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!