The best traffic-free bike rides in Els Plantadets

Els Plantadets is a region in Spain, recognized for its diverse terrain and scenic routes, particularly appealing for gravel biking. It's located near El Campello and Girona, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural sites. The area provides numerous routes that prioritize quiet, traffic-free experiences, allowing riders to immerse themselves in the landscape without vehicle interruptions.

You can expect a variety of terrain, from river valleys like the River Ter to mountainous sections such as Montnegre and Els Àngels. Routes often combine both paved and unpaved surfaces, providing a varied cycling experience with significant elevation gains and descents. This diversity ensures an engaging ride through rugged natural beauty.

While many routes in Els Plantadets offer significant challenges, there is at least one moderate option suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride. The First tunnel from Agost – Maigmó Greenway loop from Cargador EV Wenea is a moderate route covering nearly 25 km with around 300 meters of elevation gain, offering a good introduction to the area's gravel biking.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Els Plantadets offers several difficult routes. The Maigmó Greenway – Maigmó and Sit Mountains loop from Restaurante Maigmó is a demanding 57.8 km ride with over 840 meters of elevation. Another option is the Via Verde de Alcoy – L'Estepar Rest Area loop from Hotel Caseta Nova, which spans over 71 km and features nearly 1200 meters of climbing.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Els Plantadets are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Agost to Maigmó Greenway – Maigmó and Sit Mountains loop from Urbanització Bonaire del Maigmó is a challenging circular route covering over 64 km.

Beyond the natural beauty, many routes pass through charming medieval villages such as La Pera, Púbol, and Monells. These offer excellent opportunities for cultural stops, coffee breaks, or a meal in their main squares. Púbol is notably home to the Gala & Salvador Dalí Castle Museum, providing a unique point of interest.

Absolutely. From elevated points along the routes, you can enjoy expansive views that may include the sea, the majestic Pyrenees, and the Garrotxa mountains. The blend of ascents and descents through river valleys and mountainous sections ensures a constantly changing and beautiful panorama.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Els Plantadets are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the quiet, immersive experience and the stunning natural landscapes encountered along these routes.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty, as well as your fitness level. A moderate route like the First tunnel from Agost – Maigmó Greenway loop might take around 1.5 hours, while more challenging routes such as the Via Verde de Alcoy – L'Estepar Rest Area loop can take over 5 hours to complete.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not always listed, many routes, especially those starting from villages or specific points like 'Cargador EV Wenea' or 'Restaurante Maigmó', often have nearby parking facilities. It's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot for the most precise parking information before you go.

The region generally offers good conditions for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn typically provide the most pleasant temperatures, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the cooler, potentially wetter conditions of winter. However, the diverse terrain means that even in warmer months, higher elevation routes can offer cooler air.