THE CAPITALS
THE ROUTE
Discover the charm and variety of Catalonia’s landscapes on your bike.
The Capitals not only connects the four capitals of Catalonia but also allows you to explore the Pyrenees area.
The track runs through some less crowded areas and the track connections between some points allow you to discover very attractive and unknown areas for many people.
BARCELONA
Barcelona will be the starting and finishing point of the route. It is the most populated city in Catalonia and the second most populated city in the Iberian Peninsula after Madrid.
Barcelona is a city located between the Collserola mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a city with a lot of history, cosmopolitan, with a lot of life, activities of all kinds, a good place to spend a few good days before or after completing the track of The Capitals.
TARRAGONA
Tarragona is one of the four capitals of Catalonia and is located on the Mediterranean coast. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was called Tarraco and was one of the main cities of the Iberian Peninsula.
One of the main attractions of Tarragona is its impressive archaeological site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with the Roman amphitheatre standing out. Tarragona has a beautiful old town, with narrow cobbled streets. Nowadays its port is still of great importance in the Mediterranean Sea.
LES GARRIGUES
Les Garrigues is a region in the province of Lleida characterised by its landscapes and agriculture. This area is famous for its olive groves, which extend along the hills and produce high quality oils.
In addition to olive trees, other agricultural products such as almonds, cereals and vines are also grown here. The track will also lead you through small picturesque villages that preserve their authenticity and rural charm.
SEU VELLA DE LLEIDA
The second checkpoint on the route is at the Seu Vella de Lleida. This ancient Romanesque and Gothic cathedral is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city.
The building is built on the Turó de la Seu. Its construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 14th century. This impressive structure dominates the skyline of Lleida and is an important symbol of the city.
PLANA DE LLEIDA
Near the city of Lleida, there are several farming areas that make a significant contribution to the region’s agricultural economy.
One of these is known as the Plana de Lleida. It is an extensive plain with a Mediterranean climate and a generally flat topography that is favourable for crops. Fruit trees such as peaches, apricots, cherries, apples, pears, and extensive cereal cultivation stand out.
These fertile lands, the climate and the irrigation channels are conducive to the development of agricultural activity.
PEDRAFORCA
Pedraforca is an emblematic mountain located in the Berguedà region. Its peculiar double ridge shape makes it one of the most recognisable mountains in the region. Pedraforca forms part of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, which has a great diversity of flora and fauna.
At the base are small mountain villages, such as Saldes and Gósol, which retain their rural charm and offer an authentic glimpse of life in the mountains of Catalonia.
Gósol, in particular, is known for having been a refuge for artists and writers, such as Picasso, who were inspired by the beauty of the surroundings.
COLL DE PAL
The Coll de Pal is a special category (HC) mountain pass that links the town of Bagà, in the Berguedà region, with the province of Girona.
The ascent from Bagà, located on the southern slope, consists of a 19 km road with a positive difference in altitude of 1,284 metres and spectacular views. When you reach the pass, the road becomes a dirt track, which means that crossing from one side to the other is not possible for vehicles designed only for asphalt.
COLLADA DE TOSSES
La Collada de Toses is a mountain pass that gives access to the Cerdanya region, in the province of Girona. It has an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level.
La Collada has historical significance since for centuries it has been a vital communication route between Catalonia and the rest of the Pyrenees. In the past, it was used as a smuggling passage and a trade route between Spain and France.
CAMPRODÓN
Camprodon is a charming village located in the Ripollès region, in the province of Girona. Located in the Eastern Pyrenees, near the border with France, Camprodon is known for its natural beauty, traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere, and is set in the middle of a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and breathtaking landscapes.
The Ter river runs through the village, adding a picturesque touch to its surroundings. Camprodon has a rich history and a remarkable architectural heritage. Highlights include the church of Santa Maria, built in Romanesque style in the 12th century, and the New Bridge, a stone bridge that crosses the river Ter and is one of the symbols of the town.
GIRONA
Girona’s old town is surrounded by medieval walls and has a very well preserved old town with narrow cobbled streets leading to the imposing cathedral of Santa Maria, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.
The town lies on the banks of the river Oñar with its characteristic bridges spanning the river. The city is also known for its great gastronomic offer.
