Spain delivers no shortage of awesome cycling tours with something to offer every cyclist regardless of age or ability.
To most Brits, Spain and holidays go together like fish and chips. Or pie and chips. Or egg and chips. Or sausage and chips. Or any other British fare that’s replaced the indigenous recipes in Spanish bars, cafes and restaurants… with chips.
For keen cyclists, however, even the most relaxing and indulgent holiday can begin to get irksome. They may grow bored of sumptuous sights, fine food and gorgeous food and wine. They may find that their feet start to itch with the desire to get put into pedals and their thumbs yearn for the clicking of changing gears.
Popular cycling destinations in Spain
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy some stunning views as you languidly pump the pedals or whether you’re hoping for an opportunity to test your mettle against some of Spain’s rugged mountain ranges, you’re sure to find a wonderful cycling route in this ubiquitous holiday destination. Some of the most popular include;
The Spanish Pyrenees- The mountain range that separates Spain from France often play hosts to cyclists, with routes considered punishing even by Tour de France veterans. Stretching from the picturesque Basque country to the stunning Costa Brava you could spend days exploring their rugged beauty.
Andalucia- You may think of Andalucia and think of rugged hills and quaint hilltop villages. Yet, while this popular image comes close it does the region an injustice. You’ll find challenging climbs here, for sure. But you’ll also find stunning scenery, serene traffic-free roads and medieval streets. Not to mention some of the best paellas in Spain.
Rioja- Spain’s famous wine region also has much to offer cyclists from around the world with stunning riverside paths along the banks of the Ebro river. Here you’ll also find Museo Dinastia Vivanco where you can learn everything there is to learn about the wine-making process.
The history of cycling in Spain
While Spain was introduced to cycling in the late 19th century, the importance of cycling as a sport in Spain came to the fore in the 1940s. Today 20% of Spanish citizens regard cycling as their primary mode of transport. Several Spanish cycling athletes have even won the Tour de France, including Federico Bahamontes, Luis Ocaña, Pedro Delgado, Óscar Pereiro, Alberto Contador, Carlos Sastre and the legendary Miguel Indurain who won the iconic race for five consecutive years from 1991 to 1995.
Famous races in Spain
Spain’s equivalent to the Tour de France is the Vuelta a España but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The country also plays host to a number of other races including the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, Itzulia Basque country, Vuelta a Burgos and Gran Premio Miguel Indurain to name but a few.
The best time to cycle in Spain
As most British holidaymakers know, Spain can get hot in summer. This heat may be prohibitive for cycling. Balmier yet sunny weather can be found from March through to May.
Discovered by the Romans, conquered by the Moors and with close ties to Valencia and Catalonia, the largest of the Balearic Isles is steeped in history and culinary tradition. Beyond the tourist attractions…
Medieval Girona has quickly become the new cycling mecca of mainland Spain. Home to nearly 100 professional cyclists, it is a perfect gateway to the quiet roads of northeast Catalonia. Weave through the…
Lloret de Mar lies to the south of medieval Girona, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Costa Brava coastline. Ride iconic routes overlooking the Mediterranean and take on the Catalan Mont Ventoux…
The Costa Dorada, a stone’s throw from Barcelona, is an undiscovered gem. Behind the sparkling beaches and Roman ruins of Tarragona, you will find the beautiful wine-producing regions of Priorat and…
The Sierra Nevada, a snowy ridgeline spanning 80km in southern Spain, is one of our favourite all year round cycling destinations. With Granada resting in its foothills, the Andalusian mountain range boasts…
Dominated by Mount Teide (3,718m), the third biggest volcano in the world, Tenerife has a reliably warm climate and boasts Europe's longest continuous road ascent. Explore remote mountain villages, cultured…
Lanzarote is one of the most dramatic landscapes to be found in Europe with an extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones, eerie blackened lava fields and the occasional bucolic, palm-filled valley. The…
Home to over 50 professional cyclists and visited yearly on the Vuelta de España, Andorra is a landscape of dramatic peaks and beautiful remote back roads. It boasts the highest capital in Europe and…
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. Also known as 'The Way of St James', it originated in the region of Galicia where the tomb of…
You stay in the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, where the rocky coastline has a number of small coves, nearby, to explore. We provide a range of fully researched, self-guided walking and cycling…
For 2021 we’ve managed to negotiate a great deal with our partner hotel the Condesa de la Bahia and are able to announce that for the second year running we have frozen our prices for seven night stays…
RONDA AND THE SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA A new tour for 2021, our Tour of Andalusia is based in the stunningly scenic town of Ronda. Perched astride its famous canyon and renowned as the summer home of Ernest…
Costa Blanca is an ideal location for cyclists, certainly during the winter months. The Marina Alta region situated to the north east of Alicante, has on average over 300 days of sunshine a year with a…
We run chilling weeks and long weekends here at Cycle Retreats to ensure there is something for every level of rider. These take you through some of the most scenic and exhilarating routes Costa Blanca…
Triathlon has always been our passion and we have both been active members of the triathlon world for many years. Mark has competed in everything from Sprint to Ironman but finds his biggest passion is…
Showcased by the Vuelta every August, Andalusia (Andaluca in Spanish) has to be one of the best places in Europe to ride a road bike. The scenery is varied, the roads well surfaced and there are lots of…