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The top 5 cycling destinations in Spain

It’s no secret that I love to cycle all over the world. My love for travel began in France, moved to Italy, and expanded at a rapid rate from there. And my love for cycling… well that’s been there my entire life, but has only grown exponentially as I explore new destinations from the saddle. After my recent journey through Europe with a good deal of time spent in Spain, I thought it would be fitting to share my favorite destinations to ride in while there. Mallorca Jeez! This is a place of remarkable beauty. Imagine: There you are, riding alongside dramatic cliffs that drop off and offer sweeping views of the bluest sea. Next you’re climbing high into the Tramuntana mountain range where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista of the western edge of the island. And when you’re not riding along the coast, you pedaling on quiet, traffic-free country roads. It doesn’t hurt, of course, to wake up at La Residencia after a pampered evening of local wines and authentic specialties prepared by the region’s top chefs. Mallorca cycling Rioja and Ribera del Duero This is the wine region of Spain. If you’re an oenophile, this is the place to be. Rioja has recently been touted as a serious wine region to watch, and after a day on the bike you’ll be thrilled to enjoy a glass of the finest local variety. Ride along the banks of the Ebro River, stop at one of the best wine museums in the world, the Museo Dinastia Vivanco, and indulge yourself at the Caudalie spa located at the Marques de Riscal hotel. Come ready to ride, excited to eat, and disposed to drink. Rioja cycling Andalucia Andalucia is by far, one of my favorite rides. There is a charm to this destination with its hilltop villages, traffic-free roads, and medieval streets. What do you look for on a cycling vacation? Is it excellent weather? Rolling hills? Stunning scenery? Maybe exceptional cuisine? More likely, it’s all of the above. No sacrifices to be made here! There are some more challenging climbs here as well, so it’s exhilarating for an active rider like myself. Oh! And if you’ve never has paella, not only will you taste the best you’ll ever have, but travel with me and we’ll head to a traditional Montilla winery where we’ll learn to make it. Andalucia cycling Costa Brava Another coastal beauty! I have to say, even though my focus generally remains on cycling every trip I take, I can’t help but taking a dip at one of the many stunning beaches in Costa Brava. Whenever I visit, I make sure to head inland and visit the towns of Peratallada, Ullaset, and Palau Sator. But my favorite ride here has to be the infamous Els Angels, the favorite training ground and mountain pass of countless pro cyclists. Don’t forget to work in a trip to the Salvador Dalí museum, a must-visit. Costa Brava cycling Camino de Santiago Also called St. James Way, Camino de Santiago speaks to me in a way some other Spain destinations do not. Traversing the rolling green Galician countryside is an experience to remember, and the challenge to complete the infamous climb up to the Cruz de Ferro in the hillsides of Castilla y León is exactly what I look for. I have to say though, the trip isn’t complete without a spin along scenic back roads that wind through Galician woods to reveal the Castelo do Pambre, a hidden fourteenth-century castle. Camino cycling Spain offers it all. Good food, good wine, good riding, and good people. Generally, the riding is a bit more challenging than in some of the bordering European countries. That’s what I love though! If you want a real experience filled with authentic beauty, head over to one of these Spanish destinations. Have any that you are especially fond of that you don’t see on this list? Let me know! It might be time to explore somewhere new. Andy Levine is the President/Founder of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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3 Comments

  1. One of my ambitions as a cyclist is to ride in Spain and, given that our rides usually include a ‘coast to coast’ theme, my ultimate aim would be an expedition from Atlantic to Mediterranean. That’s a big challenge, but I got into cycling when I drove the support vehicle for the first half of a trans-Pyrenees coast to coast and I definitely want to go back and ride it myself.
    So far, my longest ride was an ‘almost coast to coast’ from Paris to Venice. It was the adventure of a lifetime but I want more!
    Meanwhile, riding coast to coast where I live now is a lot easier. Being only about five miles by ten, it’s pretty hard to avoid Jersey’s coasts, whichever way you ride! It’s good cycling, too, with mostly quiet roads (away from St Helier), some nice little (and not so little) hills and plenty of opportunities to cool your feet at one of the numerous beaches.
    Cycling has become very big here – both as a leisure activity and a method of commuting. You can certainly beat the traffic into St Helier at rush hour. Jersey people are pretty active anyway, and the healthy outdoor life is part of the charm of the place.
    So, as a place to live and stay fairly fit, I’m happy to be here in Jersey, and occasional or leasure cyclists will find lots of hidden gems. Meanwhile, I’ll dream of Spain and the Pyrenees.

  2. Thanks for the tips was looking for some cycling inspiration for spring. Last year went to the french alps to climb Alpe D’Huez and other mountains. From your list Costa Brava is my favorite.

  3. My husband and I cycled San Sebastián to Tarifa last May. Amazing trip! You missed out the Basque Country, stunning mountains and scenery! Asturias in the north is also well worth a look. Incidentally, Spanish roads are by far the safest to cycle on, compared to France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium and UK.

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