The Girona Greenways are hiking and cycling routes that have been created using old disused railway lines in the province of Girona, at the northern part of Spain and Catalonia. These routes are designed to be accessible and safe for all types of users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and people with reduced mobility.
Girona’s Greenways have a lot to offer. From the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava you will discover unusual landscapes, villages that will take your breath away and a gastronomy that you won’t forget.
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The best time to enjoy Girona Greenways
Girona Greenways hiking and cycling routes
The best time to enjoy Girona Greenways
Girona is a province in Catalonia that has lovely weather all year round. However, spring and summer are the best months to venture out on these rural trails.
If you decide to come during the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October, you will enjoy sunny and long days, which will allow you to do the routes calmly and with a pleasant climate. This does not mean that a few drops may fall and that there may be some cool mornings. So don’t forget your raincoat and sun cream for the summer months.
Girona Greenwats hiking and cycling routes
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Route of the Carrliet I
Greenway from Olot to Girona
This route covers around 54 kilometers, connecting the towns of Olot and Girona through a diverse landscape that includes forests, fields and picturesque villages.
It is probably one of the routes that will allow you to discover most parts of Girona. You will pass through 12 villages, each with plenty to offer and discover. You will find ancient medieval towns such as Anglès, you will enter the Garrotxa Natural Park, and in Olot you will see numerous modernist buildings.
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Route of the Carrilet II
From Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols
A new excursion of 40 kilometres, this trail connects Girona with the coast, ending in the town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
This Greenway is an excellent combination of sea and mountain. It starts in Girona, passes through Cassà de la Selva and ends in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, at the foot of the Mediterranean Sea.
On the way, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees and Montseny in the distance, as well as the Cadiretes and Gavarres massifs. And all this festival of landscapes with hardly any gradient, but with many winding curves.
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Ferro i del Carbó Route
From Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadasses
Approximately 12 kilometers long, this route follows the old railway track that transported coal and iron from the mines to the factories.
It is also a Greenway full of legends and stories to discover, as it was here where Guifrè el Pelòs and Count Arnau, Catalan historical legends, left a lot of written history.
Although it is true that this route shares sections with motorized vehicles, the countless places of interest will make you not want to miss it.
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Petit Train Route
From Palamós to Palafrugell
This route, about 6 kilometers long, connects the coastal towns of Palamós and Palafrugell, passing through landscapes of vineyards and farmland, embraced by the Gavarres massif and the mountains of Begur.
The current Greenway crosses the villages of Palamós, Mont-ras and Palafrugell, with two possible detours to discover the beaches of Castell and La Fosca. This route in Girona is ideal for the youngest members of the family.
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The Pinxo Train Route
From Serinyà to Girona
This Greenway, 37 kilometers long, is exclusively for cycling. The Pinxo Train Route follows part of the old train route that ran from Palamós to Girona and Banyoles.
The start of this last trail that we propose is immersed in the ‘Espai de Interés Natural de l’Estany de Banyoles’, surrounded for most of the section by rivers and ponds.
The second part of the route, approaching Girona, follows the route of the Pinxo train, which was very popular among the locals back in the days. It finishes in Girona, which will allow adventurers to link up with other Girona Greenways such as the Carrilet I Route and the Carrilet II Route.
Combine Girona Greenways with other experiences
Girona’s Greenways are the perfect setting for doing sport and discovering this magnificent Catalan province. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of this getaway.
How to enjoy the Greenways?
Most of these routes in Girona are suitable for walking or cycling. To find out which is the most appropriate and comfortable way to travel along these routes, we recommend you visit the official website of the Greenways.
How to get to the Greenways?
The start of many of these trails is from Girona, so this city will be the hub of many of the proposed routes.
Girona is very well connected, you can get there:
- By car: just 1:30 hours from Barcelona, Girona is an ideal destination for a quick getaway. There are also several public car parks in the surrounding area. And if you’re coming by motorhome, here is where to park.
- By plane: whether you land in Barcelona or at Girona Airport itself, you can easily reach Girona from any European city.
- By train: with the train station in the city center, this service makes it very easy for those who want to go to Girona by train, with connections to several cities. Best of all, you can take your bike on the train!
- By bus: Spain and Catalonia’s extensive bus network means you’ll have more than one option for getting to Girona by bus. In this case, if you want to travel with your bike, you should check the conditions of the bus company beforehand.
What to do after a morning on the Greenways?
What better plan than enjoying the Greenways in the morning and discovering Girona in the afternoon?
If you want these routes to be your next getaway, our partners can make your stay in Girona a memorable experience.
- Adding cultural visits to the numerous monasteries in all the villages along the route or taking a guided tour in Girona.
- Enjoying Catalan gastronomic experiences, tasting ‘xató’ or ‘faves a la catalana’ in exceptional surroundings.
- Attending sports shows such as a Girona FC match.
- And experiencing moments of disconnection and relaxation in a spa in Girona or a hotel surrounded by nature.
And don’t worry about finding accommodation for you and your bike, we will take care of that. And if you want to rent your bike in Girona, we will make sure to find the one that suits your needs.
Do you already know when you are going to discover the Girona Greenways? Contact us and we will help you plan your trip to Girona.
