Cycling around Canyelles Petites, Roses, Cap de Creus and the surrounding area

The promenade of Roses extends from the harbour westwards to Santa Margarita: a distance of about four miles, all on the level and traffic free. The promenade is being extended further towards Canyelles Petites, in stages. In addition, a cycle route is being built from Roses to Figueres, (14 miles) which is flat and traffic-free. The promenade ride gives an ideal opportunity for leisurely cycling with great views of the Bay of Roses, and a cycle hire shop, Splai, is ideally situated at the harbour end of Av de Rhode. Prices range from £2.20 (1 hour), £6.20 (half day), £9.30 (1 day) to £31 for 1 week. Splai can be contacted by phone (0034 972 15 18 96) or email splai@racclub.net

For the more athletic, the road routes to Cadaques and other trips into the Pyrenees give breathtaking views of the mountains, Mediterranean and Cap Creus. This whole area is a Mecca for cyclists throughout Europe.

Record breaking American Lance Armstrong, seven times winner of the Tour de France, has lived in Catalonia for many years and uses the local Pyrenees roads for his Mountain Stage training.

Whatever your fitness, cycling in the area can be for sight-seeing, general exercise, or dreams of seven Tour de France victories!

If you are seeking an ideal base for a cycling holiday in Catalonia, check out the Sant Nicolau cottages.