Introduction
You will pass through the Alt Empordà plain between crop fields and wetlands; you approach the Serra de l'Albera and climb to the Massif of Las Salinas, always surrounded by broad cork oaks. You’ll pass through mountain villages such as Cantallops, Agullana, La Vajol or Maçanet de Cabrenys, which will invite you to stop and take a break from the bike with a short walk.
After enjoying the panoramic views over the whole Empordà plain, you will go down past the Darnius Boadella reservoir, over undulating terrain, following the Muga River, until you once again enter the agricultural plain.
You will cross the flat and cultivated landscape, passing through noteworthy villages such as Peralada and Castelló d'Empúries, overlooking the Serra de Rodes, in the direction of Roses. Before arriving, however, we will discover the natural features of a plain that remains flooded, crossing the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park.
We recommend the Local Natura App to do this route. Download it for free here:
Apple store Google Play
-
TypologyAnti-clockwise circular
-
DifficultyMedian
-
Duration6 hours 15 minutes
-
Slope1415.00 meters
-
Distance117.00 km
-
ThemeLandscaping
-
ActivityBy bike
-
Rating
Slope graph
Tips
- It is a long route and even more so if you take the Vallespir detour. You should plan a stop/rest to eat (breakfast) and bring enough water and energy food to eat en route.
- Fast traffic on county roads. Sufficient kerb
- Fast traffic on the main local roads before and after Sant Climent de Sescebes to La Jonquera. Main roads have lines but not kerbs.
- BEWARE of the cattle grids formed of iron pipes on the road surface to prevent livestock passing. Between Vilamaniscle and Rabós.
- Danger on the descent to Jonquera from Cantallops. Narrow local main road with tight bends and uphill traffic occupying the entire width.
- Descent from La Vajol towards Maçanet de Cabrenys: local minor road, narrow, tight bends, without lines or curb, steep slopes (15 %) and possible sand on the road surface. It's a technical descent. Take extreme precautions.
- In the middle of the village of Cabanes, on the plain, there is a speed hump which, if you’re not prepared for, can cause you to fall.
- The minor local roads on the plain, linking Peralada and Castelló d'Empúries, are quite busy.
- Avoid riding two abreast as much as you can.
- Always use hand signals whenever you should do so.
