Best Cycling in Spain

Spain offers a wide range of cycling experiences, from road cycling along scenic routes to mountain biking through rugged landscapes. The best place to cycle in Spain depends on your cycling preferences and the type of terrain you enjoy. Here are some of the best places for different types of cycling in Spain:

1. Road Cycling:

   • Mallorca: The Balearic Island of Mallorca is a road cyclist's paradise. It offers a mix of flat coastal roads and challenging mountain climbs, with stunning views throughout.
   • Girona: The city of Girona and its surrounding region in Catalonia have become a popular destination for road cyclists. It offers a variety of routes, including hilly terrain and scenic coastal roads.
   • Pyrenees: The Pyrenees Mountains provide some of the most iconic and challenging road cycling routes in Spain. Locations like Col du Tourmalet and Coll de la Gallina are famous climbs.
   • Andalusia: Southern Spain offers beautiful road cycling opportunities, with routes through the Sierra Nevada mountains and along the Costa del Sol.

2. Mountain Biking:

   • Ainsa: Ainsa in the Aragon region is known for its mountain biking trails, including the Ainsa Zona Zero network with diverse terrain.
   • Sierra Nevada: The Sierra Nevada mountains offer technical descents and high-altitude trails suitable for mountain biking enthusiasts.
   • Catalonia: Catalonia has various mountain biking opportunities, from the Pyrenees to coastal trails in Girona.
   • Sistema Ibérico: This mountain range in eastern Spain provides a mix of technical descents and challenging routes, with Albarracín as a popular mountain biking destination.

3. Cycling Tours and Multi-Day Rides:

   • Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route that can be cycled. It offers a unique long-distance cycling experience through northern Spain.
   • La Vuelta a España Routes: Following the routes of the Vuelta a España, one of the Grand Tours of cycling, allows you to experience challenging climbs and beautiful landscapes.

4. Gravel and Off-Road Cycling:

   • Picos de Europa: The Picos de Europa National Park offers gravel and off-road cycling opportunities through rugged terrain.
   • Canary Islands: Tenerife and Gran Canaria have a variety of gravel and off-road trails, thanks to their volcanic landscapes.

5. Urban Cycling:

   • Barcelona: Barcelona has a growing cycling culture, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. Exploring the city by bike is a great way to see its attractions.
   • Seville: Seville is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, including extensive bike lanes and bike rentals.

6. Family-Friendly Cycling:

   • Costa Blanca: The Costa Blanca region in Valencia is known for its family-friendly cycling routes along the coast, with relatively flat terrain and scenic views.

Remember to plan your cycling trips carefully, considering factors like weather conditions, safety, and trail difficulty. Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking, or a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes, Spain offers diverse and beautiful cycling experiences for riders of all levels.