Winter doesn’t have to suck. It can also blow your mind, especially if you embark on one of our winter sun cycling holidays. In Spain, navigating the valleys and vineyards of Valencia will give you a seasonal shot of endorphins. And cycling from Granada to Ronda will turn winter frowns upside down. Sea temperatures are still around high teens in the Canaries if you fancy a dip after your trip. And popular beauty spots such as Andalucía or the Algarve are no longer a sea of tourists, where temperatures are still just about in double figures, but you will only see a handful of other cyclists throughout your holiday. Pack a pannier and pep up your winter on some of our most popular cycling holidays, listed below.
Cycling in Ebro Delta Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia in winter is like getting a shot of sunshine straight into your veins and, if you haven’t tried a dose of Ebro, then it’s the way to go. To give it its full name, Ebro Delta Natural Park is the largest and most important wetland in the region, where you get to cycle along coasts and canalside paths, lagoons and luscious rice fields, with some top birding to be had at Encanyissada Lagoon too. As this is an ideal time for sightings of wintering birds, such as moorhens and shovelers start to dip and dive into these Catalonian waters. You can also dip and dive into some of Tarragona’s wine after your day’s cycling, on a trail that starts and ends in the historic and handsome town of Tortosa, at the mouth of the River Ebro.
Cycling in Seville and Sierra de Aracena, Spain
For another seasonal Spanish adventure, this cycling tour combines some sultry time in Seville, the capital of Andalucía, with an escape to the mountains of Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park. This is an opportunity not only to take in the multicultural heritage of Seville, but also the ancient trails of the mountains. For the latter, you are based in a traditional cottage in the heart of the natural park in Alájar, from which you can choose from many mountain trails, depending on your interests and abilities. In winter, with daytime temperatures of between 15-19C, you’ll have radiant routes to ancient sites in the mountains, including Almonaster la Real, a traditional hammam in Linares de la Sierra, and the traditional whitewashed village of Galaroza to yourself.
Cycling from Granada to Ronda, Spain
This all year round Andalucían adventure, cycling from Granada to Ronda on a long-distance trail known as the Ruta de los Almorávides, a trade route dating back to the 11th century. Topping and tailing with two iconic and great cities, Granada and Ronda, you cover 242km, with other greats en route. These include the colossal Alhambra de Granada, from which you can also explore the Alhama mountains on a disused railway line, El Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve and the Caminito Del Rey, a walkway across the canyon, Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. And, if you’re not feeling winter fit or you just want to cycle at leisure, there is also an option to do this tour on an e-bike.
Cycling in the Azores, Portugal
Cycling in the Azores takes you to an otherworldly archipelago of nine islands which are part of the Portuguese Republic, albeit 1,500km west of Lisbon and far out to sea. Both cyclists and cetaceans seek out this Atlantic wilderness haven in packs and pods, although the former only migrate to the islands of Faial and Pico or Terceira. Whichever holiday you choose, these islands are all magnets for magic. On our island-hopping adventure, which is by e-bike, you follow trails to the UNESCO Pico vineyards, Caldeira do Faial and Capelo and Quinta das Rosas Forestry Reserves. On our Terceira treat, which is categorised as an easy to moderate cycling tour, covering 20-45km each day, the landscapes are dramatic and volcanic, with opportunities to swim in black lava rock pools, visit the steamy landscapes of Furnas do Enxofre and the vast lava tube, Gruta do Natal.
Cycling in Lanzarote, Canary Islands
This Canary is both blue and green, with the only sign of yellow being the sun’s rays beaming down on its volcanic lagoons, bright white traditional houses and prettiest of playas. Our eight day Lanzarote cycling holiday takes you on a moderate-level ‘velodyssey’ of this rugged, wild island which has developed a reputation for package tours but which actually proffer perfect pannier tours if you know where to go. Which we do, such as the fishing coves and villages of the north coast, the wild surfing beach of Famara on the west coast, or the turquoise shell-shaped beach at Papagayo. With volcanoes, vineyards and traditional villages in between. And, with average highs of 24C in November, 21C in December, we just love Lanzarote.
