Catalonia presents the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel: a journey through the territory’s endless diversity
This 2,500 km itinerary across 42 stages invites riders to discover Catalonia’s identity through a route that reveals its geographic, cultural and scenic richness.
Catalonia strengthens its position as a cycling tourism paradise with the launch of the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel. This ambitious proposal has been designed to offer a full immersion in Catalan landscapes, culture and gastronomy, prioritizing rural roads and highly scenic gravel tracks that allow you to cross the region from north to south and from east to west. It is suitable for any type of cyclist:
The 5 sections of the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel
- Section 1 – Barcelona to Tarragona
481 km • Elevation gain: +8,454 m • 8 stages - Section 2 – Tarragona to Lleida
460 km • Elevation gain: +6,092 m • 8 stages - Section 3 – Lleida to La Seu d’Urgell
491 km • Elevation gain: +11,390 m • 8 stages - Section 4 – La Seu d’Urgell to Figueres
404 km • Elevation gain: +8,398 m • 8 stages - Section 5 – Figueres to Barcelona
652 km • Elevation gain: +10,781 m • 10 stages
Tailor made: an adventure for every kind of rider
One of the project’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Each traveler can design their own route according to fitness level, interests or available time.
The itinerary adapts completely to each cyclist, from experienced riders who choose to link three stages into a single epic day, to those who prefer to savour the journey by riding one stage per day and enjoying every village and landscape at a slower pace. It is a made-to-order trip where the rider sets the rhythm.
From Pyrenean peaks to the Mediterranean breeze
The route stands out for its spectacular variety of landscapes. Mountain lovers will find the Pyrenees as the wild heart of the journey, climbing passes that approach 2,000 metres of altitude and riding beneath the cliffs of the Cadí range or the imposing Pedraforca.
Black pine forests, alpine meadows and stone-built villages define this high mountain section, contrasting sharply with the light of the coastline.
As the route approaches the sea, it transforms to follow the cliffs of Cap de Creus, the coves of the Costa Brava and the long beaches of the Costa Daurada. Water is a constant companion, not only along the Mediterranean, but also by tracing the courses of major rivers such as the Segre and the Ebre, and discovering the calm of the Ruta dels Llacs in inland Lleida.
A mosaic of flavours and local produce
The experience is completed with an immersion in local gastronomy, which becomes the common thread running through every stage. Cyclists can taste the essence of each area through its zero kilometre products, from the rice dishes of the Ebre Delta and coastal seafood, to the hearty mountain cuisine of the Pyrenees with its artisan cheeses and cured meats.
The journey also crosses lands of wine and olive oil, through vineyards with protected designations of origin such as Penedès, Priorat and Empordà, and among ancient olive groves in the western plains. This sea and mountain combination on the plate reflects the same diversity felt throughout the ride.
Heritage and nature with every pedal stroke
Beyond the terrain, the route passes through areas of great geological and architectural value. The volcanoes of La Garrotxa, the mineral temple of Montserrat and the agricultural plains of the interior add a unique, almost mystical dimension to the journey.
Historic heritage turns each stage into a lesson in living history: Roman remains in Tarragona, medieval towns such as Besalú, Dalí’s surrealist legacy, and the vibrant Modernisme of Barcelona.
Get your bike ready, the journey starts here
In short, the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel is not just a route, it is an invitation to rediscover Catalonia from an authentic and privileged perspective. Whether you are looking for the sporting challenge of linking Pyrenean summits or the pleasure of riding without haste through vineyards and Mediterranean coves, this itinerary offers a transformative experience.
It is time to prepare the bike, choose your starting point and let yourself be surprised by the endless diversity of a territory that gives itself fully with every pedal stroke. The ultimate adventure awaits.
