Europe can be a great place to discover by bike with many areas having smooth roads, helping the miles fly by. Even with challenging climbs, many of Europe’s routes offer ideal training opportunities with ascents that are perfect for threshold efforts, while descents provide a chance to test your skills. Spain, in particular, is a terrific place for cyclists; this post will explore why.
Why Spain is Great for Cyclists
Spain is a popular early-season cycling destination, and you might even spot a pro cycling team training in Girona, Calpe, Denia, Mallorca, or the Canary Islands. Snow may limit high-altitude cycling in Spain, but coastal routes offer accessible road bike opportunities. In summer and autumn, the Basque Country and northern coast provide comfortable temperatures. Explore our favourite Spanish cycling hotspots below.
Denia & Calpe
Denia has become a hotspot for professional cycling teams in recent years with lots of quiet, flat roads that are perfect for both time trial team time trial training as well as rolling hills. Visit Cafe Ciclista for refreshments and weekly group rides to discover the best local routes. The best time of year to visit is February to April, with spring temperatures featuring highs between 20-23ºC while winter temperatures hover around 14-16ºC.
Girona
Girona’s Old Town is a remarkable city and a great place to explore, but it does not take long to reach quiet, flat farm lanes and climbs. Girona, a Catalonian cycling hub, offers a mix of challenging climbs like Rocacorba, Els Angels, and Sant Hilari. Its vibrant social scene and proximity to the UK make it a popular choice for cyclists. Flights from the UK also take just two hours, making it an easy and accessible destination. The best time to visit Girona for cycling is November to May, with highs of highs of 14-23ºC.
Mallorca
Mallorca, Spain’s largest Balearic Island, is a popular cycling destination for both professionals and amateurs. Many cyclists stay in Port de Pollenca or Alcudia, enjoying the area’s numerous tour companies, cycling-friendly hotels, and bike rental shops. Mallorca offers diverse terrain, including flat roads, rolling hills, and challenging climbs like Sa Calobre (Mallorca’s most iconic climb), Puig Major, and Coll de Soller.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote, the easternmost Canary Island, offers warm weather year-round, unlike other Spanish destinations like Mallorca. While the island is known for windy conditions, averaging around 18km/h, this makes it ideal for learning to draft in groups. The volcanic landscape features undulating roads and challenging climbs like Monte Corona (10km, 4%) and Femes (5-6km, 6%). Lanzarote is also home to Ironman Lanzarote, one of Europe’s premier triathlon events. The 182km bike course includes 2,551 metres of climbing and can be enjoyed independently. December to April is best, with spring temperatures reaching 20-24°C.
As you can see, Spain is the perfect destination for cycling holidays, with many fantastic places to discover on two wheels.