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Day 2: Calella de Palafrugel/ L'Escala (23m/38km)
It’s gentle pedalling along quiet country tracks, passing olive groves and cork trees, until you reach Pals, a mediaeval village, perfectly preserved in peach-coloured local stone that seems to glow in the sun. A cooling drink in the shady square then off, via fields of wheat and sunflowers, through the pretty hamlets of Palau Sator and Gualta (picturesque C16 bridge) to Toroella de Montgri. Picnic on the beach by the River Ter – fine sand and usually deserted – before a final freewheel down to L’Escala. Hotel Voramar is in the old town, right on the seafront.

Day 3: At L'Escala
A free day to explore the fishing port famous for its anchovies, or to cycle along the coast – totally flat - to the Greco-Roman remains at Empuries. A significant archaeological site with an amphitheatre, villas and mosaics, all backing onto shady pines and a beautiful beach. Wonderful views out across the bay of Roses and as far as the snow-capped Spanish Pyrenees. The tiny village of Sant Marti d’Empurius makes for a super lunch followed, perhaps, by a gentle cycle round the coast down to the picturesque bay of Montgo.

Day 4: L'Escala to Basela (21mi/39km  or 22mi/42km)
A wonderful semi-shaded coastal path runs right next to the sea as you head north out of L’Escala as far as the upmarket fishing village of Sant Pere Pescador. It’s then inland, through fields of brilliant red poppies, and on to the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve. Home to 329 species of birds, you should spot hoopoes, cormorants, flamingos, eagles and ospreys. Castello d’Empuries, with its atmospheric squares and impressive 1000-year old cathedral, is a good lunch stop. Your final stretch is through farming hamlets and paddy fields and on to family-run C’an Naveta, an original C19 masie (farmhouse), which has been lovingly restored. Big breakfasts, free wine and sociable dinners await!

Day 5: At Baseia
If you love the surreal, Figueras and Salvador Dali's museum are just 7 miles away. Genius or madman? You decide! If you want a long day out, hop on the train after lunch (40 mins) and visit Girona - full of architectural gems, including the beautifully preserved Jewish Quarter.

Day 6: Basela to Castell d'Emporda (20mi/36km)
A gentle climb to the pretty pink-tiled village of Sant Mori where you are rewarded with wonderful views out across the lush Baixa (lower) Emporda valley and out towards the sea. Wild flowers are in abundance: golden samphire, scarlet pimpernel, white rock roses. Lunch in Verges, then a peaceful riverside trail (look out for storks and buzzards circling overhead) and onto Castell d’Emporda. This is a unique hotel converted from a C16 gothic castle reputed to have been on Dali’s shopping list at one time, but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks. The rooms are boldly yet beautifully decorated, and one even has a secret door into a C13 chapel. 

Day 7: At Castell d'Emporda
Two fine mediaeval villages are near here: walled Ullastret and Peratallada possibly the best preserved village in Spain. It’s well worth a visit to explore it’s beautifully restored arches, arcaded passageways and lovely shaded square - perfect for a long lazy lunch!

Day 8: Castell d'Emporda to Calelia de Palafrugell (14mi/25 km or 18mi/33kn )
Your last – and shortest – cycling day takes you via wild cork and aleppo pines through the sun-drenched hamlets of Fonteta (pretty C12 church and village square), and Ermedas (series of houses joined by Moorish towers). You should reach Calella in plenty of time to spend your final afternoon swimming in the Med, or soaking up the sun back at the Hotel Garbi’s lovely pool. Maybe stay on here for some extra nights?

Day 9: Leave Calella de Palafrugell
We take you to Flaca after breakfast to catch your train back to Barcelona - a city add on here is a popular option before heading home.