Cycling in Spain

Infinite variety in the land of La Vuelta

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Spain is a cycling destination by excellence. The Pyrenees, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Asturias and, of course, Andalusia and the region around Calpe. Mallorca and the Canary Islands are cycling destinations to savour. With the Spanish cuisine, the wines and the added respect for cyclists, you will be fine. Cycling in Spain is a must!

Regions - Cycling in Spain

When cycling in Spain, the country offers a wealth of diverse landscapes and challenging routes for every cyclist.

Whether you are looking for a cycling holiday at Spain or just want to enjoy a day on two wheels, there is something for everyone.

Cycling holiday in northern Spain: A Journey through Diversity

Northern Spain is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, with Catalonia, Basque Country, Aragon, Castile and León, Galicia and Navarre inviting you to an unforgettable cycling holiday in Spain. Catalonia treats you to the cycling hotspot Girona and the rugged beauty of the Basque Country. Asturias flaunts famous climbs such as the Lagos de Covadonga and the infamous Angliru, a must-ride for any serious cyclist.

The plains and vastness of central Spain

Want to vary the landscape of your cycling holiday in Spain with more plains and open space? Central Spain is your destination. In the areas of Castilia–La Mancha and the south of Aragon you can properly test your cycling legs. On the coast, you can cycle in Valencia province. Besides the bustling city, you will also find popular cycling destinations such as Calpe and Alicante. Here you will find beautiful cycling routes and the finest climbs of this cycling region, the Costa Blanca

Cycling in southern Spain: Andalusia and Murcia

Southern Spain is synonymous with Andalusia and Murcia, the ultimate regions for cycling in Spain. Areas around Málaga, Granada and Seville offer beautiful routes for a cycling holiday. For climbing enthusiasts, the Sierra Nevada is the ultimate challenge that makes a cycling holiday in Spain unforgettable.

Cycling ON THE SPAIN ISLANDS: Balearic and Canary Islands

Spain's archipelagos, the Balearic Islands and the Canary islands, are a top choice for a cycling holiday. Mallorca is a true cycling paradise within the Balearic Islands, with the Tramuntana mountain range and the legendary descent from Sa Calobra. Ibiza also offers great cycling opportunities, although the range here is a bit more limited given the size of the island. But Ibiza is also knocking increasingly emphatically on the door

Cycling in the Canary Islands means enjoying excellent cycling conditions all year round. Tenerife is known for El Teide, while Gran Canaria offers challenging routes that are not a metre flat. Lanzarote is very popular with triathletes and is known as an ideal training location.Spain is a diverse country with countless options for cycling enthusiasts and cycling holidays.

Whether you choose the rugged north, the flat middle, or the sunny southern regions, or your preference is the island groups - 'cycling in Spain' and 'cycling holidays in Spain' are synonymous with adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences.

Why cycle in Spain

It should be obvious. Spain is a popular cycling destination. If you go cycling in Spain, you are spoilt for choice. One of the reasons to go cycling in Spain is the wide range of destinations and diversity. In addition, the climate is an absolute must. You can cycle all year round in Spain, with the southern side of Spain being particularly frequented in the winter months.

One of the most popular cycling destinations in Spain is the Pyrenees. There you will find challenging climbs and beautiful views. If you go cycling in the Pyrenees, you will find several classics including the Tourmalet and the Aubisque, which feature regularly in the Tour de France. If you are looking for a challenge, the Pyrenees are the perfect destination.

Another popular cycling destination in Spain is the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that runs through northern Spain. The Camino de Santiago offers a mix of quiet country roads, scenic trails and historic towns. It is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed and leisurely ride.

For those who prefer warmer weather and flatter terrain, the Costa del Sol is a great place to cycle. This region in southern Spain offers kilometres of well-maintained roads and cycle paths along the coast, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The slightly northern region around Alicante is also perfect for cycling in Spain.

The Basque Country is also popular, with its rolling countryside. Further along the coast is Asturias, where you can climb the famous Angliru or find the Lagos de Covadonga. Cycling in Spain is varied!

The islands offer plenty of beautiful challenges. El Teide on Tenerife, Sa Calobra and the Puig Major on Mallorca are just two beautiful cycling destinations.

What to watch out for

When planning a cycling holiday in Spain, it is important to consider the time of year you plan to visit. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally considered the best times for a cycling holiday, as the weather is mild then and the crowds are smaller. Actually, cycling in Spain is possible in almost all months. Find the right cycling region for you.

If you plan to cycle in the Pyrenees or other mountain areas, it is best to avoid the summer months of July and August. Temperatures are very high then and the roads often more crowded because of all the tourists.

The islands are easy to travel all year round, but be aware that some regions 'close' after the season. In November, December and January, many tourist regions and especially restaurants and bars are closed.

If you are planning a cycling holiday in Spain, you often have plenty of rental companies and other bike suppliers to choose from. Especially in popular places like Girona, Calp or Mallorca, there is no shortage of rental companies (including Dutch-speaking ones).

How do I get there?

If you want to cycle in Spain, there are several ways to reach this beautiful cycling country. We briefly list the different options:

Car: Spain does take some touring by car, but certainly the north is easily accessible. Do count on more than a day, with a stopover in France. The advantage is that you can bring your own bike.

Train: Spain's train network is very good as is its connection to the French network. With the TGV, you can be in Spain from the border with Belgium in a blip. Check OUIGO, for example.

Aeroplane: The most frequently chosen option. Direct flights depart from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen and Maastricht Airport, for example, to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, Mallorca and the Canary Islands.

Recent Articles

Here are some recent articles on cycling in Spain

Gravel routes in Girona: The Gravel Walhalla for enthusiasts!

7 Tips for Cycling in Autumn: The Best Cycling Holiday Destinations in October

An Unforgettable Day with Visma-Lease-a-Bike in Sierra Nevada

Graveling in Geoparque de Granada - beautiful beyond imagination

Pamplona and Navarre as a beautiful cycling area.

'The love of cycling has to be shared.'

Routes

On our own KOMOOT account you will find many different cycling routes in the Spanish region. Among others, you will be able to find our adventure from the Basque Country there.