Why Cyclists Love Spain

Looking for your next cycling adventure? Look no further than Spain! 

With its unbeatable mix of sunshine, scenery, culture, and cuisine, Spain is one of Europe’s most exciting cycling destinations—and it deserves a top spot on your bucket list.

Here’s your fast-track guide to what makes it the most epic cycling destination:

• Endless variety of landscapes: mountains, coasts, islands, and wine country
• Year-round cycling
• Iconic climbs and pro-level routes
• Excellent cycling infrastructure
• A unique and vibrant Spanish spirit
• Endless cultural & historical highlights
• Legendary food and wine
• Warm hospitality & great value
• Safe and secure cycling environment
• Perfect base for multi-country adventures

If you’re looking for a destination that offers diversity, challenge, beauty, traditions and flavor in equal measure—Spain delivers.

Let’s take a deep dive - what makes it the ultimate cycling destination:

1. Unmatched Variety of Landscapes

Few countries pack in as much cycling variety as Spain. Within a single trip, you can conquer legendary climbs, cruise along vineyard roads, and end with Mediterranean sea views. 

Here are the most distinguished regions and the tours that highlight their essence:

• Pyrenees & Picos de Europa – Epic mountain passes, Tour de France-style challenges, and dramatic scenery.
• Andalusia – Rolling olive groves, Moorish towns, whitewashed villages, and sunshine all year.
• Catalonia & Girona – The training ground of pros: quiet roads, coast-to-mountain rides, and the vibrant culture of Barcelona.
• Basque Country – Rolling hills, scenic coastal roads, and gastronomic delights, including pintxos bars and local cider houses, all paired with friendly villages and cultural charm.
• Mallorca – One of the world’s most famous cycling hubs: smooth tarmac, steady climbs like Sa Calobra, and turquoise coastal views.
• Canary Islands – A true winter paradise with volcanic landscapes, big ascents, and near-perfect weather.

Every region feels like a new country—and that’s what makes cycling Spain so special. Ready to explore the very best rides? Discover the top cycling routes in Spain.

2. Year-Round Cycling Paradise

Spain’s geography means you can ride almost 365 days a year.

• Winter: head to the Canary Islands or southern Spain for mild weather and dry roads.
• Spring & Autumn: perfect conditions in Mallorca, Catalonia, and Andalusia—warm days, fewer crowds, and endless sunshine.
• Summer: escape the heat by climbing into the Pyrenees or northern “Green Spain,” where lush forests and Atlantic breezes keep things fresh.

Wherever you ride, Spain offers a season for every cyclist. Curious about the best months for each region? Check out our month-by-month guide to cycling in Spain.

3. Iconic Climbs & Quiet Roads

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most famous climbs, many featured in the Vuelta a España. Coll de Rates, Angliru, Sa Calobra, Lagos de Covadonga—these names already inspire cyclists worldwide.

But Spain is not only for hardcore climbers. The country has:

• Thousands of kilometers of rural backroads with little traffic
• Greenways (Vías Verdes): old railway lines turned into scenic, safe cycling routes—ideal for leisure riders or families
• Proven pro-credentials: teams and riders train here year-round thanks to excellent surfaces, varied terrain, and predictable weather

Every region feels like a new country—and that’s what makes cycling Spain so special. Ready to explore the very best rides? Discover top cycling routes in Spain.

4. Excellent Cycling Infrastructure

Spain has already invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and continues to do so, making it increasingly cyclist-friendly. 

Thousands of kilometers of quiet rural roads and dedicated Vías Verdes (Greenways) provide safe, scenic routes for riders of all abilities. 

Cities like Girona, Valencia, and Zaragoza feature growing networks of bike lanes, while hotels and guesthouses across popular cycling regions are equipped for cyclists with bike storage, repair facilities, and tailored services. 

With clear signage, maintained trails, and supportive local businesses, Spain has made cycling holidays easier, safer, and more enjoyable than ever.

5. Culture & History Around Every Bend

Spain is a country bursting with culture, history, and traditions. When you’re on a cycling holiday in Spain, your journey will be enriched by: 

• Flamenco performances and passionate dance in Andalusia
• Bustling plazas filled with tapas bars and lively street life
• Moorish palaces, medieval castles, and ancient fortresses
• Roman aqueducts, Gothic cathedrals, and centuries-old churches
• Vibrant local festivals, fiestas, and religious celebrations
• World-class art and architecture, including Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona
• A wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (there are more than 50 scattered across the country!)

