Catalonia family self guided biking vacation, Spain
Highlights
Boutique sports hotel | Banyoles Lake | medieval Besalu | local wetlands | prehistoric caves | volcanic national park | Optional horse riding, excursion to Barcelona or Banyoles market |Travel Team
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We have a solar pool cover and a PV solar system run the AC and the hotel in daylight hours. This means our pool is swimmable from March through to November all via the suns power. Our light bulbs are all eco and we think about each watt that is used. Our hair dryers are all 1kw rather than 2kw for example and we do not have electric kettles. Instead we provide thermoses of hot water for tea and coffee in the dining room and kettles on the gas rings of the BBQs. We look at each product and try and reasearch and buy the ones that used the least amount of power but still function well.
All waste is divided and what can be recycled is recycled. We also compost. All of our waste water goes through a septic tank which technically produces drinkable water. We water our garden from the old cisternas which are connected to our roof, so we collect rainwater to fill the cisternas, as they did in the old days. We run the whole of our small boutique hotel on 4kw usually, but can up the power automatically for example if everyone turns on their hairdryers at the same time. But usually we run at less than 4kw, which for such a large place is unheard of in Spain.
We plan to keep buying PV panels and adding more AC units as the number of heat waves escalate, so that we are not burning fossil fuels to keep cool. We are off grid, but do not be scared, most people do not even notice.
The Impacts of this Trip
Where we can we buy local in season produce, so for example our onions are Figueres onions, apples & pear from local orchards, local wines etc. We also have our own small vegetable garden. We buy locally and use local companies for almost everything. We also support the local restaurants, by booking tables for our clients. We send our clients to the local best shops if they require anything and let them know the local market days etc.
We use local companies for the laundry, garden maintenance, electrician, mechanics and the local butcher and bakery etc. We employ people from the village and the near by town of Banyoles. We send guests to the local restaurants, bakeries and shops.
We also advertise and support the other local adventure companies in the area. For example we would closely with Fang Aventura that offer painballing, quadbiking, water trekking and other adventure activities. And also with the local horse riding stables that offer horse treks and also riding lessons. It is important to us that all the local companies thrive and if we can all work together we can provide a good local economy without the need for people to leave the countryside to move to the big cities for work. In doing this we also provide a great service to our clients were they can come to Mas Pelegri and enjoy a variety of activities.
We offer good wages to locals and train them. For example we have been employing a local guy and supporting him in his studies to become a more qualified sports coach.
We are part of the local community and support the Gegants (this is a local tradition where at festivals the local Gegants (people wearing huge heads, to make them look like giants) go and dance and perform. We also help all visits with maps and information about everything in the local area, from festivals, to museums, to sites of interest and the times of the local markets etc.
We campaigned with the local community against high voltage power lines being put in the area. The campaign was not completely successful but we did manage to get them moved so as not to disturb as much of the local wildlife. We all offered to club together to pay for them to go underground, but the electrical company said this would set a precedent and would not allow it. Which we find ridiculous. In the end the power company said they would put the line where they wanted it or they would work with the local town councils to come up with the best solution, although they would not bury it. So we did have a small effect, but not the one we wanted. The MAT is a very controversial project here, but it has all been passed in Madrid and Catalunya is very angry.


We have a solar pool cover and a PV solar system run the AC and the hotel in daylight hours. This means our pool is swimmable from March through to November all via the suns power. Our light bulbs are all eco and we think about each watt that is used. Our hair dryers are all 1kw rather than 2kw for example and we do not have electric kettles. Instead we provide thermoses of hot water for tea and coffee in the dining room and kettles on the gas rings of the BBQs. We look at each product and try and reasearch and buy the ones that used the least amount of power but still function well.
All waste is divided and what can be recycled is recycled. We also compost. All of our waste water goes through a septic tank which technically produces drinkable water. We water our garden from the old cisternas which are connected to our roof, so we collect rainwater to fill the cisternas, as they did in the old days. We run the whole of our small boutique hotel on 4kw usually, but can up the power automatically for example if everyone turns on their hairdryers at the same time. But usually we run at less than 4kw, which for such a large place is unheard of in Spain.
We plan to keep buying PV panels and adding more AC units as the number of heat waves escalate, so that we are not burning fossil fuels to keep cool. We are off grid, but do not be scared, most people do not even notice.

