There is a reason the world's best cyclists call Girona home. The roads here offer everything a climber could dream of: long, steady gradients through cork oak forests, sharp switchbacks with views that stop you mid-pedal, and quiet mountain passes where the only sound is your own breathing.
After years of riding these roads daily, here are the five climbs we believe every visiting cyclist should have on their list.
1. Rocacorba
The climb that gives us our name. Starting from the plains of Banyoles, Rocacorba rises 12.8 kilometres at an average of 6.2%. It is a proper test from start to finish, with the final three kilometres kicking up sharply through the forest before emerging at the antenna-topped summit. On a clear day, the views stretch from the Pyrenees to the sea.
Distance: 12.8 km | Elevation: 795m | Avg gradient: 6.2%2. Els Angels
A favourite warm-up or standalone ride, Els Angels climbs gently through dense forest above Girona. The sanctuary at the top is a gathering point for local riders and a perfect coffee stop. The descent back towards Madremanya is one of the finest in the region.
Distance: 12.5 km | Elevation: 485m | Avg gradient: 3.9%3. Mare de Deu del Mont
Perhaps the most beautiful climb in Catalonia. The road winds through volcanic landscape in the Garrotxa region before a final, dramatic approach to the monastery perched on the summit. The last two kilometres are steep, but the panoramic views from the top are worth every pedal stroke.
Distance: 7.5 km | Elevation: 540m | Avg gradient: 7.2%4. Santa Pellaia
A hidden gem that most visitors miss entirely. Santa Pellaia is a short, sharp climb through farmland south of Girona. It does not appear in many guidebooks, which is precisely what makes it special. The road is quiet, the views are open, and the gradient keeps you honest.
Distance: 4.2 km | Elevation: 280m | Avg gradient: 6.7%5. Coll de Bracons
For those who want a bigger day in the saddle, Coll de Bracons offers a long, sustained climb through the pre-Pyrenean foothills. The approach through the Sau reservoir valley is stunning, and the pass itself feels genuinely remote. This is where the tourists thin out and the real Catalonia begins.
Distance: 14.6 km | Elevation: 680m | Avg gradient: 4.7%Each of these climbs can be ridden directly from our door at Can Campolier in Porqueres. We have route files for all of them ready to load onto your GPS, and our guides know every corner, every shortcut, and every coffee stop along the way.
The best climb is the one that surprises you. Ride them all, and you will find your favourite.