Discovering the best places for cycling adventures in Spain

 

From steep mountains to coastal flatlands, the best places to cycle in Spain offer a variety of landscapes and terrains that make each route an exciting and unique experience.

Living the cycling adventure in Spain

Spain has a long tradition in cycling, with a large amount of both professional and amateur cyclists. In fact, it has been the home of some of the best cyclists in the world and has hosted many high-level cycling events

Part of the success lies in the fact that our country has an extensive cycling routes and trails that suit all levels of abilities and preferences, making them the best places to cycle.

The 10 best places for cycling in Spain

Spain is a country with a wide variety of destinations for cycling, each one with its own character and charm. The ones we are going to propose are all included in our recommendations, but there are many others to explore.

To kick things off, we'll tell you about the ten best places to cycle in Spain:

Mallorca, veteran cycling

This beautiful island in the Mediterranean is a paradise for cyclists, with a variety of routes ranging from gentle coastal rides to challenging mountain climbs. 

The Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, located in the northeast of Mallorca, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Cultural Landscape category. 

Have you ever imagined yourself cycling through these landscapes? Overall, Mallorca has for years been an international tourist destination for cycling, and they are used to taking (excellent) care of cyclists.

Mallorca has an outstanding cycling infrastructure and an ideal climate for cycling all year round, making it an excellent location and one of the best places for cycling.

 

best places to cycle in Spain

Andalusia, a challenging paradise

With its vast olive groves, breathtaking mountains and diverse culture and history, Andalusia is a truly unique cycling destination

The diversity and abundance of Andalusian destinations to enjoy cycling in all its forms is incredible. In fact, several of its cities are among the most cyclist-friendly in Europe, such as Seville. 

We are particularly drawn by the inland area of Malaga, where you can find some of the best cycling spots in Spain, such as the Montes de Malaga, Antequera or Ronda. Places where history has left many footprints that remain to this day.

Costa Brava, the professionals' paradise

Why so many foreign professional cyclists have chosen this area as their home? There must be a reason, right? 

Well, there is. The province of Girona offers a fun and varied environment that not many places can beat, as the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees meet there. And to this we must add the cultural appeal of pedaling through the land of the great Salvador Dalí and enjoy his legacy in every pedal stroke. 

For us, one of the best places for cycling is the Girona Road Trip, a five-stage road bike ride through the province of Girona that you can enjoy with all the amenities.

Lanzarote, “Iron Man” territory of the Canary Islands

This archipelago in the Atlantic is a paradise for mountain bikers, with a variety of trails crossing its stunning volcanic landscapes. 

The islands are a regular training location for professional cycling teams during their pre-season. This is due to the mild climate that these islands enjoy throughout the year. 

In this case, one of the best places for cycling in Spain is located in Lanzarote. Either because it hosts the most relevant Iron Man in our country (and one of the best worldwide), or because of the unique beauty that this island offers if you decide to explore it slowly… and on a bicycle.

Basque Country, the requirement for two-wheelers

With its steep mountains, beautiful coastline and vibrant culture, the Basque Country offers an unforgettable cycling experience. The region is famous for its demanding road cycling routes, which attracts cyclists from all over the world.

Valencia, 365 days of cycling

For many, cycling routes in the Valencian region are an unknown territory. The truth is that beyond its busy beaches, if we explore inland we will discover some of the best places for cycling, whether it is in the mountains or on the road. 

Gandía and the region of La Safor are a clear example of this. Both the province of Castellón and the coastal town of Gandía have already been recognized as bikefriendly territories and there are several accommodations that provide visitors with their own cycling routes. 

However, if you like to explore further and cover longer distances in different periods, take a look at the road cycling tour El Triángulo Valenciano (The Valencian Triangle). o. 

Leave your worries behind and ride this route like a true professional with mechanical assistance services or supplies.

Pyrenees, cycling at altitude

This mountain range offers so many alternatives for cyclists that it would require a special article dedicated entirely to it. 

If you are a fan of road cycling, the mythical steps of the Tour de France or the attractive Andorran trails await you there, as well as international cycling events such as the Quebrantahuesos. 

And if you prefer mountain biking, you will find a great challenge with the Transpirenaica MTB, the route that crosses the mountain range from the Mediterranean to the Bay of Biscay; without forgetting routes that are more accessible but certainly challenging, such as Tracks de Ordesa, Tracks del Monte Perdido or Tracks del Aneto.

Discover the best MTB routes to experience in the Valencian Community.

 

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Asturias, beloved homeland

The Principality of Asturias has always had a close relationship with cycling. Legendary places such as the Lagos de Covadonga, El Naranco, and in recent years, the Angliru, have become the best places for cycling in Spain.

They are peaks that are tied to the history of the sport and have also been embraced by cyclotourists. If you have not yet challenged the giant of the Sierra del Aramo, the mythical Angliru, you have unfinished business with your bicycle.

The authentic Galician Costa da Morte

Galicia offers stunning places to explore by bike, but there is one that stands out in particular: the Costa da Morte. 

It is a territory of legends and tragic shipwrecks that is home to spectacular trails along the sea. And a seafood cuisine that will leave you as pleased as the route itself. The best way to check it out? Traveling through the pathways of the Costa da Morte.

Sobrarbe, a mountain biking mecca

This pre-Pyrenean region in the province of Huesca has become popular in recent years, mainly due to Zona Zero, the mountain bike center that is the epicenter of enduro in our country

In fact, now you don't need to be an enduro expert rider to enjoy these routes, as now there are more accessible versions. 

In one of the best places for cycling, the Zona Zero Carretera has been created, which is a series of 30 routes for highway bicycles that go through some of the most impressive landscapes of the regional territory along quiet and solitary roads.

Experience biking in the best places to cycle in Spain

From high mountains to sandy coasts, lush forests to arid deserts, the best places to cycle in Spain will offer you a unique experience

So choose your next destination for cycling in Spain, and start pedaling!