The 7 Best Cycling Routes in Spain

Lewis Evans

Spain

We’ve been riding through Spain for decades, getting to know this beautiful country through our favourite way of seeing the world: on two wheels. We’ve been whittling our bike rides here to perfection. Feeling bleh? Pedal through a fiery Spanish-Arab cultural mash-up. Feeling thirsty? Aim for the Old World vineyards. Feeling guilty? Have we got a pilgrimage for you… Here are our top picks for the 7 best bike routes in Spain (in no particular order).

1) Costa Brava

A Century Ride to Remember

One of the grandest Spanish rides is in Costa Brava, where your two-wheeled adventure starts in Pubol. The hard work on the hills is rewarded with views of small bays with turquoise waters along the coast…with plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the Mediterranean along the way! Riding through the medieval village of Pals adds to the magic of this epic ride which you can experience on our Catalonia bike trip.

Route: Pubol-Pals-Palamos-Lloret de Mar-Calella
Distance: 116 km
Recommended Activity Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best time of year: June; mid-August to early October

2) Costa Brava

Medieval Majesty

Loop your way through some of the prettiest medieval villages in the Lower Emporda instead, on a wonderfully flat route that travels through the undisturbed countryside, starting from the fortress town of Pals. As you make your way along, stop at charming plazas, and end in the coastal town of Palamos.

Route: Pals-Peratallada-La Bisbal d’Emporda-Palamos
Distance: 37km
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best times to ride: March-May; September-October

3) Camino de Santiago

Travel Back in Time

All roads lead to the same destination when you’re on pilgrimage: in this case, do it by two wheels while you travel the hallowed Way of St. James. On our Camino de Santiago trip, step back in time to peruse the well-preserved prehistoric stone and thatched-roof huts of O’Cebreiro, as you make your way from the top of a ridge and cruise downhill through the verdant lushness of Galicia, ending at a working monastery.

Route: O’Cebreiro to Monastery of Samos
Distance: 31.5 km
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best times to ride: May-July, September-October

Experience Spain With B&R

Scheduled Group Biking Trip

From your bike, you can see the peaks of the Pyrénées looming on the horizon as volcanic flats stretch out ahead, leading to unbelievably pastoral fields. This is no dream. On our Costa Brava Biking trip, the unexpected happens every day.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Private Group Biking Trip

Pedal with the peloton of your own choosing as you stretch your legs through the Pyrénées on our private Costa Brava Biking trip. Sweep through Roman villages and Dali’s real-life inspirations—you’ll melt like a clock for this sensuous region.

DETAILED ITINERARY

4) Mallorca

Balearic Biking

Mallorca’s legendary biking makes for a wonderful long ride along the coast, passing up and down the hills. From gorgeous lakes, you’ll sweep through wine country and the olive region of Caimari and Campanuet, the varied scenery a feast for the eyes.

Route: Deia to Pollenca
Distance: 68 km
Recommended Activity Level: Avid (4/5 Difficulty)
Best time of year: May-June; September-October

5) La Rioja

Century Ride through the Sierra Cantabria

Pedal past all of La Rioja’s famous wineries and architectural jewels. With the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Cantabria mountains on one side, the fertile vineyards stretching out to the south, and the sparkling roof of the Marques de Riscal twinkling colourfully to greet you at the end of the ride.

Route: Torremontalbo – Briones – Haro – Brinas – Bastida – Rivas de Tereso – San Vicente de la Sonsierra – Abalos – Samaniego – Paganos – Guardia – El Campillar – Logrono – Fuenmayor – end at Marques de Riscal (hotel)
Distance: 102 km (63 miles)
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best times to ride: May; September-October

6) Madrid

Pedal in the paths of the pros

If you’re up to the challenge, follow along with Spain’s top bike race, La Vuelta, and pedal like you’re a pro-possessed. This stage from the 2015 race will take you from the outskirts right into the city of Madrid.

Route: Alcala de Henares-Torreon de Ardoz-San Fernando de Henares-Coslada, Vicalvaro-Madrid
Distance: 98.8 km
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best times to ride: May, September-October

7) Andalucia

Southern Spain Mountain Climb

Some of the most stunning rides are in the south of Spain. Ride through the mountains of Grazalema through a protected natural park, rich in wildlife. Home to many colonies of vultures, you may even see the endangered Egyptian vulture if your eyes are up to the task!

Route: Ronda to Grazalema via Benaojan and Montejaque
Distance: 40 km
Recommended Rider Level: Enthusiast (3/5 Difficulty)
Best times to ride: May-June, September-October

Ready to Ride?

Browse our full portfolio of bike trips in Spain or feel free to reach out to our Bespoke travel team to plan a custom bike trip of your own!

Portfolio The Slow Road

Lewis Evans

Veteran B&R Guide turned Trip Planner Lewis Evans can ask for a coffee in five European languages. And while this often results in him being served a crusty cheese sandwich, he’s terrific at pretending that’s what he ordered.