The Region of Espana Cycling Vacations…Girona is a very privileged area because of its geographic location; only 1 ½ hours north of Barcelona, and 30 minutes from France, it boasts one of Spain highest standards of living. Rich in nature, history and culture, Girona will entice all your senses. At the juncture of the rivers Ter and Onyars, lays beautiful Girona, which was once a well fortified walled city. Believed to have been founded by the Greeks and named Gerunda by the Romans, Girona is fascinating to explore, and an ideal starting place for a cycling vacation. Steep cobbled streets take you into the labyrinth of the Barri Vell, with its centuries old houses. Visit the Arab Baths, and the Jewish Quarters, or take a stroll along the wall for the best views of the city. Not far from Girona is the Mediterranean coast, more commonly known as the Costa Brava, “the untamed coast”. Cliffs drop sharply to the aqua marine waters of the Mediterranean; secluded, tightly enclosed coves with small beaches are stunning and dramatic, and a cyclists heaven. The Costa Brava was home to the great Salvador Dalí, and one can feel his surrealist presence here in his birth place city of Figueras, where he established a startling museum for his private collection and has since been entombed. There is also Olot, with its extinct volcanoes, Banyoles with its beautiful lake, (home of the 1992 Olympic rowing events) and don’t forget to save room in your luggage for the excellent pottery from La Bisbal.
Not to be missed, and only an hour train ride away, Barcelona is a must see city. Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church, the colorful Ramblas, the Cathedral, the Barri Gotic, and the many Tapas bars make Barcelona a nice break for those who don’t want to ride every day. The best way to see this cosmopolitan city is by foot, for longer distances you have buses, or the subway system, which is excellent and very easy to use.
