Costa Barcelona

The Costa de Barcelona is made up of the Maresme, Garraf, Alt Penedès, Baix Llobregat, Vallès Occidental and Vallès Oriental regions, all of which boast great routes for cycling enthusiasts. The Maresme Mountain Passes Route is a particular highlight, taking riders through several municipalities: Alella, Argentona, Caldes d'Estrac, Calella, Canet de Mar, El Masnou, Mataró, Òrrius, Premià de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar and Vilassar de Mar. It begins with a fairly gentle 40-km coastal section, with very few elevation gains. It then winds its way through the Alella D.O. (designation of origin) vineyards as it climbs up to the Font de Cera Pass, after which it climbs again, to the Sant Bartomeu Pass, before heading back to Calella along the coast.

If gravel and mountain biking trails are more your thing, you’ll also find plenty of options, such as the Penedès 360º Original. This 162-km circular route, starting and ending in Vilafranca del Penedès, is split into four technically straightforward stages, taking you through rural areas and charming villages. Meanwhile, the 200-km Penedès 360º Back Roads circular route gives road cyclists the chance to explore the Greater Penedès area, brimming with scenic contrasts as it passes through the regions of Alt Penedès, Baix Penedès, Garraf and Anoia.

Another fantastic option for cycling enthusiasts is the route from Terrassa to Manresa, passing through Montserrat. Also called the CPB12 route, this long ride is a great way to enjoy some amazing views.

You can also take part in one of the many cycle touring events that take place in these Barcelona regions, such as the Maresme Mountain Passes event held in May, or the Gran Fondo Calella long-distance event, which takes in the most spectacular mountain passes of the Montseny Natural Park.

The regions of Anoia, Bages, Moianès and Osona are also excellent for bicycle touring. There’s a huge choice of routes, but we’d like to make a couple of recommendations so that you enjoy the activity to the full with your cycling companions. One of the classic and best-known road cycling routes is the one from Bracons to Collsacabra, covering almost 83 kilometres. Departing from Manlleu, it’s a great way to explore the villages in the northern part of Osona, such as Sant Pere de Torelló or Santa Maria de Corcó, located right at the gateway to the Collsacabra region. The last stretch is pretty much all downhill!

The cycling routes in the Lluçanès region are a paradise for cyclists, thanks to its delightful winding roads. Pedal away as you savour the amazing landscapes that accompany you on a 77-km route that takes in the legendary La Trona Pass and ends up in Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of options in Osona not only for road cyclists but also for mountain bikers, who can take their pick from various circular routes on which to explore the best trails, tracks and paths in the region.

Pyrenees Barcelona

Surrounded by mountains, Berguedà is a very attractive region for keen cyclists. Take the 118-km Mining Route, for example, a road route established in 2014 by a group of cycling enthusiasts to pay tribute to all the municipalities in the region associated with mining activity, including Guardiola de Berguedà, Cercs, Fígols, Vallcebre and Saldes.

If you’re one of those cyclists who prefer to put their legs to the test with climbs up to mountain passes, Berguedà is home to 12 of them, including the pass at the Queralt Sanctuary, located at the summit of the Queralt Mountain Range at an elevation of 1,200 metres.

The Pyrenean region has plenty to offer mountain bikers too. In Berguedà there are trails to suit everyone, from straightforward, circular routes such as the one from Vilada to Sant Sadurní de Rotgers to long-distance routes such as the 220-km Camí dels Bons Homes (Path of the Good Men), and even bike parks if you enjoy the thrill of descents.

Making the most of the Pyrenees and its mountain passes, cycling races are also staged in this region, such as the 4 Cims (4 Peaks), comprising three routes with various distance options, all designed to guarantee a fantastic day of cycle touring. With a similar vibe, the Orbea Cadí Challenge takes you along the most attractive and quietest roads.

Family fun

If you’re seeking a relaxed route, for a fun day of sport and nature with the family, there are plenty of options in all the regions for cycling activities with kids. One of the highlights in Maresme is the Santa Susanna i la Font del Boter route, while in Osona you could opt for the Volta per Manlleu (Ride around Manlleu) or the Greenway between Vic and Gurb. Last but not least, in Berguedà, one of the many routes you can choose from is the Greenway from Cal Rosal to Pedret; it’s only 6 km long and very flat.

Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking, family cycling or even cycle touring with panniers, the Province of Barcelona and its regions are the destination for you.