There is a wide range of routes to discover Spain by bicycle, suitable for both beginners and experts. Its pleasant climate makes cycle touring easy essentially all year round. Below you will find some ideas:
THE GREAT ROUTES
The Silver Route (La via dell’Argento): Spain from south to north, from Seville to Gijón (Asturias)This historic route, based on the path of an ancient Roman road, spans over 800 km across the peninsula, showcasing a beautiful variety of landscapes, pastures, valleys, mountain areas, and cities of art such as Mérida, Cáceres, Plasencia, Salamanca, Leon, and Oviedo. Transpirenaica: from the Mediterranean Sea to the ocean across the Pyrenees (800 km) From Cap de Creus (Catalonia) to Hondarribia (Basque Country) along the southern slope of the Pyrenees, passing through beautiful mountain towns and spectacular landscapes, it has become a classic cycle touring route for experts. The Camino del Cid: a literary journey of approximately 2,000 km, linked to the medieval knight Cid Campeador, ideal for history lovers, through an unusual and authentic Spain. TransAndalus: the annular tour of Andalusia in mountain bike (2,000 km) The route mainly runs along trails and tracks in all provinces of the region, crossing protected natural areas such as Cabo de Gata, the Sierra Nevada, the Sierra de Cazorla and Doñana.
THE CAMINOS DE SANTIAGO
The Camino de Santiago routes are perfect for those who want to start cycle touring. They are well-marked with the famous yellow arrows and also offer a network of hostels and facilities for resting at the end of each stage. There are many alternatives to choose from, although the most well-known is the French Way (Camino Francés), with 750 cyclable km from the Roncesvalles pass. This route can also start from Somport (Aragonese Way (Cammino Aragonese)) and both join at Puente La Reina. Northern Way (Cammino del Nord).** The ocean and the nature of northern Spain are the protagonists of this route that passes through coastal towns and villages and breathtaking landscapes. The Portuguese Way (Cammino Portoghese) (from Porto and Lisbon), is one of the most popular Jacobean routes. To find out more, Correos, the Spanish postal service, has launched a dedicatedwebsite, also in Italian, aimed at offering information and logistics for pilgrims undertaking the route.
THE VÍAS VERDES OR GREENWAYS
The network of Vías Verdes are old railway tracks, which generally feature gentle slopes, wide paths, and a complete absence of motorized traffic, making them ideal routes for all types of audiences. Organized trips along the Vías Verdes, run by accommodation companies, are also available, as is the Vías Verdes Market Place, a platform that allows you to book activities and experiences, both self-guided and organized. Among the most iconic are the V.V. Senda del Oso (Asturias), immersed in green mountain landscapes; the V.V. del Plazaola runs between the Basque Country and Navarra through Atlantic forests, embodying authenticity. Further east, the V.V. Val de Zafán between Aragon and the mouth of the Ebro river, surprises with viaducts and long tunnels amidst breathtaking Mediterranean views. In the heart of Andalusia, the V.V. del Aceite, with over 120 km through olive groves, is ideal for those who want a multi-day bike trip, immersed in nature and tradition.
ASTURIAS, GREEN PARADISE ON THE OCEAN
This region, located in the northwest, is considered a sustainable and ecological Natural Paradise. You will find everything you need to enjoy your passion: signposted routes, specialized accommodation, high-quality gastronomy, and nature that will leave you breathless. Challenge your limits by climbing mountain passes, feel the breeze and the atmosphere of fishing villages while cycling along the 310 km of coastline, follow the historic route of the Camino de Santiago, immerse yourself in the greenery of the Natural Parks and Biosphere Reserves, or enjoy the tranquil Green Routes perfect for the whole family.
VALENCIA REGION
The cultural and natural heritage of the Region of Valencia, the second most mountainous region in Spain, offers a unique ecological and landscape diversity in Europe. You will find cycling routes suitable for everyone: for families, we propose very suggestive routes such as the Vía Verde del Mar between Oropesa del Mar and Benicassim, or the Vía Verde Xurra through the market garden area surrounding Valencia. If you prefer road cycling, you cannot miss a classic such as the route between Jávea and Callosa d’en Sarrià via the Coll de Rates pass. Routes like the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, or the Vía Verde de Alcoy, which crosses the Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park. Finally, cities like Valencia, with over 160 km of cycle paths, and Benidorm, an example of sustainability, are ideal starting points for panoramic routes along the Costa Blanca.
THE ISLANDS
In the Balearic Islands,Mallorca (Maiorca) surprises with the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and its picturesque villages; Menorca (Minorca) invites you to the Camí de Cavalls between secret coves and its unspoiled nature; Ibiza showcases countryside and villages far from the nightlife; Formentera is a slow cycle tourism paradise among Caribbean-like beaches. In the Canary Islands,Tenerife challenges with the impressive climb to Teide amidst volcanic landscapes; Gran Canaria offers coasts and a surprising virgin and mountainous interior; Lanzarote is fascinating with its lunar appearance and the Timanfaya National Park (P.N. di Timanfaya); neighboring Fuerteventura offers dunes and endless beaches. In the far west of the archipelago, La Palma offers lush forests and mountains and La Gomera enchants with its winding roads and Garajonay National Park (P.N. di Garajonay), an extensive laurel forest unique in Europe.
We recommend consulting the website www.spainbybike.es, where you will find an interactive map with routes, stages, and major itineraries distributed throughout the different areas of the country.
