Places we saw while cycling the Mediterranean coast

If you’ve been following along on the blog, you’ll know that Tom and I cycled the Mediterranean coast of France and Spain back in May. I told you all about the cycling experience with Purely Pyrenees and now it’s time for me to show you the places we saw along the way. Cycling is always a good time and great exercise, but the views are what made our trip so memorable!

Places we saw while cycling the Mediterranean coast

While we’d previously been to Collioure, everything that followed was new territory. While I’m a confident indoor cyclist, it was my first time road cycling and it was way less scary than I had imagined. Yes, there were cars and big drops but there were also beautiful views and guardrails. It’s nothing to fear at all.

The tour is a self-guided one, so we had a blast discovering the towns along the route from France into Spain, like this stop shown below. I did a couple of Facebook Lives, so you can watch them here.

We did the Cycling the Mediterranean Pyrenees tour at the end of May operated by Purely Pyrenees, which was a 3-night/4-day trip that started in Collioure, France, and ended in Cadaqués, Spain. You can read about the cycling part of the trip in the first post I wrote on the trip here.

To recap, here’s where we went:

Day 1: Collioure, France.

Day 2: Depart from Collioure and headed toward Llanca, Spain.

Day 3: Depart from Llanca and headed to Cadaqués, Spain.

Day 4: After breakfast in Cadaqués, the trip was over and a shuttle took us back to Collioure where we left our car.

Collioure, France

This small town is only home to about 3,000 people year round but it’s quite the tourist hot spot during the summer months. Collioure offers stunning views, and if you want to stay active, a hike up to Fort Saint-Elme is worth it for one of the best views around. It’s also a great way to work up an appetite before dinner. The path is a little rocky, so watch your footing. If you’d rather stay down at sea level, you can lose yourself in the narrow pedestrian streets in town and grab a bite to eat or shop until your heart’s content. Or people watch on a bench and take in the Mediterranean air. Collioure is all about the good food, great views, and is a must-see if you’re in the area.

Hotel Princes de Catalogne: This 3-star hotel was a little tricky to find but is superbly located with a staff that goes above and beyond to help guests. The rooms were comfortable and modern.

Along the way on Day 1 of cycling: Port Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbère, and Portbou

Llança, Spain

This quiet Catalonian seaside town is home to a nice beach and fishing port and is just 15 kilometers from the French border. Llança is right next to the beautiful Cap de Creus Natural Park, but you don’t have to go far to see some of the town’s little coves and rugged coastlines. They’re speckled with colorful wild flowers which are a photographer’s delight. In town, I especially liked sampling the new-to-me treats at the bakery not far from our hotel.

Hotel La Goleta: This 3-star family-run property with modern rooms was centrally located and has everything you need when passing through the area.

Along the way: Port de la Selva and windy inland roads

Cadaqués, Spain

This popular resort town in eastern Spain on the Costa Brava is a gem and is a must-see if you ever have the opportunity. It feels luxurious and the waterfront is picture perfect. While in the area, be sure to visit the Salvador Dali House for a look at the famed painter’s life and work.

Hotel Playa Sol: This 4-star property is fantastic in every single way. From the outdoor pool and bar, to tennis courts and even ping pong, we never wanted to leave. Our room with a view was a nice touch as well.

Be sure to read my first post about this cycling trip here to get all the details on what electric bikes are like (yes, you can still get a great workout!).

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Have you been to any of these Mediterranean towns?

Enjoy your weekend!

P.S. Keep an eye on my FB page Monday morning, July 9, NY time for a Tour de France broadcast as the tour rolls into my neck of the woods.

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