Cycling ia great way to explore Costa Brava and discover some of its hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about.
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: