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Winter Holiday Cycling Guide: Spain

By Megan Flottorp

As you may know, Spain is the destination of choice for professional riders to train during the winter. Mild weather, excellent road surface, and an abundance of mountainous terrain make Spain an unbeatable choice if you want to spend the cooler months investing in your legs. But whether you’re looking for a challenge, or simply to enjoy a leisurely tour while discovering historic relics and taking periodic breaks to dip your toes in the Mediterranean, Spain has something for you.

Take advantage of low season prices and discover the Lanzarote Volcanoes

A unique ride through some of the most dramatic landscapes to be found in Europe, you’ll spend 8 days discovering islands of volcanic origin. Lanzarote suffered a series of eruptions in the 18th century and as a result has some fascinating landscapes featuring volcanoes and lava flows. On this tour, you’ll visit the volcanic cave of La Cueva de los Verdes and see the wine-producing area of La Geria. With plenty of beaches, Lanzarote’s benign climate means you’ll have comfortable cycling temperatures throughout the winter months.

Geria vineyards on the island of Lanzarote next to a road. © Profimedia, Depositphotos Inc.

Level: High Moderate
Distance: Flexible, average 45km/day
Price: £939

Push your limits in Catalonia

Offering challenging bike tours for avid cyclists, Cyclomundo describe their mission like this: “As former racers we understand the euphoric rush of pushing oneself to the physical limit from the saddle of a bike. It is from this understanding that our Elite Tours were born.”

Their Elite ‘Green to Blue Route’ in Catalonia does just that. It is one of those rare bike tours that combine beaches and mountains, so you’ll quickly see why so many professional riders make this region their home base. Over the span of eight days, you’ll skirt clear Mediterranean waters along Spain’s famed Costa Brava and pedal through the jagged reaches of the Pyrenees Mountains. Crisscrossing the border of Spain and France, you’ll visit an array of tiny medieval villages, all while pushing yourself to your physical limit.

© Cyclomundo

Level: Challenging
Distance: Daily average for the short options is 80 km with climbs
Price: £1, 235

Take a historical journey through Andalusia

One for the history lovers, this is a real cycling adventure through Andalusia’s past and culture. You’ll go on a journey of discovery that highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Route of the Caliphate, that ancient Muslim route which joins the cities of Cordova and Granada. Over 8 days, you’ll enjoy countless breathtaking landscapes, villages, castles, and churches. You will also have lots of opportunity to recover your strength in the company of hospitable locals, enjoying the best food and wines this region has to offer.

Panorama of Alcazar in Cordoba. © Profimedia, Depositphotos Inc.

Level: Moderate
Distance: Flexible
Price: £929

Take the whole family along

Planning a winter getaway for the family can be a very stressful undertaking. No matter where you’re hoping to travel, finding activities that the whole gang will enjoy can seem impossible. Luckily, kids love riding bikes. A family cycling trip can offer a great opportunity to spend time together, enjoy the fresh air, and marvel at the picturesque white villages of Andalucía. The Andalucía Cycling Experience offers 8-day family cycling trips and maintains a policy of one guide per family. They proudly claim to have had family members of 7 to 77 years old cycling independently. Whether your family is new to cycling or experienced riders, they will tailor-make a cycling holiday that’ll keep everyone happy.

The wonderful white village of Olvera in Andalusia. © Profimedia, Depositphotos Inc.

Level: Leisurely
Distance: Flexible
Price: €540/person (townhouse self-catering)
€100/person (optional airport transfer)
0-3 years old free
4-11 years old receive a 30% discount on listed prices.

Or venture out solo

If your idea of a winter break involves more peace and solitude than family fun, Wheel2wheel offers a large range of cycling holidays for solo riders. They have 10 routes to choose from in Spain, meaning you can tackle the Camino de Santiago, treat yourself on the La Rioja Wine Tour, or try basically everything in-between. They’re committed to keeping their tours accessible for those who want to travel alone, get away from it all, and be one with the stunning surroundings.

Camino de Santiago trail between Pola de Allande and Grandas de Salime, Asturias, Spain © Profimedia, Panthermedia

Level: Flexible
Distance: Flexible
Price: from £639