Guide · MTB in Girona
Mountain biking in Santa Coloma de Farners 30 minutes by bike
One of the best mountain bike spots in Catalonia, right next to Can Freu.
Where to mountain bike near Girona: Santa Coloma de Farners has around 100 km of technical singletrack, and from Can Freu, in Vilobí d’Onyar (La Selva), you can get there in 30 minutes by bike or 10 minutes by car.
In short
Santa Coloma de Farners, capital of La Selva and gateway to Les Guilleries, is one of the best places in Catalonia for mountain biking and enduro: around 100 km of singletrack looked after by volunteers, spread across three zones (Farners Castle, la Caseta and Argimon). From Can Freu Cycling House, in Vilobí d’Onyar, it is 30 minutes by bike or 10 minutes by car. The best season is September to June.
Why it’s special
Mountain biking in Santa Coloma: rock, sand and thirty years of work.
Around Santa Coloma there is a network of trails that local riders have looked after as volunteers for more than thirty years. You won’t find machine-built flow trails: these are natural, hand-cut trails with granite slabs, bedrock and sandy soil, and they draw professional teams from across Europe every winter.
- Around 100 km of technical trails, from intermediate to expert.
- Great grip: the rock holds well even when the ground is wet.
- Mediterranean climate: ride all year round, with views of the sea and, on clear days, the snowy Pyrenees.
- Best when damp: autumn, winter and spring are the best time, right in Can Freu’s season.
The zones
Santa Coloma MTB zones: Castell, Caseta and Argimon.
The network is split into three main zones, from north to south. Each has its own character and level.
See all the trails on Trailforks ↗
Farners Castle · north · advanced
Descents below Farners castle and hermitage. They face north, so they hold moisture, and grip, for longer. It is a demanding zone: la Serp is the easiest descent, and the rest are difficult or very difficult.
Terrain: steep, technical fall-line descents with rock and sand. For confident riders.
La Caseta · centre · intermediate
The biggest and most varied zone, and the best choice if your group has mixed levels. At the top of the climb is the famous little green hut covered in stickers from riders all over the world: the must-have group photo.
- Spiderman: fast and flowing, with dozens of small jumps and line options.
- Shambala: one of the best-known “slow tech” trails in Spain, almost entirely on uneven slabs with cracks and tight turns. Experts only.
Terrain: a mix of flowing and technical sections. There is something for almost everyone.
Argimon · south · expert
The highest peak in the area, topped by the Argimon sanctuary. It is the wildest and most remote part: less shaping, more rock and off-camber sections. The newest trails are here.
Terrain: rock gardens, blind rolls and very little maintenance. Expert riders only.
Getting there
Getting to the trails from Can Freu.
- By bike from Can Freu: 30 minutes, straight from the front door.
- By car or van: 10 minutes. Can Freu has an 8-seat van with an approved bike trailer to take the group.
- Meeting point: Parc de Sant Salvador in Santa Coloma, with a large car park, a water fountain and an open-air bar.
Tips
Tips for riding Santa Coloma.
- When to go: September to June. In July and August the ground dries out and the sand makes the rock slippery.
- Bike: a trail bike is enough for la Caseta; for the Castle and Argimon, an enduro bike is better. E-bikes are allowed.
- Warm up at the house: Can Freu’s 2-hectare private oak forest has a circuit to warm up or practise skills before you head out.
- Ride with respect: these trails exist thanks to volunteers. Don’t skid, don’t cut corners and say hello to walkers.
FAQ
Mountain biking in Santa Coloma de Farners: FAQ.
Where do you ride in Santa Coloma de Farners?
The trail network splits into three zones, north to south: Farners Castle (advanced), La Caseta (intermediate, the most varied) and Argimon (expert). The usual meeting point is Parc de Sant Salvador.
How many kilometres of trails are there?
Around 100 km of technical singletrack, from intermediate to expert, maintained by local riders on a volunteer basis for more than thirty years.
When is the best time to ride Santa Coloma?
From September to June. In summer the ground dries out and the sand makes the rock slippery; with some moisture, the granite grips really well.
Where can I park?
At Parc de Sant Salvador in Santa Coloma, with a large car park, a water fountain and an outdoor bar. If you stay at Can Freu, you can ride there in 30 minutes.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed.
What bike do I need?
A trail bike is enough for La Caseta. For Farners Castle and Argimon, an enduro bike is better.
Where to stay for mountain biking in Santa Coloma de Farners?
At Can Freu Cycling House in Vilobí d’Onyar, 30 minutes by bike or 10 minutes by car from the trails. It has a workshop, a bike wash area, a private warm-up circuit and an 8-seat van with a bike trailer.
Book
MTB accommodation for groups at Can Freu.
Stay at Can Freu and ride Santa Coloma without loading the bikes every day. Send us your dates and group size, and we will put together a proposal for your club or group, with accommodation and meals at the house.