dossier
Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling
CONTRASTS OF CATALUNYA CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY
Hotel Garbi ***
Calella de Palafrugell Days 1+6 (or 8)
The family team at the Hotel Garbi are certainly very friendly and will do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel itself is located just outside the town, in its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines. The hotel also has a car park- for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel. The hotel has 36 standard rooms, recently refurbished, with complete bathroom, hairdryer, telephone and satellite Television.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive at Calella de Palafrugell
We meet you at Flaca station and take you to your hotel (35 mins) where all Breakaway guests are accommodated in rooms with private balcony and sea view. It’s less than a 5 min walk to the centre of town where there are so many restaurants to choose from that we've left evening meals here up to you.
Day 2 Calella de Palafrugell to Platja de Pals 24km/15mi or 33km/20mi
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-colored Pals - lovely old village with Romanesque church affording stunning views. After lunch, head on through the pretty hamlets of Palau Sator (where there has been a settlement since Roman times) and Fontanilles before looping back towards the coast and a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals.
Hotel Sa Punta ****
Platja de Pals Days 2+3
The Hotel Sa Punta is located close to the main beach at Pals and is about 6km/4mi from the town center. Guests can enjoy the spacious garden, large terraces and an excellent restaurant, which has been praised by prestigious national and international gastronomic guides. The 33 rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are decorated in a tasteful and comfortable style and are air-conditioned. The hotel lobby provides a 24-hour reception, safe and elevator access. The hotel also houses a bar, TV room and conference facilities.
Day 3 At Platja de Pais
We strongly recommend the great circular ride through the pine forests to medieval Begur, a fashionable hilltop town with C11 castle and outstanding views over the coast. Alternatively, relax on the beach, follow the superb coastal walking path or simply chill out by the hotel's semi-olympic pool.
Day 4 Platja de Pals to Castell d'Emporda 34km/20mi
You'll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri - wonderful views of the Illes Medes. Visit this lovely medieval town with its Roman defensive wall before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the village of Gualta (picturesque C16 bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here you'll stay in a unqiuely converted C14 Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks.
Hotel Castell d’Emporda ****
Castell d’Emporda, Bisbal Days 4+5
The Castell d’Emporda could not be in a better location. The building is a recently restored 700-year-old castle, that is now owned by Albert and Rosy, who are both very friendly and speak excellent English. Every one of the hotel’s rooms has been individually decorated by furniture collected by the owners while they were on their travels around China, India and Morocco. Each of the 38 rooms have spectacular hill-top views, featuring Air conditioning and heating, Fully equipped bathroom, Flat-screen TV, In-room CD/DVD player, Telephone and Mini bar.
Further details on the hotel website
Day 5 At Castell d'Emporda
Laze by the pool or follow our suggested cycling circuit linking the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells (pretty square and lovely choices for lunch) and La Bisbal - a lively market town famous for antiques and pottery. Take time to explore the old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its intricate arches are still intact today.
Day 6 Castell d’Emporda to Callela de Palafrugell 35km/17mi or Palamos 36km/22mi
Lovely gentle cycling, stopping first at the walled village of Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. On to the beautifully preserved Peretallada, to the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot for lunch. It's then either to Calella de Palafrugell or to Palamos (see below), depending on the holiday you've chosen.
Day 7 Leave Calella de Palafrugell or At Palamos (see below).
We take you to Flaca train station at mid-day to catch your train back to Barcelona - a city option is popular ther before flying home.
Optional 2-night extension in Palamos
Hotel Trias ***
Palamos Days 6+7 (optional)
The century old Trias Hotel opened its doors in 1900 and has now been stylishly rennovated. The hotel has a good location on the edge of the beach with swimming pool.
Further details on the hotel website.
If you have tie for a slightly longer holiday, then we suggest 2 nights in the Spanish seaside resort of Palamos - especially if you've got children or simply fancy a great value couple of days by the sea. Once a C12 fishing village, Palamos is now a bustling family resort centered around its colorful port, and backed by one of the best beaches on the Costa Brava.
You'll cycle the same route from Castell d'Emporda as above, but turn off at Palafrugell for Palamos, adding just 5km (3 miles) to your ride. You'll then spend 2 nights at our *** sea-facing hotel, with lovely pool. As you're surrounded by tapas bars, restaurants and cafes, we've left meals to you. On your free day, you can walk or cycle to Sant Antoni, explore the warren of mediaeval streets, or just relax in the sun.
The cycle from Palamos to Calella de Palafrugell is just 25km/ 15miles, and is crammed with things to see and do en route. You'll first follow a coastal stretch to the pretty bay at La Fosca, then on to the sheltered half-moon cove of Platja de Castell, crowned by the atmospheric ruins of an ancient Iberian settlement. It's then inland through the farming hamlets and rice fields of Santa Margarida and Ermedas before a gentle ascent to the San Sebastia lighthouse - fabulous views and restaurant for lunch - then a final downhill stretch via Llafranc and back to Calella de Palafrugell.
The next day we take you back to Flaca station to catch the train back to Barcelona.
Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. For safety reasons, we are unable to provide these, therefore we strongly advise you to bring your own.
For extra nights we recommend Barcelona, Calella de Palafrugell or Castel d’Emporda.