Cambrils, mejor en bicicleta

Todos los sitios importantes de Cambrils están “a golpe de bicicleta”…

Cambrils es un lugar para descubrir sobre dos ruedas. Con 23 kilómetros de carriles bici que recorren toda la ciudad y conectan la costa con el casco urbano, solo tienes que subirte a la bici y dejar que la brisa mediterránea te acompañe. Ya sea solo, en pareja o con los más pequeños, aquí moverse es fácil, seguro y divertido.

Puedes empezar tu ruta pedaleando hacia el Parc Samà, un jardín histórico rodeado de olivos y almendros que parece sacado de un cuento. Entre grutas, pasarelas y un lago lleno de patos, tortugas y aves exóticas, cada rincón invita a detenerse y disfrutar. Para los más curiosos, hay un laberinto y un pequeño museo de vino y aceite, ideales para explorar sin prisas.

De vuelta a la ciudad, el barrio antiguo te espera con sus calles estrechas, plazas acogedoras y comercios donde probar las delicias locales. Los balcones llenos de flores y los edificios singulares crean un ambiente pintoresco que merece una foto divertida en cada esquina.

Siguiendo el carril bici hacia la costa, llegarás al puerto de Cambrils, donde puedes ver la llegada de los barcos de pesca, curiosear en la lonja y descubrir el pescado más fresco. Mientras pedaleas, los niños pueden jugar a descubrir la vida del Mediterráneo y todos disfrutar del atardecer con el mar de fondo.

Si quieres un descanso, la ciudad cuenta con parques como el parque del Pinaret y el parque del Pescador, con zonas verdes, juegos infantiles y espacios para relajarse. Son perfectos para recargar energía antes de seguir explorando.

Cambrils también tiene historia que descubrir: la Villa Romana de la Llosa y varios museos están al alcance de la bici, permitiéndote combinar deporte, cultura y diversión en un mismo día.

Moverse en bicicleta por Cambrils es la forma más divertida de vivir la ciudad. Aparca el coche, sube a tu bici y deja que cada pedalada te lleve a descubrir nuevos rincones, degustar sabores locales y pasar momentos inolvidables en familia o con amigos. Y si no tienes bici propia, no te preocupes: hay varios puntos de alquiler por toda la ciudad.

Aquí, pedalear no es solo transporte: es la manera más saludable y divertida de enamorarse de Cambrils, disfrutando de sus parques, calles, historia y, sobre todo, de su aire mediterráneo.

Sylvain lives in Quebec, Canada, but he always thought about those days when he could take his bike and ride around Cambrils. For him, cycling wasn’t just a sport to stay in shape, but a way to take care of his health in retirement.

He considered himself an average cyclist and estimated he rode about 7,000 kilometers a year . “I rode my bike for pure pleasure,” he said, and what motivated him most was tackling the mountains surrounding Cambrils. He had discovered Cambrils a few years after cycling through the Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, where he had spent six years exploring the island. He needed a change, and although his friends in Quebec spoke to him about Denia and Cambrils, when he tried Cambrils four years ago, he kept coming back.

On the other hand, there was Joris, a Belgian who came from a place where cycling was much more than a sport, almost a religion. He defined himself as “something competitive but with good vibes” and claimed that every good bike ride ended with a beer with friends.

Joris discovered Cambrils more than ten years ago . From his first visit, he was hooked on cycling and exploring the area. “I wasn’t one of those people who spent all day on the beach,” he said. “My first route was through the Serra de Llaberia, and I instantly fell in love.” So much so that he ended up buying a holiday home there and visiting several times a year, organizing get-togethers with cycling friends to ride together.”

When asked why he chose Cambrils for cycling, Sylvain replied that the Costa Daurada, and especially Cambrils and its surroundings, offered routes for all levels, with safe roads and drivers who were respectful of cyclists .

Joris added that the weather was also a strong point: although some days dawned windy, that wasn’t a problem. You could ride easy routes on the flat or seek out tougher climbs inland, and you always crossed paths with other cyclists, which meant you never felt alone.

Sylvain remembered that cycling through vineyards, almond trees, and orange groves connected you with nature . And after the route, there was nothing better than a good wine and delicious food. “Going out into the town, trying tapas, meeting people, and visiting their shops full of history was something I enjoyed every year.”

Regarding the seasons, he said spring and autumn were perfect for cycling. “The first six kilometers out of Cambrils can be a bit tough, but then come the climbs that really get you going.”

