You probably know the feeling. You plan another gravel ride in the Netherlands, open Komoot, ride the same sections again… and somewhere along the way, it all feels just a little less adventurous than you hoped. More mud than magic. More stopping than flow. More wind than mountains. And then you discover Girona.

In recent years, the Catalan cycling city has grown into Europe's premier gravel hotspot. Not only because of events like The Traka, but primarily because you can gravel ride here for days on end without ever getting the same feeling twice. From fast white gravel roads to rugged mountain passes and hidden forest routes: Girona feels as if it was built specifically for gravel bikes. But which routes should you absolutely not miss?

Also read: Why more and more cyclists are flocking to Girona before it gets too crowded

Why Girona is so perfect for gravel

What sets Girona apart from many other gravel destinations is the enormous variety within a single region. From the city, you can cycle within minutes:

• wide gravel roads
• technical forest trails
• quiet asphalt connections
• steep climbs
• fast descents
• coastal roads towards the Costa Brava

And perhaps even more importantly: the surface here is often perfect. No endless stretches of mud or thrashed paths, but fast gravel roads where you can really pick up the rhythm. That is why not only recreational cyclists are drawn to Girona, but also pro riders, bikepackers, and ultra racers.

1. Les Gavarres Loop, the gravel classic of Girona

Why this route makes everyone fall in love with gravel

If there is one route that perfectly demonstrates why Girona is a gravel mecca, it is the Les Gavarres Loop. This route runs through the Les Gavarres nature reserve, just outside Girona. Here you get exactly what gravel is all about:

• long, quiet gravel roads
• rolling climbs
• shady forests
• almost no traffic
• endless flow

You ride from gravel section to gravel section without having to constantly stop or navigate.

What makes this route so special?

The magic is in the rhythm. No extremely technical sections. No survival ride. But hours of riding in a landscape where everything is just right. For many cyclists, this is the perfect first introduction to gravel in Girona.

Highlights

• fast, wide gravel roads
• viewpoints over Catalonia
• gentle climbs
• ideal for long endurance training

Ideal for

• beginner gravel riders
• long winter rides
• bikepacking
• groups

Also read: Maatwerk fietsreizen: Waarom standaard aanbieders jouw droom nooit echt begrijpen

2. Girona-Costa Brava Gravel Route

The route where mountains and sea meet

This is the route where you think several times along the way: Why don't we have this closer to home? From Girona, you ride towards the Costa Brava via gravel roads and quiet back roads. Along the way, forests, hills, and coastal landscapes constantly alternate. And that makes this route unique. While many gravel routes are either mountainous or flat, this ride literally combines everything.

Why this ride is so popular

Here you get:

• gravel
• asphalt flow
• coastal roads
• technical pieces
• Mediterranean villages
• sea view

And it is precisely that variety that makes the ride addictive.

Highlights

• view over the Costa Brava
• gravel strips along old trade routes
• coffee stops in Catalan villages
• perfect mix of adventure and speed

Ideal for

• gravel riders who like variety
• photographers and content creators
• cyclists looking for a complete day experience

3. The Traka 200 Segments, the ultimate Girona gravel experience

Do you want to experience why The Traka became world-famous?

Then you should ride parts of the official Traka course. The famous gravel race, The Traka, definitively put Girona on the international gravel map. The 200-kilometer edition, in particular, is regarded as one of the most beautiful gravel routes in Europe. Fortunately, you don't have to ride a race to experience the same magic. Many cyclists ride individual segments of the course during their gravel trip.

Also read: The Traka: why thousands of gravel riders are afraid of missing the ultimate gravel week of Europe

Why this route feels so special

This is where you really notice how extensive the gravel network around Girona is.

You are driving:

• over fast gravel sections
• through remote nature reserves
• past old farmhouses
• over climbs that seem to go on endlessly

And everywhere you have that sense of adventure.

Highlights

• iconic Traka gravel tracks
• combination of speed and challenge
• perfect training route
• a true “bucket list gravel” experience

Ideal for

• experienced gravel riders
• sporty cyclists
• riders who want to test themselves

Why Girona is dangerously addictive for gravel riders

Many cyclists think that Girona is “just a beautiful cycling destination.” Until they ride there themselves. Because what makes Girona truly special is that everything here revolves around flow:

• the climate
• the subsurface
• the cycling culture
• the coffee stops
• the combination of nature and sport

After a few days, you often notice the same thing as thousands of other gravel riders: you actually don't want to leave anymore.

When is the best time to go to Girona for gravel?

These periods in particular are perfect:

Autumn (September – November)

• warm weather
• dry gravel roads
• less busy

Winter (December – February)

• ideal training conditions
• many hours of sunshine
• perfect alternative for Dutch winter rides

Spring (March – May)

• green nature
• pleasant temperatures
• ideal preparation for the cycling season

Also read: Why Girona is the ultimate cycling escape in winter

Why it is better to experience Girona now

Girona is growing rapidly as a gravel destination. More and more cyclists are discovering the region thanks to:

• The Traka
• social media
• professional cyclists
• gravel communities

And that is exactly why this feels like the moment to go. Before every hidden gravel section becomes a “well-known route.” Before it becomes a mass tourism destination. And before you ride the same local gravel loop all winter long again.