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

[fa63]

I was there for 10 days and didn't feel any hostility. Maybe because it wasn't peak season for cyclists. I can't imagine wanting to go there during the summer anyways; I thought the weather in mid-November was perfect (lows around 7-8 deg C but quickly warmed up to around 15-20).

[Mr.Gib]

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.

This is really a shame. Probably the result of too many loud obnoxious people on bikes who showed a lack of courtesy to local pedestrians. A few complaints and before you know it cops handing out tickets, which is pretty wild when you think about it happening in Girona.

@Zakay, so many great tips thanks. I have ridden a fair bit of the Girona area routes you have described. Mrs Gib and I were doing loops up to 200km+, over 8 days and tried not to do any repeats. Loop though Oix/Rocabruna and Comprodon was a favourite. The one thing that would have helped is better intel on the quietest routes out of town - sounds like you have that dialed. Took us a few days to learn the best ways out.

I am very intrigued by your reporting on Malaga and area. We have a supported trip in Andalusia planned for 2026 and will spend two or three additional weeks riding the area unsupported. Malaga sounds like a very good spot to "hang out". The Algarve is also on the list, maybe some weeks there as well.

But is there anything similar as Girona?
What the Basque area for example?

Basque country is absolutely worth a visit. The land is very wild and rugged, only two options - either up or down . Being super fit helps to get the most out of it. The entire area between Bilbao and San Sebastian is great riding. The reputation is for challenging weather, particularely closer to the coast. We were there mid-summer and didn't see a cloud for two weeks. Food culture rivals the best of Italy. The road network is not as extensive as the best parts of Italy, France, or Catalunya, but that is to be expected given the topography. The west end of the Pyrenees on both Spanish and French sides is also pretty Basque and has great riding. Many longer climbs of course, but milder gradients. The best base town may be up for debate. We were base in San Sebastian. Total non-stop party. Stay close to, but definitely not right in the core of the old town.

[zaykay]

I am very intrigued by your reporting on Malaga and area. We have a supported trip in Andalusia planned for 2026 and will spend two or three additional weeks riding the area unsupported. Malaga sounds like a very good spot to "hang out". The Algarve is also on the list, maybe some weeks there as well.

Nice, if you are going spring/fall I would book one week to ride around Granada. I've not been there but riding should be excellent there. Eat Sleep Cycle blog has an excellent route guide with gps tracks to cover main loops starting from Malaga. I would start self guided route planning from there. I'm pretty sure your guided package includes Ronda, El Chorro and Antequera which are further away from the city. Road surfaces vary a lot in Andalucia, don't expect Girona smooth everywhere. 30mm tires are justified. There are several places were in small country roads >10% gradient sections are build from concrete and can be really rough.