The best road cycling routes around Blanes

Blanes offers a diverse selection of over 30 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy rides to challenging, long-distance adventures featuring significant elevation gains.

The terrain around Blanes is incredibly varied, offering everything from picturesque coastal roads with stunning Mediterranean views to demanding inland ascents through hills and mountain passes. You'll encounter wide, smooth roads for pleasant stretches, as well as narrow mountain roads and challenging climbs with gradients up to 11% in areas like between Tossa de Mar and Terra Negra pass.

While many routes around Blanes offer significant challenges, there are a few easier options available. These typically feature less elevation gain and more gentle terrain, allowing beginners to enjoy the scenery without excessive difficulty. For example, some routes offer a pleasant start through the Selva scenery on wide roads.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Sant Grau d'Ardenya Climb – Santa Pellaia Pass loop from Blanes, a 91.4-mile (147.1 km) path with substantial climbs, or the View of Montseny Massif – Amazing mountain view loop from Blanes, a 63.8-mile (102.7 km) route with panoramic mountain views, provide demanding cycling experiences.

Many routes offer breathtaking views and pass by notable landmarks. You might cycle past the iconic Sa Palomera and the Gateway to the Costa Brava, which marks the beginning of the Costa Brava. Other routes offer glimpses of the Cala Banys or Trons Cove, and some even venture near the Mouth of the Tordera river delta, an area of high ecological value.

Yes, Blanes is an excellent starting point for long-distance rides. Routes such as the Coll Formic Pass (1,145 m) – Viladrau loop from Blanes, spanning over 136 km, or the La Ganga Pass from Calonge – Santa Pellaia Pass loop from Blanes, covering over 141 km, offer extensive journeys through varied landscapes, including significant ascents and descents.

The road cycling experience in Blanes is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse terrain, which combines stunning coastal views with challenging inland climbs, and the well-designed routes that offer ultimate cycling pleasure amidst magnificent natural settings.

Many of the road cycling routes around Blanes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Canet de Mar Beach – Revell Pass loop from Blanes, which takes you through coastal areas and mountain passes, and the View of Montseny Massif – Amazing mountain view loop from Blanes, offering panoramic mountain views.

While some routes venture close to natural areas, the region around Blanes provides access to significant natural parks like the Gavarres Natural Park and the Montseny Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Longer routes, such as the 154 km journey from Blanes to Sils and Sant Esteve de Llémena, can even pass through the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, showcasing towering cliffs and volcanoes.

Blanes is an attractive destination for road cycling throughout much of the year. The mild Mediterranean climate generally allows for comfortable riding during spring, autumn, and even winter months. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred during peak season.

Absolutely. Many routes in Blanes are designed to showcase the region's diverse beauty. You can find routes that trace the coastline, offering spectacular coves and beaches, before heading inland to tackle challenging climbs and passes. The route from Santa Susanna via Blanes to Tossa de Mar and Llagostera is a great example, featuring magnificent views and demanding sections.

The Blanes region is well-equipped for active tourism, and many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and shops to refuel. Coastal towns like Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, often part of popular cycling routes, offer numerous options for refreshments.