Cycle from beach to mountain on a bike holiday in Barcelona

What are the best routes for a bike trip to Barcelona?

There are several great routes to consider while on a cycling trip to Barcelona. One of the most popular is the Collserola loop, which covers 63 km around the outskirts of the city. This is a challenging road route with over 1,300 metres of elevation gain, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Tibidabo Hill with its quaint amusement park and the stylish, trendy town of Sant Cugat. For those seeking a coastal experience, the route heading north toward the Maresme region offers a flatter profile with refreshing sea breezes. Another good choice for your bike holiday in Barcelona is cycling to Montserrat, Catalonia's sacred mountain. It's a tough, uphill climb with almost 1,400 metres of ascent in 66 kilometres. At the top, you can relax at the Montserrat monastery and enjoy the sweeping views of the jagged peaks. If you prefer gravel, the Carretera de les Aigües provides a nearly flat 10km stretch with incredible panoramic views of the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean. For more detailed maps and information on the city's cycling infrastructure, you can check the official Barcelona tourism guide to getting around by bike.

Where should I stay on a bike holiday in Barcelona?

Of course, you could start by looking for holiday lettings in Barcelona. There are routes which start right in the city centre, so staying in an apartment in Barcelona is a surprisingly practical choice. If you need to cycle around the city as part of your bike trip to Barcelona, you're in luck: Barcelona city centre is largely flat, and most roads have dedicated bike lanes. Staying in the city is a good choice if you want to mix cycling with a city break, but for travellers who just want to enjoy a bike adventure, you might prefer looking for villas in Costa Barcelona. In particular, areas like Maresme - a coastal zone where the annual Barcelona Ironman takes place - are popular with cyclists due to the smooth asphalt and long stretches of seaside road. Look for apartments in Costa Barcelona in towns like Calella and Santa Susanna. You'll still enjoy the comfort and amenities of a beach resort while being close to some of the area's best mountain passes in the Montseny Natural Park. If you are travelling with children and want a slower pace, you might also consider family travel in Barcelona as a way to combine cycling with kid-friendly activities like visiting the Ciutadella Park.