Pals Road Safari

Set out from Girona Bike Centre on quiet farm lanes that rise gently into the Serra de Rodes ridge, where the air carries the scent of wild thyme and the only sounds are the hum of your wheels and the occasional call of a crested lark. This self-guided road safari takes you deep into the countryside, where tarmac back roads wind through rolling hills under vast Catalan skies. The climb to Coll de Sant Roc is manageable but rewarding, offering panoramic views that stretch to the Mediterranean horizon—a perfect reward for steady pedalling. With just 1558 metres of elevation gain spread over 198 kilometres, the ride balances challenge with the sheer joy of movement, making it ideal for riders comfortable with moderate distances who want to explore at their own pace.

The real magic of this route lies in its remoteness. Once you crest the ridge, you’ll find yourself on roads so quiet you could almost forget they’re there, flanked by sunbaked stone walls and fields of golden wheat. A coffee stop at La Fàbrica, a rustic café tucked into the landscape, is the perfect midpoint respite, where strong espresso and warm ensaimada pastries refuel you for the descent towards the Onyar Riverside Path. Here, the route opens up with sweeping views of the river valley below, the light playing off the water as you ride alongside it. The path is smooth under your tyres, the surface as reliable as the rhythm of your cadence.

As the journey winds down, you’ll roll into Pals, a medieval town preserved like a time capsule, its narrow streets paved with worn cobblestones and shaded by ancient plane trees. The scent of woodsmoke from village hearths mingles with the salty tang of the nearby sea, a reminder that the coast is never far away. This is where the ride’s final kilometres become a leisurely cruise through history, past sandstone buildings that have stood for centuries. For riders seeking a mix of endurance and exploration, this safari delivers—combining the thrill of quiet backroads with the rich cultural tapestry of rural Catalonia. Every pedal stroke tells a story, from the sweeping vistas of the Serra de Rodes to the timeless charm of Pals, making this a journey as memorable as it is rewarding.

Ride highlights

• Quiet farm lanes through Serra de Rodes ridge
• Almost zero traffic on the Serra de Rodes ridge back roads
• The medieval streets of Pals on the way home
• Panoramic views over Onyar Riverside Path

How the day unfolds

1. Day 1

   Welcome and shakedown ride

   Bike fit, a short loop into Serra de Rodes ridge to test the legs, and a welcome dinner in Girona.

2. Day 2

   The big day: Coll de Sant Roc

   The toughest stage of the week, taking in Coll de Sant Roc and the villages around Serra de Rodes ridge.

3. Day 3

   Farewell ride

   A short final loop near Onyar Riverside Path followed by a long lunch before transfers home.

What is included

On the road

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