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Winter Bicycling Destinations

02-05-2019

For many, winter can bring on a case of the blues. Not only do we have to contend with colder temperatures and rain or snow (or both!), but we must also find new ways to maintain an active lifestyle. It is for this reason that those with a traveling soul often head south during the winter. Countries like Spain and Italy are ideal, as not only do they allow us to shed our winter layers, but they are home to some of the most beautiful regions for cycling.

Presenting our top five winter bicycling destinations…

 

 

Catalonia, Spain

A typical coastline in Catalonia


In the northeast corner of Spain you’ll find the region of Catalonia. The region is made up of four provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida and Tarragona. Catalonia is most well known as the home of the city of Barcelona and the Pyrenees Mountains.

Catalonia experiences a variety of temperatures due to its varied geography. During the winter, average temperature can vary between 5-15 degrees Celsius. That being said, this region can offer up some comfortable cycling weather.

Weather aside, the gastronomy in Catalonia is something which is not to be missed. The fresh local produce, regional wines, and olive oils are of high quality in this region. One traditional dish is Pan con tomate, a simple yet delicious tomato bread drizzled with olive oil and salt. Sauces also play a big role in traditional Catalan cooking, such as Picada and Alioli. 

Catalonia weather chart

For those who want to visit the coast and take in Catalonia’s artistic history (the home of painter Salvador Dalí!), the Catalonia Bike and Beach tour is a great way to see the region.

 

Catalonia Links

Our Cycling Tours: www.cyclomundo.com/region/catalonia

Catalonia Regional Info: www.cyclomundo.com/blog/catalonia/

Tourism: www.catalunya.com/introducing

Andalusia, Spain

Typical landscape of Andalusia

The southern region of Spain, Andalusia, is an enticing place for both tourists and cyclists due to its warm climate and enchanting villages. Andalusia is also home to what is now considered the cycling capital of Southern Europe: Seville. As the capital of Andalusia, Seville boasts an intense network of bike-friendly lanes, a plus for tourists and commuters alike.

Outside of the capital, there are many great places to see in Andalusia. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada is the town of Granada. Our tour, Andalusia Jewels: From Granada to Ronda, starts in Granada where you can take in the mix of Spanish and Arabic cultures and traditions and finishes in Ronda, the home of modern bullfighting. Ronda is also well known for its great views, one such being from the 18th century Puente Nuevo (the new bridge) which spans a 100m gorge.

The mix of cultures is especially prominent in the town of Cordoba where, in the 13th century, the town was reconquered by the Christians who constructed a cathedral around the existing Great Mosque built after the Moorish Conquest. This cathedral-mosque is located in the city center which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 


Andalusia weather chart

Andalusia’s winter weather can average between 7-17 degrees Celsius, comfortable for cycling and a perfect escape from the more northern winter climates.

 

Andalusia Links

Our Cycling Tours: www.cyclomundo.com/region/andalucia

Andalusia Regional Information: www.cyclomundo.com/blog/andalusia/

Tourism: www.andalusia.com/ 

Tourism: www.lovegranada.com/

 

Sicily, Italy

Syracuse, Sicily

The southern island off of Italy’s coast is an enticing place for both tourists and cyclists due to its warm climate and baroque towns. Sicily is home to historic ruins of the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine empires, as well as other historic peoples such as the Sicani, the Phoenicians. Catania, the major gateway to this region, falls in the shadow of Mt. Etna- Europe’s tallest active volcano.

 

Our tours in Sicily offer gorgeous towns, palaces, fields, and beaches to see. Both our leisurely and avid rider tours show off the mix of cultures and traditions that make Sicily so unique, including Ragusa, Modica, and Ispica which were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1600s and rebuilt in the famous baroque style. Our tours in this region end in Syracuse, a picture-perfect coastal town with a famous fountain full of papyrus plants. The River Ciane (outside of Syracuse) is the only other place in Europe where papyrus grows, supposedly gifted by King Ptolemy of Egypt  in 250 BC!

