Winter is knocking ever harder on the door. Secretly, temperatures creep towards freezing and at night they dip below. You can do two things: arm yourself against the elements and keep cycling in the cold. Be sure to check out our clothing guide to be well prepared for that. You can also opt for a destination in the sun and cycle in the warmth for a while. We give you tips for five great winter destinations for a cycling holiday.
Tenerife
The Canary Islands in general, but Tenerife in particular, is the perfect winter cycling destination. The 'island of El Teide' offers lots of opportunities for warm winter tours. Want to know exactly where to go? Then check out our tips from local Bjorn, which tells you exactly where it is still nice and warm when. Still planning to climb El Teide? Then keep in mind that you DO bring winter clothes, because at the summit it's just cold. On the southern side of the island, you will find beautiful routes, with pleasant temperatures to recover.
Puglia
If you can't let go of the St Nicholas atmosphere, you can catch a glimpse of Saint Nicholas in the port city of Bari. The San Nicola church is all about 'St Nicholas'. In the lovely spring temperatures of southern Italy, a lovely bike ride along the sea and past pretty towns with resounding names like Alberobello, Locorotondo and Monopoli is a must do. Especially to see the UNESCO World Heritage 'trulli' houses there. The roads are good and traffic is relatively quiet. Stay in one of the pretty 'borgos', where you can experience the rich history of this part of Italy. A rest day in baroque Lecce, in the pretty white town of Fasano or along the coast at Polignano a Mare, that's real life. Also a little further north, you'll find the beautiful Gargano Natural Park. Earlier, the pro riders in the Giro d'Italia also rode along that coastal road!
If you are travelling towards Puglia, check out the offer of Yuniqly, a great travel provider for cycling holidays in Italy.
Calpe
A well-known and popular training resort for pros in winter, Calpe is the go-to place for a wonderful holiday on the Costa Blanca. In and around Calpe, of course, it is teeming with beautiful hotels entirely geared to cyclists. You can test your legs nearby on beautiful climbs like the Coll de Rates but also the brutal Serra de Bernia. You could also technically make the trip to Calpe by car or HSL. You can then book the French part of the trip conveniently via Ouigo, which also has a Spanish section. Then you get as far as Valencia, in a relaxed way.
While you're in Calpe anyway, see if you can find a spot in the Cycle Coffee Society there. We think you can stay 'Cycling Destination Approved' there.
Algarve
The southernmost tip of Portugal is a well-known place to spend the winter and also offers wonderful options for seasoned cyclists to stretch their legs in good weather and escape the cold winter. We previously published great content of this southern province in Portugal. It is similar to Andalusia, but a little different. Enjoying the low middle mountains and at the end of the day with a local delicacy at the beach. Happy days and rightly one of the five beautiful winter destinations for a cycling holiday. Stop if you can at the Germano's bike cafe In the hamlet of Alte.
Cote d'Azur
Southern France, and the Cote d'Azur in particular, actually always calls. 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 for the (tax) climate? The proximity to a col like the Turini, as well as the Col de la Madone, would be enough reasons to head that way. Just be aware of snowfall and the ability to curb the climbs, as they are not always passable well into winter. Local knowledge is key. Once back in Nice, you can check out, for example, at Cafe du Cycliste take a breather. You'll also find a lot of routes, like the one to Antibes, along the coast. Could be less right?
Do you also suddenly feel like hitting the sun but are still looking for tips for other areas? Let us know in the comments. For more tips on cycling holidays and getting there:
