Blanes to L'Escala

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with a 94 km day; the 631 m of climbing is modest and concentrated in the first half.

A 94 km point-to-point along the Catalan coast and Empordà plain, from Blanes to l'Escala, with 631 m of climbing.

The route leaves Blanes beneath sa Palomera and Turó de Sant Joan, runs through Valldolig and Venta de Goya and reaches Lloret de Mar at 6.2 km. Almost all the climbing comes early: a 1.9 km rise at 4.2% from 10.1 km tops out at 126 m, and a longer 4.2 km climb at 4.1% from 18 km leads to 235 m. The high point of the ride, 244 m, follows at 24.4 km, and 72% of the total gain is done in the first half. From there the road drops through Llobatera to Llagostera at 31.6 km, then Santa Cristina d'Aro and Castell d'Aro before returning to the coast at Platja d'Aro. Sant Antoni de Calonge and Palamós follow, with the lowest point of the route, 4 m, at 53.7 km. The second half is flatter and more open. Vall-llobrega, Mont-ras and Palafrugell come in quick succession, then Regencós and Pals at 70.6 km. Across the plain the route reaches Torroella de Montgrí at 79.2 km, passes Ullà and Bellcaire d'Empordà, and finishes in l'Escala at around 90 km.

Highlights

• 4.2 km climb at 4.1% to 235 m from km 18
• High point of 244 m at km 24.4
• Coastal run through Platja d'Aro and Palamós
• Hilltop villages of Regencós and Pals

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

5½–7½ hours riding

Season

September, when 25°C was recorded, gives workable temperatures for the exposed coastal and plain sections.

Know before you go

• Recorded at 25°C in September; carry water for the open Empordà plain
• Gradients reach 7.8% on both early climbs

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.