Spain cycling highlights

Spain can be a bit misunderstood. We think of the commercial Costas and imagine the rest is rural, rustic and roasting hot. But so much of Spain is unspoiled, traditional and brilliantly set up for exploring by bike. You’ll be cycling on quiet roads and cycle paths, and there are routes to suit every level of fitness. In Catalonia in May, there might be snow on the Pyrenees and 23°C on the trail, while the sunny south is dry and warm for winter cycling. With your luggage transported, detailed maps and lots of local advice, you’ll be both totally free and fully confident to explore on two wheels.

Why cycle?

Vivian Campbell, from our supplier Cycle Catalan:
“A cycling vacation allows you to meet local people and you just don’t get that opportunity in a car. Some people that came here got a bit lost and then got chatting with a farmer’s wife. The next minute, she invited them in for a glass of homemade lemonade and gave them a bag of tomatoes to take away! It’s things like that that make your vacation.”

Fiona Smart, from our supplier Mas Pelegri in Catalonia:
“This region is amazing for cycling. We are on the plain near the foothills of the Pyrenees. There are loads of Romanesque churches, Greek and Iberian ruins, and beautiful canyons and rock structures. Just within the province of Girona there are lots of different areas, from the high Pyrenees, down to lakes and the volcanic national park, and then dropping down to the lowlands next to the Mediterranean.”

Packing tips

Vivian Campbell, from our supplier Cycle Catalan, shares her insights into cycling in Catalonia:
“We always ask people to bring a mobile phone because it’s really important that they keep in touch with us if there’s an emergency, or if something happened with the bike – then we can pick them up. We do always say bring sun screen even in April or October because if you’re out cycling all day you can get a bit of sunburn on your wrists. Also mosquito or insect repellent; people think that it’s Spain and you don’t really need it but actually you do in the evenings if you’re out and about or at a restaurant. And a camera – always bring a camera or your iPhone; make sure you can take that nice photograph of the vineyard or the grapes and harvest. Capture that moment!”

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Spain cycling vacation tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.