Where to Cycle in Spain

With nine self-guided Hotel & Bike tours on mainland Spain to choose from, we've put together this guide to the different regions to help you work out which is right for you. For personal advice from our team, call us on +44(0)1273 224066 or enquire online.

Our Spanish cycling holidays typically run from April to October, with some running all year-round, but our top tip is to travel in April, May, June or September for plenty of sunshine without the full force of the midsummer heat or the peak-season crowds.

Catalonia is a diverse region combining fascinating culture and unique natural beauty that's different to anywhere else in Spain. On our Catalan Coast and Villages tour, you’ll pedal along easy-going cycle tracks past sandy stretches and craggy coasts, green mountains and sheltered forests.

Staying in two charming locally run hotels, you can choose either a 5 night or 7 night itinerary which includes a rest day to spend at the beach, by the pool or at the nature reserve spotting pink flamingos and black storks.

Each of our three tours in Northern Spain offers something distinct. Wine connoisseurs will want to head to the edge of the Cantabrian Mountains from where they'll follow the Ebro river downstream to the La Rioja wine region on our La Rioja Descent tour. The easy to moderate rides take you past monasteries, ancient churches and castles, wide river canyons, dramatic valleys and limestone mountains, with additional detours or shorter cycles available to suit your ability. It’s not totally downhill but there is plenty of time to taste some of Spain’s finest wines en route at welcoming bodegas and in local bars and cafes.

If you're more of a history buff, join modern-day pilgrims on the last 167 miles of the Camino de Santiago, riding from the Gothic architecture of Astorga to the golden spires of Santiago de la Compostela. People have travelled this route since medieval times to visit the burial site of St James, one of the Twelve Apostles. You will follow quiet country lanes that cross back and forth over the Camino, benefiting from the social interaction with the other pilgrims while following a different, quieter route. We'd highly recommend adding the extension to Finisterre to finish your ride on the wild Atlantic coast.

Finally, head right to Spain's Northern Coast to discover a lesser-known part of Spain where rich green countryside contrasts with the blue sea and golden beaches. The beautiful route takes you past flower-filled villages and fishing harbours, with an ever-present backdrop of the dramatic Picos de Europa Mountains. Some stretches of the cycle route are more demanding than others, but you’ll have the option of three full rest days to relax on the beach and refuel in scenic seafood restaurants, try canoeing on the river or hike to spectacular gorges.

Away from the Costa del Sol's crowds, Andalucia has so much to offer and our three tours each give you a distinct flavour of the area.

Granada's Moorish architecture, flamenco dancing and tapas is the starting point for two tours: heading south-west on Granada to Ronda or north-west on Granada to Cordoba. The city is also home to the spectacular Alhambra palace and fortress - we highly recommend booking ahead as it's popular with day trippers.

If you choose to head towards Ronda, you'll cycle through the beautiful mountains of Almijara and Antequera with wild landscapes, forests and nature reserves. Before reaching the unique and lively town of Ronda, perched dramatically on an inland plateau, you'll pass through El Chorro. A famous destination for rock climbers, those with a head for heights will want to try the Caminito del Rey cliff face walkway.

For more gentle cycling out of Granada, follow another 'Camino de Santiago' route north to Cordoba with its world-famous mosque and authentic wine cellars. You'll tour through rural villages, olive groves and historic cities, stopping off to taste authentic tapas and fresh cheeses. The castle at Alcalá la Real is a highlight and the white-washed houses of Zuheros village are typical of the region.

For a taste of authentic Spanish culture, cycle from Ronda with its Plaza de Toros (bullring) to Jerez with its famous dancing horses on our Andalucia Bike Tour. You'll ride between pueblos blancos (whitewashed towns and villages) which are hidden amongst the peaks and valleys of the Ronda and Grazalema Mountains. The twisting streets and hilltop churches of Spanish towns are idyllic places to explore, with Villamartín’s historic landmarks and the cliff-enclosed restaurants of Setenil de las Bodegas amongst the highlights.

Extremadura is an undiscovered corner of Spain where you'll find our Conquistadors & Paradors tour.  Cycle from parador to parador - luxury hotels in restored palaces, castles or monasteries - in this quiet, underpopulated region of Spain. Cycling from the ancient castle of Oropesa, you’ll pass granite peaks, green foothills and rugged farmland with wild bulls and Iberico pigs to reach beautiful cities, home to elegant mansions and monuments left by the adventurous Spanish Conquistadors.

Segovia, meanwhile, is a UNESCO-listed city north of Madrid. On our Segovia's Medieval Villages & Castles tour we recommend arriving early to explore the city's astounding Roman aqueduct, Romanesque churches and the soaring turrets of Alcázar castle and try the local delicacies of bean stew, cured sausages and cheeses. You'll then set off to cycle between ancient settlements and through picturesque countryside. Swimming in natural springs and cycling through the dramatic Duraton Gorge are real highlights along the way.