Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 21:44

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Spain
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MER

Trip Overview

Cycle between two of the most happening cities in Europe: Barcelona and Valencia

Explore the Mediterranean coast on this week-long adventure on two wheels. We cycle the entire stretch from Barcelona down to Valencia, and at the end of each cycling day, we get the chance to enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean Sea as we stay in a different seafront hotel each night. Offering a fantastic mix of cycling lanes and quiet paved roads, this trip only includes four short transfers on the cycling days, so you really get a sense of accomplishment cycling the entire coastline from Barcelona to Valencia.

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

At a Glance

  • Six days of cycling with partial vehicle support
  • 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent gravel roads and tracks
  • Some climbs
  • Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Seven nights in hotels
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Discover the culturally rich cities of Barcelona and Valencia
  • Cycle coastal routes and along car-free paths reserved for bike riders and walkers
  • Indulge in regional culinary delights
  • Enjoy several opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Search for different bird species in the protected Ebro Delta

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

  • Six days of cycling
  • Average distance: 30mi (48km) per day
  • Partial vehicle support
  • Terrain and route: 90 percent on quiet minor roads and 10 percent on a mixture of non-technical tracks and a few off-road sections

There are some sections on main roads, but we cycle using the hard shoulder, which are wide and well kept. These sections will be on Day 2 (3mi/5km) and Day 3 (5.5mi/9km)

If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to call us. Please note, wearing a cycling helmet is compulsory on this trip.

If you are unsure about tackling six days of self-powered cycling but are keen to experience this trip, we recommend an e-bike (additional charge applies). Our guides are experienced in managing groups with both push bikes and e-bikes, and many of our clients enjoy the flexibility that an e-bike offers. Please speak to us if you would like to add this option to your booking.

This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Please see our Activity Level Guidelines for more information on classification and grading. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us.

Group

There will be a local cycling leader and an assistant leader driving the support vehicle.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

Land Only

  • Start City: Barcelona
  • End City: Valencia

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Barcelona

We start the trip in Barcelona, a captivating city of quirky landmarks and excellent cuisine. Our cycling starts tomorrow but the adventure begins immediately as we take advantage of our time here with a guided walking tour. Stops include La Rambla, Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter. After, we get to know each other a little better with a trip briefing and our first meal as a group.

Accommodation: Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)

Day 2
Transfer to Sitges; cycle to Altafulla

After breakfast, we have a transfer (approximately one hour) to Sitges where we adjust our bikes before we start cycling by the coast. We explore some of Sitges, cutting through the cobbled streets and along the promenade before we start a gentle climb through a forest to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú, where we stop for a well-deserved coffee. Afterwards we enjoy lunch at one of the many great restaurants along the way with sea-view tables. We then jump back on the bike and join the national road leading us to the Arc de Berà, which marks the Via Augusta connecting all the cities the Roman Empire controlled. Our destination today is the medieval town of Altafulla. This evening, we have a guided walking tour, visiting the castle and the main square, Plaça del Pou, where there is a sculpture called Castell depicting an eight-person-high human tower.

Accommodation: Hotel Altafulla Mar (or similar)

Distance covered: 30mi (48km)

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Transfer to Salou; cycle to L'Ampolla

We start with a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) this morning to cross the city of Tarragona and begin cycling in the coastal town of Salou. We ride along the promenade in Salou and Cambrils until we join a road running parallel to the coast. We have another transfer (approximately 10 minutes) to avoid pedalling past a nuclear power station. After lunch, we cycle to the picturesque fishing village of L’Ametlla de Mar and enjoy a quick break before our final stretch on the saddle. Our ride ends in the seaside town of L’Ampolla, known for having lovely beaches and great restaurants. As we are staying at a beachfront hotel, you have the chance for a swim in the sea or in the hotel pool.

Accommodation: Hotel Flamingo (or similar)

Distance covered: 29mi (47km)

Ascent: 1,476ft (450m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Cycle the Ebro Delta to Sant Carles de la Rapita

The highlight today is riding through the Ebro Delta Natural Park, the largest wetland area in Catalonia and home to more than 300 bird species. We cycle alongside canals that travel through rice fields and lagoons. Our first stop is the town of Deltebre, where we enjoy a coffee before crossing the Ebro river, situated in the middle of the delta. When we reach Tancada Lagoon, we admire and take pictures of all the flamingos, plus other birds, such as gulls, marine crows and ducks.

