There are 125km of cycling paths for all levels, each with its own theme. I biked the Rail Trail over 3 days which follows the old railroad that has been converted to bike paths. The route was leisurely cycling on mostly flat terrain. At the end of each day, I felt energized, not exhausted.
I will take an active holiday any day over lying on a beach (although Costa Brava has plenty of beautiful beaches).
So if you get a kick out of “discovering” all the “hidden” places as I do like, there’s no better way to find them than by cycling in Costa Brava:
Gorge of Cogolls, a popular spot with locals: One local and his dog jumped in for a swim when we were there. The few other people who were there were locals. No other tourists were there – bliss! Nearby rest area Les Planes d’Hostoles makes a great place for a picnic lunch.
Small villages that you would drive right past, barely knowing they were there: In three days we visited or passed through: Olot, Les Planes, Bescanó, Tamariu, Palafrugell, Palamós, Cassà de la Selva and Quart! I love exploring off-the-beaten path villages like this since each one is unique.
Cultural and heritage sites that you would easily pass by if you weren’t on bike: We visited an old textile mill with a working steam engine (pictured above) in Anglès and the Pottery Museum in Quart. There’s also a Cork Museum in Palafrugell, Parc Art, where over 100 contemporary sculptures are displayed in Selva, a Wine Museum in Peralada or the Museum of Saints in Olot to name but a few! There are 69 museums, plus many more cultural attractions in Costa Brava! You can plan your route around the sights that you want to take in.
Old converted railroad houses: As I cycled the “Rail Trail” I passed many old rail houses that had been converted to cafes, restaurants or retail office space. Most of them had been beautifully preserved.
Countryside: It’s hard not to feel relaxed when you’re biking in such beautiful surroundings.
Hidden beaches: We just “happened” across this beach where only a few other people were hanging out. This was my favorite find on our trip! Semi-deserted beautiful beach? Any day! Even if I don’t plan to lie on it for very long.
I loved our three-day “Bike the Rail” tour, and would love to come back and explore Costa Brava along the other bike routes. I don’t know what “secret’ spots” are still to be discovered, but knowing Costa Brava I have no doubt that there are plenty more!
Cycling in Costa Brava – The Logistics:
