Woman enjoying a spot of cycle tourism in the countryside

Spain by bike

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Cycling and holidays are more than compatible in Spain. Whether you just want to cycle around between visits or you want to go on cycling excursions for a couple of hours, you will find perfectly adapted routes and cycle touring and bike hire companies all over Spain.

WHY SPAIN

The excellent Spanish climate makes it easier to go cycling practically all year round.There are numerous routes and trails through the countryside for all levels in Spain. The impressive scenery you will encounter on the routes is really worth seeing. In fact, Spain is the country with the most Biosphere Reserves (53), not to mention its 16 National Parks, as well as some of the most beautiful and best signposted routes in Europe (such as the Way of Saint James, where you can even find hostels that are free of charge). Numerous routes run through destinations of immense cultural and gastronomic interest. Spain abounds in charming, easygoing villages to visit by bike (both along the coast as well as inland).

Bicycle tourism in the streets of Valencia

Accommodation wise, you have a wide selection to choose from: hotels, country house lodges, campsites, hostels, etc. There are even “Bikefriendly Hotels”, particularly in Mallorca, the Canary Islands and around the Pyrenees, which offer a host of services like video surveillance for bikes, washing areas, special menus for athletes, and bike hire.

From left to right: Tourists on bikes in Menorca / Family / Cyclist in Barcelona

BEST TIMES OF THE YEAR

Even though you can go cycling practically all year round, bear in mind that in summer the temperatures can get very high in certain areas (even topping the 35ºC mark).A lot of cycling tourists prefer to travel in the low season (thus avoiding July and August), when there are less people on the trails.

SOME TYPES OF ROUTES

- Vías Verdes (Greenways): these are over 3,200 km of old railways lines that have been converted into bicycle tourism itineraries. More than 120 itineraries are available with distances greatly varying in length (from 1 to 100 km). You can visit the official website.- Nature Trails: there are over 10,300 km of these trails throughout Spain. Among them you will find old railway lines, canals, cattle routes, tracks, etc. On the official website you can download GPS files for several of the suggested routes.- EuroVelo Routes: A lot of stretches along the Mediterranean coast of Spain are perfectly equipped for bicycle tourism. One of the reasons for this the EuroVelo 8, the Mediterranean Route from Cadiz to Athens, which is about 5,400 kilometres long.-In addition to all of these routes, you will find other types of tracks, rural pathways, etc. along the way.- Saddlebag bicycle touring is all the rage if you are into cycling routes that take several days to complete. Use a hybrid bike fitted out for transporting packs to carry your luggage.

Tajuña Greenway, in the Region of Madrid

AREAS

There are particularly famous cycle touring routes you might like to do. Here are a few examples:- St James Way: the famous Camino comprises several different routes ending at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Galicia), including the French Way, the Primitive Way, the English Way, etc. You might be interested in our report on “St James Way by bike”.- The Way of El Cid: this route follows in the footsteps of El Cid Campeador through Castilla-León, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon and the Region of Valencia.- Canal de Castilla: once a major transport artery, this canal is now one of the most attractive routes in Castile and Leon.

Bicycle on St James Way

Tips and recommendations

TIPS

- As a general rule, in Spain cyclists are not allowed to ride on motorways (unless otherwise indicated in the signage).- Road rules make the wearing of a reflective garment compulsory at night and in tunnels, as well as the use front and back lights that can be seen at a distance of 50 m. - When it comes to bicycle tourism, before coming to Spain (and particularly if you are going to do one of the long or more difficult routes) you might choose to join your country's cycling federation and extend your insurance cover to Spain or, you can take out travel insurance that covers medical care and public liability. - If you are travelling to Spain by plane and want to bring your bike, you must pack it properly. Some airline companies charge an extra for bikes. This goes for long-distance coach companies too. Take this into account before buying your tickets.- If you are travelling by train, according to the Spanish National Train Network (RENFE), as long as the bike dimensions are greater than those established for hand luggage, they will be admitted in the following services: AVE, Long Distance and Avant for national routes under the following terms and conditions: The bike is folded or dismantled and in a bag which must not exceed the following maximum dimensions: 120 x 90 x 40 cm (long-high-wide). The pedals have been dismantled and the handlebar rotated by 90º.- For more information on bicycle tourism visit the tourist offices in each area or get in touch with their respective cycling federations. You can also visit the website of the Royal Cycling Spanish Federation.Given that the recommendations and regulations provided may change, we advise you always to check the requirements before starting out on your journey.

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