Pirinexus & Empordà Tour

• Week
• Europe
• Road Cycling
• Groups
• Spain

Pirinexus & Empordà circular route runs through the coast and the mountains. It crosses the Pyrenees twice in its itinerary. The diversity of landscapes and rich heritage made this route become a finalist in the Best European Cycle-Touring Route in 2014!

People say that Empordà is most similar to the Italian Tuscany. And we agree! Its historical remains, art, rich gastronomy and peaceful landscape make the similarity easily perceived. Along the way, we will cross some beautiful coastal towns such as Calella de Palafrugell. We will also visit the medieval villages like Peratallada or Monells. The monumental sites such as the Iberian settlement of Ullastret or the Greek colony of Empúries will also be on our itinerary. In the end, we will relax in the natural reserves like the Natural Parc dels Aiguamolls.

Some more information about the route.

Pirinexus is a circular trans-border touring cyclist route. It links the regions on both sides of the Pyrenees at the eastern end of the mountain range between Spain and France. The main section of the route is 220 miles long. On top of that, there are additional 108 miles of itineraries for the most passionate ones! The bike route through medieval towns of the Empordà follows perfectly preserved paths and traffic-free roads. Almost half of the entire route runs along greenways. The rest uses rural tracks and roads with low traffic densities.

Our plan for the journey:

In our case, we will extend the route for two days to see some of the most spectacular places of Empordà and Costa Brava. At first, we will ride through north Empordà. This involves cycling through a variety of the surrounding amazing landscapes which divide the two protected natural areas: Cap de Creus and the Albera Natural Site. This first alternative provides all the elements to enjoy and immerse yourself in the magic. This area has also inspired a great number of writers and artists such as Dalí, Picasso, Lorca, etc… The route makes stops in two very nice little towns. The first one is Castelló d’Empuries, a medieval town with ancient streets and their spectacular Cathedral. The second one is Cadaqués, famous for its connection with the sea and its narrow cobblestone streets, that are typical of the old fishing villages. The second alternative will take us to little medieval towns. This route passes through smaller towns of medieval construction, with narrow streets, arcaded squares, castles, Romanesque churches and remains of ancient Greek and Roman populations.

Physical level required:

• Do aerobic sport regularly two times a week.
• Can be pedaling on routes approx 6 hours before feeling tired.
• Respond well to changes in the rhythm produced by moderately irregular terrains.
• Can confront slopes of 1,4 miles accumulated with inclines without much difficulty.
• Can cycle various days in a row with an average of 5 to 6 hours with stops.