Two Countries - Pirinexus Pack‍-‍Trip

Day 2: Into the land of the volcanoes

Starting this e-cycling tour you will join the former train track that connected the city of Olot with the Costa Brava. This abandoned line has been converted into a very comfortable and enjoyable cycling path, which is frequently used by both locals and tourists all year round. At the beginning of the journey, the pathway follows the River Ter to its origins. It continues across the Collsacabra range, through woodlands and arrives in a flat and fertile valley, La Vall d’en Bas. Towards the end of the day, the track will arrive at the capital of the most beautiful volcanic area in the Iberian Peninsula, known as La Garrotxa. The city of Olot, built from black stone is your destination for this evening.

Km: 56 km approx.
Ascent: 700 m approx.

Day 3: Up and Up you climb to the Pyrenees

This journey will lead you into the Pyrenees and closer to the French border! The tracks start to become steeper within these volcanic lands and beech forests emerge. During the morning ride you will pass by a medieval monastery in Sant Joan de les Abadesses, which we recommend that you stop-off at. As you continue on your e-bike, more and more Romanesque architecture appears and forms part of the landscape around you! Ancient bridges, tiny stone-made towns and churches and their grand bell towers will be frequent sights! Passing through valleys planted with crops, high mountain woodland landscapes and a view towards the Pyrenees will slowly come into focus ahead of you! What a majestic sight! You will spend the night in a picturesque mountain village close to the French border.

Km: 52 km approx.
Ascent: 1500 m approx.

Day 4: Spend the day in France

Across the border, the wonderous Pyrenees continue ahead of you! You will pass alongside the fortress of Prats de Molló and continue through the valley of the River Tec. At Arles, you will enjoy the Romanesque monastery of Santa Maria, definitely one of the tour highlights! This part of your expedition will bring you to Ceret, a once well-known artistic destination for avantgarde artists. It now hosts an interesting modern art museum that is remarkable to visit and a chance to rest your weary muscles! You will also have the opportunity to try some local delicacies while in French territory. The final stop will be Le Voló, a small town at the border with Catalonia that has a sad, but important history. At the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939, hundreds of thousands of people tried to find safe passage into France through the town, crossing the narrow valley became crowded with the floods of people hoping to start a new life north of the border.

Km: 62 km approx.
Ascent: 800 m approx.

Day 5: Emporda meadows and marshland

The first town you will find as you return to Catalonia is La Jonquera. From here, the landscape and the sunlight changes as the Mediterranean Sea ahead of you beckons. The lush green Emporda meadows open up ahead of you and this morning you will ride through countryside dominated by cork oaks, olive trees and vineyards. Castles and medieval churches will accompany you throughout todays ride. The most astonishing of these is the Gothic Basilica of Castelló d’Empúries, the former capital of the county and entrance into the beautiful marshes of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà National Park. It is a peaceful spot and a place of refuge for migrating birds. As you ride, you will be quietly serenaded by the chirping of frogs and cricket song.

Km: 62 km approx.
Ascent: 700 m approx.

Day 6: Pure Costa Brava

Everyday there is a new historical landmark to admire! Today you will pass by Empuries, the long-standing remains of a Greek and Roman city that was forgotten for centuries. It was rediscovered in 1908 and is a great place to visit. As you e-cycle along the coastal path you must try to catch a glimpse of the sculpture of the medicinal God Asclepius staring out to sea! Today’s tracks are a combination of both inland and seaside routes as you cycle along the Costa Brava. If you fancy a swim to cool off, you have abundant beaches to choose from! After you pass by the sinuous hills of Montgrí, a meadow of rice will lay ahead of you and the landscape in front of you is scattered with small, but remarkable villages! You will enter into the harbour town of Palamos, which is known for its delicious prawns! The town has attracted Cruise ships in recent years, stopping on their journey from Barcelona to southern France to try the renowned seafood! You should definitely plan a seafood dinner as tonight’s prize for your efforts for when you arrive in Sant Feliu de Guixols this evening! The beach here is also a great spot to admire the sunset!

Km: 69 km approx.
Ascent: 400 m approx.

Day 7: Follow the train track back inland to Girona

The last stretch of this self-supporting ewheels adventure is from the Costa Brava back to the unforgettable city of Girona. You will be riding through the foothills of the Gavarres range of mountains, between oak and cork woodlands and farmland, crossing villages, with smooth uphill and downhill climbs. You will arrive into Girona this evening, having cycled over 350 km! Congratulations! Time for a beer or a glass of cava!

Km: 45 km approx.
Ascent: 300 m approx.

Day 8: Farewell from Girona

After this great experience of e-bike pack-tripping you will enjoy a relaxed day mooching around Girona before you travel back home. You might have some time to visit one of the cities’ museums or if you still have any energy left, to climb the old city walls! We hope that you will come back for another adventure with us soon!