Sant Martí Vell Picnic Circuit

The Sant Martí Vell Picnic Circuit is a multi-day cycling journey that unfolds like a carefully curated story, one where the road itself is the protagonist. This self-guided route takes you through the heart of Alt Empordà’s vineyards, where the air hums with the quiet industry of grapevines and the land rolls gently beneath your wheels. The terrain is compact gravel, smooth under tire but textured enough to remind you of the earth’s presence—a surface that balances speed with connection. With 539 kilometers of riding and an elevation gain of 15,372 meters, this is a challenge suited for those who enjoy a hard ride but value the freedom of a relaxed pace. There’s no regrouping pressure here, just the rhythm of your own breath and the unfolding landscape.

You’ll begin at the Sarrià de Ter bridge, where the first pedal strokes carry you onto a flat, car-free greenway that weaves through some of Catalonia’s most striking countryside. The route is a masterclass in cycling design, avoiding traffic entirely while delivering unobstructed views of sun-dappled vineyards and the occasional stone farmhouse standing sentinel over fields. Key stops punctuate the journey with meaning: Sant Grau and Sant Martí Vell, where history lingers in the stonework, and the Aiguamolls Wetlands, where the greenway leads you to a picnic spot alive with the sounds of waterfowl and the rustle of reeds. One of the ride’s quiet pleasures is the coffee stop at Forn de la Vila, a place where the local aroma of freshly ground beans mixes with the scent of warm pastry, a small reward that feels deeply earned.

What sets this route apart is its ability to balance effort with tranquility. The shaded paths, sheltered by trees or vineyard rows, offer respite from the sun, while the absence of vehicles means every mile is yours alone to savor. This is cycling as it should be—unhurried, immersive, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking a new challenge or someone who simply loves the open road, the Sant Martí Vell Picnic Circuit delivers an experience that lingers long after the last kilometer is logged.

Ride highlights

• Shaded paths away from traffic
• A flat, car-free greenway through Alt Empordà vineyards
• A picnic stop near Aiguamolls Wetlands
• A relaxed pace with no regrouping pressure

How the day unfolds

1. Day 1

   Welcome and shakedown ride

   Bike fit, a short loop into Alt Empordà vineyards to test the legs, and a welcome dinner in Girona.

2. Day 2

   The big day: Sant Grau

   The toughest stage of the week, taking in Sant Grau and the villages around Alt Empordà vineyards.

3. Day 3

   Villages of Alt Empordà vineyards

   A varied day linking Sant Martí Vell and the surrounding countryside at a comfortable pace.

4. Day 4

   Rest day or optional ride

   A free day in Girona, or an easy optional spin for anyone who wants to keep the legs moving.

5. Day 5

   The big day: Sant Grau

   The toughest stage of the week, taking in Sant Grau and the villages around Alt Empordà vineyards.

6. Day 6

   Villages of Alt Empordà vineyards

   A varied day linking Sant Martí Vell and the surrounding countryside at a comfortable pace.

7. Day 7

   Farewell ride

   A short final loop near Aiguamolls Wetlands followed by a long lunch before transfers home.

What is included

On the road

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