Ask Girona’s pros where they disappear on easy days and they’ll point south, to the green wall rising behind the city: Les Gavarres. A 350 km² massif of cork oak and pine with barely a paved road in sight — and some of the best gravel riding in Europe.

Why It’s Special

  • Traffic: essentially zero. You’ll meet more wild boar than cars.
  • Surfaces: from butter-smooth hardpack to chunky farm tracks — something for every tire width.
  • Access: the forest starts 20 minutes from the old town. Coffee to dirt in under half an hour.

Three Sectors to Start With

1. Els Metge valley — The classic. A gently climbing valley road of perfect ochre gravel, shaded and quiet. Ideal first taste.

2. Sant Miquel loop — Climb to the hilltop church between the two river valleys. Flowy descents both ways and a natural spring at the top.

3. The cork oak traverse — A longer wild crossing through the heart of the massif. Chunkier, remoter, unforgettable. 40+ mm tires recommended.

Practical Notes

  • Best seasons: spring and autumn. Summer rides are fine if you start early.
  • Water: scarce inside the massif — carry two bottles minimum.
  • Navigation: tracks fork constantly; a GPS with a loaded route is strongly advised.

Or skip the logistics: our Gravel Adventure tour includes the bike, the guide, the route and the farm-stop lunch.