Pals – Cruïlles roads and gravel loop

Route overview

Suits riders after a moderate half-day: 43.6 km with only 261 m of climbing and no sustained ascents.

A 43.6 km loop from Pals through the Empordà villages to Cruïlles and la Bisbal d'Empordà, with 261 m of climbing.

The loop leaves Pals past two viewpoints, including the Mirador d'en Josep Pla, and drops almost immediately to the lowest point of the day at 7 m around km 2.1. A string of hamlets follows in quick succession: Sant Feliu de Boada, Fontclara, Sant Julià de Boada and Palau-sator, then Peratallada at km 5.8, where the Torre de les Hores, restaurants and drinking water sit within a few hundred metres of each other. Canapost, Vulpellac and Fonteta come next, the road passing beneath Puig d'en Torró (90 m) at km 6.6. The middle section carries most of the climbing — 53% of the total gain falls in the first half — rising through Cruïlles at km 15.1 and Mas Savalls to Sant Sadurní de l'Heura and the high point of 110 m at km 18.3. Sant Miquel de Cruïlles, Veïnat de Sant Joan, Rabioses and Sant Joan de Salelles follow as the ground falls away again. la Bisbal d'Empordà at km 31.4 is the largest settlement on the route, with cafés, restaurants and fountains. From there it is a gentle run back via la Barceloneta, Torrent and Torrentí to Pals.

Highlights

• Mirador d'en Josep Pla above Pals at km 0.3
• Peratallada and the Torre de les Hores at km 5.8
• High point of 110 m at Sant Sadurní de l'Heura
• Cafés and fountains in la Bisbal d'Empordà, km 31.4

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2–3 hours riding

Season

The single recording is from July, at 32 °C, so spring and autumn will be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• 32 °C recorded in July — carry water for the middle section
• No café or restaurant listed between km 12 and km 31

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