Top Cycling Routes in Spain

What fuels your ride—endless climbs, smooth coastal tarmac, or landscapes that feel like another planet? In Spain, you don’t have to choose. 

From the Pyrenean peaks to the volcanic roads of the Canary Islands, Spain is a cyclist’s playground year-round.

With sun-soaked weather, world-class climbs, and epic cycling routes that wind past beaches, vineyards, medieval towns, and mountain passes, it’s no wonder Spain is one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling destinations.

Top Cycling Regions at a Glance:

1. Andalucía – Sun, mountains, and whitewashed villages.
2. Girona & Catalonia– Smooth roads and Pyrenean climbs.
3. The Basque Country – Steep climbs and coastal scenery.
4. Mallorca – Iconic climbs and Mediterranean views.
5. Tenerife – Volcanic roads and epic ascents.
6. Gran Canaria – Mountains, descents, and coastal rides.
7. Lanzarote – Lunar landscapes and endurance routes.

These are Spain’s most popular cycling regions—and for good reason. Scroll down to discover what makes each one an unforgettable ride!

1. Andalucía

Sun-soaked Andalucía is a cycling paradise, with routes that wind through olive groves, whitewashed villages, and dramatic mountain passes of the Sierra Nevada. Here, riders are rewarded with Moorish architecture, historic towns like Ronda and Granada, and endless Andalusian charm.

What to Expect:

• Rolling olive groves and mountain switchbacks
• Moorish towns and UNESCO sites
• Terrain: paved roads, mountain climbs, quiet rural lanes
• Big climbs: 1,000–2,500 m/day

Cycling types: road, endurance, climbing

Best for: seasoned cyclists, cultural explorers, mountain lovers

Best time to ride: March–June & September–November (avoid peak summer heat)

2. Girona & Catalonia

A mecca for professional cyclists, Girona and wider Catalonia offer an unbeatable mix of medieval towns, coastal roads, and Pyrenean climbs. Wider Catalonia offers spectacular riding across volcanic landscapes, vineyard regions, and the rugged Costa Daurada coastline. It’s a diverse region with routes for both leisure and challenge.

What to Expect:

• Medieval Girona, Costa Brava coastline
• Pyrenean foothills and famous training climbs
• Volcanic Garrotxa region, vineyard valleys, coastal roads
• Roman heritage towns and seaside escapes
• Terrain: smooth roads, challenging mountain routes
• Climbs: 800–2,000 m/day

Cycling types: road, gravel, touring

Best for: mixed-ability groups, from beginner to pro; cultural cyclists, wine lovers

Best time to ride: March–June & September–November (summer can be hot inland)

3. The Basque Country

Famous for its short, steep climbs and coastal beauty, the Basque Country is one of Europe’s premier cycling destinations. Riders can explore fishing villages, green hills, and challenging routes that often feature in the Vuelta a España.

• Rugged coastline and lush green hills
• Famous cycling culture and tapas stops
• Terrain: constant climbs, punchy gradients, coastal roads
• Climbs: frequent 10–15% inclines

Cycling types: road, climbing
Best for: competitive riders, punchy climbers, foodies
Best time to ride: May–July & September (spring greenery, warm but not too humid)

4. Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

Mallorca is legendary among cyclists for its warm climate, scenic roads, and iconic climbs like Sa Calobra. Smooth tarmac, mountain switchbacks, and Mediterranean views make it a world-class destination.

• Sa Calobra, Cap de Formentor, Tramuntana Mountains
• Smooth roads and mild weather year-round
• Terrain: mountain climbs, rolling plains, coastal rides
• Climbs: 500–1,500 m/day

Cycling types: road, endurance, climbing
Best for: winter training, sportive preparation, sun seekers
Best time to ride: February–May & September–October (avoid July–August heat)

5. Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, one of the world’s most famous cycling climbs. The island offers volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and year-round riding under warm skies.

What to Expect:

• Mount Teide: Europe’s highest paved climb
• Volcanic scenery, black sand beaches, pine forests
• Terrain: long ascents, winding coastal routes
• Climbs: 1,500–3,000 m/day

Cycling types: road, climbing

Best for: hardcore climbers, winter sun, altitude training

Best time to ride: Year-round (peak season: October–May, cooler at altitude in summer)

6. Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

Gran Canaria offers a mix of mountain challenges and coastal cruising. Its varied terrain makes it one of the most versatile Canary Islands for cyclists.

What to Expect:

• Steep climbs, sweeping descents, and volcanic valleys
• Scenic coastal stretches and charming villages
• Terrain: mountain passes, hairpin roads, coastal routes
• Climbs: 1,000–2,500 m/day

Cycling types: road, endurance, climbing

Best for: adventurous riders, mountain training, varied terrain lovers

Best time to ride: Year-round (October–April is most popular)

7. Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

Lanzarote’s lunar landscapes and lava fields create a surreal cycling backdrop. Known for its smooth roads and steady winds, it’s perfect for endurance training.

What to Expect:

• Timanfaya National Park, volcanic landscapes, ocean views
• Constant trade winds and year-round sunshine
• Terrain: rolling volcanic roads, coastal routes
• Climbs: 600–1,200 m/day

Cycling types: road, endurance, triathlon training

Best for: triathletes, endurance riders, off-season training

Best time to ride: Year-round (prime season: November–April for cooler temps)

No matter which region you explore, cycling in Spain delivers an immersive experience—connecting you to the land, the culture, and the traditions of this incredible country.

From tapas stops in the Basque Country to wine tasting in Catalonia… from sun-drenched coastlines in Andalucía to volcanic climbs in the Canary Islands… these are more than rides. They’re adventures made to remember.

Find Your Ride

Not sure which region fits your riding style or schedule? That’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you:

• Choose from the top cycling routes in Spain
• Recommend the best rides for your level and interests
• Handle all logistics so you can focus on what matters most: the ride

Get in touch with our cycling expert and let’s plan the Spanish cycling adventure you’ve been dreaming of.