L'Estartit to Lloret de Mar along the Costa Brava

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 87 km and 787 m of climbing, most of it packed into the final 35 km.

An 87 km point-to-point down the Costa Brava from l'Estartit to Lloret de Mar, with 787 m of climbing concentrated in the second half.

The ride leaves l'Estartit past el Traient and drops to its lowest point, 4 m, at km 3.5, then crosses the flat inland plain through Torroella de Montgr\u00ed at km 9.4 and Gualta at km 11.9, where there is drinking water. A string of small villages and hamlets follows in quick succession \u2013 Fontanilles, Fontclara, Palau-sator, Sant Juli\u00e0 de Boada and Sant Feliu de Boada \u2013 before Pals at km 20.4 and Palafrugell at km 28.6. Only 18% of the total climbing comes in the first half. Through Mont-ras and Vall-llobrega the route reaches the coast at Palam\u00f3s (km 38), then works south by Sant Antoni de Calonge, Platja d'Aro and s'Agar\u00f3 to Sant Feliu de Gu\u00edxols at km 50.9. Immediately afterwards the climbing starts: 2 km at 3.9%, with a maximum of 8.7%, topping out at 105 m. The section on to Tossa de Mar rolls, with a 1.4 km rise at 3.7% near Pola Giverola Resort. From Tossa de Mar at km 70.4 comes the longest climb of the day, 3.9 km at 4.1% to 171 m, and the high point of 175 m at km 74.5. The finish drops to Lloret de Mar.

Highlights

• Flat opening through Pals and the villages of the plain
• Coastal towns: Palam\u00f3s, Platja d'Aro, Sant Feliu de Gu\u00edxols
• 3.9 km climb at 4.1% out of Tossa de Mar
• High point of 175 m at km 74.5

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

5–7 hours riding

Season

The single September recording saw 31 \u00b0C, so spring and autumn are likely more comfortable than high summer.

Know before you go

• Maximum gradient of 8.7% on the climb out of Sant Feliu de Gu\u00edxols
• No water or caf\u00e9s listed after km 12, so carry supplies
• 31 \u00b0C recorded in September on the exposed coastal section

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