The Impacts of this Trip
Where we can we buy local in season produce, so for example our onions are Figueres onions, apples & pear from local orchards, local wines etc. We also have our own small vegetable garden. We buy locally and use local companies for almost everything. We also support the local restaurants, by booking tables for our clients. We send our clients to the local best shops if they require anything and let them know the local market days etc.
We use local companies for the laundry, garden maintenance, electrician, mechanics and the local butcher and bakery etc. We employ people from the village and the near by town of Banyoles. We send guests to the local restaurants, bakeries and shops.
We also advertise and support the other local adventure companies in the area. For example we would closely with Fang Aventura that offer painballing, quadbiking, water trekking and other adventure activities. And also with the local horse riding stables that offer horse treks and also riding lessons. It is important to us that all the local companies thrive and if we can all work together we can provide a good local economy without the need for people to leave the countryside to move to the big cities for work. In doing this we also provide a great service to our clients were they can come to Mas Pelegri and enjoy a variety of activities.
We offer good wages to locals and train them. For example we have been employing a local guy and supporting him in his studies to become a more qualified sports coach.
We are part of the local community and support the Gegants (this is a local tradition where at festivals the local Gegants (people wearing huge heads, to make them look like giants) go and dance and perform. We also help all visits with maps and information about everything in the local area, from festivals, to museums, to sites of interest and the times of the local markets etc.
We campaigned with the local community against high voltage power lines being put in the area. The campaign was not completely successful but we did manage to get them moved so as not to disturb as much of the local wildlife. We all offered to club together to pay for them to go underground, but the electrical company said this would set a precedent and would not allow it. Which we find ridiculous. In the end the power company said they would put the line where they wanted it or they would work with the local town councils to come up with the best solution, although they would not bury it. So we did have a small effect, but not the one we wanted. The MAT is a very controversial project here, but it has all been passed in Madrid and Catalunya is very angry.

6 Reviews of Catalonia family self guided biking vacation, Spain
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2019 by Esther Frey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Biking along the Mediterranean
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Choose appropriate difficulty rides, make sure to take snacks
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation benefited locals at least in the fact that we ate at several local restaurants
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great place to stay. The hosts were interactive and the place had an interesting history, views from the terrace and the food was good. I like getting a feel of the local culture
Reviewed on 11 Jul 2017 by David Ant
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Fiona and Gareth did an excellent job in making our biking vacation a success. They planned the right level of routes (distance and altitude) for the different rides. It was a great place to relax too. The rooms are spacious and practical (lots of bike gear). We had a great vacation.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust Gareth to plan the right level of activity, he knows his business.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
They took us to local restaurants so we could understand the area. Their choice was excellent, and we went back to Al Born twice as it was very good. They
also recycle glass, paper, cans and plastic.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, thanks to Fiona and Gareth.
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2017 by Rachel Camina
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the mountain biking trails.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The biking routes are quite difficult, good for our active teenagers. but maybe not suitable for all.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visted two local restaurants and went horse riding, all run by local people. We were encouraged to recycle our rubbish.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time.
Reviewed on 13 Aug 2017 by Charlotte Warwick
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peaceful setting with all the lovely cats and kittens that are being so kindly cared for. The lovely swimming pool and great cycling on and off road. Day in Barcelona, well worth doing and actually this works very easily using the direct bus. 20 euros return ticket.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would definitely suggest hiring a car as the hotel is quite a distance from places to go. There are bikes to hire, taxi and buses but this can work out more expensive than hiring a car for a week and not so convenient if you want to come home after eating dinner when dark in the evening. Meals at hotel quite pricey for what they are compared with other places we ate out at.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, encouraged to walk and bike, local riding school, restaurants recommended,
encouraged to use towels economically etcLow key, simply but beautifully restored and renovated hotel building.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A good week in a quiet location with activities if wanted. Lovely small hotel and pool, clean facilities and very friendly, helpful owners.
Reviewed on 16 Aug 2015 by Dorine van der Vloodt
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wonderful hospitable hosts Fiona and Gareth did everything to make sure we had a lovely vacation. The beautiful building, and huge swimmingpool, the wonderful meals and the other guests have also contributed to making us feel at home right away. We did some marvelous maintain biking and road biking tours.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you wear suitable sports clothing also on the mountain bikes.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, while cycling through villages we visited the local shops and restaurants. The hotel was self supporting, and low in electricity use.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful vacation for active people who love nature and do not like tourist traps.
Reviewed on 12 Aug 2014 by Mark Burberry
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The 30k mountain bike ride that took in parts of the local scenery that would have remained unseen without the guidance and assistance of our host.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For full flexibility hire a car.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not especially although the riding stables did do well out of the visitors.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great vacation and well worth considering for a return. The hosts accommodate families that want to be off the beaten track just as well as cycling or other sport enthusiasts.
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