Montjuic, the city mountain

It’s not hard to find your way in Barcelona. The tightly-knitted urban fabric, regular and ordered, is cut from east to west by just one road, the well-known Diagonal. Wherever you are, simply identify the right turning and take the road that climbs the Montjuic hill for a different perspective. 567 ft high, Montjuic is a mountain in the heart of the city that offers a breath-taking view out over the maze of streets and incessant life that characterize it. The best time to climb up there? Early in the morning, just after dawn, when the houses, buildings and stores are still slumbering, giving you the thrilling sensation that you are witnessing the reawakening of that untamed Catalonian spirit.

But once the light comes up, it’s time for those who are not fans of the traditional tourist spots to make their escape. We climb aboard the Diavel and allow its rebellious nature to guide us towards new, more open horizons. It’s time to take the road that heads north, towards the Costa Brava.

Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Our first stop is in Tossa de Mar. Painter Marc Chagall called it “the blue paradise”, a nickname that becomes clear after even the briefest of visits. 

Tossa de Mar is one of the real gems of this coastline, its small crystal-water beaches combining with a picturesque medieval village, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea. The old city deserves a visit, but the real two-wheel excitement comes along the next stretch of road, which links Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. A real paradise for those who are keen to exploit the full potential of the Diavel 1260 and enjoy the opportunity to ride roads that unexpectedly open onto what is very rugged, wild nature. 

Towards Cadaqués on the GI-614

Another must on our route towards freedom is the GI-614, the road that connects the Gulf of Roses with Cadaqués, the hometown of Salvador Dalì, the undisputed genius of Surrealism and one of the most influential Spanish artists of the 20th century.

For those who like to eat up the asphalt mile after mile, the GI-614 is an unforgettable roads. Electrifying and daring, perhaps a little narrow at times, this stretch of asphalt weaves through nature, and its dust and rocks, revealing spectacular views turn after turn as we breathe in the scent of broom and the pine and oak forests that surround us.

On reaching the typical white houses of Cadaqués, we allow ourselves a break. After a visit to the 

Dalì museum, we get back in the saddle and open the throttle as we head for the Cap de Creus natural park.

Cap de Creus, the wild bluff

In 1998 this fascinating spot was made a Natural Park. Continually buffeted by the wind, Cap de Creus has a magical atmosphere. In an unusual coastal area, uninhabited and desolate, the cape conceals unexpected, age-old treasures. For many centuries, this green pearl of the Costa Brava was a reference point for navigators and its thriving, imposing nature now hides dolmens and archaeological remains from the prehistoric age, tangible traces of those distant times. Reaching this place means pushing to our limits to return to our origins. Once here, at Spain’s most easterly point, we can switch off the engine of the Diavel 1260 and let our gaze wander beyond the horizon, finally quenching our thirst for freedom. Until the next time at least.