Welcome to La Gravelera: the new project turning the EmpordĂ into a gravel paradise
For months, we have been working on the new version of a project with a clear vision: to put the EmpordĂ on the map as a premier destination for gravel. This is how La Gravelera was born (and grows), an initiative that goes far beyond cycling and invites you to discover the territory on two wheels.
La Gravelera is a proposal that combines sport, nature, culture, and gastronomy, through a selection of official gravel routes designed to experience the EmpordĂ in a different, authentic, and sustainable way.
Official routes to discover the EmpordĂ by pedaling
On the EmpordĂ Turisme website, you will already find a wide range of gravel routes that cross some of the most emblematic landscapes of the region:
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From the calm and biodiversity of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà .
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To the demanding climbs of the Albera mountain range.
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Passing through seaside paths, forest tracks, vineyard fields, farmhouses, and charming villages.
Each route is a different adventure, adapted to various levels, and designed so that the cyclist not only pedals, but connects with the territory and everything that surrounds it.
Much more than cycling
La Gravelera is not just a collection of routes. It is a project with a real impact on the territory.
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La Gravelera is sport: it promotes physical activity and direct contact with nature.
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La Gravelera is tourism: it attracts visitors who want to discover the EmpordĂ in a respectful and conscious way.
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La Gravelera is future: every pedal stroke contributes to boosting the local economy.
The project helps to:
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Promote cycle tourism and position the EmpordĂ as a reference destination for gravel.
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Boost the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, cafes, accommodations, and shops.
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Give visibility to the municipalities and their natural, cultural, and historical heritage.
A complete experience
Pedaling with La Gravelera is much more than adding up kilometers. It is stopping to have a coffee in a small village, discovering a hidden chapel, bathing in a river pool, enjoying local cuisine after the route, and returning home with the feeling of having lived something unique.
Ready to pedal this adventure? There are no more excuses not to get on the bike. Discover all the routes, plan your next outing, and experience the EmpordĂ from a new perspective. Start pedaling La Gravelera.
Ever since we in our association started exploring the world of gravel, we knew we had found a unique way to show the essence of Alt Empordà . It’s not just about pedaling, but about immersing oneself in the landscapes, feeling the earth under the wheels, and discovering corners that only reveal themselves to those who dare to go off the asphalt. That’s why we have worked to create a selection of the best “graveleras” in the region. And yes, we have tried some and we tell you through our own experience and that of people who have already tried them which ones they are and what to do while you complete them, because you’ll have to rest and eat well after so many kilometers, right?
But… what is a “gravelera”?
For us, a “gravelera” is not just a cycling route; it is an adventure. It is the term we use to refer to those gravel bike routes that combine the spectacular landscapes of our territory with the freedom of exploring dirt roads and forest tracks. They are routes designed so that cyclists of any level, from the most experienced to beginners, can connect with the nature, culture, and gastronomy of the Empordà .
Our selection of essential routes
We have pedaled through vineyards, crossed marshes, and climbed up to thousand-year-old castles. Each route has offered us a different perspective of the region, but they all share a common denominator: the feeling of fulfillment upon finishing them. If you are planning a getaway, these are the ones that, in our opinion, you cannot miss.
1. Route from the Vineyard to Sant Quirze de Colera: A journey through time
This route is one of our favorites. With its 41.5 km and an accumulated elevation gain of 570 meters, it is a medium-difficulty route ideal for a morning or afternoon of pedaling. Starting from Peralada, we quickly enter a sea of fields and farmhouses, passing through the charming little village of DelfiĂ . But what really fascinated us was the gradual climb through cork oak forests and vineyards, which led us directly to the heart of the Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera, a Romanesque gem that seems suspended in time. A stop at this place is mandatory. Its imposing structure made us feel history in every stone. From there, the descent towards Vilamaniscle offered us spectacular views of the Albera mountain range.
Route details:
- Distance: 41.5 km
- Estimated duration: 2h 30min
- Difficulty: 2/3
- Accumulated elevation gain: 570 m
- What we liked most: The surprise upon arriving at the monastery and the panoramas from Coll de la Serra.
