BIKE IN Galicia

General

Galicia; the most north-westerly point of Spain, above Portugal. It is a unique region, where you won't immediately think of Spain. Centuries-old traditions and customs have been preserved here thanks to its isolated location between the ocean and mountainous regions. Celtic influences have created a unique culture in Galicia; it is not uncommon to hear bagpipe music here and numerous Celtic traditions are still kept alive here. The more than 1,600 kilometres of coastline contains beautiful bays, picturesque coastal towns and breathtaking beaches. It is the region where many Spaniards go on holiday to enjoy the sea and beautiful nature; Galicia is Spain's greenest region! Incidentally, this is a result of the fact that there is more rainfall here than in other regions. 

Thanks to its mild climate, even in the winter months, you will see cyclists on the road all year round. The summer months are the most popular, as this is when it rains the least and does not get as hot as in other parts of Spain. Locals are generally respectful of cyclists and there are many quiet, well-maintained roads.

Galicia's rugged beauty attracts cyclists looking for lesser-known but challenging destinations. With its unique character, challenging routes and welcoming culture, Galicia is a destination that every cyclist should discover at least once in a lifetime!

Galicia is a unique destination. Do you like to discover new cultures, love green nature, coastal areas and adventure? Then this is a great destination for your cycling holiday. Galicia offers an unprecedented diversity of landscapes, so there are always routes to suit you. Choose one of the routes over rolling landscapes, find adventure on the rugged coast, or take on the challenge on one of the popular climbs, such as the Alto de Ancares

This is also a fine destination in terms of weather. If you want to go on a cycling holiday in the summer, it will soon be too hot in many areas. Galicia has a mild climate, making for great cycling in summer.

Along the Atlantic Ocean, you will find beautiful cliffs. The Costa da Morte offers challenging routes with ocean views. Further south you will find the Rías Baixas, with rolling roads along fjord-like estuaries and beautiful beaches. Inland Galicia offers more rugged nature, rivers and vineyards, especially in the Ribeira Sacra region. Here you can do great cycling along the rivers 'Sil' and 'Miño', where forests and mountains seem to rise from the water. With these varied landscapes and opportunities for both asphalt, gravel and technical trails, Galicia is an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels and disciplines.

Spring (March to May):
In spring, it is around 12°C and 20°C in this region. The flower fields and vineyards come alive during this period. On average, some 12 to 15 days of rain per month occur in this area, but this is offset by 7 to 10 completely sunny days, especially later in the season.

Summer (June to August):
Summers in Galicia are milder than in the rest of Spain, with temperatures rarely exceeding 27°C. This makes it an ideal destination for summer cycling holidays. It is slightly cooler in the mountains. Rain is rarer in these months, with an average of 5 to 8 rainy days per month and 15 to 20 sunny days - perfect for long bike rides! 

Autumn (September to November):
During autumn, Galicia colours in beautiful warm hues, while temperatures linger between 15°C and 22°C. This season is ideal for bike rides through the Ribeira Sacra, where vineyards and gorges form a beautiful backdrop. The quieter tourist season gives you the freedom to explore the region at leisure. Rain increases during this period, with 10 to 14 rainy days per month, but there are still 6 to 8 sunny days, especially in September and October.

Winter (December to February):
Winter in Galicia is mild along the coast, with temperatures between 8°C and 14°C, but in the mountains it can be colder and sometimes even snow. However, you can still have pleasant rides in the low hills and valleys. Rainfall reaches its peak with an average of 15 to 20 rainy days per month, but usually it does not rain for whole days. There are also about 4 to 6 sunny days per month during this period.

Travel tips

 

  • Best destination: Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia. Located at the centre of the region, it is a great base if you like to be near a city and explore the interior. The city is world-famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has narrow streets, picturesque squares and a rich cultural atmosphere. Want to head into the mountains? Then stay more on the eastern side of the region. The entire coastline is rolling and offers plenty of beautiful cycling routes.
  • Traffic information: Galicia is known for its quiet roads that are generally well maintained. In addition, there are many dirt roads here to remote spots, where you can do some fantastic gravelling. Fellow road users will generally be respectful of cyclists; it is a safe region for cycling.
  • Culinary: Galicia is considered the best place in Spain for seafood thanks to its rich coastline and clean waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Think octopus, mussels and scallops, for example. 
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