As for routes, Sylvain had several favorites starting and finishing in Cambrils, always with alternatives depending on his current physical condition:

• Coldejou, Marca, Falset, Porrera and return through Teixeta (77 km and 1226 meters)

• Llaberia round trip via Camí de Pratdip (85 km and 1378 metres) or with the option to Hospitalet (82 km and 1211 metres)

• Escornalbou: Vinyols, Ruidoms, Montbrió, Villanova, Escornalbou Castle, Argentera and return through Montbrió (60 km and 800 meters)

• Vinyols, Ruidoms, Les Borges, Maspujols, Alexia’s, Villaplana, Mussara and return through Alforja (77 km and 1256 meters)

• Climb to Teixeta and pass to Porrera, with return via Falset and Colldejou

• Vinyols, Ruidoms, Alforja, Portugal, Selva and return through Reus (62 km and 830 meters)

• Montroig, Coldejou, Marca, El Masroig, El Molar, El Lloar, Grataloops, Torroja del Priorat, Porrera and return through Teixeta (105 km and 1900 meters)

• Pratdip, C44, Tivissa, Serra d’Almos, Darmos, El Masroig, Marca and return via Colldejou (102 km and 1614 meters)

• Vinyols, Ruidoms, N420 to the roundabout towards Alexia’r, Villaplana, Selva, L’Albiol, crossing Mussara and returning to Alforja (94 km and 1428 meters)

Sylvain only had good things to say about Cambrils: its routes, the safety of the roads, the low traffic and the kindness of the people , who were always willing to lend a hand if you had any problems.

Joris concluded with a touch of mystery: “I would recommend it to other cyclists, but I’d like to keep this gem to myself, so it doesn’t get crowded…”

Cambrils has long been an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Not only the Costa Daurada, but especially this municipality, has gained a good reputation among tourists who travel by bike to explore the area or prepare for their training sessions. The road connecting Cambrils with Montbrió has become a frequent destination for cyclists, both individually and in groups, often accompanied by a car. This reflects the area’s friendliness toward cycling enthusiasts.

From the Penya Ciclista Cambrils, they highlight how ideal the area is for cyclists: “Cambrils and its surroundings are perfect for enjoying cycling, both mountain biking, in short distances, and road cycling. In 20 kilometers we have mountains without losing sight of the sea. From Montbrió, traffic is reduced and we have access to areas like Falset and Priorat, ideal for riding and exploring. We also have other mountainous areas like Mussara or Prades, and, if you prefer, you can head south to ride kilometers on the flat,” says Juan.

The origins and cycling history of Cambrils

The first steps of cycling in Cambrils are linked to the club founded in Vinyols i els Arcs more than 40 years ago, Amics del Ciclisme de Vinyols . This club was the beacon of cycling activity in the area. Jordi Mariné , one of the most prominent cyclists, was born in this municipality and was an Olympian in Tokyo 1964. He also participated in the Tour de France and was president of the Catalan Cycling Federation . In Cambrils, Mariné also founded the Penya Cicloturista de Cambrils and his business, Bicicletes Mariné , continues to serve both locals and tourists.

Businesses related to cycle tourism in Cambrils

The cycling boom in Cambrils has led to the emergence of several businesses that complement the accommodation services.

In the center of the town, Rodabike is another example of a cycling business. It offers a space where you can enjoy a café, as well as a workshop and bicycle sales. Rodabike ‘s director, Laura Moreno, highlights the growth of cycling culture in Cambrils: “Due to its location, size, and services, we are the cycling hub of the Costa Daurada. We have everything close by: roads in perfect condition, low traffic, and a privileged environment,” she states. Furthermore, Rodabike offers bicycle rentals for exploring areas like Priorat, or even organizes group rides with included transfers.

Cambrils in major cycling competitions

Cambrils has never hosted a finish in the Vuelta a España, but it has witnessed several editions of the Volta a Catalunya. The first time the race came to Cambrils was in 1944 with a time trial won by Miguel Casas. The Volta would visit the town on five other occasions, the last in 2006, with victory for Luis Pérez. Cambrils also hosted a time trial in 1982, won by cyclist Alberto Fernández, a beloved name at the time.

Cambrils, a cycling destination par excellence

The municipality has solidified its reputation as an excellent destination for cycling tourism. Albert Balcells , CEO of Ocisport, also highlights the quality of the surroundings: “Cambrils has nearby mountain ranges, good trails, and paths that facilitate the creation of mountain bike routes. Furthermore, road cycling is ideal, with well-known and highly regarded mountain passes, making it an excellent option.”