With its cracking climate, world-class cycling infrastructure, and awesome scenery, it’s little wonder that Spain is such a popular destination for a cycling holiday.
Exploring Spain on foot is fantastic, but nothing beats a two-wheeled adventure if you want to cover more ground and take in the sights at speed!
Whether you’re a Strava-obsessed pro looking to bag a tonne of KOMs or a laidback enthusiast who prefers to take things at a slightly more civilised pace, there’s a cycling itinerary in Spain to suit two-wheeled adventurers of all motivations.
There’s just so much terrain to go at here from epic mountain climbs to sun-drenched coastal routes and stunning countryside rides. And let’s not forget the quality of the fuel on offer! Spanish food is a cyclist’s dream - think hearty paellas packed with carbs, energising tasty tapas, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients – all designed to help you keep pushing out those kms!
In this guide, we’ll reveal our five favourite cycling holidays in Spain, highlighting the unmissable regions and ten top tips for making the most of the journey. Vamos!
Self-Guided Cycling Holidays
If you’re looking for maximum flexibility and independence, then a self-guided cycling holiday is the way to go.
Setting your own pace and schedule makes for a more relaxed experience, giving you the freedom to get off the beaten touristy track and explore those local hidden gems.
The flip side of course is that you’ll need to be comfortable with route planning, navigation and dealing with logistical challenges, bike issues, and language barriers!
You’ll also need to work out the best way to get yourself and your trusty steed to Spain. Flying with your bike can be expensive and a bit of a packing hassle - plus there’s always a bit of a risk that it could get damaged in transit - but there’s a lot to be said for having the familiarity of your own set up when you get there. No break in time, fit issues, uncomfortable saddles, and unfamiliar componentry – just unpack, assemble and ride.
The other option is to rent a bike. Spain is a major cycling destination, so many regions have excellent rental shops catering to all types of riders. Spanish rental shops often stock premium bikes from high-end cycling brands such as Trek, Specialized and Pinarello. These bikes are not just snazzy, they’re well-maintained and equipped for the local terrain, saving you the hassle of bringing a bike that may not be ideal for the region.
Many shops also offer custom bike fitting services to adjust the bike to your measurements, GPS devices, route suggestions, and delivery services that bring the bike directly to your accommodation.
Best Regions for Cycling Holidays in Spain
Spain is a real cycling paradise, offering everything from iconic climbs to sun-drenched coastal routes.
Whether you’re chasing the pro-peloton experience in Girona, the smooth switchbacks of Mallorca, or the high-altitude challenges of the Sierra Nevada, there’s a bucket list ride for every rider.
For those who love a mix of culture and cycling, San Sebastián’s rolling green hills and Valencia’s relaxed coastal routes provide stunning backdrops.
With mild winters, legendary climbs, and world-class cycling infrastructure, Spain is the ultimate year-round cycling destination.
Girona, Costa Brava
Ideal for: Pros and amateurs looking for epic riding and primo café culture
Home to some of the best road cycling in Spain and some of the best pro cyclists on the planet, Girona truly is a class act. There’s a real vibrant cycling culture here with much of the local economy built around the sport.
The town itself is stunning, mixing a chic and fashionable vibe with cracking cafés, old world charm, cobbled streets, colourful architecture, and a beautiful cathedral.
The cycling is equally varied and top quality, offering a mix of flat and undulating terrain with the occasional quad-busting climb – aka something for pros and amateurs alike.
Favourite route: An hour’s ride from the town centre will see you at the foot of iconic Rocacorba climb – a 13.5km, 1,000m+ route with an average gradient of 7.4%, with some sections reaching 10-11%. A steep and sustained climb with stunning views of Girona and the surrounding Catalonian landscape, on a good day you may even be able to see the Pyrenees in the distance.
Mallorca
Ideal for: Intermediate and advanced cyclists looking for a mix of flat, coastal roads and iconic mountain climbs
With its varied terrain, warm weather, and smooth, well-maintained roads, Mallorca is one of the hottest cycling destinations on the planet.
The largest and most popular of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca attracts many of the world’s top pros who come to train here in the off-season. It’s a big hit with regular cyclists too, many of whom flock here during the spring and autumn months to ride some of the same routes as their heroes.
Home to some of the most renowned mountain climbs in Europe, including the Coll de Soller, Coll de Femenia, and Sa Calobra, Mallorca is perfect for all vertically obsessed cyclists looking to clock up as much elevation gain as possible.
Not so keen on climbing but still want a piece of the two-wheeled action? No probs. There’s a ton of relaxing coastal rides where you can spin out the legs, soak up the views, and be part of Mallorca’s epic cycling scene.
Favourite route: One of cycling’s most iconic climbs, the 9.4km Sa Calobra is a bucket list mission for pros and amateurs alike. The first few kms are steep – think 10-11% - but it soon settles down to a steady 7% gradient. The route winds its way through the stunning Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the mind blowing views should help distract you from the pain cave!
San Sebastián, Basque Country
Ideal for: Cyclists who love great food, punchy climbs, smooth tarmac and scenic coastal rides – aka everyone!
With its laidback bike-friendly vibe, vibrant foodie scene, and super-varied terrain, San Sebastián is a dream cycling destination.
Situated on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country, San Sebastián is arguably best known for its incredible food - think pintoxs bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, grilled seafood, Basque cider, and mouth-watering tapas.
