Contrasts of Catalonia (Catalunya) Cycling

If you have arranged to join the transfer we will meet you at Flaca railway

station and take you to your hotel (35mins) where you are accommodated in

rooms with a private balcony and sea view. It is less than 5 minutes walk to

the centre of town where you have so many restaurants to choose from that we

have left the choice up to you. Calella is a lovely seaside resort, popular

with Spanish visitors, which boasts three little sandy coves, all popular for

sunbathing and swimming.Premium Hotel

Your route today passes through the pine forests behind Calella before

heading off to Pals. The village was abandoned following the civil war, but

has since been lovingly restored and has won many architectural awards. The

narrow lanes lead to Gothic houses, a Romanesque clock tower and medieval

walls. There are plenty of cafes, so it makes for a very pleasant coffee or

lunch stop. You will then head on through the pretty hamlets of Palau Sator,

where there has been a settlement since Roman times, and Fontanilles before

looping back towards the coast and a gentle downhill ride to Platja de Pals.

Here there is a stretch of beautiful golden beach, more than two miles long

and our hotel is only 5 minutes walk away, so absolutely ideal for an

afternoon dip or evening stroll. Here we stay in a gastronomic hotel where

your evening meal can be taken in the hotel restaurant or on the terrace.

Today is a free day, so if you wish you can take full advantage of the

fantastic location by the sea. You can relax on the beach, follow the superb

coastal path for a lovely walk or simply chill out by the hotel's pool. If

you are feeling more energetic we strongly recommend a great circular ride

through the pine forests to medieval Begur. It is a fashionable hilltop town

with an 11th century castle and outstanding views over the coast.Optional

ride approx. 20km.

Today's ride will begin by cycling past rice fields before following the

River Ter to Torroella de Montgri with wonderful views of the Illes Medes.

The town was originally the Royal Port for the Kings of Aragon before the

river started silting up, however, the town still retains its medieval core

and walls. The Placa de la Vila, a porticoed square designed as a meeting

point on the model of the Greek Agora and Roman Forum boasts the 15th Century

Ajuntament and a lovely sundial dating from 1725. It is a great place to stop

for lunch before heading inland along wonderfully quiet roads through the

village of Gualta, with its picturesque 16th Century bridge, and the pretty

hamlets of Fonolleres, Matajudaica and Casavells to Castell d'Emporda. Here

you will stay in a uniquely converted 14th Century Gothic castle - once

reputed to have been on Dali's shopping list.

Castell d'Emporda was lovingly renovated by its owners and turned into an

amazing place to stay in a fabulous location. The restaurant is renowned and

full of character and you will enjoy food grown locally and prepared with

flair. There is a lovely patio area so you can dine outside if it is warm

enough. If you just fancy a lazy day at the hotel then the restaurant offers

a lovely 3 course lunch or tapas at the bar and then you can just enjoy the

pool. In the centre of the castle there is also Europe's largest scale model

of the Battle of Waterloo, the 18 square meter representation is well worth a

look. There is also plenty to explore in the local area and we recommend

taking a trip out on the bikes. Our suggested cycling circuit takes you

through the pretty medieval villages of Corca, Monells, which has a pretty

square and lots of options for lunch, and La Bisbal - a lively market town

famous for antiques and pottery. It is worth taking the time to explore the

old quarter including the Carrer de Call, formerly a Jewish ghetto - its

intricate arches are still intact today.

Today we follow a gentle route, stopping first at the walled village of

Ullastret. The vast archaeological site here contains the remains of one of

the oldest Iberian villages in Spain. Founded in the 6th Century BC the

settlement was protected by magnificent walls, part of which can still be

seen. Within the walls you will find ruins of dwellings, temples, cisterns,

silos, public squares and other remains of a bustling community. Your journey

will then continue via the beautifully preserved walled village of

Peratallada and onto the bustling market town of Palafrugell, a super spot

for lunch. The route will then guide you back to the coastal town of Calella

de Palafrugell for your final evening. Once again we have left the restaurant

choice up to you as there are many options.

After breakfast, depart Calella de Palafrugell