Discover Spain at a different pace: five urban cycling routes
Cycling is one of the most enjoyable and sustainable ways to explore any city. Thanks to it, you can go at your own pace, stopping whenever a spot catches your eye, and moving easily through parks, monuments, historic neighbourhoods and all kinds of streets. Every journey offers a different way of discovering the destination, whilst enjoying the urban scenery.Spain offers plenty of options for exploring the country on two wheels: following old riverbeds, along seafront promenades or on cycle paths that link the main attractions of each destination.We suggest five such routes in some of the country’s most attractive cities: from gardens leading down to the Mediterranean to historic riverbanks and promenades overlooking the ocean. And, if you’d rather travel without your own bike, you’ll find plenty of options for hourly or daily hire.
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Valencia: towards the sea along the old riverbed of the River Turia
Exploring Valencia by bike is one of the best ways to discover a city that opens out onto the Mediterranean, where spacious gardens, avenues and urban spaces follow one after another along the route. With nearly 200 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes and various signposted routes, it’s very easy to explore on two wheels.The former riverbed of the River Turia, transformed into a large linear park, links iconic landmarks such as Cabecera Park, the Serranos Towers and Plaza de Manises. Another option is to head to the City of Arts and Sciences and carry on to the wide urban beaches, such as Malvarrosa.Round off your visitCarry on to Pinedo, El Saler and La Devesa, and venture into the Albufera Natural Park, one of the most valuable wetlands in the Mediterranean. Its rice fields, dunes, forests and lagoons offer a unique landscape and are the perfect place to round off the experience with an authentic Valencian paella at one of the local restaurants.
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Seville: a tour of the city’s landmarks along the River Guadalquivir
This city in Andalusia has many of the ingredients that make an urban cycling route an unforgettable experience. Its wide avenues lead you to some of the city’s greatest landmarks, whilst you enjoy a pleasant climate almost all year round.The route can start next to the Torre del Oro and continue on to María Luisa Park and the iconic Plaza de España. From there, head over to the Real Alcázarand admire the Giralda from different vantage points around the city. Then cross the River Guadalquivir to La Cartuja Island, where the 1992 World Exhibition was held.Round off your visitHead to the Triana neighbourhood, the birthplace of many great flamenco artists, stroll through its streets steeped in history and soak up the atmosphere by the river. To round off the day, take in the monumental skyline of Seville on a boat trip along the Guadalquivir and sample the local cuisine at one of the city’s bars and restaurants.
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Zaragoza: between the grand basilica, the parks and the riverbanks of the Ebro
Following the course of the Ebro is one of the best ways to explore Zaragoza by bike. Its wide promenades allow you to explore the city in comfort whilst taking in some of its most iconic sights, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar reflected on the water’s surface.Along the way, you’ll cross modern bridges, pass through parks and come across viewpoints that showcase the close relationship between Zaragoza and its river. Take a stroll around the Plaza del Pilar, Macanaz Park or the Balcón de San Lázaro viewpoint. A leisurely itinerary, ideal for capturing some magnificent photos and videos to take home as souvenirs.Round off your visitMake sure you set aside some time to visit the Luis Buñuel Water Park, the great legacy of the 2008 International Exhibition, where you’ll find extensive green spaces. Take the opportunity to discover Aragonese cuisine in the historic centre and sample some local specialities before continuing your journey.
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Vitoria-Gasteiz: nature and views along the Green Belt
If you’re looking to combine cycling with the great outdoors, Vitoria-Gasteiz offers one of the most unique urban experiences in Spain. The Green Belt encircles the city with a network of footpaths and cycle paths, suitable for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, winding through woodlands, wetlands, parks and urban gardens.It then follows the route of the Battle of Vitoria, taking in three sites where the conflict with France took place during the Peninsular War (1808–1814). It also runs alongside the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir as far as the Garaio and Landa parks, one of the largest natural areas in the province of Araba-Álava.Round off your visitExplore the Salburua wetlands, home to a large colony of birds, stroll through the Zabalgana woods or follow the riverbed of the River Zadorra: these are some of the most characteristic natural spots of Vitoria’s Green Belt. Round off your visit by sampling the pintxos and the cuisine of Álava in the bars and restaurants of the city’s historic centre.
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Cádiz: cycling between the city walls and the Atlantic Ocean
In Cádiz, cycling gives you the chance to explore a city where the sea is always close by. The route links squares steeped in history, city walls, bustling streets and a promenade along the seafront with sea views of the nearby towns of El Puerto de Santa María and Rota.The cycle path runs parallel to the seafront promenade as far as Santa María del Mar beach and continues past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the cathedral and La Caleta beach, one of the city’s most photographed spots.Round off your visitStop off at the Central Market to discover the richness of Cádiz’s cuisine, based on fish and seafood and produce from the Atlantic. Afterwards, round off the day by watching the sunset from the Alameda Apodaca, one of the city’s most spectacular viewpoints.
Each of these routes offers you a different way to discover Spain by bike. Cycle at your own pace, stop to admire the sights, sample the local cuisine and enjoy the pleasure of exploring these cities at a leisurely pace. And, once you’ve followed these routes, you might fancy embarking on other adventures, such as cycling the Way of St James or the other cycle routes and excursions you’ll find on our website , Spain.info.
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