Coll de la Creueta Challenge

The Coll de la Creueta Challenge is a half-day road ride that takes you into the quiet heart of the Montseny foothills, where tarmac twists past olive groves and vineyards under the watch of distant mountains. This 65-kilometre loop is a moderate test of endurance, with a manageable 483 metres of elevation gain spread across rolling terrain—perfect for riders who want a taste of Catalan climbing without the brutality of the high Pyrenees. The route unfolds on smooth, well-maintained roads with minimal traffic, letting you focus on the steady rhythm of pedalling as the landscape unfolds around you. Every kilometre here feels intentional, whether you’re ascending the smooth gradients of the Coll de la Creueta climb or gliding along farm lanes where the only sounds are cicadas and the occasional tractor rumbling in the distance.

The Coll de la Creueta itself is the ride’s defining moment: a steady, unrelenting ascent that rewards effort with sweeping views of the Empordà plains. The climb’s clean tarmac and gradual slope make it a favourite among local riders, and the fully supported nature of the tour means you can push yourself without worrying about logistics—just the pure joy of climbing. After the summit, the descent into Cruïlles is a delight, with winding roads that cut through medieval stone streets and past ivy-clad houses that seem frozen in time. Here, you’ll stop at La Xicra, a café where the scent of freshly ground coffee mingles with the warmth of baked goods—just the pick-me-up needed before the final stretch home.

What makes this ride special is its balance of effort and reward. The Montseny foothills offer a taste of rural Catalonia at its most authentic, where the air smells of wild herbs and the only traffic you’ll encounter are the occasional shepherds guiding their flocks along dirt tracks. The route’s quiet farm lanes and the Empordà rice fields shimmering under the sun add a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find on busier routes. Whether you’re a regular cyclist looking for a new challenge or a visitor eager to explore the region’s cycling culture, the Coll de la Creueta Challenge delivers a ride that’s as memorable as it is manageable. The medieval charm of Cruïlles on the return leg is the perfect bookend to a day spent exploring some of Catalonia’s most beautiful backroads.

Ride highlights

• The Coll de la Creueta climb with clean tarmac and steady gradients
• The medieval streets of Cruïlles on the way home
• Almost zero traffic on the Montseny foothills back roads
• Quiet farm lanes through Montseny foothills
• A coffee stop at La Xicra in Cruïlles

How the day unfolds

1. start

   Bike fit and briefing

   Meet your guide at Girona bike centre, Carrer de la Rutlla, dial in saddle height and run through the route for the day.

2. +30m

   Out through Montseny foothills

   A steady warm-up along quiet lanes into Montseny foothills.

3. midpoint

   La Xicra stop in Cruïlles

   Coffee and a snack at La Xicra in the heart of Cruïlles.

4. final

   Back to Girona

   A gentle return leg with the best light of the day behind you.

What is included

On the road

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