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Cycling in Spain
The 10 most beautiful cycle routes in Spain
Cycling through Spain
Spain is the ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Geographical diversity and a pleasant climate ensure that cycling tourism is possible all year round. It passes through beautiful landscapes, villages and towns. There are routes for all levels of difficulty. 52 biosphere reserves, 15 national parks and very good signposting attract cyclists to the south. And Spain is also attractive for demanding cyclists, as it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe.
The tours lead through places of particular cultural and culinary interest. Whether on the coast or inland: Spain is home to many charming, tranquil villages that can be crossed on a cycle tour. Many places are geared towards cyclists and offer perfectly signposted routes and themed routes. You can cycle from one place of interest to the next or embark on a cycle tour lasting several hours. You can also find guided cycle tours and bike rentals in Spain.
Photo: 123RF
Photo: Turespaña
Accommodation
There are numerous bike-friendly accommodations in Spain. From hotels to rural accommodation and campsites to hostels or vacation apartments, there is something for everyone. The so-called "bike hotels" are particularly well equipped for cyclists. With a washing area and video surveillance for the bikes, sports menus and bike rental, they win over many vacationers. Bike hotels are mainly found on Mallorca, the Canary Islands and in the Pyrenees.
The best seasons
In general, cycling in Spain is possible all year round. However, it is very hot in some areas during the summer months. For some athletes, the off-season may therefore be more attractive, when the sun is not so scorching and the trails are not so crowded.
Some route types
The Vías Verdes, green paths, were built on former railroad lines and stretch over 2700 km through the country. Hikers and cyclists are equally at home here, and there are around 120 routes for cyclists with lengths ranging from one to 100 km.
Over 10,200 km of nature trails await visitors in Spain. Old railroad lines, hollow ways, cattle paths and footpaths invite you to take a beautiful tour through Spain's wonderful natural landscape. The official website provides information about the various routes and GPX tracks.
Photo: Saborea España
The EuroVelo routes (EV) are a large and well-known project among cyclists that has not yet been completed. 15 attractive, mainly paved routes with little difference in altitude run along existing routes through Europe. There are three EuroVelo routes in Spain: EV1 (Atlantic Coast Route) is the best developed route and connects Norway with Portugal, EV3 (Pilgrims Route) runs from Norway to Santiago de Compostela and EV8 (Mediterranean Route) runs from Athens always along the coast to Cádiz and covers around 5400 km. The sections of this route in Spain make up the very well-developed routes of the Spanish Mediterranean region.
There are also numerous local and regional routes that lead along small country roads and paths and invite you to enjoy a beautiful cycle tour.
Mountain bike trails
In 13 stages, you cycle past magnificent Roman ruins such as Itálica near Seville, via the small towns of Zafra and Almendralejo through ...
Vías Verdes - the greenways
The Greenways are developed cycling and hiking routes in Spain that are closed to motorized traffic. The well-signposted network comprises 127 routes covering more than 2700 km and runs along former railroad lines. The impressive cycle paths invite you to enjoy tours in the tranquillity of nature.
Along the way, you not only get to know different places and natural areas, but also embark on a journey into the past. At more than 100 of the former railroad stations, cyclists will find services such as railroad museums that present a piece of history. Nature museums, tourist information centers, bike rentals, hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafés can also be found in the station buildings and round off the cycling adventure on the greenways.
The biggest highlights are, of course, to be found along the route. The old railroad lines have been converted to be environmentally friendly and lead through rolling hills, long curves and over rivers via bridges and viaducts. The routes are very flat, with gradients of less than 3%, allowing even less athletic cyclists to enjoy the tours. The greenways are even accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Kreuz und quer durch Spanien verlaufen Bahnstrecken, die entweder nie fertiggestellt oder mittlerweile stillgelegt wurden. Diese Trassen wurden zu einem einzigartigen Wegenetz für Radfahrer ausgebaut. ...
Big bike tours
In Spain, there are of course also multi-day cycle routes throughout the country. We have listed the most popular ones for you here.
The Way of St. James leads in various routes to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia: French Way, English Way, Portuguese Way, Northern Way along the coast or Camino Primitivo (the original way). The best signposted French version is particularly popular with cyclists.
The Silver Way leads from Seville in the south to Gijón in the north and crosses the regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile-León and Asturias along the way. The route dates back to the Romans and offers a road variant and a variant for mountain bikers.
The TransAndalus crosses all eight provinces of Andalusia over 2000 km as a circular mountain bike tour. Far from the traditional tourist routes, it takes in many sights on the coast and inland.
The Transpirenaica leads over 800 km from the Catalan Mediterranean coast through the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragón and Catalonia to the Bay of Biscay. There is a variant for racing bikes and a variant for mountain bikes.
On the Camino del Cid, you follow in the footsteps of El Cid Campeador, the famous medieval knight from Castile, through the regions of Castile-León, Castile-La Mancha, Aragon and Valencia. Along the way are old city walls, fortresses, castles and medieval churches.
The Don Quixote route follows the literary figure of the same name for 2500 km through Castile-La Mancha and its five provinces. On ten stages, you will discover cities and towns with an important artistic and historical heritage such as Toledo, pretty towns such as Almagro or Villanueva and more than 2000 cultural sights.
The Canal de Castilla, an ancient waterway through Castile-León, was once used to transport grain from the interior of the country to the ports in the north of Spain. The canal is a wonderful place to cycle, watch the water flow and marvel at the locks, bridges, aqueducts and dams.
A great long-distance cycle tour through Spain's cultural, literary and natural diversity - away from the crowds and full of history.
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