The itinerary was very interesting. I learned a lot about Sicilian history and culture. The riding distance each day was perfect, considering the challenging hills and heat. Wonderful riding leader and driver. We were well taken care of!
Cycling Holidays in Spain
Cycling in Spain
Top 5 Highlights of Cycling in Spain
Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James, is a world-famous pilgrimage route and one of the oldest in the world. Spanning across Europe, this iconic trail is made up of a vast network of ancient routes that lead you among stunning landscapes and historical landmark on this revered spiritual journey. The pilgrimage culminates in Santiago de Compostela at the holy cathedral and resting place of St James.
Girona: Situated in Catalonia, Girona is a soulful city that has become a popular destination for cyclists. With its striking medieval architecture, tranquil countryside lanes and fabulous Pyrenean backdrop, Girona offers a perfect setting for both leisurely and more challenging rides. Cycle along disused railway lines that run between ancient villages, follow scenic coastal paths and discover the local culture and history as you visit local wine estates and traditional towns.
Catalan Coast: The stunning Catalan coastline plays host to a diverse blend of dramatic scenery, charming coastal towns and challenging terrains. Discover the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa Brava, explore Calella de Palafrugell and stop off at vibrant villages to taste the delicious seafood and local wines. At Púbol, learn about the region’s fascinating history and the famous Spanish artist, Salvador Dali.
Wine villages: As well as its beautiful coastal landscapes and golden beaches, Spain is famous for its delicious wines, and what better way to explore the country’s rich viticulture than by cycling through its wine villages? Regions like Rioja, Catalonia and Andalucia offer pretty routes that wind through lush vineyards and wine villages, interspersed with wineries where you can sample some of the finest Spanish wines.
Castles: Spanish history is replete with majestic castles, and many of these can be visited during our cycling holidays in Spain. From the medieval hilltop castle of Begur and the 13th-century Montgri castle to the 18th-century Sant Ferran Castle at Figueres, cycling among these ancient fortresses allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the country’s intriguing history.
Jeanine Hartnett Cycling in Sicily
Judy Lavery Porto to Lisbon Atlantic RideThis was our first trip with Exodus and will not be our last! This company is very organized down to every detail. The description of the itinerary is very accurate, the hotels very nice , the Trek bikes were great and each bike had a handlebar bag for phones, sunscreen, snacks etc.
Our leader João was superb and made each participant feel welcomed, and cared for no matter the skill level.
João stopped to show us things of interest along the way each day, giving us the history and facts of which we would not have learned if we had travelled on our own.
João did briefings each day, so we knew exactly what to expect and a debrief at end of each day with a well organized power-point presentation.
He helped with dinner suggestions and even made the reservations for us.
His enthusiasm and love of his job made it a very enjoyable experience.
Also, Ricardo who was our other Exodus support person was superb! He cycled at the end of the group providing encouragement and support! Ricardo was always smiling and always available for our needs as well. He was a fabulous back up for any individual who needed help. We cannot say enough about Ricardo and how he helped to make this such a great experience for us!
The third Exodus support person was Toni! He was so kind and thoughtful and made the most elaborate picnics for us. He drove the van and met us at various check points so we had access to our belongings if we needed anything. He had water to fill our water bottles and was available incase someone needed to have a van drive if they weren’t able to bike any portions of the day.
These 3 individuals made the trip so wonderful for us!
The itinerary is accurate in that the description of the steep hills toward the end of day 3 , really were steep! Also the long steep hills on day 6 were as described.
We used pedal bikes and managed fine, we are mid 60’s but we are runners and in good shape. The first two days were flat and very easy for any skill level. The steep hills on day three at end of day were challenging on a pedal bikes, despite our good fitness level. However, we would do pedal bikes again despite the steep hills, it gave us a sense of accomplishment! E-bikes are available to people to sign up for prior to the trip.
The views were stunning along the ocean.
We were so impressed by this company, their attention to detail , their efforts to decrease their carbon footprint and we highly recommend Exodus to anyone.
We are already looking at idea for our next Exodus trip !
When is the best time to go cycling in Spain?
The best months for cycling tours in Spain will vary depending on where you’re visiting. Generally, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) provide ideal weather conditions due to the milder temperatures and quieter roads. During these seasons, the landscapes of Mallorca, Catalonia and Andalucia are still awash with colour, and you can enjoy more comfortable cycling conditions. It’s best to avoid cycling in Spain during July and August as the temperatures can soar.
Do I have to be an experienced cyclist for cycling holidays in Spain?
At Exodus, we have a range of cycling tours in Spain to suit various levels of ability. For each of our tours you’ll find an activity level which has been carefully graded depending on the duration of the rides, the types of tracks and roads and challenging inclines. While you will need a certain level of fitness for our trips, we also offer e-bike hire, which will allow you much more flexibility. You can read our Activity Level Guidelines for more information about our trip gradings.
FAQs on Cycling in Spain
What are the best cycling routes in Spain?
Spain is a cyclist’s paradise, boasting diverse landscapes and thrilling routes. One of the most famous and oldest cycling routes is the Camino de Santiago, a sacred pilgrimage that meanders through stunning countryside and historic towns. Catalonia offers picturesque routes, with the Costa Brava coastline showcasing sprawling sea views. For a mix of challenging climbs and stunning scenery, ride along the mountainous terrain and charming white villages of Andalucia to experience the true essence of Spain. Mallorca is another fabulous Spanish destination for cycling as it presents you with smooth coastal roads, dramatic cliffs and whitewashed villages.
What kind of foods do they eat in Spain?
Spain is known for its vibrant and diverse culinary traditions and the locals take great pride in their rich gastronomic culture, with a wide array of delicious dishes. One of the most iconic Spanish foods is paella, a saffron-infused rice dish filled with fresh seafood, chicken or vegetables. Tapas, small plates of various appetisers and snacks, are also popular and introduce you to a wide variety of flavours. Tortilla Española, a hearty omelette made with potatoes and onions, is a staple in almost every Spanish household, and the world-famous jamón ibérico (cured ham) is deeply ingrained in the country’s culinary traditions.
Which are the best cities to visit when cycling in Spain?
Spain not only presents you with diverse landscapes but it’s also brimming with vibrant culture and beautiful cities to explore. One of the must-visit cities on a cycling tour is Seville owing to its culture, history and folklore. Explore the Alcázar castle complex, the 18th Century Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza bullring and the Gothic cathedral. For stunning beaches and historical charm, head to Cadiz, or discover the modernist architecture, bustling markets and idyllic coastline of Valencia. Barcelona is another a vibrant city and home to famous Gaudí landmarks, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The capital of Mallorca, Palma boasts scenic coastal and mountain trails and is the island’s cultural and historical hub.
How long are your cycling trips in Spain?
You could be saddling up for between four and eight days including your flight time. Whether you’re covering off ancient Andalucia, coastal Catalunya or magical Mallorca, each of our cycling holidays in Spain will give you more than enough time to immerse yourself in local traditions while covering miles and miles of its beautiful landscapes.
Are your cycling holidays in Spain guided?
Here at Exodus we offer a mix of guided and self-guided cycling tours to cater for different rider preferences and levels of experience. On our guided cycling tours, our expert tour leaders will show you the way and offer priceless insights into local hotspots and off-the-beaten-track experiences. On our self-guided tours, you’ll be able to pedal at your own pace while checking our detailed route notes to keep you on the right path.
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