Matt
We all know Spain for its ever-sunny, sandy beaches. But a cyclist-in-the-know would tell you that Spain is the perfect playground for pro-cyclists and holiday-goers alike. With its (seriously) diverse terrains, Spain has a road – and a route – for everyone.
From culture-rich cycling tours through Spain’s oldest cities to adrenaline-filled mountain biking trails and everything in between, Spain’s got it. We’ve rounded up the top biking tours in Spain for your next Spanish cycling holiday.
Best Time of Year For a Spain Bicycle Tour
The best time of year to travel across Spain by bike would be during the sunny spring months (March to June) when temperatures are mild and flowers paint the Spanish landscape.
Summer in Spain can become quite hot and dry – making for a possible, but not very pleasant ride. If this is the only time you have, we’d recommend planning your Spanish bike tour for the beginning or end of summer (June and September) as mid-summer temperatures often exceed 35℃ (95℉) in some regions.
Temperatures can drop drastically during the winter months (December – March), and snow forms a blanket over the Spanish mountains. Northern Spain experiences the most snow, so you may still be able to squeeze in a cycling trip in the south of Spain if you can’t wait out the cycling itch.
Have a look at our Spain packing guide so you can come prepared and stay prepared for whatever the Spanish weather may send your way.
Cycling Rules in Spain
Cycling in Spain has increased in popularity in recent years, which has led to the Spanish Traffic Authority becoming more serious about bike-riding rules. It’s essential that you stick to the Spanish cycling rules during your tour — failure to do so may result in a fine.
Quick Tip: Travel insurance is not only recommended but is required by many Spanish bike tour/ rental companies. Make sure to do your research and sort out travel insurance before you tour Spain by bicycle. After all, everything is more enjoyable when you know that you’re covered if anything happens.
6 Best Spain Bike Tours
We’ve compiled some of the best cycling tours across Spain to get you inspired for your next holiday. These tours range from guided to unguided, affordable to luxurious, and are for every level of expertise.
Self-guided Bicycle Tours
If you’re keen on adventure, exploration, and going at your own pace, a self-guided bike tour is the perfect fit for you.
Cycling Adventure In Andalucia
Explore the best of Andalucia by bike and let the rest be arranged for you. See castles, mosques, museums, and more. And unwind in beautiful bed and breakfasts along the way.
- Best For: Comfortable exploration at your own pace.
- Duration: 5 Days.
- Price: From €840 (Around $960) per person.
- Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate.
- Highlights: Visit the Mezquita, the only existing medieval mosque, on your first day. Drive through olive groves and vineyards, with distant castles as your backdrop.
- Included: 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, bike rental, bike delivery and pickup, private shuttle transfer, Smartguide Navigation, phone support seven days/ week, safety gear, and bicycle repair kit.
- Not Included: Luggage shuttle (optional extra), lunch, and dinner.
If this sounds like the ultimate Andalucian adventure, book here.
The Bear Path – Asturias
A popular route for locals and tourists alike, this route, set in the north of Spain, is brimming with luscious green forests, mystical tunnels, calming rivers, and bat-filled caves.
- Best For: Self-Guided Family Adventures.
- Duration: +/- 3 hours.
- Price: Full-day bike rental ranges between €10 and €15 (Roughly $11-$17).
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Visit “Paca” and “Moli”, the two resident brown bears. Explore caves, greenery, and tunnels along what used to be an old railroad route. Settle down in one of the picnic areas for all-day family fun.
Learn more about this family-friendly route here.
TransAndalus – Andalusia
Mapped out by a passionate group of cyclist friends and volunteers who wanted to showcase the region’s beauty, this 2,000km circular cycling route passes through all eight provinces of beautiful Andalusia and is divided into 81 stages.
Carefully designed to run through unknown towns and stunning nature reserves, the Transandalus is perfect for exploring the unfamiliar side of Spain by bike.
- Best For: Mountain Biking Adventures.
- Duration: Being divided into 81 stages, you can start and stop wherever you’d like. The entire circular route can take about a month but it ultimately depends on your pace.
- Price: Bring your own bike/ rent from one of Spain’s many bicycle rental companies.
- Difficulty: Intermediate – Challenging.
- Highlights: Travel through the most beautiful parts of Andalucia. Use this interactive map to view accommodation, sights, restaurants, and hospitals along your journey.
For tips and advice on cycling the TransAndalus, ask away in the Transandalus Facebook Forum. Have a look at TransAndalus.org for interactive maps and guides to this route.
Guided Bike Trips In Spain
Having a tour guide is the perfect way to get to know Spain as you’ll have the opportunity to get expert insights you might not be able to learn otherwise – and you’re much less likely to get lost.
Bicycle Tour Of The City – Seville
With its long and rich history, a bicycle tour through the city of Flamenco dancers and bullfights promises exciting facts and breathtaking sights. Touring by bicycle means you’ll get to spend more time taking in the character and beauty of Seville — and less time traveling to the different locations.
- Best for: Easy riding.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Price: From €25 ($29) per person.
- Difficulty: Easy and comfortable pace
- Highlights: Visit the Parque María Luisa, the former Jewish Quarter; Barrio Santa Cruz, the dodecagonal watchtower, Torre del Oro, and much more.
- Included: Multilingual guide, bike rental, helmet, and bottled water.
- Not Included: Meals, but the tour makes a stop at the legendary La Campana Café!
Book your tour of the magnificant city of Seville here.
Camino de Santiago By Bike (Way of St. James)
Experience the famed Camino de Santiago by bicycle and explore the beautiful treasures surrounding the route – with guides to fill you in on fascinating myths and stories along the way.
- Best For: Informative leisure tour.
- Duration: 8 Days.
- Price: From €2,495 ($2,850).
- Difficulty: Moderate – for all skill levels.
- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site Santiago de Compostela, visit the Cathedral of St. James, tour and experience four unique provinces by bike.
- Included: Bike rental, cycling merchandise, guided and informative tours, luxury accommodation in monasteries and historic mansions. As well as 8 breakfasts, four 3-star dinners at selected fine restaurants along the route, and van transfers between hotels.
- Not Included: Extra nights before or after the tour. Lunches and 4 dinners.
Book here to secure your spot on the next cycling tour of Camino de Santiago.
Vineyards of La Rioja Bike Tour
With over 600 wineries, La Rioja is the ultimate destination for some of the best Spanish wines. Kicking off your bike tour in the underrated gem of a city, Logroño, you’ll get to see some of the 73 castles scattered through the region.
Then visit charming monasteries, witness breathtaking architecture, and enjoy the local wines in good company. All while being accommodated in 3- and 4-star hotels.
- Best For: Those wanting a guided tour with plenty of free time for further exploration.
- Duration: 7 Nights.
- Price: €2,050 ($2,340).
- Difficulty: Moderate. (Some roads run through more rural areas, and may not be in the best shape.)
- Highlights: Visit the twin monasteries, Yuso and Suso – Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 2 nights stay in Haro, the wine-producing capital of Rioja.
- Included: Bike rental, guide, hotel accommodation, luggage transfers between hotels, all breakfasts.
- Not Included: Travel insurance. Lunches and dinners.
Book your Tour of the La Rioja vineyards here.
Conclusion on The Top Spanish Bike Riding Adventures
We’re hoping that by now you’ve blocked off your calendar for a cycling holiday in Spain. If we’ve tempted you to visit Spain but you aren’t a fan of cycling, have a look at these top (cycling-free) Spain tours.
It may be hard to decide which region of Spain to visit – we certainly can’t pick a favorite. Have a look at this guide to every region in Spain for some extra guidance.