- More information and GPS download: Gravel route from Peralada to Sant Quirze de Colera
Where to eat and sleep on the Peralada routes?
After a day of pedaling among vineyards, there is nothing better than a good meal. We stopped at the Castell de Perelada Restaurant, a place with an impressive setting and a gastronomic proposal that is a true luxury. Their menu is amazing, a perfect fusion of tradition and avant-garde. For those who want to turn the getaway into a complete experience, we cannot help but recommend the Hotel Spa Vilamont in Garriguella, just a few kilometers away. It is a haven of peace with wonderful facilities to relax your muscles after a good pedaling session.
2. The Aiguamolls: A “safari” on wheels
We cannot forget this route if we talk about diversity. Starting from Castelló d’Empúries, this 26 km circuit with almost non-existent elevation gain is ideal for a relaxed day. We did it one weekend and were fascinated. The track led us to surround part of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, where bird watching is constant. We felt like we were on a “bird safari”, but on bicycles. We passed through the canals of Empuriabrava, where people waved to us from their boats, and the feeling was most curious. Additionally, the route is perfectly signposted, so there is no way to get lost. It is an option we recommend wholeheartedly for families.
Route details:
- Distance: 26 km
- Estimated duration: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: 1/3
- Accumulated elevation gain: 90 m
- What we liked most: The immersion in nature and the tranquility of the route.
- More information and GPS download: Gravel route in CastellĂł d’EmpĂşries and the Aiguamolls de l’EmpordĂ
Where to eat and sleep on the Castelló d’Empúries route?
If you choose the Aiguamolls route, you’re in luck, because the area offers countless options. For resting, we chose the tranquility of Casa Rural Yeguada Senillosa. It is a very charming place, surrounded by nature, perfect for disconnecting and recharging energies. For eating, the offer is so varied that you can choose from many options. One of our favorite stops is Santa Llúcia Restaurant in Roses, where seafood cuisine is the protagonist. A perfect way to end the day enjoying the local gastronomy.
Frequently asked questions you often have
Over time, there are many doubts you have about these routes. Here are some of the most common questions we receive, and our answers, based on our own experience:
- Can these routes be done with a mountain bike? Of course. Most of these routes combine asphalt sections with compact dirt tracks, which are perfectly cyclable with an MTB. In fact, before gravel became trendy, that’s what we used to explore them. The key is to enjoy the path, not the type of bike!
- If I’m going with children, which one do you recommend? We love this question. For the little ones in the house, our top recommendation is the Aiguamolls route. Since it is practically flat and has a surface in very good condition, it is very safe. Additionally, bird watching and the curiosity of pedaling alongside the canals of Empuriabrava mean they won’t be bored for a minute. It’s a great activity for families.
- Is it necessary to be an expert cyclist? Not at all. In our portal there are routes of all levels, from the simplest like “Vineyards and Contrasts” to challenges like the epic route to Requesens. We always recommend starting with level 1 or 2, so you get familiar with the terrain. The goal is that everyone, regardless of level, can enjoy the experience.
The key to success: Plan and enjoy
To make your experience as good as ours, we advise you to plan your day well. All the routes on our portal are designed so that you can download the GPS files (GPX), which makes it impossible to get lost. Additionally, on our website, you will find detailed information on each route, including the type of terrain and points of interest.
And after the effort, the reward. One of the great advantages of pedaling through the EmpordĂ is that there is always a good place to recharge. So you have no doubts, here we share our recommendations for two of the routes we have tried:
Gravel has done nothing but gain followers in Spain. According to data from the Rural Tourism Observatory, cycle tourism has grown exponentially, and the combination of sport and nature is what attracts travelers most. And if you add a first-class cultural and gastronomic offer to that, it’s no wonder more and more people decide to come and discover our land on two wheels.
Alt Empordà has a lot to offer, and we are convinced that gravel is the key to discovering it. So, get your bikes ready and come pedal with us! For more ideas and planning, take a look at the hotels and vacation rental options we have on our website. And, of course, don’t forget to check the list of restaurants to end the day in the best possible way.