Carrilet route. Via Verda Olot - Girona - Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Today we cycle from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava: from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, via Girona. The Carrilet Route along the Girona Greenways is perfect for discovering the landscapes of the province of Girona from a greener, more natural perspective.
It covers nearly 100 km of greenway that can be explored on foot or by bike. You can choose to discover the route in sections or complete it in one go over two or three days. If you are interested in the latter option, take a look at the holiday packages offered by Grans Hotels de Catalunya.
Before getting on your bike, however, let us take a look at the history of the route. The “Carrilet Route” refers to the two main greenways in Catalonia that follow former railway lines: the old Carrilet railway from Olot to Girona and then from Girona to Sant Feliu.
In the 1960s, the old railway ceased operating due to its poor condition and the difficulty of maintaining it after the Spanish Civil War. The line remained abandoned until the 1980s, when it was decided to reopen it as a greenway for cyclists and hikers.
In recent years, the Girona greenways have become increasingly popular and are now frequently used for leisurely outings. The well-maintained dirt track is very easy to cycle. If you want to complete the entire former railway route, it is important to start in Olot, so that the journey is mostly downhill and therefore more pleasant and easier.
Where to stay in Olot before starting the Carrilet Route
If you are starting the Carrilet Route in Olot, take a look at Hotel-Apartament La Perla, a centrally located family-friendly hotel in the perfect spot to set off by bike towards Girona, just 500 metres from the Greenway.
Hotel La Perla d'Olot is a welcoming hotel in Olot, located at the gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one of Catalonia's most unique natural areas. Thanks to its privileged location, it is the perfect base for discovering the volcanoes, forests and medieval villages that have made La Garrotxa one of the most popular nature destinations in the Girona Pyrenees.
Its comfortable and bright rooms provide the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or outdoor adventures. The hotel features a traditional Catalan restaurant, gardens, a children's playground and a games room with billiards, as well as welcoming spaces designed for couples and families alike.
The restaurant offers an excellent selection of traditional Catalan cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and regional recipes, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the Garrotxa flavours.
From the hotel, guests can visit must-see attractions such as the Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest, the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes, cycle or walk along the Carrilet Greenway, explore the historic centre of Olot, or discover some of the region's most beautiful villages, including Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca and Besalú. It is also an excellent destination for hiking, cycling and many other outdoor activities.
Thanks to its outstanding location, welcoming atmosphere and proximity to the region's main attractions, Hotel La Perla d'Olot is one of the best hotels in La Garrotxa for discovering the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of one of Catalonia's most fascinating regions.
Now let us look in detail at the two main stages of the Carrilet Greenway Route:
CARRILET ROUTE 1: OLOT TO GIRONA. 57 KM
The route begins at the Sant Roc springs in Olot, very close to the former railway station. On this first section of the Olot Greenway, you will pass through lush forests and cross the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone.
If you are not in a hurry, pay a short visit to Pedra Tosca Park and take a detour to the village of Hostalets d’en Bas for a delightful stop to enjoy a milky coffee and a slice of sugar-topped coca.
Although the route from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava is mostly downhill, you will notice a gentle climb on this first section out of Olot. You will need to cross the Coll d’en Bas mountain pass, at an altitude of 620 metres and with a gradient of 1.5%. From there, the rest of the route is downhill.
In Les Planes, right next to the cycle path, you will find Hotel Can Garay, a bike-friendly hotel where you can spend the night if you are tired or would prefer a shorter stage. This lesser-known part of La Garrotxa is home to numerous waterfalls and natural pools. If you would like to explore the area, visit Gorg Molí d’en Murris and Gorg de la Plana.
Hotel-Monument Can Garay is an exclusive Modernist hotel in Les Planes d'Hostoles, located in the heart of La Garrotxa, at the gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. This unique 1906 building has been declared part of Catalonia's architectural heritage by the Government of Catalonia.
With just six double rooms and one family suite, the hotel offers an exclusive and personalised stay. Every room overlooks a magnificent century-old garden of more than 4,000 m², while its cosy lounges and shared spaces invite guests to relax in an elegant and peaceful atmosphere.
Its privileged location provides easy access to some of the most iconic natural landscapes of La Garrotxa and the Vall d'Hostoles, with forests, hiking trails, streams and popular natural pools just a few minutes from the hotel. It is also an excellent base for visiting towns such as Olot and Sant Feliu de Pallerols.