When we leave the delta, we take a coastal route in the afternoon to reach the picturesque fishing town of Sant Carles de la Rapita and enjoy time to relax at the beach or the hotel pool.

Accommodation: Hotel Miami Mar (or similar)

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Ascent: 492ft (150m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Cycle to Alcossebre via Sierra de Irta Natural Park

Today we enter the Valencia region and enjoy the most scenic day as we cycle through Sierra de Irta Natural Park. We ride mainly next to the coast and pass through the fishing town of Les Cases d’Alcanar where we find the remains of two defensive bunkers from the Spanish Civil War. We stop for lunch in Peñíscola and get a chance to explore the old streets and white houses surrounding the castle. After lunch, we enter Sierra de Irta Natural Park and ride on a bumpy dirt track with a few short, steep climbs. This is a truly spectacular section: an unspoiled stretch of coastline offering Mediterranean Sea views while cycling through forest.

Accommodation: Gran Hotel Las Fuentes (or similar)

Distance covered: 36mi (58km)

Ascent: 1,870ft (570m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Cycle along a car-free path to El Grau de Castello

Today we continue cycling south along the coast, mostly using cycling paths and enjoying inspiring views of beautiful sandy beaches along the way. We pass through the Parque Natural del Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca, one of the most unspoiled wetlands in the Valencia region. Once we have reached the town of Oropesa, we use a car-free cycling path that runs along the coast and includes a few short tunnels. We stop in Benicassim and have lunch at one of the many restaurants with sea-view terraces. After, we continue using cycling lanes but head inland to reach our destination for the night, El Grau de Castello.

Accommodation: Hotel Doña Lola (or similar)

Distance covered: 35mi (56km)

Ascent: 492ft (150m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Cycle to Valencia

On our last day of cycling, we start with a transfer (approximately one hour) to Playa Puzol on the outskirts of Valencia. From here, we jump on our bikes and take modern cycling lanes passing typical vegetable orchards growing the delicious produce used in the classic local paella. When we arrive in Valencia, we enjoy a guided cycling tour of the city, which includes stops at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Quart and Serranos towers, and the central market. After, we check into our hotel for a chance to shower, before we head into the city to enjoy our last group meal and reflect on an incredible week of cycling.

Accommodation: Hotel Olympia Universidades (or similar)

Distance covered: 19mi (30km)

Ascent: 164ft (50m)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
End Valencia; transfer to Barcelona airport

Our adventure ends with a transfer (approximately four hours) from Valencia to Barcelona airport. If you’ve still got the appetite for more exploration, speak to your sales representative to book further nights in our Valencia or Barcelona hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

We spend seven nights in three-to-four-star hotels, each chosen for their comfort and location. Some hotels have a swimming pool and/or sea view.

Examples of hotels used:

Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Altafulla: Hotel Altafulla Mar
L’Ampollla: Hotel Flamingo
Sant Carles de la Rapita: Hotel Miami Mar
Alcossebre: Gran Hotel Las Fuentes
El Grau de Castello: Hotel Doña Lola
Valencia: Hotel Olympia Universidades

Single supplement from USD 660

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included and will be continental with cold cheese, meats and bread, plus pastries, tea and coffee.

Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Transport

Transfers to and from the airport will be by private vehicle (normally minibus). While cycling, the vehicle will carry your baggage and be on hand with assistance or if you choose to sit out a section of the ride. A guide cycles with the group.

Weather & Seasonality

The climate is Mediterranean with mild temperatures and most rain falling in winter, but also possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. For this reason, we avoid departures during the hottest months of July and August. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Valencia

What To Take

Essential Equipment

We recommend packing the following items:

  • Normal daily clothes (for the earlier departures you may need some warmer layers)
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Specialized Crosstrail (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Kalkhoff Tasman Impulse 8R HS electric bikes (or similar) with front suspension and pannier bag are available on this trip; prices from £95/US$135/180 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride

Practical Information

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

Money

Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

There are cash points available in most towns along the route and most places take credit and debit cards, though cash is generally easier for smaller payments.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

The Mediterranean coast includes some of the most expensive regions in Spain; however, food and drink will be reasonably priced in the places we stop to eat and where we overnight. We recommend you allow approximately €50 per day for meals, coffees and other drinks. So approximately €300-€400 overall; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.

Local taxes: Catalonia has introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €5 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €8-€10 for the week.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €20 and €25 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For your driver, we recommend approximately €15-€20 per person.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration hereincluding our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Our local partner is a member of the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Community and have made the Climate Action Leaders in Travel Pledge
  • Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the local people, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.