CYCLING IN SPAIN
Spain possibly offers the best cycling in Europe, whatever the season during summer and, here, are just. some of the reasons:
- Mild weather
While much of Europe is cold and grey in winter, the weather in Spain is reliably 16 degrees and sunny in the Malaga province of Andalusia. Many people think that it is cold in Andalusia in winter. That is not true. An ambient temperature of16 degrees is considered to be the ultimate temperature for exercise. But in July and August it is better to cycle in the Pyrenees in the north where the weather is more pleasant with a temperature below 30 degrees.
- Fewer tourists
Since many people travel to Spain in the summer, winter is considered to be the low season. This means that you avoid crowds with tourists and can experience historically interesting cities such as Granada, Cordoba (40 degrees in August) or Seville at a more leisurely pace and in moderate temperatures allowing more comfortable exploring.
- Winter festivals
Spain has several exciting winter events, such as the big “Navidad” (Christmas) celebration, where towns and villages are beautifully decorated and offer traditional Christmas markets and festivities. The most famous is “La Cabalgata de Reyes” in January, a large parade celebrating the Three Wise Men on the 12th night of Christmas. The Malaga Christmas lights on Calle Larios are worth a trip to Spain in their own right.
- Good for sports
In Spain you can cycle, hike and run for most of the year in comfortable weather conditions. If you like cykling training, you will find fantastic opportunities during the autumn, winter and spring in Andalucia above all with winding mountain roads and little traffic. Those who want to hike will find fantastic hiking trails along the sea or in the mountains on the Costa del Sol. If you like skiing or snowboarding, the Sierra Nevada in Granada (90 minutes by car) has excellent pistes right up until the month of May. If you want, you can go skiing in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon.
- Lower prices
As it is low season, both accommodation and flight tickets are cheaper during the winter months. It is rarely difficult to get a place in hotels outside the high season.
- Good food and wine
The winter months are also a perfect time to enjoy Spanish food – especially the warm, rustic dishes. Tapas, (small dishes), are always simple and popular, but during the winter months you can try more filling dishes such as “cocido” (a stew with meat and vegetables). After the meal, “turrón” (a traditional Christmas candy) tastes great with the coffee.
- Beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere
Spain offers magnificent nature with mountains that cyclists are drawn to. Even during the winter, the almond trees in Andalucia bloom. It is a great time to hike in the mountain areas or visit lesser-known villages and enjoy the quiet scenery.
CYCLING IN ANDALUSIA
Cycling training or a cycling holiday in Andalucia is a great idea for several reasons. The region has everything from dramatic mountain passes to beautiful coastal roads and picturesque villages, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and lifestylers alike. Here are some more reasons why Andalusia is one of Europe’s best cycling destinations:
- Fantastic climate all year round
Andalusia has a mild and sunny climate almost all year round. Even during the winter when the temperature is 16 degrees on average in Malaga. It happens that the province gets a high summer day with 25 degrees in the middle of February. I have experienced that myself. This makes Andalusia an ideal place for cycling training when it is cold in the rest of Europe.
- Varied and challenging terrain
Whether you like long climbs, fast descents or flat coastal roads, Andalusia has something for you:
- Sierra Nevada – Perfect for high altitude training with climbs up to 3,400 meters.
- Costa del Sol – Nice coastal roads and easy cycling for those who want to enjoy sea views.
- Pueblos Blancos & Ronda – Mountainous landscapes with winding roads through beautiful white villages.
- Good roads and little traffic
The roads in Andalusia are often in good condition and have significantly less traffic compared to other popular cycling destinations such as Mallorca or the Canary Islands. This makes cycling both safer and more peaceful here.
- Culture, food and accommodation
For those who want to do something other than cycling, Andalusia is a region of Spain rich in culture with places like Granada (the Alhambra Palace), Seville (the gigantic cathedral), Córdoba (the cathedral which is actually both a cathedral and a mosque) and Ronda (the viaduct over the mountain gorge and the incomparable views) that add an extra dimension to the trip. After a long day on the bike saddle, you can enjoy classic Spanish food such as tapas, fresh fish and local wines for a cheap price. Staying in a hotel is much cheaper than in most European countries, and the standard is high even in the simpler one-star hotels.
- Lower prices
As it is low season, both accommodation and flight tickets are cheaper during the winter months. It is rarely difficult to get a place in hotels outside the high season.
- Good food and wine
The winter months are also a perfect time to enjoy Spanish food – especially the warm, rustic dishes. Tapas, (small dishes), are always simple and popular, but during the winter months you can try more filling dishes such as “cocido” (a stew with meat and vegetables). After the meal, “turrón” (a traditional Christmas candy) tastes great with the coffee.
Spain offers magnificent nature and peaceful atmosphere with mountains that cyclists are drawn to. Even during the winter, the almond trees in Andalucia bloom. It is a great time to hike in the mountain areas or visit lesser-known villages and enjoy the quiet scenery. Cycling training or a cycling holiday in Andalucia is a great idea for several reasons. The region has everything from dramatic mountain passes to beautiful coastal roads and picturesque villages, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and lifestylers alike.
Here are some more reasons why Andalusia is one of Europe’s best cycling destinations and here is why:
Fantastic climate all year round
Andalusia has a mild and sunny climate almost all year round. Even during the winter when the temperature is 16 degrees on average in Malaga. It happens that the province gets a high summer day with 25 degrees in the middle of February. I have experienced that myself. This makes Andalusia an ideal place for cycling training when it is cold in the rest of Europe.
Varied and challenging terrain
Whether you like long climbs, fast descents or flat coastal roads, Andalusia has something for you:
- Sierra Nevada – Perfect for high altitude training with climbs up to 3,400 meters.
- Costa del Sol – Nice coastal roads and easy cycling for those who want to enjoy sea views.
- Pueblos Blancos & Ronda – Mountainous landscapes with winding roads through beautiful white villages.
Good roads and little traffic
The roads in Andalusia are often in good condition and have significantly less traffic compared to other popular cycling destinations such as Mallorca or the Canary Islands, making cycling both safer and more enjoyable.
Culture, food and accommodation
For those who want to do something other than cycling, Andalusia is a region of Spain rich in culture with places like Granada (the Alhambra Palace), Seville (the gigantic cathedral), Córdoba (the cathedral which is actually both a cathedral and a mosque) and Ronda (the viaduct over the mountain gorge and the incomparable views) that add an extra dimension to the trip.
After a long day on the bike saddle, you can enjoy classic Spanish food such as tapas, fresh fish and local wines for a cheap price. Staying in a hotel is much cheaper than in most European countries, and the standard is high even in the simpler one-star hotels.
