Mare de Déu del Mont Descent Safari

The Mare de Déu del Mont Descent Safari is a full-day mountain biking adventure that reveals the quiet beauty of Baix Empordà’s countryside, where sun-bleached stone villages cling to rolling hills and forests spill onto sun-dappled riverbanks. Starting from Girona’s Salt riverside promenade, the route winds through a landscape of cork oaks and wild herbs, the air thick with the scent of resin and crushed thyme beneath your tires. This is an easy ride, perfect for confident beginners or those looking to refine their skills on a variety of surfaces—singletrack weaving through medieval villages and smooth forest roads that drop gently toward the Fluvià River. The 23-kilometer loop, with modest elevation gain, is designed to let you savor the ride rather than rush it, with plenty of room to stop, breathe, and take in the views.

The highlight of the journey is the descent from Mare de Déu del Mont, where your guide will pause to offer coaching on the steepest sections—helping you tackle the loamy switchbacks with confidence. The trail here is a playful mix of technical challenges and flowing turns, with the added thrill of rock-slab traverses that hover above the Fluvià’s sparkling waters. As you drop lower, the landscape opens up, revealing vineyards and orchards scattered across the valley floor. A mid-ride coffee stop at La Fàbrica, a converted textile mill with a terrace overlooking the fields, offers the perfect chance to recharge with a strong espresso and a bite of local pastry before the final stretch. The terrain here is a mix of tight, twisty singletrack and wider forest roads, all leading toward the charming village of Monells, where the ride ends with a sense of accomplishment and a lingering desire to explore further.

What makes this ride special is the way it balances accessibility with adventure. The easy gradient and well-maintained trails mean you can focus on the joy of riding rather than the strain of pushing too hard. The Baix Empordà’s quiet roads and hidden paths offer a sense of solitude, even as you pass through the occasional village, where stone fountains trickle and laundry flutters between balconies. By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced the region’s diverse landscapes—from the rugged, rocky descents to the smooth, sunlit forest trails—and perhaps even picked up a few new skills along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a relaxed day out or a newcomer eager to explore Catalonia’s natural beauty on two wheels, this ride delivers a perfect blend of challenge and serenity.

Ride highlights

• A skills coaching stop on the steepest section
• Loamy switchbacks under cork oak canopy
• Technical singletrack through Baix Empordà villages
• Rock-slab traverses above Fluvià Riverbanks
• A flowing descent finishing near Monells

How the day unfolds

1. 08:30

   Bike fit and coffee

   Meet your guide at Salt riverside promenade, fit the bike and take on a coffee before rolling out.

2. 09:15

   Into Baix Empordà villages

   The first stretch warms the legs on quiet roads towards Baix Empordà villages.

3. 10:45

   The Mare de Déu del Mont section

   The main effort of the day, with the guide setting a steady, sustainable pace.

4. 12:30

   Lunch near Monells

   A relaxed stop for food in or near Monells, with the bikes in view.

5. 14:30

   Past Fluvià Riverbanks

   An easier afternoon section taking in Fluvià Riverbanks.

6. 16:30

   Return to Girona

   A final flowing stretch back into the city with a drink waiting on arrival.

What is included

On the road

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