The opportunities to burn off the excesses are endless here. Choose from local coastal rides with breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay, hilly routes in the Basque countryside, or the legendary Jaizkibel climb – an 8km climb at around 5% that featured in the Clasica San Sebastian race.
Looking for a big day in the mountains? San Sebastián is a great starting point for anyone looking to tackle the big dawgs in the Pyrenees. Legendary climbs like the Col d’Ispeguy and the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin are just a ride away….
And when it all gets too much, head to La Concha beach – a stunning, crescent-shaped bay with golden sand and calm waters. It’s perfect for a relaxing swim after a ride, and the beachfront promenade is a great place for an easy recovery spin.
Favourite route: Coastal ride to Hondarribia. This beautiful ride along the coast passes through quaint fishing villages and finishes in the pretty little town of Hondarribia.
Sierra Nevada, Andalucia
Ideal for: Big climbs in stunning mountains and high-altitude training
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Sierra Nevada is a top choice for riders seeking a high-altitude training destination, legendary climbs, quiet roads, and epic mountain scenery.
Home to the second highest mountain range in Europe (after the Alps), the Sierra Nevada National Park is packed full of legendary climbs including the highest paved road in Europe - Pico Veleta (3,396m) – and Alto de Hoya de la Mora (30km climb to 2,500m).
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit as summer can be unbearably hot and it tends to be pretty snowy up high in the deep winter months.
Overexerted yourself on one of the aforementioned climbs? There’s plenty of ways to recover while still enjoying the stunning surroundings…. Soak in the Moorish charm of Granada’s old town or visit the Alahambra, a UNESCO-listed fortress and palace with incredible architecture and gardens.
Favourite route: It has to be the lung-busting, quad-burning 43km, 2,700m+ ride from Granada to Pico Veleta (highest paved road in Europe at 3,396m). The views are epic and the road is (mostly) closed to cars after 2,700m – perfecto!
Valencia, South-Eastern Spain
Ideal for: Flat, sun-drenched coastal rides, hilly terrain, charming villages, and delicious paella
Great weather, varied terrain, excellent cycling infrastructure, amazing food and nightlife… Valencia has to be one of the best regions for a cycling holiday in Spain!
The Mediterranean coastline offers smooths, relatively flat roads that are ideal for relaxed rides and/or cyclists looking to work on their endurance.
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging then the Calderona Mountains, located to the north of Valencia, and the Sierra de Espuna mountain range both offer excellent opportunities to get some serious climbs in the legs.
Well-earned rest days are dreamy here. Chill out at the beach, explore the city, and get stuck into some seriously tasty Spanish cuisine. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so get stuck in – it’s the perfect recover fuel after all!
Favourite route: The mostly traffic-free Valencia Coastal Route is the perfect recovery ride. The 10-50km route takes anything from 30 mins to 3 hours, depending on how long you want to ride. Avoid the midday heat and head out at sunrise or sunset for a stunning and memorable experience.
Ten Top Tips for Cycling in Spain
• Choose the right bike
Roadies will want a high-end, lightweight bike with a good range of gears for tackling both flat sections and hills. Multi-day adventurers will need bikes with endurance geometry to ensure comfort and stability. It’s also worth noting that most rental bikes come with flat pedals so you’ll need to bring clipless pedals with you.
• Plan your route in advance
There’s a real variety of cycling on offer in Spain so make sure you choose a destination with routes that match your fitness level. Platforms like Komoot or Strava can help point you in the right direction.
• Time your visit
Avoid the peak summer months of July and August, especially in southern Spain, when temperatures can be el scorchio! Spring and autumn offer more pleasant weather, with fewer tourists around. If you do find yourself cycling in the heat, an early morning or evening ride is your best bet for cooler conditions.
• Check the weather and elevation
Spain’s climate can vary dramatically depending on the region and altitude. Pack layers for cooler mornings and descents, especially in mountainous areas like the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada. It’s also worth noting that you’ll experience thinner air at altitude so pace yourself and stay hydrated.
• Stay Hydrated and Fuelled
Bring plenty of water with you on your rides – two bottles are advised – and be sure to take advantage of all the awesome local food on offer! Monitor restaurant opening/closing times closely (hello siesta!) so you can fuel up on bocadillos (sandwiches) and energy-packed tapas.
• Pack Essentials
At the very least you’ll need a good quality helmet (required by law on non-urban roads), padded cycling shorts, lightweight, breathable jerseys, a lightweight wind/weather-resistant layer, sunscreen and sunglasses for UV protection, and a repair kit with spare tubes, multi-tool, and a pump.
• Respect Local Rules and Culture
Ride in single file on busy roads, always stop at red lights, and remember to say ‘gracias’! It’s also worth bearing in mind that many shops and restaurants in Spain close mid-afternoon for siesta, so be sure to plan your breaks accordingly.
• Use Technology
Apps like Strava and RideWithGPS are useful tools for route planning. Download maps and pre-load onto GPS devices to avoid getting lost.
• Travel Insurance
Make sure your insurance covers cycling, including accidents, theft, and medical emergencies.
• Enjoy the scenery and culture
A cycling holiday in Spain is about more than just riding a bike. Take your time and explore medieval towns, visit vineyards, and relax on the beach after a long day in the saddle. Sangria anyone?
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