Magic Girona – A Cyclist’s Paradise
- Bekim Christensen

- Oct 27, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Girona is an utterly delicious city — and for cyclists, it’s nothing short of paradise. With just over 100,000 inhabitants, the city offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and easy access to world-class riding. From the lively Rambla to quiet, shaded alleyways and sun-soaked squares, Girona invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.
Cycling is woven into the fabric of the city. Girona’s compact size makes it ideal to explore on two wheels, and its beautiful city walls and historic old town create a unique backdrop for every ride. The city carries centuries of history shaped by Romans, Moors, and Jews, whose legacy is especially visible in Barri Vell, the well-preserved Jewish Quarter.
Barri Vell feels like stepping straight into the Middle Ages
a dramatic setting that also caught the eye of Game of Thrones, which filmed several iconic scenes right here in the heart of the city. Riding through these ancient streets, it’s easy to understand why Girona leaves such a strong impression on visitors.
Four rivers meet in Girona, adding to its charm and character. One of them is lined with colorful houses that lean toward the water, creating one of the city’s most iconic views - a familiar sight for cyclists rolling through town before or after a ride.
Girona is packed with cozy streets, bike-friendly cafés,
and excellent restaurants, many of them designed with cyclists in mind. Coffee stops are serious business here, and it’s easy to find places with bike racks, good espresso, and fellow riders swapping stories from the road.
What truly sets Girona apart is how quickly you can escape into nature. In less than two kilometers, you’re riding out into stunning landscapes. The Gavarres massif lies between Girona and the Costa Brava and offers endless quiet roads, rolling terrain, and challenging climbs. One of the most rewarding rides or hikes leads to Castell de Sant Miquel, where a sunrise or sunset rewards you with a 360-degree view of the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean Sea, and Girona below. The route is around 12 km with plenty of elevation - a true favorite among locals.
Girona’s location also makes it perfect for rest days and adventures beyond the bike. The Costa Brava beaches, such as Tossa de Mar, are just 45 minutes away by bus. Barcelona is only 35 minutes by high-speed train, and Figueres - home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum - is a short 30-minute train ride.
Still, most cyclists agree: Girona itself is the main attraction. The city is vibrant, welcoming, and irresistibly charming, drawing riders from all over the world. Whether you come for the climbs, the coffee, or the community, Girona has a way of making you want to stay - and ride - just one more day.

















Comments