Cycling route through the Alt Empordà: between sea and mountains

We will start our departure from Rosas with a steep to moderate but short ascent, through a secondary road with little traffic. We will reach an elevated point overlooking the entire gulf of Rosas from where we will descend – enjoying spectacular scenery – to Cala Monjoi, a place known for having housed one of the most famous restaurants in the world: “El Bulli“.

We will continue gliding along a good track to the natural environment of Cap Norfeu and Cala Joncols, from where we will start a long but easy ascent to the pass of Sa Cruïlla where we will admire privileged views of the two slopes. We will start the descent towards Cadaqués along a track in good condition that crosses some unique farmhouses. The last kilometers represent a continuous photogenic spectacle of the bay of Cadaqués. We will have to pay attention to the last stretches of the track that are a little more irregular until the arrival to the town of Cadaqués.

We will say goodbye to Cadaqués starting the road to Cap de Creus, from where we will turn off to take a track that begins a steady but affordable climb, until we reach a panoramic point that overlooks the entire area of Cap de Creus. From here we will continue along the GR11 long distance path, with winding and fun routes, generally with good terrain, except for some points where you have to pay special attention.

We will pass by Mas Vell where we will take a track that will take us through silent and wild landscapes to the vicinity of San Baldiri de Tavellera, where we will start the fun descent to Port de la Selva by a track with beautiful views over the sea. From Port de la Selva we will take the road along the coast to reach Llançà in 5km.

We will continue our last stage of the cycling route through the Alt Empordà cycling a few km along the road leading to Figueres to turn off immediately by secondary roads and very pleasant for pedaling. Lonely and narrow roads that will take us to Espolla without big slopes. From here we will start the ascent to the Coll de Banyuls with some bearable slopes except for a shorter but steeper ramp that will take us to the pass. We will enjoy spectacular views of the French coast from a privileged viewpoint.

From here the route goes for 10 km on a lonely track in generally very good condition except for more irregular areas. The climbs will be very light and you will basically glide during this stretch. The track represents a strategic vantage point over the vineyards of Banyuls and the French coast. Arriving at the Madeloc Tower – a 13th century watchtower that is continuously visible during part of the route – we will turn onto the Coll de Gascons where we will meet again a nice secondary road. After a short slope, we start the steep and fun descent to the sea.