Spain is an ideal destination for bicycle enthusiasts. Its geographical diversity and beautiful climate make it possible to make year-round bicycle touring. 53 Biosphere Reserves and 16 National Parks as well as some of the most beautiful and best marked routes in Europe make up the country’s cycling (and other) heritage.
Among these routes, the best known is certainly the Camino de Santiago –Way of St. James with its many variants: the famous French Way, from Roncesvalles; the Aragonese Way, from Somport in the Pyrenees; the Portuguese Way; the Northern Way, which runs along the Atlantic coastline. But there are also shorter routes, such as the English Way in Galicia, the Primitive Way which starts in Oviedo, the Inland Basque Way, which runs through the Basque Country and joins the French Way, and the Camino Lebaniego, a branch of the Camino del Norte in Cantabria.
But also surprising us are itineraries inspired by legendary history, see Way of the Cid or that retrace ancient river routes, such as the Channel of Castile. And again the decommissioned railway lines of the 120 Vías Verdes and the Caminos Naturales. Finally, the EuroVelo Routes: many routes along the Mediterranean are perfect for bicycle touring, such as thei EuroVelo 8 tinerary which runs from Cadiz to Athens.
THE ANDALUSIA
The Andalusian Region is famous for its varied landscapes, white villages full of charm, large monumental cities, and celebrated festivities. Its rich traditional and avant-garde cuisine and vast cultural heritage offer an area full of contrasts to explore by bicycle: valleys and hills, the high mountains and miles of coastline; all with a wide variety of infrastructure and services.
By MTB you can ride, either solo or guided by professionals, the trails of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarra and the Sierra Cabrera.
Those looking for a slow vacation that allows them to explore the area at their own pace, there are the aforementioned Green Routes, such as the Via Verde dell’Olio which runs near the Sierras Subbéticas Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or the “TransAndalus“, a 2,000-km nature trail that stretches across the region.
InCadiz the color of the mountains, the color of the sea and the sky offer a true palette of emotions; the rhythm of the winds, the flavors of the wines and seafood mingle with the suggestions of its complex history, those of art and flamenco. And you are always greeted by thethe sympathy and kindness of its people.
ARAGON
The geographical diversity, which includes a wide variety of landscapes, the extensive network of secondary roads, and the climate ofAragon, make it a unique territory to practice both mountain biking and cycling in general. There are trails for all levels, many suitable for families as well.
Aragon is the third largest cycling destination in Spain by number of international tourists. Thrills and adventures on two wheels are experienced in the magnificent Pyrenees, in the rugged Iberian mountains of Zaragoza and Teruel, and along the surprising plains of the Ebro Valley.
There are more than 300 trails for mountain bikers. The region has 8 centers dedicated to mountain biking, large areas that offer marked trails of different levels, depending on the user’s experience: for beginners, for families, for enthusiasts and for experts, and everyone can try their hand at fantastic descents, enduro and cross country. Aragon is a MTB hub for internationally renowned trials such as the Quebrantahuesos, Orbea Monegros, BTT Trans Highlands, Trans-Nomad, Calcenada, Vuelta al Moncayo GR 260, and TowCar Ribagorza Ports.
Then there are the great cycling routes, such as the Trans-Pyrenees and the Ebro Nature Trail, the greenways, such as the iconic Val de Zafán which ends in the Mediterranean Sea, or the route Ojos Negros, the longest in Spain.
Aragon is included in a route “Iberian” Eurovelo from Lisbon to Toulouse. 145 km that will cross the Aragonese territory from south to north and on large bike paths, in the province of Teruel, taking advantage of the old railroad track. The Val de Zafán and Ojos Negros greenways will intertwine with the Eurovelo 8 “Mediterranean” route, creating a ring in the east of the peninsula.
Cycling in Aragon is a first-class tourism resource in the present and future.
THE REGION OF VALENCIA
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 19º, the Valencia Region is ideal for mountain biking, road cycling and backpacking.
Here the nature gives forests, peaks nearly two thousand meters high, wild cliffs with dense vegetation, steppes, extensive wetlands, picturesque mountain passes, secluded creeks and endless beaches. Available to cyclists are numerous facilities designed for them: Green Routes, mountain bike centers, bike paths, mountain climbing and marked trails, as well as businesses committed to making the experience authentic and safe. Each municipality promotes and develops bicycle touring routes in its area.
There are 13 Green Ways distributed in the three provinces that offer users an easy and convenient, accessible route. They go through tunnels, pass over viaducts with spectacular views, or reveal quiet and beautiful corners, thanks to excellent signage and design. Green Ways such as the Ojos Negros, which runs through the beautiful Palancia Valley; the Via Verde de Alcoi, an oasis of peace that runs through the heart of the Font Roja Nature Park, among pine trees and holm oaks; or the Via Verde del Mar, an authentic Mediterranean jewel that runs along the rugged coastline between Benicàssim and Oropesa del Mar.
For those who love adrenaline, the ten mountain bike centers of the Valencian Region offer an extensive network of mountain trails that run mainly on forest tracks, paths and unpaved roads, which are always marked. Routes tested by experts and graded by color according to difficulty. Most are circular, but some allow you to extend the route and connect with other trails. Andthen it is possible to increase the kilometers by spreading the effort over several days to reach the interior, coastal cities and towns.
Here, whatever the cyclist’s sporting level, he or she always rides in total safety.
THE ISLAND OF TENERIFE
Tenerife is an ideal destination to be able to enjoy numerous sports and recreational activities: the island serves as an open-air gymnasium To be exploited 365 days a year. Its climate, its landscapes and natural spaces, and its excellent infrastructure make it a true paradise for both professional athlete teams and ordinary sports enthusiasts. In just half an hour, one can go from training by the sea to training at 2,000 meters above sea level, where there is the Teide National Park, which allows the body to become accustomed to sustaining great exertion, or delighting the view with beautiful scenery while practicing sports.
The island’s landscapes and its contrasts make Tenerife a place with many different opportunities to be able to enjoy sports and activities surrounded by nature for two-wheelers.
Cycling. The island’s network of roads is extensive, very well preserved, and often in areas with little traffic. One has the opportunity to practice cycling on roads that reach 2,000 meters in elevation, at the foot of Teide or at sea level. Every year, Tenerife is chosen as an ideal destination by prestigious professional cyclists for holding tests related to major events such as the Tour de France or the Olympics.
Mountain biking. There are about 200 kilometers of trails crisscrossing the entire island. In most cases, these tracks are developed in the upper part of Tenerife, mainly in the Corona Forestal. A comprehensive network of trails characterized by a range of services, such as transportation and parking.
When it comes to the Tenerife brand also includes those who wish to practice their favorite sport at their own pace, who combine sporting activity with the beauty of the landscape around them, alone, as a couple, or with a family; in other words, those for whom it is not important to finish first, but the journey itself. The“Tenerife sports and adventure” brand includes not only activities, but also companies specializing in services for sportsmen and women, entertainment companies, technology centers, major sporting events, and hotel facilities.
