Unsurprisingly, the cycling options in these vibrant and charming parts of the country are almost limitless – just make sure you try some wine and tapas, and do some sightseeing whilst you’re at it. I certainly would!
With a complete overhaul of the city’s cycling infrastructure since 2014, Madrid is now a city suitable for cyclists of all levels, with both urban and natural routes that showcase its stunning scenery and landmarks. BiciMad, the app-based public electric bike system is now available throughout the city and a great way to see the sights without breaking a sweat on the city’s many hills.
The Anillo Verde: Madrid’s Green Ring
If that’s not enough, Madrid is the home of the Anillo Verde (Green Ring), a 65 km cycle path around the city. It is almost entirely non-vehicular, on wide bike paths, and with amenities every 1.5 km.
The start of the Anillo Verde is found in the northern part of the city in Las Tablas. 19 km later, it begins to head uphill and takes in three large parks, Parque Lineal de Palomeras, Parque Forestal de Entrevias, and Parque Lineal del Manzanares. There’s more beautiful countryside to take in on the fifth sector of Anillo Verde as it heads through the Casa de Campo – the largest park in Madrid and at around 5 times the size of Central Park, one of the largest public parks in the world. This is one of the most popular parts of the route as it is incredibly scenic and largely traffic free. The hilliest part of the route comes between the 49th and 64th km as you make your way through the Puerta de Hierro and back towards the starting point of Las Tablas.
If you’re feeling hip, check out the La Bicicleta café in the Malasana region of the city, it’s definitely the ‘cool’ quarter and Condé Nast Traveller claims this cycling café has “one of the best brunches in Madrid”. If you want something more traditional, why not try one of Madrid’s most famous sandwiches, the Bocadillo de Calamares, from one of the restaurants dotted around the Plaza Mayor?
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The Plaza Mayor is the most famous square in Madrid, known for its architecture and atmosphere, and just moments away from the Puerta del Sol, another major square in the city. Puerta del Sol is the location of Kilometre Zero – the point where all radial roads in Spain begin. It’s also the site of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations!
Whilst you’re cycling the Anillo Verde, don’t forget to take time off for culture at the Museo del Prado where you can see works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco, and the Museo Reina Sofia that holds Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica.
Alberto Contador’s challenge
For a more challenging road ride just to the south-east of Madrid, you could try this loop of 165.19 km as ridden by Alberto Contador. With 1,132 metres of elevation, ‘El Pistolero’ called it La Vuelta a Villarubia.
La Rioja, a journey through wine country
If you need a break from the city, the stunning scenery of the Spanish wine region of La Rioja is the place to go. With ancient villages as well as avant-garde modern architecture scattered among nearly 700 wineries, La Rioja has something for everyone. I’ve passed through this area during La Vuelta before in the car, so will certainly try it by bike when I can.
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrim roads throughout Europe, leading to the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Galicia. For thousands of years, visitors have walked these roads and, more recently, they’ve cycled them. The Camino de Santiago cuts directly through Rioja and in just under 61 km, you can see some of the most beautiful villages and towns in the area by following this route.
Starting in the small but colourful village of Viana, it passes through Logroño, the historic capital city of the Rioja region, and onto Navarette – a ‘Conjunto Historico-Artistico’, or protected village. Travelling through the town of Najera and the municipality of Azofra, you’ll end your ride at the charming city of Santa Domingo de la Calzada.
Travelling along the Camino de Santiago is the perfect way to experience the food and drink of the Rioja region – from the wines the area is famous for to the tapas and pinchos (even smaller tapas), there are so many local delicacies waiting for be experienced. Try one of the Taperias around Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan in Logroño or if you want to treat yourself when you reach Santa Domingo de la Calzada, head to the Hotel Gastronomico Echaurren and its two Michelin-starred restaurants El Portal de Echaurren.
If you can drag yourself away from the wine and the food, take time to experience the village of San Millan de la Cogola and its twin monasteries Suso and Yuso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or for something more modern, head to Elciego and marvel at the Hotel Marques de Riscal designed by nearby Guggenheim Museum architect Frank Gehry.
Enjoy!