Cycling enthusiasts will find Can Garay to be an outstanding bike-friendly hotel. Located just 100 metres from the Carrilet Greenway (Girona-Olot), it offers secure bike storage, bicycle rental and a workshop, making it one of the best places to stay while exploring La Garrotxa by bike.
Gastronomy is also an essential part of the experience, with a menu based on Catalan cuisine prepared using organic, locally sourced ingredients, many of them grown in the hotel's own vegetable garden on volcanic soil. Breakfasts in the garden, open-air dinners and vermouth under the lime trees reflect its close connection with the surrounding landscape.
The hotel also features a gym and a massage and wellness treatment service, available even in your room. Thanks to its architectural heritage, privileged location and exclusive atmosphere, Hotel-Monument Can Garay is one of the best hotels in La Garrotxa for discovering Girona.
The next stop on your bike route from Olot is Amer. There you will see the former railway station and, nearby, Font Picant, a spring whose water is naturally carbonated. The perfect place to stop and recharge your batteries! The Fonter factory, famous for its sparkling water, is also very close by.
This section of the Catalonia Greenway continues alongside the Brugent and Ter rivers towards the city of Girona. It is a peaceful route through the Ter Valley, taking you towards Anglès and Bescanó before you finally enter Girona by following the clearly signposted cycle path. You will first pass the city’s market gardens before reaching the centre.
In short, as you follow the first section of the Carrilet Route, you will pass through charming villages and natural landscapes including Olot, Les Preses, La Vall d’en Bas, Sant Feliu de Pallerols, Les Planes d’Hostoles, Amer, Anglès and Bescanó, before finally reaching Girona.
Where to stay in Girona
Spend the night in Girona to rest and recharge your batteries. You will need the energy to continue towards Sant Feliu de Guíxols the following day. There are two excellent hotels where you can spend the night, both located in Girona’s historic centre:
• Hotel Peninsular, a modern and centrally located three-star hotel with all the essential amenities for a stay in Girona. Best of all is its location, directly opposite Pont de Pedra bridge.
• Hotel Carlemany, one of Girona’s most renowned hotels, featuring a very modern design. Charm, art, comfort and exclusivity come together with an excellent culinary offering by chef Xavi Arrey.
Hotel Peninsular Girona, located in the historic centre of Girona, is an elegant hotel in Girona city that has combined tradition and comfort since 1853. Its privileged location, in the Old Town and the train station, makes it one of the best places to stay for exploring the city on foot.
Its modern, comfortable rooms are designed to ensure a pleasant stay for both leisure and business travellers. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach Girona's main monuments, museums, restaurants and shopping areas.
The hotel is home to the historic Savoy Restaurant, welcoming both guests and visitors looking to enjoy authentic Catalan and market cuisine. Alongside a buffet breakfast featuring local produce, it also offers daily menus, vermouths and a pleasant terrace in the heart of Girona.
Hotel Peninsular Girona also features meeting and event rooms, ideal for business meetings, presentations, workshops and private celebrations. Combined with its central location, these facilities make it an excellent choice for blending work and leisure.
Staying at the hotel makes it easy to visit Girona's main attractions, including Girona Cathedral, the Onyar Houses, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths and the medieval city walls. It is also an excellent base for exploring the Costa Brava, inland Girona and the province's renowned cycling routes.
Thanks to its history, outstanding location and welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Peninsular Girona is one of the best hotels in Girona city centre for a city break, discovering Girona's heritage and enjoying its gastronomy and culture throughout the year.
The Hotel Carlemany is one of the leading hotels in Girona city centre, located just a few minutes from the Barri Vell and the city’s main cultural, shopping and gastronomic highlights. Its prime location makes it a great choice for couple getaways, family stays, including pets, sports breaks or business trips, with the added convenience of private parking right in the centre.
It offers 90 spacious rooms, all exterior-facing with plenty of natural light, decorated in a modern, functional style to ensure comfort for every kind of stay. Some rooms also feature a bathtub or even an in-room fireplace.
Gastronomy is another of its highlights. The El Pati Verd restaurant is one of the city’s most appreciated dining spots and an excellent venue for large celebrations and events. Indigo Restaurant serves a fresh, seasonal menu in a contemporary setting, and the Carlemany Cafeteria with its terrace has become a popular meeting point in Girona for both guests and locals.
It is also a bike-friendly hotel with secure bike storage, a workshop, a bike cleaning area and cycling routes around the region. A fitness room will be available soon, and the hotel is close to some the best golf courses in the province are within easy reach.
CARRILET ROUTE 2: GIRONA TO SANT FELIU. 40 KM
This second section of the Carrilet Route is almost flat and shorter than the previous one. Between Girona and Sant Feliu, you will find numerous reminders of the old railway line, which has now been restored as a popular greenway. Decades after it was abandoned, the railway line once again connects the towns and villages of Catalonia.
After leaving Girona, the route crosses the La Selva depression, characterised by a patchwork landscape of fields and forests. On the clearest days, you will enjoy extraordinary panoramic views stretching from the Pyrenees to Montseny and across the coastal reliefs of the Transversal Range, including El Far, Sant Roc and Rocacorba.
The Vies Verdes website already warns us: “The route consists of a winding line mathematically traced across the landscape.” Indeed, it is a distinctive route, with plenty of bends during the first few kilometres and very gentle ascents and descents.
You will then cross the Ridaura Valley, which separates the Cadiretes Massif to the south from the Gavarres Massif. Its gentle gradient makes it easy to reach the sea at Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Once there, dipping your feet in the water at one of Sant Feliu’s beaches will be a wonderful idea.
Without a doubt, this is a greenway that takes you through some of the most beautiful towns and villages near Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Along the way, we highly recommend stopping, at least to stretch your legs, in several of the noteworthy towns and villages on the route. The first stop is Quart, famous for its pottery.
In Llagostera, you will discover a beautiful historic centre, while in Castell d’Aro you can visit its medieval quarter.
By the time you complete this second section of the Greenway to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, you will have passed through the charming towns and villages of Girona, Quart, Llambilles, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera, Santa Cristina d’Aro and Castell d’Aro, before finally reaching Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the route’s finishing point.
Where to stay near the end of the Carrilet Route in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
At the end of the Carrilet Route, you will find two perfect places to unwind: Es Portalet, a charming boutique hotel, and S’Agaró Wellness & Spa, a beautiful spa hotel.
Located in the heart of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, one of the liveliest destinations on the Costa Brava, Hostal Boutique Es Portalet is a welcoming boutique hotel on the Costa Brava just 200 metres from the beach and the seafront promenade. Surrounded by streets filled with restaurants, shops and cafés, it is the perfect base for exploring the Camí de Ronda coastal path, crystal-clear coves and the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of this Baix Empordà town, which hosts renowned festivals, concerts and events throughout the year.
Its 24 rooms, renovated in an elegant Mediterranean style with warm and welcoming décor, ensure a comfortable stay for both couples and families. The property also offers sea-view apartments, a restaurant serving Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients, a café, fully accessible facilities and is pet-friendly, allowing guests to travel with their pets.
All this makes Hostal Boutique Es Portalet an excellent choice for travellers looking for a hotel on the Costa Brava close to the beach with warm, personalised service.
Located in front of Sant Pol Beach, in S’Agaró, the Hotel S’Agaró Wellness & Spa stands out for its privileged seafront location in one of the most beautiful bays on the Costa Brava. Its direct access to the beach and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal option to relax, enjoy the Mediterranean or explore the nearby coastal path.
This beach hotel features 93 spacious and bright rooms with elegant and welcoming décor, many with sea views, as well as others overlooking the gardens or pool. Its refined atmosphere makes it perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays, combining comfort, wellness and an exceptional location.
Designed for relaxation, it offers a complete Spa & Wellness area of over 500 m², including a water circuit, sauna, hydrotherapy, gym and a wide range of treatments and massages. It also features an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens and a pleasant sun terrace, ideal for those looking for a hotel with spa on the Costa Brava by the sea.
At the Sa Conca restaurant, guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with an innovative touch, based on local products such as fresh fish and seafood. Overall, it is a hotel on the Costa Brava perfect for those seeking sea views, wellness, beach and great gastronomy, close to destinations such as Platja d’Aro and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
In short, the Carrilet Route, Catalonia’s major Greenway, is an easy and accessible route covering around 97 kilometres in total. It is well signposted and maintained, making it perfect for exploring by bike, on foot or while running. Its gentle and safe route also makes it ideal for families and children.
Still not sure where to stay while exploring the Carrilet Route? Take a look at the best hotels in Catalonia and find the perfect place to rest after each stage. Have a great trip!
