Cycle the Via Verda: Girona’s Scenic Greenway Through Villages and Vineyards
Girona’s Green Way, the Via Verda, winds through forests, medieval villages, and volcanic landscapes. The trail in Catalonia is car-free and perfect for travelers on foot or bike. The trail was originally a railway line through northeastern Spain. Cyclists and walkers now enjoy the countryside vistas past sunflower fields and Garrotxa’s ancient volcanoes. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about cycling Girona’s Via Verda.
Girona’s Scenic Rails-to-Trails Cycling Route
The Via Verda was an operating railway line from the 1800s until the 1960s. The hand-dug tunnels and old train stations are still visible today along the rails-to-trails route. A bike ride offers glimpses of authentic Catalan rural life. The Green Way, one of Catalonia’s most popular cycling paths, connects Girona to the town of Olot and Costa Brava. The smooth path is mostly flat which makes it ideal for cyclists of all abilities.
The Best Via Verda Routes: From Volcanoes to the Sea
Two main cycling routes either start or go through Girona. Carrilet I is a 57-kilometer path linking Girona to Olot. A gradual uphill ride brings cyclists through the Garrotxa Volcanic Area, past tunnels, forests, and the charming villages of Amer and Les Planes d’Hostoles. Carrilet II runs 40 kilometers form Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The path is mostly downhill and brings bikers straight to glorious Costa Brava.
Bike Rentals, E-Bikes, and Tours: Exploring the Via Verda Your Way
Girona is equipped with a superior cycling infrastructure for travelers. Plenty of bike rental shops offer road bikes, ebikes, city bikes, and more. Helmets, baskets, and GPS navigation systems are typically available for a fee. Eat Sleep Cycle is a Girona cycling hub with excellent mechanic services and gear. The Service Course carries high-end bike rentals and lots of accessories. CicloTurisme Tours is a one-stop shop for organizing tours and comprehensive travel planning.
THN Travel Tip: Be sure to ask about hotel pickups, if available, and luggage transfer to enhance your experience. Also, check out guided tour options for exploring nearby medieval towns!
Where to Stop, Eat, and Stay Along the Way
Catalan cuisine is in the spotlight along the Via Verda trail. Bars, restaurants, and inns cater to cyclists along with casa rurales. Bonus points for finding accommodations with secure lockers and hearty breakfast options! Amer is a quaint medieval town and an ideal stop for a quick bite. Sant Feliu de Pallerols is a scenic village with Romanesque architecture. Olot is a boisterous town with four extinct volcanoes surrounding the center. And finally, Sant Feliu de Guíxols is the perfect spot for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
THN Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Ride on the Via Verda
Via Verda is well-marked and easy to navigate but it’s best to also have access to reliable GPS and printed maps. Planning for rest stops and water refills is always a good idea. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for cycling as there are milder temperatures and lower humidity. Spring and fall also offer the most colorful panoramas. The earlier you hit the trail, the better to avoid crowds and hotter weather. Planning accommodations well in advance can help out in the long run to avoid low rental inventory. Most of all, take your time, stop plenty for photo ops and hiking, and enjoy!
