Trip code: C04CN 4.6 (5 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Catalonia (Catalunya) is a semi-autonomous area of Spain; steeped in culture, its traditions and festivals date back over thousands of years. Rich in medieval villages, highlights include prosperous Peratallada, peach-coloured Pals and fashionable Begur. The rocky coastline is dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches which are perfect to explore.
This holiday is full of contrasts and variety and explores one of the most beautiful corners of Catalonia. It's gentle cycling too, occasionally off-road, through olive groves, peach orchards and pine forests, and along pretty coastal paths. The landscape is gently rolling for the most part, making this an easy cycle and a relaxing holiday. The changing seasons bring white blossom in spring, sunflower yellow in summer and warm gold at harvest time. Fabulous coastal views, beautiful beaches and aquamarine waters make this an inspirational area.
You stay in a variety of hotels, all with pools, which have been hand-picked for their charm and character. The family-run Hotel Garbi in the traditional fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, is set on the hillside overlooking the sea. The stylish Hotel Sa Punta in Platja de Pals is set in attractive gardens and is within walking distance of the beach or you can cycle to nearby Begur. One night of the holiday is spent at the Hotel Castell d'Emporda, a magnificently restored 14th century castle perched proudly on its outcrop, just outside La Bisbal. The breathtaking views over the plain from its sun terrace are not to be missed.
You arrive at your hotel where all Headwater guests are accommodated in rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It's less than 5 minutes' walk to the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from, we've left evening meals up to you.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
Shops
Bank
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before heading off to peach-coloured Pals, a lovely medieval town 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.
You stay at Hotel Sa Punta.
MastercardPoolHairdryerWiFiTV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee
The newly renovated Hotel Sa Punta, just a five minute walk to the beach is set in beautiful grounds with a lovely terrace area for afternoon drinks. The Sa Punta offers a relaxed atmosphere with a 'Beach House' kind of look, where visitors can relax. There is also a semi-Olympic salt water swimming pool, an outdoor bar for refreshing cocktails and access to the beautiful garden.
The renewed rooms are spacious and modern with a minimalist and intimate style, with balcony or terrace.
Evening meals are taken either at 'Dalia at Sa Punta', the hotel restaurant and you can indulge on light dishes and snack throughout the day at the pool bar.
You'll begin today cycling past rice fields before following the River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with 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 16th century bridge) and pretty hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to La Bisbal. Here you'll stay in a uniquely converted 14th century Gothic castle - once reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list but now owned by Dutchman Albert Diks.
You stay at Hotel Castell d'Emporda.
MastercardAmExPoolWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The Castell d'Emporda could not be in a better location, perched on a rocky outcrop with breathtaking views from its sun terrace. The building is a superbly restored 700-year-old castle, that is now owned by Albert and Margo, who are both very friendly and speak excellent English.
Each of the hotel rooms has been individually decorated by furniture collected by the owners while they were on their travels around China, India and Morocco.
All of the 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.
Room upgrades: Castle Room, Garden Suite or Suite Pere Margarit.
Castle rooms: housed in the original castle building making for a romantic stay. Garden suites: larger than the standard garden rooms (53 sq. metres) and have a separate sitting area. Both the bedroom and the bathroom have balconies! Suite Pere Margarit: (80 sq. metres) was originally the master bedchamber of the medieval castle.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today offers 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. Continue your journey through beautifully preserved Peratallada to the bustling market town of Palafrugell. Then back to Calella de Palafrugell for a final swim in the pool.
You stay at Hotel Garbi.
ShopsBankMastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTV
The Hotel Garbi is located on the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell with its own extensive gardens, shaded by pines.
The Hotel is family-run and has a warm welcoming atmosphere where its friendly staff will do their utmost to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The hotel also has a car park-for anyone who would like to drive to this hotel.
Room upgrades: Duplex Superior Room.
Duplex Superior rooms offer the same facilities as a standard room with the addition of a mezzanine level with sofa
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Please note that cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Spain. As we cannot provide these, we strongly recommend you bring your own.
Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Ciutat de Girona, Girona.
Shops
MarketBank
Cash machineMastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located in the historic centre and the beating heart of Girona and is just a 10 minute walk from the train station. The majestic Girona cathedral with the widest nave in the world is only 2 minutes walk from the hotel. The hotel has been decorated with iconic images of Girona's past, the historic pictures sit well with the modern decor of the hotel. The restaurant of the hotel if you decide to eat there prides itself on serving food using local products all of which come from a 62.1 mile radius.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$576.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
