Waarom steeds meer fietsers naar Girona trekken voordat het té druk wordt

You are planning another cycling holiday. But deep down, you already know: you want more than the same Alpine passes or overcrowded Mallorca routes. You are looking for sun, perfect roads, epic gravel paths, good coffee, and a place where cycling isn't just a hobby, but a lifestyle. That is why so many road cyclists are talking about Girona these days.

What was once a hidden training base for pros has grown into one of the cycling capitals of Europe. And honestly? Anyone who has ridden in Girona once immediately understands why so many cyclists keep coming back.

Also read: The Traka: Why thousands of gravel riders are afraid of missing the ultimate cycling week in Girona

Why Girona is so popular among cyclists

Girona is located in Catalonia, about an hour from Barcelona. But as soon as you drive into the city, you immediately notice that everything here revolves around cycling. On the terraces, you see groups of road cyclists in Rapha jerseys, gravel bikes parked against coffee bars, and cyclists heading out everywhere towards the hills, the coast, or the mountains.

According to many cyclists, that very combination is unique:

Perfect asphalt for road cyclists
endless gravel routes
quiet roads
mild climate
good coffee and restaurants
professional cycling culture

On Reddit, gravel riders even call Girona “gravel paradise”.

Also read: Why Girona is the ideal cycling getaway in winter

Girona: perfect cycling weather all year round

Whereas in the Netherlands you are often dependent on rain radar and wind strength, you can ride in Girona almost all year round. Especially in spring and autumn, many Dutch and Belgian cyclists flock to Girona to put in training kilometers in the sun. The temperatures are pleasant, the roads relatively quiet, and you can start climbing or graveling directly from the city.

That makes Girona ideal for:

training camps
cycling trips with friends
gravel holidays
winter training
combinations of cycling and vacation

Road cycling in Girona: from quiet roads to iconic climbs

For road bike enthusiasts, Girona feels like a playground. Within a few kilometers of the city, you are already cycling on rolling, traffic-free roads. Climbs such as Els Àngels, Rocacorba, and Sant Hilari have become legendary among cyclists. Many professional riders lived or trained in Girona for years due to that ideal combination of climate, infrastructure, and variety. As a result, a complete cycling culture developed around the city.

Why Girona might be even better for gravel

Yet many cyclists say the same thing these days: you only truly discover Girona on a gravel bike. Surrounding the city are hundreds of kilometers of unpaved roads, forest paths, and old trade routes. Here, you ride over fast gravel tracks, through forests, past vineyards, and towards the Costa Brava, often without encountering much traffic. The Les Gavarres region is particularly popular in this regard. This nature reserve combines wide gravel roads with technical sections and long, gentle climbs.

What makes Girona so strong for gravel:

enormous variety of routes
little traffic
excellent ground
combination of sea, mountains and forests
routes for both beginners and ultra riders

Many cyclists even combine asphalt and gravel within a single ride. That makes Girona unique compared to many other cycling destinations.

The Traka definitively put Girona on the clay map.

The growth of gravel in Girona exploded, partly thanks to events such as The TrakaWhat started as a small gravel initiative grew into one of the largest gravel races in Europe. Nowadays, thousands of cyclists travel to Girona for distances ranging from 100 to over 300 kilometers. But the remarkable thing is: even outside of the events, Girona remains a gravel mecca. According to many visitors, every ride here feels like a mini-adventure.

Also read: The three most beautiful gravel routes in Girona

The atmosphere makes Girona different from other cycling destinations.

Of course, there are other places with beautiful roads. But Girona distinguishes itself primarily through its atmosphere. After your ride, you drink specialty coffee among professional cyclists, eat Catalan tapas in the old town, and stroll along medieval streets while bikes are parked against walls everywhere. This combination of sport, lifestyle, and holiday feeling ensures that Girona becomes more than just a training location for many cyclists.

What you absolutely must do during a cycling trip to Girona

During a cycling trip to Girona, you really shouldn't miss these experiences:

1 Cycle to the Costa Brava

From Girona, you can drive towards the coast via rolling roads and gravel paths. You will find spectacular sea views, especially around Begur and Cadaqués.

2 Climb Rocacorba

This climb has by now almost become a pilgrimage for cyclists. Not extremely long, but mercilessly steep in some sections.

3 Discover the gravel routes of Les Gavarres

Perfect for gravel riders who want to ride off-road for hours without constantly encountering traffic.ahotu.com)

4 Enjoy the coffee culture

Girona is known for its cycling cafés and specialty coffee scene. Many coffee bars were founded by (former) pros.

Why it is better to experience Girona now than later

More and more cyclists are discovering Girona. You can see this in the growth of international events, training camps, and gravel races. While Girona used to be primarily an insider tip among pros, it is now on the bucket list of thousands of amateur cyclists. And that is precisely why now might feel like the perfect time to go. Before everyone rides the same routes. Before the hidden gravel roads remain hidden. And before you think again: “Why haven’t I been here sooner?”

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