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Sant Grau d'Ardenya to Tossa de Mar

Sant Grau d'Ardenya to Tossa de Mar

#20 on our Great Rides list

Costa Brava

Trek Travel’s #20 Greatest Ride In The World. If you ever find yourself in North Eastern Spain, this ride is an absolute must-do.

Location

S'Agaro, Girona, Spain

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Distance

39 miles / 62.7km

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Elevation Gain

7,655ft / 2,336m

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Best Time to Visit

Summer

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Surface

Paved Road

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Difficulty

Level 3

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Traffic

Level 2

Discover this ride on our Costa Brava Bike Tour

Explore the Wild Catalonian Coast

A quick 45-minute drive from the quickly growing European cycling hub, Girona, this windy, dramatic, roller coaster of a ride along the iconic Costa Brava between the small beach towns of S’Agaro and Tossa de Mar is a jaw dropping Mediterranean experience.

The extremely well kept road cruises along the coastal cliffs above the shockingly turquoise water where it is not uncommon to see sailboats, dolphins and divers enjoying the warm water will leave you with a sense of wonder while on your ride.

What you need to know

RIDE DETAILS
Traffic on this road is usually fairly mellow but can get tight with all the quick hairpin turns and narrow sections. Make sure to keep your eyes up and look out for larger vehicles that may be taking up most of the road. The 5km climb to Ermita de Sant Grau d’Ardenya takes you 300m above the coastal road for an even more incredible view of the sea. 1378m total elevation gain, which may seem like a lot in such a short distance but, you won’t feel it as much as you think due to the undulating flow of the ride.

WEATHER
The wind can be absolutely vicious on this ride during the winter and spring months due to what the Spaniards call “tramontana”, meaning “from the mountains,” this wind comes straight from the Pyrenees ready to blow you off your bike. It is recommended to leave the areo, tri bikes and deep dish wheels at home unless you find a thrill in getting tossed around.

FUEL
While it feels fairly remote out here, you will never be far more than 15k from water refills or a huge plate of Paella. There are loads of restaurants and refueling options, shops and a 14th century fort to explore in Tossa de Mar.

While you’re in town

The closest large city, Girona, has an abundance of bike shops. We have our European headquarters in Girona, Trek Travel Cycling Center – Girona, for last minute gear needs or a bike rental.

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, stay at the Hostal de La Gavina in S’Agaro. This luxurious and historical castel-esque hotel is beautifully decorated with antiques while also maintaining a massive spa/ pool area, several dining options including a 5 course candlelight dinner by Michelin star chef, Romain Fornell and the most extensive breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen. The hotel also holds the accolade of being the only 5 star grand lux hotel in Catalonia.

Ready for this ride?

Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself