🚲 At The Sun Places, luxury is also measured in kilometres of silence.
That's why we have chosen the Carrilet Greenways, an old railway line transformed into a peaceful trail that runs through the heart of Empordà.
Stay at our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava and discover a unique way to connect with nature, history and tranquillity.
There are paths that are not travelled in haste. The Carrilet Greenways are one of them. This old railway line, which for decades carried goods and passengers between Girona, Olot and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, is now a refuge for those seeking peace, nature and gentle exercise.
Here luxury is not about speed. It is the freedom to cycle without cars, to stop and listen to a bird's song, to pause in a medieval village for a coffee, to breathe in the smell of wet earth after the rain.
Today we take you to discover the Carrilet Greenways, an active but relaxed experience, ideal for travellers who value silence and landscape.
🌍 What do the Carrilet Greenways represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
The Carrilet Greenways represent the recovery of industrial and railway heritage for the sustainable enjoyment of nature.
For Empordà, they are a first-class tourist resource that attracts active travellers interested in cycle tourism, hiking and birdwatching.
For Catalonia, they are an example of how to transform obsolete infrastructure into quality green spaces.
And for The Sun Places, the Carrilet Greenways embody the luxury of active disconnection: the luxury of moving slowly, of enjoying the landscape without rushing, of having a picnic on a lonely viewpoint, of arriving at a medieval village and feeling that time has stood still.
Our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava are located near the main access points to the greenway, and we can arrange tailor-made routes, high-end bicycle hire, luxury picnics and luggage transfers between stages.
We are committed to active, sustainable and exclusive tourism.
🚂 History of the Carrilet: when the railway connected Empordà
The Carrilet (as narrow-gauge railways were popularly known) was a key piece in the economic development of Empordà.
The Girona – Olot – Sant Feliu de Guíxols line was built between 1887 and 1892, driven by the industrial bourgeoisie who wanted to export cork, flour and other products to the port of Sant Feliu.
The train ran for more than 80 years, until the Girona to Olot line closed in 1969, and the Girona to Sant Feliu line in 1977.
In the 1990s, the Catalan Government began converting the old routes into greenways. Today, the Carrilet is an example of heritage recovery and sustainable tourism.
Riding it is also a journey into the industrial memory of the region: abandoned stations, iron bridges, tunnels carved into the rock and landscapes that the train contemplated for almost a century.
🚲 The Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols section: 40 km of peace
The best-known and best-preserved section of the Carrilet Greenways is the one that connects Girona with Sant Feliu de Guíxols, along 40 kilometres.
The route is mostly flat, with a maximum gradient of 2%, making it suitable for all levels (including families with children and untrained cyclists).
It crosses very diverse landscapes: the riverside forests of the Onyar river, the farmland of Baix Empordà, the marshes of the Ter wetlands and, finally, the first foothills of the Gavarres before reaching the sea.
The surface is compacted earth and gravel, suitable for mountain bikes, hybrids or e-bikes. Road bikes with thin tyres are not recommended.
The path is signposted throughout, and there are rest areas with tables and fountains every few kilometres.
🏞️ Points of interest on the Girona – Sant Feliu section
Between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the greenway passes through places of great beauty and historical interest:
- Girona (start): The monumental city with its Jewish quarter, the cathedral and the houses on the Onyar. It is worth spending a morning visiting it. We recommend a walk through Girona.
- Fornells de la Selva Station: A former passenger building restored as a rest area and information point.
- Ponte de Llémena (over the Ter river): A 19th-century iron bridge offering spectacular views of the river and riverside forests.
- Baix Ter Marshes: A wetland of international importance where you can observe flamingos, herons, ducks and other waterbirds. There is a bird hide next to the path.
- Flaçà Station: A village with a beautiful historic centre and a Romanesque church.
- Empordà Vineyards: In the final stretch, the path borders several wineries and vineyards with views of the Gavarres.
- Sant Feliu de Guíxols (end): A coastal town with an impressive Benedictine monastery, a marina and beaches with crystal-clear waters. You can combine it with a visit to Calella de Palafrugell and its coves.
🌿 The Girona – Olot section: wild nature and charming villages
The other major section of the Carrilet, from Girona to Olot (also known as the Carrilet de la Garrotxa), is longer (54 km) and has a steeper gradient, as it enters the volcanic area of Garrotxa.
This route is ideal for cyclists with an intermediate level, and offers landscapes of lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, small medieval villages and, at the end, the spectacular volcanoes of Olot.
The greenway also crosses the Banyoles Lake Wetland, one of the most important wetlands in Catalonia, and passes through towns such as Banyoles (with its famous lake) and Besalú (one of the most beautiful medieval ensembles in Catalonia).
To learn more about the medieval villages of Empordà, we invite you to read our guide on The Medieval Villages of Empordà.
🏞️ Points of interest on the Girona – Olot section
- Banyoles Lake: The largest lake in Catalonia, surrounded by a natural park and with a marked route around it.
- Besalú: A medieval village with an impressive fortified bridge from the 12th century.
- Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: Landscapes of lava flows, craters and holm oak forests.
- Olot: City with a volcano museum and an interesting gastronomic offering.
🍽️ Where to eat near the Carrilet Greenways?
One of the great advantages of cycling the Carrilet Greenways is the possibility of making gastronomic stops in charming villages. We recommend:
- Can Lluís (Monells): A few kilometres from the path (on the Girona – Sant Feliu section). Traditional Catalan cuisine with local produce. Their rice dishes and grilled meats are famous.
- El Celler de Can Roca (Girona): If you want a haute cuisine experience, book months in advance at the best restaurant in the world according to the 50 Best list. Read our guide on Celler de Can Roca: the luxury of the senses.
- La Roca (Peratallada): Right in the medieval village, specialists in rice and fish dishes.
- Les Moles (Palafrugell): A Michelin star in a rural setting. Perfect for dinner after the route.
For route days, we recommend preparing a luxury picnic with products from the DO Empordà: cured meats, cheeses, country bread and a good wine. The Sun Places can arrange it for you.
🏕️ The luxury of peace: how to experience the Greenways in style
Cycling the Carrilet Greenways is not just exercise. It is a sustainable luxury experience that combines nature, history and gastronomy. Here are some ideas to enjoy them to the fullest:
- High-end bicycle hire: Carbon electric bikes, with roadside assistance and helmet included. We manage it for you.
- Private guided routes: A guide specialising in nature or history will accompany you and explain the secrets of the landscape and heritage.
- Luxury picnic in the middle of the route: Prepared by a private chef with organic local products. Includes cava and wine from DO Empordà.
- Luggage transfer: Hire our luggage transfer service between stages, so you can cycle without any load.
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to explore the Carrilet Greenways
Fancy discovering the Carrilet Greenways with maximum comfort and tranquillity? We propose a 2-day itinerary (Girona – Sant Feliu de Guíxols section):
Day 1 (Arrival in Girona and first stage):
- Midday: Collection of hire bikes (electric or conventional) and prepared luxury picnic.
- Afternoon: Stage Girona – Flaçà (about 25 km, 2-3 hours). Stop at the Baix Ter marshes for birdwatching.
- Dinner at a recommended restaurant in Flaçà or return to Girona by car.
Day 2 (End of stage and farewell):
- Morning: Stage Flaçà – Sant Feliu de Guíxols (about 15 km, 1.5-2 hours). Landscapes of vineyards and hills.
- Lunch in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, at the port or at a restaurant with sea views.
- Afternoon: Visit the monastery of Sant Feliu de Guíxols and a stroll around the port.
- Bike collection and transfer back to your accommodation or to the airport.
📌 Practical tips for enjoying the Carrilet Greenways in style
- The best time to cycle the routes is spring (March-June) and autumn (September-October). Summer can be very hot, especially inland.
- Bring sun protection, a hat, plenty of water and comfortable but suitable clothing for cycling.
- If you don't want to cycle the entire distance, you can hire an e-bike route. We manage it for you.
- The routes are open all year round, but on rainy days the surface can be muddy. Check the forecast before setting out.
- Make the most of The Sun Places concierge services to organise tailor-made routes, bike hire, picnics and transfers.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your active and serene getaway along the Carrilet Greenways.
We advise you on the best routes, accommodation and experiences so you can discover Empordà at your own pace, in peace and with sustainable luxury.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we have cycled the Carrilet Greenways, and I can assure you that it is one of the most revitalising experiences you can have. You won't find large hotels or ostentatious restaurants, but you will find the truest luxury: silence, nature and the freedom to choose your own pace.
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