R5 — Summit of the Garraf Massif
R1 — Aerial panoramic view of Barcelona from Tibidabo
R2 — Road from Sarrià to Vallvidrera
R3 — Castellet de Foix viewpoint
R4 — Castellvi de la Marca
R6 — Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park
R7 — Sau Reservoir
R8 — Port de Bellmunt
Eight road cycling routes for discovering the regions of the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ
From Tibidabo and Penedès to Garraf and Osona, these road cycling routes through Barcelona allow you to discover some of the landscapes that link the province to the Grand Départ of the 2026 Tour de France.
When the Tour de France chose the province of Barcelona to host the core of the Grand Départ in 2026, it wasn't breaking any new ground. It was recognising what professional cyclists, cycling lovers, and cycle tourists from all over Europe already knew: the province of Barcelona is an ideal destination for cycling. Here are eight road cycling routes that traverse the region, connecting landscapes, cultures, gastronomy and sport, and that adapt to very different profiles: from beginner cyclists to experienced riders looking for a professional challenge. Some run along sections of the official route of the 2026 Tour de France, allowing you to cycle the same paths as the best cyclists in the world. All of them, regardless of this link, offer an authentic, memorable experience on two wheels.
Route 1. Barcelona – Tibidabo – Sant Cugat – Barcelona
52 km · 890 m total elevation gain · Level: Beginner-friendly
An urban and natural route for discovering Barcelona from a different point of view. The route starts from the Olympic Village in Poblenou, goes up to Tibidabo (with its panoramic views of the city), and goes into the Serra de Collserola Natural Park. It then descends towards the municipalities of Sant Cugat del Vallès and Cerdanyola del Vallès before returning to Barcelona through the university campus area, the Velòdrom d'Horta and Parc Güell. The route ends near Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arc de Triomf. Although it includes some climbs, it is also suitable for cyclists with limited experience.
Points of interest: Tibidabo, Collserola Natural Park, Sant Cugat Monastery, Olympic Village, Ciutadella Park, Arc de Triomf, Parliament of Catalonia.
Route 2. Barcelona – Collserola – Molins de Rei – Barcelona
48 km · 950 m total elevation gain · Level: Beginner-friendly
A short but elevated route that invites you to discover Barcelona from its 'green lung': the Serra de Collserola Natural Park. From Tibidabo, the route descends toward the Vallvidrera neighborhood and takes on the climb up Coll de la Creu d'Olorda, one of the classic passes in the Barcelona area, with spectacular views over the metropolis. The descent leads to Molins de Rei, while the return follows the same pass to enter Barcelona through the Sarrià neighborhood and the Rambla de Catalunya. Part of this route coincides with the route of the second stage of the 2026 Tour de France.
Points of interest: Tibidabo, Serra de Collserola Natural Park, Coll de la Creu d'Olorda, Vallvidrera, Molins de Rei.
Route 3. Sitges – Begues – Vilafranca del Penedès – Foix Reservoir – Sitges
104 km · 950 m total elevation gain · Level: Demanding
A coast-to-inland adventure that links some of the most spectacular landscapes in the south of the province. The route starts in Sitges, the cosmopolitan capital of the Garraf region, and goes up along Coll de Begues until entering the Alt Penedès region, with its iconic wineries and vineyards. It passes through Vilafranca del Penedès and reaches the Foix Reservoir, set against a stunning natural backdrop, before returning to Vilanova i la Geltrú and, finally, Sitges. The terrain is demanding and recommended for experienced cyclists.
Points of interest: Sitges, Castelldefels, Coll de Begues, Vilafranca del Penedès, Foix Reservoir, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Garraf Natural Park.
Route 4. Garraf-Penedès cycling experience
115 km · 2,482 m of total elevation gain · Level: Very demanding
Sea, mountains and vineyards in a single day. This circular route from Vilanova i la Geltrú is one of the most comprehensive options in the province, as it runs through the coastal area of Garraf, goes deep inland into the peaks of Penedès, and returns along quiet roads with views of the Mediterranean. The highest point stands at 842 m, and the route includes particularly picturesque sections through the areas of Font-Rubí and Subirats, with narrow roads and practically no traffic. A route to savour, with stops at local wineries not to be missed.
Points of interest: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Garraf Natural Park, Subirats, Font-Rubí, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Olèrdola Castle Monument Complex, Sitges.
Route 5. The Garraf Passes
104 km · 950 m total elevation gain · Level: Demanding
From the Mediterranean to the peaks of Garraf and Penedès: a circular route from Vilanova i la Geltrú that connects the region's main passes, among vineyards, a natural park and ancient heritage. The main climb from Sitges to the Garraf Massif (5 km with an average of 9% and sections exceeding 12%) is real sight to see: holm oaks, limestone outcrops and ever-growing views over the Penedès plain. From the summit, at around 473 m, the massif dominates, while on clear days, you can even see the sea. The descent is technical, with tight curves requiring concentration.
Points of interest: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sitges, Garraf Massif, Olèrdola Complex, Avinyonet del Penedès, Wine Route.
Route 6. Sabadell – Sant Llorenç Savall – Sant Feliu de Codines – Sabadell
51 km · 980 m total elevation gain · Level: Accessible/intermediate
A circular route from Sabadell that combines the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park with the green landscape of Sant Feliu de Codines and the thermal heritage of Caldes de Montbui. Leaving from the northwest of the city, the route passes through Castellar del Vallès and reaches Sant Llorenç Savall, where the ascent to Collet del Castell begins. The return route passes through Gallifa, continues towards Sant Feliu de Codines, and descends to Caldes de Montbui, famous for its Roman baths and the Font del Lleó fountain, in the historic center. Suitable for cyclists in good physical condition.
Points of interest: Sabadell, Sant Llorenç Savall, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, Sant Feliu de Codines, Caldes de Montbui, Font del Lleó.
Route 7. Discovering Les Guilleries
101 km · 1,540 m total elevation gain · Level: Demanding
Les Guilleries is home to a lesser-known side of Catalonia: dense forests, rock formations, deep valleys and the silence of minor roads. This circular route from Vic, the capital of the Osona region, lets you explore this protected area whose highlight is the Sau Reservoir. The sight of the flooded reservoir, with the Romanesque bell tower of Sant Romà de Sau emerging from the water, is one of the most iconic images of inland Catalonia. The route combines demanding sections with descents that reward the effort.
Points of interest: Vic, Les Guilleries, Sau Reservoir, Sant Romà de Sau bell tower, slopes of the Montseny Massif.
Route 8. The Climb to Bellmunt
65.9 km · 1,200 m total elevation gain · Level: Intermediate/demanding
Short but substantial, the climb to Bellmunt is a classic for cyclists in the Osona region. From Vic, the route first runs across the plain, with its farmhouses and cultivated fields, before tackling the Port de Bellmunt, the preeminent climb of the area. At the top of the Sanctuary of Bellmunt, the landscape unfolds spectacularly: the plain of Vic, Collsacabra, Les Guilleries and, on clear days, the Pyrenees on the horizon. The return through quiet rural villages rounds off a day that combines effort and contemplation.
Points of interest: Vic, Vic plain, Sanctuary of Bellmunt, Port de Bellmunt, natural landscape of the Osona region.
These eight road cycling routes immerse you in the province of Barcelona in an active, sustainable way that also connects you to the region. From the urban passes of Collserola to the landscapes of Garraf, Penedès, Osona, and Les Guilleries, each route offers a different way of experiencing the t linked to the Grand Départ of the 2026 Tour de France and enjoying cycle tourism throughout the year.
More information about road cycling in the province of Barcelona