 Sicily Weather Chart

Sicily’s winter weather can average between 8-15 degrees Celsius, comfortable for cycling and a perfect escape from the more northern winter climates.

 

Sicily Links

Our Cycling Tours: https://www.cyclomundo.com/region/sicily-167.html

Sicily Regional Information:  https://www.cyclomundo.com/blog/sicily/82-41-sicily-regional-information.html

Tourism: http://www.visitsicily.info/en/


Apulia (Puglia), Italy

The coastline of ApuliaLocated in the south of Italy, also known as the heel of the boot, Apulia (Puglia in Italian) is another great destination for cyclists. Apulia is made up of the following provinces: Bari (capital), Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, Taranto, and Barletta-Andria-Trani.

Apulia is a region of rich history from the Medieval and Baroque epochs to its coastal castles and cathedrals. It is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Alberobello, with its ancient and peculiar stone houses, and the town of Andria where you’ll find Castel del Monte, a stunning example of 13th-century medieval architecture. The town center of Matera boasts the ancient cave dwellings of the Sassi, which are also recognized as a World Heritage Site. For those who crave this type of tourism, our tour Jewels of Southern Italy: Matera to Lecce, allows you to visit the UNESCO sites in Matera and Alberobello, cycle to the Roman ruins in Lecce, and stop off on the Adriatic coast.

The region’s gastronomy is centered around homemade pasta made with durum and soft wheat (recchietelle or orecchiette). Being on the coast, the region also has a bounty of dishes using fresh fish. You can be sure that after a day of cycling through Apulia, homemade pasta and seafood will hit the spot.

Apulia weather chart
Average temperatures in Puglia during the winter can range between 8-15 degrees Celsius. While you may have to deal with periods of wet weather, cycling in the south of Italy is sure to be more enjoyable than the more northern locations during the winter!

Apulia Links

Our Cycling Tours: www.cyclomundo.com/region/apulia

Apulia Regional Info: www.cyclomundo.com/blog/apulia/

Tourism: https://www.italia.it/en/puglia 

 

Portugal

 

With varied landscapes, rich cultural heritage and a mild climate in the colder months, Portugal is a fantastic option for a winter getaway! It has it all, from bustling cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, packed full of history and culture, to rural villages and vineyards set against breathtaking natural scenery! To cap it off, you can expect some fantastic local wine and cuisine, be it freshly caught and grilled Peixe Grelhado (grilled fish), typical vinhos verdes from Northern Portugal or a sparkling Bairrada.

 

We currently offer tours in three different regions in Portugal: Norte e Porto, Centro Portugal and Lisboa.

 

Riding in Northern and Central Portugal you can expect to pass by medieval castles and quaint wine-producing villages. You might like to take in the beaches and ocean views by riding along the Silver Coast from Porto to Coimbra or head further inland to discover the Douru Valley, famed for its wine-making and sweet Port wines with our Wine and Gastronomy along the Douru Valley trip. 

 

If exploring Lisboa and its coast is high on your list then check out our route from Obidos to Cascais, exploring beautiful seaside villages and stunning cliffsides!

 

 

Average winter weather in Norte e Porto ranges from between 6 and 15 degrees Celsius. 

Average winter weather in Lisboa ranges from between 8 and 17 degrees Celsius. 

Average winter weather in Centro Portugal ranges from between 6 and 16 degrees Celsius. 

 

Portugal Links

 

Our Cycling Tours
www.cyclomundo.com/region/norte-e-porto-184.html
www.cyclomundo.com/region/centro-portugal-185.html
www.cyclomundo.com/region/lisboa-186.html

Getting to Portugal:
www.cyclomundo.com/blog/getting-there/88-31-getting-to-portugal--lisbon-and-porto.html

Tourism:
www.visitportugal.com/en

 

 

All five destinations are very easily accessible by car, train, and airplane. After just a little planning you can be enjoying some warmer weather as you cycle the roads of Southern Europe.

Whichever region you decide to cycle during your winter holidays, don’t hesitate to contact us with any of your questions!

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