Curious about your recommendations for winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). We all know about south-east Spain, but any other spots you like?

According to the Roadman podcast the Girona hype is over. The locals are increasingly unhappy with the cyclist invasions.

What is a nice alternative, where you have:

- Good cycling roads
- nice mix of road/gravel
- cycling culture
- coffee culture
- good weather

Also, what time of year interests you?

As for Girona locals, there may be a vocal few that are unhappy, but I doubt that view is shared by people running retail operations, hotels, restaurants, etc. And I doubt tourists without bikes will make those locals any happier. I also thought the local government was all in on promoting bike visitors. Losing them would be a big hit to the local economy. When I was there I encountered nothing but incredibly nice and welcoming people.

[Requiem84]

@zaykay, what time of year are you talking about? Curious about your recommendations for winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). We all know about south-east Spain, but any other spots you like?

According to the Roadman podcast the Girona hype is over. The locals are increasingly unhappy with the cyclist invasions.

What is a nice alternative, where you have:

- Good cycling roads
- nice mix of road/gravel
- cycling culture
- coffee culture
- good weather

Also, what time of year interests you?

As for Girona locals, there may be a vocal few that are unhappy, but I doubt that view is shared by people running retail operations, hotels, restaurants, etc. And I doubt tourists without bikes will make those locals any happier. I also thought the local government was all in on promoting bike visitors. Losing them would be a big hit to the local economy. When I was there I encountered nothing but incredibly nice and welcoming people.

I've been to Girona 5 times now, my impression is that the love for cyclists is decreasing. Last time the police were handing out instant fines of something like 150€ for cycling the wrong way in old town. I also saw some banners with 'Tourists go home' and quite recently Eat Sleep Cycle has been vandalized with grafiti on all windows etc.

Shame, because it's so bloody perfect for cycling.

I'll be going there end of April anyway for the Traka. Curious to see how the invasion will be then...

As for alternatives, typically we go in Feb-April. Last year we did Mallorca, but that was way too crazy for me with the total number of cyclists. Was cycling in pelotons the whole day

[zaykay]

@zaykay, what time of year are you talking about? Curious about your recommendations for winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb). We all know about south-east Spain, but any other spots you like?

I usually avoid doing bicycling trips on July and August no matter the place. Those are European holiday months and roads are full of tourists and motorcycles causing chaos. Accommondations cost almost double everywhere. I do most of my riding trips in April, June, September and October but have done plenty of trips throughout of the year to have an idea what to expect. Been twice in Girona in November for example and both trips the weather was fine. Chilly mornings (8-12 degrees of C) with sunny and warm afternoons (17-22 C). Maybe one rainy day per week. It's just colder than south of Spain.

For winter months if you just want good riding in predictable good weather I would go to Malaga or south of Alicante from mainland Spain or Grand Canaria for the best weather. I've read a lot about riding in Sicily, never been, but according to my knowledge it has worse road conditions, infrastructure and services do not exist similarly, hard to manage in english and Italian drivers are the worst from the three main cycling countries in Europe (Spain, France & Italy). Also hard to get there. The weather should be great during the winter months though. I'm planning my next "new" destination around the Algarve region in Portugal. Not at winter time though, weather is warmer around Malaga. I've done two riding trips to Malaga in the end of January and both times the weather was great. I would suggest staying in the old town Malaga instead of touristy coastal cities. Easy train connection from the airport. Cheaper, less water restrictions, better services, more food and coffee variety and best riding starts right from the city. Easy to get closer to El Chorro and Torcal de Anteguera with train if they feel being too far by riding. If one wants to stay in tourist resorts, east side of Malaga is closer to good loops in Malaga mountains. Very mountanous though, one the hardest places to ride your bike where I've ever been

[zaykay]

Last year we did Mallorca, but that was way too crazy for me with the total number of cyclists. Was cycling in pelotons the whole day

Exactly. Mallorca is not on my list anymore. Too many people, tourist drivers all around the year. Very limited amount of roads on mountains and they are busier than elsewhere. It's also on pricier end of cycling destinations in Europe. Good services though, well marked and maintained routes and there's always riding company, also when one would like to ride alone

Climbing the Sa Calobra or riding to Formentor in the middle of stuck tourist traffic might burst the ideal bubble for many. Go early they say

[zaykay]

Riding tip when in Girona. Oix - Rocabruna - Camprodon - Sant Pau de Seguries - Vall del Bac loop from Castefollit de la Roca. Hidden gem in foothills of Pyrenees.

