Banyoles & Rocacorba

Overview

Option 1: Banyoles & Rocacorba. This route features one of the region’s most iconic climbs: Rocacorba (980 m). After a 25 km warm-up, the real challenge begins—a 10 km climb with an average gradient of 7.4%, and pitches reaching up to 13%. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the region. You’ll descend the same road back down, where Lake Banyoles offers a perfect spot for a coffee or lunch break. After a loop around the lake, you will have gentle 30 km ride through the countryside back to Girona. Longer version: Distance: 110 km | Elevation gain: 1,775 m. For those seeking a longer ride, add a scenic extension through Mieres and Sant Miquel de Campmajor after descending Rocacorba. Easy version: Distance: 55km | Elevation gain: 571 m. Prefer a more relaxed ride? Skip the Rocacorba climb and enjoy a scenic route through the countryside with a visit to Lake Banyoles. Option 2: Hincapie Loop: Els Àngels & Santa Pellaia. This option takes you into the heart of the Gavarres mountains. Leaving Girona in eastern direction, you begin almost immediately with the climb to Els Àngels (480 m), a route made famous by George Hincapie and the U.S. Postal team during their time based in Girona. This is a steady 10 km ascent with an average gradient of 3.9%, featuring short ramps that reach up to 8.4%. At the summit, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Els Àngels, where Salvador Dalí married Gala, offering sweeping panoramic views over the region. From there, you descend towards Madremanya and continue through the charming village of Monells before tackling the second climb of the day, Santa Pellaia (352 m). This climb is 5.6 km long, averaging 4.1%, with the first kilometre being the steepest at around 6–7%. After reaching the top, a flowing descent takes you to Cassà de la Selva before heading back to Girona. Extended Route: Hincapie Loop & Medieval Villages: Distance: 97 km | Elevation gain: 1,435 m. For those looking to add distance and culture, the Hincapie Loop can be extended with a scenic detour through some of the region’s most beautiful medieval villages. This route takes you through Gualta, Ullastret, and Corçà before rejoining the route toward Santa Pellaia. Hard version: Hincapie loop & medieval villages & Begur: Distance: 125 km | Elevation gain: 1,900 m. For a true endurance challenge, continue all the way to the coastal town of Begur. This longer version rewards you with spectacular Mediterranean views and a chance to explore even more of the Empordà region before looping back toward Girona. Option 3: Coastal Ride over Sant Grau. Distance: 100 km | Elevation Gain: 1,475 m. The route starts leaving Girona in southern direction. The first 25 km are on gently rolling and scenic roads. Upon reaching Llagostera, the main climb of the day awaits: Sant Grau (471 m). This ascent is 8,6 km long with an average gradient of 4.1%. The steepest section comes between kilometres 6,5 and 7,5, where the gradient ramps up to 7.7%. From the summit, you’re rewarded with a scenic descent offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The route continues along a winding, undulating coastal road to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a charming seaside town that’s perfect for a mid-ride coffee or lunch stop. The return to Girona takes you inland via the climb to Romanyà de la Selva, followed by a pleasant ride through the villages of Cassà de la Selva and Quart. Short version: Distance: 52km | Elevation gain: 445 m. Prefer a more relaxed option? Ride to Llagostera, skip the Sant Grau climb and the coastal section, and simply head back to Girona. Option 4: Through Les Guilleries to Sant Hilari Sacalm. Distance: 103 km | Elevation Gain: 1,440 m. This option takes you up to the mountain town of Sant Hilari Sacalm (803 m). You’ll leave Girona heading west into the scenic Llémena Valley. The first 15 km feature a gentle slope—perfect for warming up the legs—before turning left for a short but steady climb to Les Serres. After a brief plateau, you descend to Bonmatí and continue to Anglès. From Anglès, the main climb begins: a steady ascent of nearly 25 km to Sant Hilari Sacalm. With an average gradient of 2.6%, it’s a long but relatively gentle climb through forested terrain. After reaching the summit, enjoy a rewarding 18 km descent to Sant Coloma de Farners, followed by a relaxed 25 km ride through the countryside to return to Girona. Alternative route: Canet d’Adri & Llémana Valley. Distance: 66 km | Elevation gain: 925 m. Looking for a shorter route? This option lets you explore the beautiful Llémena Valley. However, don’t be fooled—while there are no long ascents, the route features several short, punchy climbs and keeps rolling up and down all day, making for a fun and engaging ride. You’ll head out toward Canet d’Adri, continue through Llorà and Bonmatí, and pass Mas Lluners before descending back into Girona. Alternative route: Llémana Valley to Les Planes d’Hostoles. Distance: 75 km | Elevation gain: 970 m. This option takes you to the far end of the Llémena Valley, leading to the climb of Les Encies. After the climb you’ll enjoy a gentle 20 km downhill stretch passing through Les Planes d`Hosteles. Perfect for recovery before tackling the final 3 km climb to Les Lluners and then back down to Girona.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

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What's Included