The camino de santiago

In the Catalan Pyrenees, everything is bigger. This larger-than-life landscape, 200km north of the soft sands of the Mediterranean coast, is where Catalonia’s colossal peaks mark the region’s borders

Take a look at the people wandering around Girona and you may notice that some of them stand out from the crowd. Among the locals and the tourists here to see the city’s famous fortified walls, Gothic

The Costa Brava may be renowned as a cycling destination, favoured by the pros and home to iconic climbs such as the Rocacorba and the stunning volcanic landscapes of Garrotxa. But whisper it quietly:

The Maresme region – a kaleidoscope of seductive beaches, twisting coastal roads, emerald-green forests and steep hills – has served as an adventure playground for Barcelona-based cyclists for years.

Distance 280 miles Time Three to seven days Start Würzburg Finish Füssen When to travel July to October for better overall weather conditions Top tip Consider a December trip to take in the traditiona

In 2014 a group of Catalan cyclists reflected on how the spirit and stoicism of road cyclists mirrored the gritty qualities of the historic mining communities in the mountainous, mine-pocked region of