Cycling in Madeira, Portugal
Madeira has long been a winter wanderlust favourite for hikers, but one of our most recent holidays also opens it up to keen cyclists. Follow a coastal circuit of the main island of the Portuguese archipelago over eight days, exploring traditional fishing villages, Paúl da Serra high plateau and historic cultural spots like the town of Estreito da Calheta. Temperatures range from 12-18C in winter months, and the sea is still 18-20C in December, so you can make the most of swimming in the island’s famous natural pools and volcanic beaches.
Cycling to València, Spain
We have several cycling holiday options in València during winter months, all of which start in one region and end up in a Mediterranean city that boasts contemporary and historic cultural greatness. For example, you can start in the inland region of Alicante in Biar, in the foothills of the Sierra de Mariola, and explore medieval marvels of València such as the castle-topped towns of Cullera and Xàtiva before arriving into the region’s magnificent capital city. Or go coastal the whole way, starting in the town of Alicante on the Costa Blanca.
Cycling in the Algarve, Portugal
There are plenty of golden beaches to be found while cycling in the Algarve albeit with a little less sun than during peak summer season, but with the most refreshing rides. Such as between Barril and Isla Cristina, just two beauty spots that you cycle to on this holiday and Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Rivers Gilão and Guadiana being two others, the latter crossing over into Andalucía. This is categorised as an easy cycling holiday and even easier if you opt for an e-bike. You can also go for hybrid or e-bikes on our cycling holiday that takes you through both the Algarve and Alentejo regions, heading from Odeceixe to Cabo Sao Vicente, the most south-western point of Portugal over seven days. Either way, these are electrifying trips that will power up your sleepy season.
Cycling in Provence, France
We have two winter options for cycling in Provence, one that is a six day journey and the other a cheeky little five day break of pure bliss. They both start in Avignon, which is also accessible by rail, and take you alongside vineyards and traditional villages, to châteaux and chapels. One of the highlights of both trips is the ancient town and Roman ruins at Arles, and each has its own unique natural heritage treat too. The five day trip takes you through the winter wetland wonders of Camargue Regional Natural Park and the six day trip includes a visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which is built on a series of canals with Venice-like houses on the waterfront, and ancient cobblestone streets. This is also an antique enthusiasts’ haven, with an area dedicated to classy bric a brac known as L’Ile aux Brocantes.
Cycling in Northern Vietnam
You can also head east for a magical winter sun cycling holiday in Northern Vietnam. Although Vietnam gets busy at this time of year (and we recommend booking your flights as soon as possible), this trip takes you off the beaten track. If you’re allergic to the buildup to Christmas, you will soon forget any notions of seasonal over-consumerism, cycling through the Hmong hill tribe villages, where homestay hosts welcome you into their daily lives. In the winter months you are also escaping the rainy season which is from May until early November. It’s hot and dry, but these elevated landscapes are cooler than on the busier coast. And, if you like to treat yourself to good food at this time of year, this holiday is one moveable feast.
For all our winter sun cycling holidays, see here, and don’t hesitate to contact us for more details. You may also enjoy our blog on Winter sun walking holidays. If you are getting in training for a cycling holiday, you may want to think about going there by train too. More and more of our customers are opting to travel without flying now, which is why we have a blog on Cycling holidays accessible by train and How to book cheap train tickets. And for more cycling holidays that cover a few countries, check out our blog on Multi-country cycling holidays. They are more for the other seasons, but of course you can treat your winter escape as a warm up.can treat your winter escape as a warm up.
Cycling Southern Vietnam: Mekong Delta
The Azores: Cycling on Faial and Pico Islands by E-bike
Cycling from Granada to Ronda
Cycling in Menorca
Cycling the Great Taste Trail
Cycling Central Vietnam
Camino Mozárabe: Cycling Granada to Córdoba
Cycling in Madeira
Cycling in Provence
Cycling in the Atlas Mountains
Cycling Northern Vietnam
