Everyone knows the Canary Islands; everyone knows Calpe. But what if you don’t want to be stuck with too many people on a stamp? And you just want to enjoy a cycling adventure? Here we give you some cycling destinations that you might not immediately think of, but that guarantee great weather, challenging routes and beautiful views. If you’re lucky, you can also enjoy a nice glass of wine, a delicious cocktail or just lovely clear fresh water. Which winter destination do you think we should still include?
Cyprus
One of the destinations that seems to be forgotten all the time is Cyprus. You can cycle beautiful routes in many different places here. You have the combination of the beach and a beautiful coastal route with the challenge of climbing The Olympus. It is a destination that isn’t just around the corner; it’s a short flight away, but if you bring your own bike, you can leave again immediately. Alternatively, you can also use the services of, for example, INEX Club in Limassol. There was Wouter has already been a guest And that has been well received. We don't yet know enough about gravel riders. Probably you'll still be busy with your race bike for a while!
Sardinia
Sardinia is Italy’s best-kept secret for cyclists: vast, quiet roads with surprisingly good asphalt quality, rolling to mountainous terrain and a climate that invites you to ride all year round. From Cagliari, Olbia or Alghero, you can be in a scene of wind-scoured mountains, deep canyons and coastlines where you can go round and round for infinity. For the race bike You’ll find Dolomite-like climbs without traffic jams and villages where you can still find an influencer-free coffee bar; for the gravelers There are kilometers of quiet, unpaved roads through rugged interior regions. The low population density means little traffic and plenty of freedom, while hotspots like the Maglia Nera cycling café stop give your ride a stylish anchor point. In short: plan your adventure in the interior for elevation gain or combine coast and interior for variety. Sardinia always delivers, far from the mass tourism. However, keep in mind some more rain in November and early December. Read also our page here
Turkey: Antalya and the surrounding area
Resorts, street vendors and Corendon public? No way, Antalya and its surroundings are a wonderful cycling destination. What a great place. Here you can really go wild. There is a ski resort nearby, which means you can find plenty of elevation gain. If you still haven’t found enough challenge, you can ALWAYS tackle the most brutal climb in Turkey, the Babadağ. Nearly 19 kilometers with an average of 10.8%. The Mortirolo can still add a point to that. Closer to Antalya you’ll also find an Olympus climb, a popular mountain name in this region (see Greece and Cyprus). Below you’ll find a nice route from Kemer, nearby
Crete
Crete is your Mediterranean hiking paradise: peaceful coastal paths, rugged mountain peaks and village squares where you can enjoy an espresso after a long day of hiking. Racewalkers You come here for long, regular climbs towards the Skinakas Observatory and play with the 27 hairpins of Kallikratis; in the west, the White Mountains with panoramic views up to 2,400 m high await you. Gravelers Find a mix of quiet asphalt roads and sturdy cart tracks in the Amari Valley and around the Lassíthi Plateau between olive groves and limestone cliffs. Things to do immediately: fly to Chania (for coastal + Lefka Ori) or Heraklion (central climbing), fill your water bottles well, and plan one king excursion to Skinakas. Then a delicious iced coffee and in the evening enjoy Greek cuisine with a good glass of wine. Happy days.
Costa Tropical
Spain is big. That sounds like an open door, but that’s good to remember. Where everyone would like to cycle alongside Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar, that urge also comes with an unwanted side effect. The growth of hipster coffee bars, congestion on the roads, higher prices and an adjusted offer, which erases classic Spain into the background.
We have a solution for that: the Costa Tropical in Andalusia is your perfect winter cycling destination. Lovely weather, plenty of variety in the roads to keep you happy for a week and still that classic Spanish culture. Okay, to be fair, you can see some tourism influences, but in Nerja, Almuñecar and Salobreña you can still find that real culture, where you can still find delicious ‘pan con tomate’, grilled or fried fish dishes and albondigas, where you have the feeling that grandma still made them.
Are you looking for a ‘cycling friendly’ accommodation? Then go to Helios Hotel or in the beautiful Playa Granada Gold in Motril.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.