Woman enjoying a spot of cycle tourism in the countryside

Spain by bike

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Bikes and holidays are a perfect match in Spain. Whether you just want to cycle around between visits or you want to go on cycling excursions for a couple of hours, you will find perfectly adapted routes and cycle touring and bike hire companies all over Spain.

WHY SPAIN

Spain's weather makes it easier to travel around on your bike practically all year round.In Spain, you will find routes through natural spaces and paths for all levels. The stunning landscapes around you are truly worth it. In fact, Spain is the country with the most Biosphere Reserves (55), not to mention its 16 National Parks, as well as some of the most beautiful and best signposted routes in Europe (such as the Way of Saint James, where you can even find hostels that are free of charge). On many routes, you cycle through destinations of cultural and gastronomic interest. Spain has many charming and very quiet villages to explore on a bike (both on the coast and inland).

Bicycle tourism in the streets of Valencia

Accommodation wise, you have a wide selection to choose from: hotels, country house lodges, campsites, hostels, etc. There are even “Bikefriendly Hotels”, particularly in Mallorca, the Canary Islands and around the Pyrenees, which offer a host of services like video surveillance for bikes, washing areas, special menus for athletes, and bike hire.

From left to right: Tourists on bikes in Menorca / Family / Cyclist in Barcelona

BEST TIMES OF THE YEAR

Even though you can go cycling practically all year round, bear in mind that in summer the temperatures can get very high in certain areas (even topping the 35ºC mark).Many cyclists prefer to travel during the low holiday season (avoiding the months of July and August), when the trails are less crowded.

SOME TYPES OF ROUTES

- Vías Verdes (Greenways): these are over 3,200 km of old railways lines that have been converted into bicycle tourism itineraries. More than 120 routes are available with distances greatly varying in length (from 1 to 100 km). You can visit their official website.- Nature trails: there are over 10,300 km of these trails throughout Spain. Among them you will find old railway lines, canals, cattle routes, tracks, etc. On the official website you can download GPS files for several of the suggested routes.- EuroVelo Routes:EuroVelo is a cross-border network of long-distance cycling routes that criss-cross Europe. There are 17 defined routes totalling nearly 90,000 km. Three major routes go through Spain, specifically: EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route, EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims Route and EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route.-In addition to all of these routes, you will find other types of tracks, rural pathways, etc. along the way.- Saddlebag bicycle touring is all the rage if you are into cycling routes that take several days to complete. If you use a hybrid bicycle prepared for carrying loads, you can take your luggage with you.

Tajuña Greenway, in the Region of Madrid

AREAS

There are particularly famous routes when it comes to bicycle tourism. Here are some examples:- Camino de Santiago: the famous Camino comprises several different routes ending at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Galicia), including the French Way, the Primitive Way, the English Way, etc. You might be interested in our report on “St James Way by bike”.- Camino del Cid: this route follows in the footsteps of El Cid Campeador through Castile and Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Aragon and the Region of Valencia.- Canal of Castile: once a major transport artery, this canal is now one of the most attractive routes in Castile and Leon.

Bicycle on the Camino de Santiago

Tips and recommendations

TIPS

- As a general rule, in Spain cyclists are not allowed to ride on motorways (unless otherwise indicated in the signage).- Road rules make the wearing of a reflective garment compulsory at night and in tunnels, as well as the use front and back lights that can be seen at a distance of 50 m. - When it comes to bicycle tourism, before coming to Spain (and particularly if you are going to do one of the long or more difficult routes) you might choose to join your country's cycling federation and extend your insurance cover to Spain or, you can take out travel insurance that covers medical care and public liability. - If you are travelling to Spain by plane and want to bring your bike, you must pack it properly. Some companies charge extra for carrying the bicycle. The same thing happens with long-distance coach companies. Keep this in mind before purchasing tickets.- If you are travelling by train, according to the Spanish National Train Network (RENFE), as long as the bike dimensions are greater than those established for hand luggage, they will be admitted in the following services: AVE, Long Distance and Avant for national routes under the following terms and conditions: The bicycle is folded or disassembled in a case with a maximum size of 120 x 90 x 40 cm (length-height-width). The pedals must be disassembled and the handlebars turned 90º.- For more information on bicycle tourism visit the tourist offices in each area or get in touch with their respective cycling federations. You can also visit the website of the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation.Since the recommendations and regulations may change, you should always check the requirements before starting the trip.

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