The Best Winter Sun Cycling Holidays

Winter might not sound like the perfect time for an outdoor active holiday, but if you head to southern Europe you'll discover destinations that offer fantastic weather for cycling all year round.

Whether you choose the unspoiled scenery of southern Portugal and Spain or the beautiful islands of Madeira, Lanzarote and Mallorca, you can expect sunnier days and warmer temperatures than back home in the UK. And as it's outside of peak season, you can look forward to peaceful meals in sleepy town squares and cycle routes where the crowds are sparse.

For personal advice and recommendations from our team, enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5:30pm UK time).

By Catherine Gray, Head of Freedom Treks

The steep, colourful cliffs, long sandy beaches and crystal blue water make the Algarve a stunningly beautiful location for cycling. The beaches of this famous coastline are usually extremely busy during the summer, but if you tour during the winter months you can enjoy them without the crowds. Cycling the whole Algarve Coast from east to west gives a real sense of achievement, especially once you reach the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe.

Along the way, discover charming towns and villages and meander through the pine forests and sand dunes with plenty of stops on wide sandy beaches. You'll sample the laidback lifestyle of authentic towns and fishing ports, and enjoy local Portuguese cuisine including the popular ‘cataplana’ - clams cooked in a delicious stew.

Read Andy’s Algarve trip report from April 2019 for more on the cycling and the highlights, plus his top tips for making the most of your tour.

“Great holiday, even in January! Loved all the different scenery along the way. All the hotels were excellent and the staff were very welcoming. Thoroughly recommend this trip!” - Della Downey, USA

View tour: Algarve Bike Tour

A year-round cycling paradise, the sub-tropical island of Madeira provides consistent sunshine. Rides that include numerous climbs and downhill stretches make this tour suitable for regular and experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness. There are transfers on the longest climbs and hiring an e-bike allows less seasoned cyclists to enjoy the delights of this interesting island, with the benefit of motor-assisted pedalling!

Along the way, you'll soak up the scent of the exotic flowers and gardens which decorate the island, as a mild climate keeps Madeira colourful all year round. As you cycle along quiet panoramic roads, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop off for a swim on the beaches or sample local specialities including Madeira wine.

“Thank you Freedom Treks for another lovely holiday and yet another adventure with a bit of luxury at the end of each day.  Thoroughly enjoyable.” - Alice Waldron, UK

View tour: Madeira Bike Tour

Ride through impressive volcanic landscapes and explore unique culture on this incredible tour of Lanzarote. Along the route, you'll visit the stunning cave of La Cueva de Los Verdes, the striking cliffs at the beach of Famara and the island's main attraction, Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where Lanzarote's volcanic nature is at its most breathtaking. You'll also have the chance to soak up the island's culture, travelling inland to see the works of César Manrique and through the wine-producing area of La Geria.

With optional rest days in San Bartolomé and Playa Blanca, this tour has the perfect balance of cycling and relaxation. The warm climate makes Lanzarote an excellent winter sun destination and is a very popular choice for those wanting to take a break over Christmas and New Year, with departures throughout the holiday period.

“In this anticlockwise tour of the island, there are stunning and varied inland and coastal volcanic landscapes. It's a windy island but the routes have been carefully crafted to minimize exposure to the prevailing winds. Also, the routes avoid the main commercial parts of resorts. All the food in our hotels and restaurants we visited was of high quality. Highly recommended.” - John Gladman, UK

View tour: Lanzarote Bike Tour - Land of the Volcanoes

Discover Mallorca’s shimmering bays and traditional villages as you cycle around the largest Balearic island. As you tour along the coast, you’ll pass steep cliffs and deserted bays, while the island’s interior is characterised by windmills, orange groves and Mediterranean shrubs.

Steep yourself in the rich culture of Mallorca, as you visit pretty historic villages and towns, prehistoric ruins and bead markets on your route. You'll take a transfer through the Mallorcan mountains and visit the beautiful village of Fornalutx, where you can enjoy a classic local paella. The capital, Palma, is a particular cultural gem, with its spectacular cathedral and medieval walls. And with this popular destination far less busy than in the summer months, you'll be able to enjoy all this without negotiating the crowds.

“A thoroughly enjoyable tour around Mallorca, generally on beautiful quiet lanes. The rides each day were satisfyingly long - but with plenty of time for lazy lunches and exploring the pretty villages. There were a few hills, but nothing too challenging. Highly recommended.” - Jo Brocklesby, UK

View tour: Mallorca Bike Tour

In this fascinating tour from the ancient city of Granada to the lively town of Ronda, you'll experience cultural richness, natural beauty and classic Spanish cuisine. With tours running all year round and weather reliably moderate during the winter months, this is an excellent southern European getaway.

The route takes you over undulating terrain, through rolling hills and olive groves and up through stunning mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll tuck into tapas in Granada, witness the beautiful las Nieves Nature Reserve and enjoy the thermal baths in Alhama to name just a few of the highlights!

“Wonderful trip, starting in Granada, which is busy offering culture by the bucket load, to small villages which haven't changed for years.  The scenery is diverse and of course who can fault tapas - a lovely reward at the end of the day. We will certainly be returning to Southern Spain.” - Lesley Scott, UK

View tour: Granada to Ronda Bike Tour