The Tour de France 2026 in Catalonia is not only a major sporting event, but also a unique opportunity to discover the region in a different way.
Over three days, from 4 to 6 July, the route will cross very diverse areas, from the coast to the interior, passing through historic cities and outstanding natural landscapes.
In this article, we follow the Tour de France 2026 in Catalonia stage by stage, introducing villages and towns close to the route that are well worth visiting. Places that are ideal both for a stop along the way and for staying overnight to experience the Tour at a more relaxed pace.
Because beyond the big cities, the Tour passes close to some of the most charming villages and places in Catalonia, perfect for combining cycling, travel and discovering the region.
Stage 1 | Barcelona and its surroundings: culture, mountains and iconic Tour locations
Stage 1 of the Tour de France 2026 in Catalonia starts in Barcelona, a city closely linked to the history of the race. It is an ideal stage for combining the urban atmosphere with nearby escapes, both for cycling fans and for those who want to use the trip to explore the surrounding area.
Barcelona, starting city of the Tour de France 2026
Barcelona has been a key location in several editions of the Tour de France, and in 2026 it once again takes centre stage internationally. The city has hosted memorable stages in the past, with iconic routes around Montjuïc, one of the most recognisable settings of urban cycling.
Beyond the sporting event, Barcelona offers a unique combination of distinctive neighbourhoods, cultural heritage and Mediterranean atmosphere. From strolling through Eixample or Gràcia to exploring El Born and enjoying the seafront, the city is an ideal starting point for following the Tour and beginning to discover Catalonia.
Montserrat Abbey, a natural icon near Barcelona
Just over one hour from Barcelona, Montserrat Abbey is one of Catalonia’s great natural and spiritual landmarks. Its unmistakable silhouette and mountainous surroundings make it a must-see stop during the Tour’s passage through the area.
For cycling enthusiasts, Montserrat is a legendary climb, demanding and offering spectacular views, highly appreciated by experienced riders. For those who prefer a gentler option, the monastery can be reached by rack railway, still allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery without cycling.
As a practical note, it is worth bearing in mind that within Montserrat Natural Park there are traffic restrictions, particularly for bicycles on certain paths, so it is advisable to check before planning your visit.
Stage 2 | Costa Daurada and Penedès: Tour villages between sea and vineyards
Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2026 in Catalonia crosses a very varied landscape, where the Mediterranean coast and the inland areas lie just a few kilometres apart. It is an ideal stretch for combining beaches, historic villages and vineyard scenery, following the Tour route at a relaxed pace.
Tarragona, Roman heritage along the Tour route
Tarragona is one of the major historical references of the Costa Daurada. Former Roman Tarraco, it preserves an exceptional heritage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with monuments such as the amphitheatre, the circus and the city walls.
During the Tour, Tarragona also offers a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere, with its historic centre, the Balcó del Mediterrani and a well-balanced mix of culture, sea and urban life. A perfect stop for those who want to follow the race while discovering a city with centuries of history.
Calafell, history and Mediterranean lifestyle on the Costa Daurada
Calafell combines the relaxed atmosphere of the Costa Daurada with an interesting cultural and historical heritage. Beyond its beaches and seafront promenade, the town preserves an old quarter with quiet streets and viewpoints, crowned by the Santa Creu Castle, offering insight into its medieval past.
Very close to the sea is also the Iberian Citadel of Calafell, a reconstructed archaeological site that allows visitors to discover how the Iberians lived more than two thousand years ago. This blend of history, culture and Mediterranean setting makes Calafell a very complete stop, ideal for those looking for more than just sun and beach.
Siurana, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia
Around one hour from Tarragona, inland, lies Siurana, one of the most spectacular medieval villages in Catalonia. Perched on a cliff, it offers impressive views over the reservoir and the Priorat landscape.
Siurana is a perfect destination for lovers of nature, photography and charming villages. Its small size and natural surroundings make it a very special visit for those wishing to discover a more authentic inland Catalonia.
Castellet i la Gornal and the Foix Park
Between the coast and the interior, Castellet i la Gornal is an excellent stop for those seeking a peaceful natural environment. The village sits next to Foix Park and its reservoir, an ideal area for walking and enjoying the scenery.
The castle of Castellet, visible from various points in the park, adds significant historical value to the area. It is a good place to pause during the stage and enjoy a different setting, away from the busiest tourist areas.
Sitges, colour, culture and sea on the Catalan coast
Sitges is one of the most recognisable towns on the Catalan coast, located directly on the Tour de France 2026 route. It stands out for its whitewashed old town, bright streets and modernist architecture, alongside museums, galleries and a lively cultural scene throughout the year.
The atmosphere in Sitges is one of its greatest attractions: vibrant, creative and unmistakably Mediterranean. Its urban beaches, seafront promenades and historic squares create an ideal setting to enjoy the coast, just a short distance from Barcelona, with a unique personality of its own.
The Garraf and surrounding villages: routes and escapes near Barcelona
The Garraf is one of the most striking stretches of the Catalan coastline, with a coastal road offering direct views over the Mediterranean. Following the Tour route here allows you to enjoy a very distinctive landscape, between sea and mountains.