[Requiem84]

Great tips, thanks.

But is there anything similar as Girona?

What the Basque area for example?

[basilic]

Riding tip when in Girona. Oix - Rocabruna - Camprodon - Sant Pau de Seguries - Vall del Bac loop from Castefollit de la Roca. Hidden gem in foothills of Pyrenees.

yes, GIV-5223 between Castelfollit and Camprodon is a perfect ribbon of asphalt with very little traffic.
There is good riding in western Catalunya, but no expat Cycling Central like Girona. A city like la Seu d'Urgell will be at the convergence of main roads (N-xxx) that are unpleasant on a bike, and because it's the mountains there are few alternate options. If you ride on small roads there are just villages.

[zaykay]

yes, GIV-5223 between Castelfollit and Camprodon is a perfect ribbon of asphalt with very little traffic.

Coming back through Carretera de Vall del Bac is even better part of this loop It's not visible even on Strava heat map

[zaykay]

But is there anything similar as Girona?

If you consider the overall cycling scene, nothing compares to Girona. One needs to remember that more than 100 protour riders call it a home. There's a reason for it and a lot of the scene is there because of them. During the winter months closest what I have found is Calpe where the most of the training camps are. Spring and fall Nice is great. As a city I like it the most. Also most beautiful roads comparable to almost anything in the world. More expensive and a lot more traffic close to city though. A lot smaller scene and less riders on weekdays. Less flat options, coastal roads are very busy. Getting out of the city center can be stressful if you do not know the right roads. Still my go to place, once a year Must have been more than 15 times already

[zaykay]

Another lesser known riding tip in Girona. Climbing Turo de l'Home from Sant Celoni. As 25k long it is the longest climb in Catalonya. Top part has bad tarmac but the view is worth it. Take the train from Girona to Sant Celoni and after the climb decent to east side of Montseny and join to return part of Sant Hilari Sacalm loop. This is a magnificent ride especially during the autumn leaves season.

[gloscherrybomb]

Another lesser known riding tip in Girona. Climbing Turo de l'Home from Sant Celoni. As 25k long it is the longest climb in Catalonya. Top part has bad tarmac but the view is worth it. Take the train from Girona to Sant Celoni and after the climb decent to east side of Montseny and join to return part of Sant Hilari Sacalm loop. This is a magnificent ride especially during the autumn leaves season.

Did it on a big day from Girona and back. Pretty epic climb. Only just managed to ride over the bad section at the top, but then the goat path is cool.

I like the idea of coming back via Sant Hilary Sacalm, might try that when I'm next out.

I've got a collection of routes here from the last few years.

https://www.komoot.com/collection/13547 ... -in-girona

[fa63]

I went there in mid November of this year, and also fell in love with it. I actually rode gravel most of the time, and it was so nice to be able to roll out your front door and reach all types of gravel options in a short time. The road riding speaks for itself, of course.

If my wife would agree to come with me, I would move there right away

[Requiem84]

I went there in mid November of this year, and also fell in love with it. I actually rode gravel most of the time, and it was so nice to be able to roll out your front door and reach all types of gravel options in a short time. The road riding speaks for itself, of course.

If my wife would agree to come with me, I would move there right away

Same for me! (If they still will like us cyclists thst is).

@Zakay thanks for the tips, @GL, will have a look at your routes.

I usually do the better known routes there. So still much to discover.