Cycling in Spain
Cycling in Spain - Overview:
Spain offers the cyclist an abundance of natural scenery with a host of rural, coastal and mountain routes. In particular one of the greatest routes is the Camino de Santiago in northern Green Spain. Others well travelled routes range from gentle paths to challenging inclines that thread together villages, towns and great cities all steeped in a rich history.
Cycling in Spain - Safety:
Cycling in Spain is steadily becoming more popular with Spaniards but cycle lanes and paths are still very rare. As a consequence, cycling in Spain is reputed to be more dangerous than in most of the rest of Europe, and this is mainly due to Iberian drivers' bad attitude towards cyclists. Spaniards are extremely impatient when driving, and this general lack of consideration leads them to drive very closely to cyclists' rear wheels, overtake at a heart-stoppingly close distance and close in on the cyclists sharply again when pulling back over.
It almost goes without saying that to ensure a safe and happy cycling trip, avoid travelling after dark and take every safety precaution possible; always wear a cycle helmet and reflective or fluorescent acessories.
Cycling in Spain - Taking your own bicycle with you:
Many airlines will carry your bicycle for you in the hold for a fee of approximately £30 (return), however there are certain packaging conditions that you need to comply with before it can be loaded:
- The bicycle must be packaged in a bicycle box or bag
- Only one bicycle per bicycle box or bag will be permitted
- No other items can be carried in the bicycle box (i.e. clothing)
- The tyres must be deflated
- The handlebars must be flush with the frame
- The pedals must be flush against the frame or removed
Passengers travelling with bicycles are also recommended to check-in at least 2 hours prior to departure.
Cycling in Spain - Accommodation:
After a day's cycling we know you'll want to unwind and relax to plan your next cycling adventure, so secretdestinations.com offers you a delightful collection of privately owned, individual villas, cottages and apartments in rural, coastal and village locations in Andalucia, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Picos de Europa mountains. Click on an area name below to see our properties there:
Southern Spain:
South-Eastern Spain:
Northern Green Spain:
Cycling in Spain - Useful links:
Amigos del Ciclismo (Friends of Cycling)
Spanish website devoted to cycling in Spain. Even if you can't speak or understand Spanish, you may gain some inspiration from the 'Rutas y Viajes' section. 'Grandes itinerarios' covers most of the classic routes like the Camino de Santiago or the Via de la Plata, while the interactive map at the bottom of the page takes you to suggestions for local excursions.
EBBC (East Bay Bicycle Coalition)
Informative reports by EBBC member Eric McCaughrin, who has cycled most of the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees.
Trentobike - Spain An excellent cyclists' resource from the Italian University of Trento, with dozens of stories written by other touring cyclists, with lots of ideas to help you plan your next bicycle tour in Spain.