In the Garraf area there are several small villages and sites worth visiting:
- Les Gunyoles, surrounded by vineyards and rural scenery, just 25 minutes from Sitges.
- Santa Coloma de Cervelló, home to the Colònia Güell, one of the most important examples of Catalan industrial modernism.
An ideal area to combine the Tour’s passage with cultural visits and varied landscapes, very close to Barcelona.
Stage 3 | Inland Catalonia and the Pre-Pyrenees: the most charming villages of the Tour de France 2026
Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026 in Catalonia heads inland and offers one of the most attractive routes from a scenic point of view. This stage features roads appreciated by cyclists, historic villages and natural landscapes that invite slower travel.
Following this stage allows visitors to move away from the busiest areas and discover a greener, more authentic Catalonia, ideal for those who want to experience the Tour without crowds and make the most of the journey.
Pineda de Mar, a peaceful base along the Tour route
Located around 35 minutes from Granollers and about one hour from Barcelona, Pineda de Mar is a very practical base for following the first stages of the Tour de France 2026. Its position on the Maresme coast allows visitors to combine watching the race with seaside relaxation and good transport connections.
In addition to its easy access by train and by road, Pineda de Mar stands out for its calm atmosphere, long beach and natural surroundings that encourage leisurely walks. The seafront promenade, framed by the sea and the Maresme landscape, along with nearby green spaces and coastal paths, makes it an enjoyable place to unwind after a day following the Tour.
Where to stay in Pineda de Mar
Caldes de Montbui, a thermal town near the route
Caldes de Montbui is known for its thermal tradition and its heritage linked to natural hot springs. It is a perfect stop for those looking to enjoy a relaxing break while following the Tour de France.
Its thermal baths, historic centre and surroundings make it an excellent complement to other inland visits, especially when combined with Vic and the villages of the Osona area.
Mura, a medieval village in the heart of Sant Llorenç Natural Park
In the heart of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, Mura is one of those villages that seem frozen in time. Located around one hour from the Tour route, from areas such as Caldes de Montbui, it preserves stone architecture perfectly integrated into the landscape, with narrow streets and small squares.
Mura conveys a rare sense of calm and authenticity. Its small size, quiet streets and close connection to nature make it an ideal visit for those seeking to disconnect and discover a village with strong character in inland Catalonia.
Vic, a key point of the Tour de France 2026
Vic is one of the key points along Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026. Capital of the Osona region, it is a city with a strong historical and cultural identity, combining tradition, heritage and local life in a well-preserved setting.
Its main square, traditional market and historic centre make Vic a particularly interesting stop during the Tour, when the city comes alive with activity. Its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby villages and discovering some of the most charming areas of inland Catalonia.
Rupit and Tavertet, must-see medieval villages near Vic
Less than one hour from Vic, Rupit and Tavertet form one of the most attractive ensembles in inland Catalonia. Rupit stands out for its excellent state of preservation, with stone houses, cobbled streets and a natural environment marked by forests and waterfalls.
Nearby, Tavertet offers some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area, with open views over cliffs and the Osona landscape. Together, they create a perfect escape for those following the Tour and seeking tranquillity, scenery and a real sense of disconnection.
It is one of those places where travel slows down naturally, ideal for stopping, wandering and enjoying the surroundings well beyond the sporting event.
Where to stay in Rupit and the surrounding area
Cardona and its castle: a must-see inland destination
Cardona is one of the most distinctive heritage sites in inland Catalonia. Its imposing castle dominates the landscape and allows visitors to explore the medieval and mining history of the area.
It is particularly recommended for those travelling from further afield who wish to make the most of their journey by discovering one of the region’s major monuments, well connected with other stops along the route.
Bagà, gateway to the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park
Located at the entrance to the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, Bagà is a mountain village with a peaceful atmosphere, closely linked to nature. Its old town preserves narrow streets, small squares and stone buildings that reflect the traditional character of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees.
Around 35 minutes from La Molina (a town on the Tour route), Bagà is an ideal stop for those wishing to immerse themselves in mountain landscapes and discover a village full of charm. Its natural surroundings, especially pleasant in summer, invite slow walks and a relaxed pace.
Castellar de n’Hug and the source of the Llobregat
Castellar de n’Hug is one of the most emblematic villages in the Catalan Pyrenees, located around half an hour from the Tour route. Its mountain setting and stone architecture give it a very authentic character, with sloping streets and wide views over the Pyrenean landscape.
Very close to the village lies the source of the Llobregat River, one of the most visited natural sites in the area, ideal for an easy and enjoyable walk. The combination of village, nature and mountain environment makes Castellar de n’Hug a perfect stop to enjoy the Pre-Pyrenees at a relaxed pace and conclude the inland route.
Following the Tour de France 2026 route in Catalonia is also a different way of travelling and discovering the region. Beyond cycling, the Tour passes close to charming villages, varied landscapes and destinations that invite visitors to stop and explore at an unhurried pace.
Planning the trip in advance and choosing each stop carefully makes it possible to enjoy a calmer, more authentic and lesser-known Catalonia, turning the Tour’s passage into a complete experience that goes far beyond the race itself.
