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CYCLING TOUR
Barcelona Classic Climbs Road
ORIGIN - DESTINATION
Barcelona
TOTAL DISTANCE
470 km
DAILY AVERAGE
87 km
DAYS
5 days, 5 nights
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
Description
What to Expect
Barcelona’s inland hills turn out to be a road cyclist’s playground, and this collection of five rides — all starting and finishing in the city — proves it. From an easy Collserola leg-loosener to the full mountain epic of Montserrat, the routes cover everything from short punchy ramps to long sustained climbs with serious elevation gain, linked by smooth, lightly trafficked roads and rewarded with fast, technical descents. No transfers needed: just clip in from the city and you’re climbing within minutes.
The landscapes shift constantly. Expect the pine woods of Collserola, the sunlit farmland and coastal charm of the Maresme, the pale limestone crags of Garraf, and the jagged, otherworldly peaks of Montserrat — one of Catalonia’s great natural icons. Sant Llorenç del Munt throws in rugged conglomerate cliffs and remote backroads for riders chasing something wilder. Each route has its own character, but all sit within easy reach of a major European city, which is part of what makes them so special.
Small-town bakeries and roadside bars make the perfect pit stop — a café con leche and an ensaïmada go a long way before the next climb. Villages like Sant Cugat, Argentona, and Monistrol de Montserrat are great spots for a proper Catalan lunch of escalivada or botifarra. Whether you’ve got two hours or a full day, this collection delivers real mountain-cycling character, big views, and enough civilization along the way to keep it all comfortable.
Duration
5 days, 5 nights
Terrain
Small paved roads
Daily average
87 km, 1,400 m+
Total distance
470 km
Total elevation gain
7,500 m+
Level
Intermediate
Hotels
Region
Barcelona, Garraf, Montserrat, Serra de Marina
Season
All year
Price per person
750€
Price based on a group of 6, guided rides without accommodation.
ENTRY LEVEL ROAD BIKE INCLUDED (including helmet & pedals)
30% deposit reservation Discounts for members or repeat travelers.
Itinerary
The tour in detail
Day 1 – Tibidabo Warm Up Ride
Meet at Terra BikeTours at 10AM for a full tour brief, bike setup and meet your guide!
A classic short loop for the Collserola hills right behind the city. You climb out of Barcelona via the Carretera de l’Arrabassada, a steady, winding ascent through pine woods with occasional gaps offering views over the city and the sea.
After passing near Tibidabo you drop into Sant Cugat and Cerdanyola, rolling through leafy residential outskirts, before tackling the short, punchy climb back over Collserola at Forat del Vent. The terrain is a good mix of moderate climbing and fast descents on well-paved roads, making it ideal for shaking out the legs without too much distance or altitude gain.
Route: 50 km / 900 m
Day 2 – Serralada de Marina
This route heads north along the coast before turning inland into the Serralada de Marina range.
After leaving Barcelona and passing El Masnou, the road climbs gradually through Orrius and Argentona, small Maresme towns surrounded by farmland, forest, and scattered masies (country houses). The climbing here is gentle to moderate, with rolling terrain rather than one big pass, and quiet rural roads dominate most of the middle section. La Roca del Vallès marks the turn back toward Barcelona, before climbing to Tiana and back to the city by the sea.
This loop that mixes coastal flavor with inland woodland and farm scenery.
Route: 80 km / 960 m
Day 3 – Sant Llorenç del Munt
A tough, loop-heavy route into the Vallès and beyond. After the Forat del Vent climb out of Barcelona and a pass through Cerdanyola and Sabadell, the road rises toward Matadepera and then tackles Coll d’Estenalles, a long, steady climb through pine forests.
Beyond the col, the route continues through the wilder, rockier landscape around Mura and Sant Llorenç Savall, skirting the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif with its distinctive conglomerate cliffs.
From there it’s back through Sabadell and Cerdanyola, retracing Forat del Vent to return to Barcelona: a route with sustained climbing, forested terrain, and some of the most rugged scenery of the group.
Route: 114 km / 1,900 m
Day 4 – Garraf
A hillier route heading southwest into the Garraf massif.
From Barcelona you pass through Torrelles de Llobregat and we tackle teh first challenge of the day: 3km smooth gravel to feel the essence of old-school cycling. Climb into increasingly rural terrain where the landscape opens into the characteristic pale limestone hills, scrubby vegetation, and dry-stone terrain of the Garraf natural park.
After a fast rolling backroad, Vallirana brings a fast, technical descent, before the route rejoins civilization at Molins de Rei. The final stretch back over Santa Creu d’Olorda adds one more solid climb through Collserola woodland before dropping into Barcelona. Overall it’s a route defined by exposed, dry, hilly landscapes and a couple of sustained climbs.
Route: 80 km / 1,250 m
Day 5 – Montserrat
The queen stage of the tour, combining distance with real altitude.
You leave Barcelona via Arrabassada and La Floresta backroads, crossing Collserola into Sant Cugat, then head out through Rubà and Terrassa.
From there the road climbs into wilder, forested terrain around Rellinars, before the long, iconic ascent up to the Monestir de Montserrat, a demanding climb with switchbacks carved into the base of Montserrat’s distinctive jagged rock towers, with dramatic views growing the higher you go.
The descent through Olesa de Montserrat and Sant Andreu de la Barca is fast and open, running along the Llobregat valley back to Barcelona. Expect a long day with serious elevation gain and some of the most spectacular scenery in the area.
Route: 127 km / 2,050 m
What’s included
Guided by local riders
Support
- Local guide with the group every day.
Meals
- Daily lunch stop
Optional extras
- Bike Upgrade
- Private transfers
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation during tour
Gallery
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Reviews
What our clients have to say about us
Bike rental
Pick up and ride. We’ll take care of the rest.
Rent Gravel
Versatile bikes designed to combine paved roads, tracks, and dirt paths with comfort and stability.
Road
Lightweight and fast, built for long distances and high performance on asphalt.
Mountain
Ideal for off-road routes, trails, and technical terrain. Maximum control and safety beyond the pavement.
Hybrid
Comfortable and practical, combining the best of city and road bikes. Ideal for leisure rides, commuting, and relaxed routes.
Electric
Pedal-assist bikes that help you go further with less effort. Perfect for long routes, elevation gain, or enjoying the ride at your own pace.
FAQS
Some of your questions might be resolved here
What types of cycling tours do you offer?
What is the difference between guided and self-guided cycling tours?
Are your gravel and road cycling tours suitable for intermediate riders?
Are your cycling tours customizable?
What is included in your cycling tour packages?
When is the best time to book a cycling holiday?
What type of hotels should I expect?
What is the difficulty level of your cycling tours?
We classify our tours into four difficulty categories to help you choose the right experience:
Leisure:Â Shorter daily distances, moderate terrain, and relaxed pacing. Ideal for recreational riders or mixed-ability groups.
Intermediate:Â Balanced stages with regular climbs and moderate elevation gain. Suitable for cyclists who ride regularly and are comfortable with back-to-back riding days.
Advanced – Longer distances, sustained climbs, and higher elevation gain. Designed for experienced cyclists seeking a physical challenge.
Epic – Demanding routes featuring mountain stages, significant elevation, and longer days on the saddle. Perfect for strong, performance-oriented riders looking for a serious challenge.
Contact
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