Cycling in Spain allows you to experience this rich heritage up close. As you ride through quiet villages, bustling towns, and scenic countryside, you’ll encounter centuries of history at every turn. 

From the streets lined with whitewashed houses in Andalusia to the pilgrimage paths of Galicia, every route offers a glimpse into the country’s past while letting you enjoy the present moment on two wheels.

See all the bucket-list sites you can discover by bike!

6. Legendary Food & Wine Worth the Miles

Spain is a paradise for food lovers—and cyclists know that great meals are part of the adventure.

What should you know about Spain’s culinary scene:

• Spain has 17 UNESCO-recognized gastronomic traditions, including wine regions, olive oil production, and cheese-making, reflecting centuries of culinary heritage.
• The country is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil and wine, making fresh, high-quality ingredients easy to find along every route.
• Tapas culture encourages grazing, social dining, and enjoying small plates in local cafés, perfect for refueling during a cycling day.
• Fresh, seasonal produce dominates markets everywhere—from sun-ripened tomatoes to local seafood—so every meal is vibrant and local.
• Many regions feature food festivals and wine harvests, giving cyclists the chance to experience local traditions while sampling the best ingredients.

Ready to taste your way through Spain on two wheels? Contact us today to plan your ultimate cycling holiday—and let our travel advisor know if you have any dietary restrictions so we can tailor your experience!

7. Warm Hospitality 

Spaniards are famously warm and welcoming, especially in rural areas where cyclists are a common and appreciated sight. 

Expect friendly smiles and waves from locals as you ride past, café owners who greet you like an old friend, and guesthouses or hotels that are genuinely prepared for cycling guests. 

Many offer secure bike storage, hearty breakfasts to fuel a long day in the saddle, and helpful local advice to make your ride smoother and more enjoyable.

8. Great Value

Spain also offers excellent value compared to other Western European destinations. 

High-quality lodging, meals, and services are often more affordable than in France, Italy, or Switzerland, making it possible to enjoy a premium cycling experience without stretching your budget. 

The combination of affordability, variety, and quality ensures that Spain delivers a memorable cycling holiday at every level.

9. Safe Country to Travel

Spain is generally a safe country for travelers and cyclists alike. It offers reliable emergency services, low levels of violent crime, and peaceful rural roads that make cycling both enjoyable and worry-free.

Quiet country lanes, well-maintained cycling paths, and the friendly attitude of locals contribute to a secure riding environment. 

Cities like Seville and Valencia have invested in cycling infrastructure, and most tourist regions are accustomed to visitors on two wheels. Whether you’re tackling mountain passes or cruising along coastal trails, Spain provides a high level of safety for cyclists of all levels.

10. A Unique and Vibrant Spanish Spirit 

While riding in Spain, you’ll encounter a full-sensory experience that makes the country truly unforgettable. 

Spain is renowned for its energy, passion, and joie de vivre, evident everywhere you ride. 

From the strumming guitars and fiery flamenco dancing in Andalusia to the animated chatter of locals in sun-drenched plazas, the country has a rhythm all its own. 

During your cycling holidays, you’ll notice the pride Spaniards take in their traditions, whether it’s a lively village fiesta, a weekly market, or sharing homemade food and wine with visitors. 

If you cycle in the Basque Country, you will find pintxos bars buzz with locals after a morning ride, while in Galicia, fishermen’s towns celebrate centuries-old maritime festivals. 

Even small villages roll out warm welcomes for passing cyclists, with cafés, guesthouses, and local advice ready to enhance your journey. This is Spain at its most vivid—a culture you feel as much as you see.

11. Prime Location for Multi-Country Adventures

Although Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, it’s perfectly positioned for cyclists who want to explore beyond its borders. Portugal lies just to the west, offering scenic coastal routes, rolling vineyards, and charming towns, while France to the northeast features world-famous climbs, alpine passes, and legendary cycling tours.

This proximity makes it easy to plan multi-country cycling adventures or combine your Spanish ride with neighboring destinations. Whether you’re chasing new challenges, diverse scenery, or simply want to extend your journey, Spain is the ideal gateway to some of Europe’s top cycling routes. Discover our Cycling Holidays in Portugal or France to see how you can expand your adventure.

Ready to Ride Spain?

Now you know why Spain is considered one of the ultimate cycling destinations: it’s diverse, sunny, culturally rich, affordable, and built for cycling at every level.

Whether you’re chasing epic climbs, year-round sunshine, or food and wine with a side of cycling, Spain should be next on your list.

Browse our handpicked Cycling Holidays in Spain and start planning your ride today!