Girona has become the cycling capital of Spain – and arguably all of Europe. The Catalan city attracts professional cyclists, serious amateurs and triathlon enthusiasts year-round, drawn by the quality of the roads, the variety of terrain and the relaxed café culture that makes long training days genuinely enjoyable.
Why Girona?
The roads around Girona offer something for every type of rider. The coastal roads near the Costa Brava are fast and flat – ideal for time trial training and triathlon prep. Head inland and you’ll find the famous climbs of the Pyrenean foothills: the Col de Rates, the climb to Sant Hilari, and the iconic Rocacorba – a 9km ascent at 7% average gradient that attracts pros from across the world.
The city itself is compact, beautiful and cycling-friendly. Most cyclists base themselves in or around the Old Town (Barri Vell), with excellent bike shops, cafés and restaurants all within walking distance of each other.
Getting there from London
Direct flights run from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted to Girona-Costa Brava Airport with Ryanair, with flight times of around 2 hours. Barcelona El Prat is also an option – around 1 hour 45 minutes from London – with a straightforward transfer to Girona by train.
Taking your bike
You’ll need to travel with your bike in a hard case or soft bag. Most airlines charge £40–£60 each way for bikes as oversized luggage. Rather than buying a box, many London cyclists hire one for the trip. London Bike Box Hire offers premium BikeBoxAlan hard cases from £6/day, with 24/7 self-collection from our locker at Wimbledon Chase. Book your bike box here.
When to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit. Summer temperatures in Girona regularly exceed 35°C which makes hard riding uncomfortable. The spring is particularly popular with professional teams doing pre-season training camps – you’ll regularly spot WorldTour riders on the roads.
Key climbs to tick off
- Rocacorba — the must-do climb. Around 9km at 7%, finishing at a TV tower with panoramic views
- Sant Hilari Sacalm — a longer, more gradual climb through forest
- Coll de Bracons — quieter roads, beautiful scenery, suitable for all levels
- Cap de Creus — coastal road to the easternmost point of mainland Spain
Where to eat and drink
Girona has a fantastic food scene. La Fabrica (founded by former pro Christian Meier) is the go-to cyclist café — excellent coffee and food, and a hub for the riding community. For dinner, the Old Town has dozens of excellent restaurants serving Catalan cuisine.