The best cycling routes that start in Girona's old town

Every morning I watch the same scene from the kitchen: riders rolling down the cobbles of the Barri Vell, cleats echoing off the stone, heading out to roads most visitors never learn the names of. The old town is not just a pretty start point. It puts you on quiet tarmac within ten minutes in almost any direction.

These are the three routes we recommend most at the counter. All three start and finish at our door, and we keep the GPX files ready for anyone who asks.

Els Àngels: the first ride

32 km, 480 meters of climbing. If you have just arrived in Girona, this is the ride. Straight out of the old town the road climbs to the sanctuary of Els Àngels: about 10 km at a gentle average under 4%, wide enough to chat the whole way up.

It suits everyone. First day on a travel bike, recovery spin, a partner who rides twice a year: this loop takes care of them all. From the sanctuary you can see the Pyrenees on a clear day and the Gavarres rolling toward the sea. The descent back is fast, smooth and over too soon.

Rocacorba: the test

68 km, just over 1,000 meters of climbing, most of it in one place. The ride out to Banyoles is easy rolling terrain, and then the road to the antenna goes up for 10.5 km, with the hardest ramps saved for the end.

It suits riders who are fit, honest with themselves, and curious about a number. Rocacorba is where locals and pros measure form, so bring easy gears and no ego. Marc wrote a full guide to the climb on this journal, from pacing to where to refill bottles, if you want the detail.

Costa Brava: the long day out

95 km and around 1,450 meters, collected in small doses rather than one big climb. You cross the Gavarres, drop to the sea, and earn a coffee stop in Calella de Palafrugell, one of the prettiest villages on this coast. The way home is a chain of coastal rollers that feel easy for the first hour and honest after that.

It suits riders comfortable with distance who want to see why people move here. In summer, leave early: the coast is exposed and the afternoon heat is real. Carry two bottles and refill in the villages.

GPX files and advice at the counter

All three routes live on our head units and yours if you want them. Ask at the counter and we will load the GPX files, tell you which roads are being resurfaced, and adjust the loop for the wind or the heat that day.

And if you would rather not ride alone, the Sunday Roll leaves from the door every week at 9:00, no-drop, two groups, brunch waiting when we get back. The routes start here. So does the conversation about them.