Winter is knocking on the door harder and harder. Secretly, the temperatures are creeping towards freezing point and at night it descends below it. You can do two things: arm yourself against the elements and enjoy cycling in the cold. Be sure to check out our Clothing guide To be well prepared for that. You can also choose a destination in the sun and cycle around for a while in the warmth. We give you tips for five beautiful winter destinations for a cycling holiday.
Tenerife
The Canary Islands in general, but Tenerife In particular, it is the perfect cycling destination for the winter. The ‘Island of El Teide’ offers plenty of opportunities for warm winter rides. Want to know exactly where to be? Check out our local tips. Bjorn, This will tell you exactly when it’s still nice and warm out. If you’re planning to climb El Teide anyway, keep in mind that you DO need to bring winter clothing, because it’s just freezing up there. On the south side of the island, you’ll find beautiful routes with pleasant temperatures to get you back into shape completely.
Puglia
If you can’t let go of the Christmas spirit, you can still catch a glimpse of the good fairy in the port city of Bari. In the San Nicola church, it’s all about ‘the Saint’. In the lovely spring temperatures of southern Italy, a wonderful bike tour along the sea and past beautiful towns with names like Alberobello, Locorotondo and Monopoli is a must do. Especially to see the UNESCO World Heritage ’trulli’ houses. The roads are good and the traffic is relatively quiet. Stay in one of the beautiful ‘borgo’s’, where you can experience the rich history of this part of Italy. A relaxing day in the Baroque city of Lecce, in the beautiful white town of Fasano or along the coast near Polignano a Mare, that’s real life. A little further north you’ll find the beautiful Gargano nature park. The professional cyclists also rode along that coastal road in the Giro d’Italia! Puglia: the pearl of Southern Italy
Puglia is famous for its ‘Borgo’s’. Basically old farms, which are now often converted into (luxurious) accommodations. If you want to stay in a bike-friendly borgo, take a look here. Borgo Egnazia
Calpe
A well-known and beloved training destination for professionals in the winter, Calpe is the go-to place for a wonderful holiday by the sea. Costa Blanca. There are of course plenty of beautiful hotels in and around Calpe that are fully adapted for cyclists. You can test your stamina in the area on beautiful climbs like the Coll de Rates, but also on the brutal Serra de Bernia. The trip to Calpe could also be made technically by car or the HSL. You can conveniently book the French part of the trip via Ouigo, That also has a Spanish section. Then you get to Valencia, in a relaxed way.
If you’re in Calpe anyway, see if you can find a place in the SOLYMAR Gran Hotel. Another alternative is to stay in Jalon and the surrounding area (a little bit towards the hinterland) in B&B Buen Idea
Algarve
The southernmost point of Portugal is a well-known place to spend the winter and also offers wonderful options for the seasoned cyclist to stretch their legs in pleasant weather and escape the cold winter. We have previously published beautiful content from this southern province in Portugal. It is similar to Andalusia, but just a little different. Enjoying the low, mid-mountain region and at the end of the day enjoying a local treat on the beach. Happy days and rightly one of the five beautiful winter destinations for a cycling holiday. Stop whenever you can to visit the Germano's bike cafe in the hamlet of Alte.
Want to know more about the Algarve? Check out our special page Cycling in Algarve page. Also read the adventures of Kirsten and Dale, who are Lisbon to the Algarve They moved.
Cote d’Azur
Southern France and especially the Cote d’Azur always calls out. Not for nothing do many pros live here during the season. Ask Dylan van Baarle, Steven Kruijswijk, but also Chris Froome. That doesn’t sound like bad company, or would they only live in Monaco because of the (tax)climate? The proximity of a col like the Turini, but also the Col de la Madone would be enough reasons to head that way. Just be aware of the snowfall and the possibility of controlling the climbs, because they are not always accessible until well into the winter. Local knowledge is key. Once back in Nice, you can, for example Cafe du Cycliste You'll also find plenty of routes here, like the ones to Antibes along the coast. Couldn't it be less?
Want to know more about the Cote d’Azur? Check this out route tips. Or read Margriet's story about the Calanques near Marseille
Have you suddenly got the urge to get out in the sun but are still looking for tips for other areas? Let us know in the comments. For more tips on cycling holidays and about the trip to them:
Questions & tips
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