5 Days of Adventure
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, love mountainous landscapes, and enjoy good food, the Catalan Pyrenees is a destination you can't miss. In this blog, I propose a 5-day route starting from Barcelona and visiting some of the most picturesque villages in the region.
This route is designed to enjoy the ride, the scenery, and the culinary treasures you'll find at each stop. Hop on your bike and join me on this adventure!
Avento
Key points
- Day 1: Barcelona - Ripoll (95 km)
- Day 2: Ripoll - Camprodon - Beget (55 km)
- Day 3: Beget - Vallter 2000 - Setcases (50 km)
- Day 4: Setcases - Sant Joan de les Abadesses - Besalú (85 km)
- Day 5: Besalú - Olot - Barcelona (135 km)
Day 1: Barcelona - Ripoll (95 km)
We depart from Barcelona towards Ripoll, a journey of approximately 95 km along the C-17. This first stage is perfect for warming up, with landscapes gradually transforming as we leave the city.
Ripoll: Known as the cradle of Catalonia, Ripoll is a must-see cultural stop. Here, you can visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, an impressive Romanesque building.
Where to eat:
Restaurant La Taverneta: A small restaurant in the center offering traditional Catalan cuisine. Perfect for trying grilled butifarras or escudella.
Day 2: Ripoll - Camprodon - Beget (55 km)
From Ripoll, take the C-26 road to Camprodon, a route of about 25 km. From Camprodon, continue on the GIV-5223 towards Beget, a small mountain village 30 km from Camprodon.
Camprodon: This picturesque village is famous for its medieval bridge and its typical sweet, Camprodon biscuits. Take the opportunity to stroll through its cobbled streets and admire the Ter River.
Beget: A charming stone village with fewer than 30 inhabitants. It's a quiet place where time seems to stand still. Ideal for those looking to disconnect and enjoy tranquility.
Where to eat:
El Pont 9 (Camprodon): Signature cuisine with local products. I recommend trying the mushroom and truffle cannelloni.
Can Jeroni (Beget): A rustic restaurant offering homemade dishes. Grilled meats are the house specialty.
Beget - Vallter 2000 - Setcases (50 km)
From Beget, we head up the winding road leading to Vallter 2000, a ski resort about 40 km away. Then we descend to Setcases, a charming village just 10 km from Vallter.
Vallter 2000: This ski resort offers spectacular panoramic views even in the off-season. It's worth climbing to its viewpoints to enjoy the scenery of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Setcases:A small mountain village surrounded by nature, perfect for a stroll after the adrenaline of the curves. It's well known among hikers and nature lovers.
Where to eat:
Can Jepet (Setcases): Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes like the Setcases pot, a mountain stew perfect for cold days.
Setcases - Sant Joan de les Abadesses - Besalú (85 km)
We continue our journey to Sant Joan de les Abadesses, about 30 km away. Then, we head towards Besalú, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia, about 55 km further.
Sant Joan de les Abadesses:Here you can visit the Monastery of Sant Joan, a gem of Romanesque art. The tranquility and charm of the place make it a pleasant stop on our route.
Besalú:This village is known for its impressive medieval bridge and its well-preserved old town. Getting lost in its streets is like traveling back in time.
Where to eat:
Restaurant Can Jepet (Sant Joan de les Abadesses): Specializes in grilled meats and local sausages.
Pont Vell (Besalú): Market cuisine with a well-curated menu. Don't miss their homemade desserts.
Day 5: Besalú - Olot - Barcelona (135 km)
The last day takes us from Besalú to Olot, passing through the Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. From Olot, we return to Barcelona via the C-17, completing our 135 km circuit.
Olot:Here you can make a short stop to visit the inactive volcanoes surrounding the city or take a walk through the Fageda d’en Jordà, a unique beech forest in the region.
Return to Barcelona:After this journey through nature, we head back to the city, filled with great experiences and unforgettable memories.
Where to eat:
Restaurant Les Cols (Olot): A restaurant with two Michelin stars offering a unique gastronomic experience based on local products.
Conclusion
This 5-day route will take you through some of the most beautiful and less-traveled corners of the Catalan Pyrenees. Each stage is designed to enjoy the motorbike, the landscape, and the local cuisine. From vibrant Barcelona to the quiet mountain villages, this route is ideal for those looking to disconnect and embark on an adventure on two wheels. Don't forget to bring your camera and enjoy the ride!