While waiting for the Fiera del Cicloturismo in Bologna on April 1st and 2nd, 2023, the fair director Pinar Pinzuti suggests five destinations for a cycling holiday during the Christmas period. Five locations in Italy and abroad, well-connected and perfect for restoring both body and spirit and recharging energies.
Spain
Gran Canaria
The climate conditions in Gran Canaria make the island an ideal place for cycling tourism in any season: the average temperature is around 24°C all year round, making it perfect for cycling through the “miniature continent” in the Atlantic Ocean.
To enjoy the beauty of the area, dedicate part of your vacation to the sea – among golden sand dunes and palm oasis – and part to forests, mountains, and volcanic landscapes.
Starting from the south, near the marvelous Maspalomas Dunes and its 400 hectares of Protected Natural Park, you can pedal through pristine golden beaches and protected bays all the way to Puerto de Mogán.
In the inland, you can reach the center of the island, the destination Tejeda, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, surrounded by a landscape that early 20th-century writer Miguel de Unamuno called “the petrified storm.” Here, lunar landscapes and pine forests alternate, with vineyards at high altitudes and volcanic monoliths, such as the Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria’s symbol, and the Roque Bentayga. Continuing north, through tertiary laurel forests, agritourisms, and rural hotels, you reach a side of the island where rich vegetation, archaeological sites, and banana and coffee plantations are the true protagonists.
Gran Canaria Playa Las Canteras
Those who prefer city holidays can cycle through the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a blend of 16th-century buildings, Liberty-style neighborhoods, and rationalist architecture. In Vegueta, the historic center of Las Palmas, you can admire the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Anna, visit the Casa Museo de Colombo and the Canarian Museum, and discover numerous art centers. Cycling along the streets, you can see beautiful 16th, 17th, and 18th-century buildings that today host boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. For a historical journey, cycling takes you from the 1500s to the third millennium, passing through Triana, the 19th-century commercial and Liberty district, to Las Canteras, the urban beach considered the most beautiful in Europe, where during Christmas holidays, you can admire the Sand Nativity Scene.
For more info: Gran Canaria site
Catalonia: Costa Daurada and Terres de l’Ebre
About 110 kilometers south of Barcelona is the Costa Daurada, characterized by long beaches of fine golden sand. There are many cycling routes, along the coast and in the inland.
An unmissable location is Tarragona (ancient Tarraco), the most important Roman military base in Hispania. The glorious past is evident in the Archaeological Park, famous for the amphitheater where concerts and gladiator reenactments are held, the walls dating back to the 3rd century BC, the imposing Provincial Forum, the Circus, and the Theater, while the National Archaeological Museum houses most of the Roman-era artifacts found during excavations. At the highest point of the city stands the Santa Tecla Cathedral, from where you can admire the surrounding area.
In about an hour or so by bike, you reach Reus, in the inland, the birthplace of Gaudí. There are no works by him in the city, but there is a museum dedicated to him, three floors that gather all the material to understand his work. Reus is located along the “modernist route“, an itinerary inspired by the architectural movement of the area: dozens of buildings, including Casa Navas designed by Domenech i Montaner in Placa del Mercadal, embellish the city. In Reus, the culinary gem is the vermouth, the flavored wine. To discover its taste and history, it’s recommended to visit one of the many wineries in the area, always in the modernist style. Among them, try the Celler Cooperatiu de Falset, the Celler Cooperatiu di Montblanc, and the Celler Cooperatiu del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant.
Costa Daurada, Tortosa
If you’re more interested in immersing yourself in nature, head towards Terres de l’Ebre. The Ebro River Delta Natural Park is a family-friendly destination, offering both cycling tours and boat excursions. Since 2013, most of the Terres de l’Ebre territory has been designated a “Biosphere Reserve,” and nature reigns supreme here, bringing together two unique ecosystems in the Mediterranean: the Ebro Delta and the Massís del Port. This region also includes the city of Tortosa, which is particularly charming for its historic center rich in different styles: the La Suda Castle is Arabic, the Santa Maria Cathedral and the Convent of Santa Clara are Gothic, while Els Reials Col-legis, founded by Charles V for the education of the Moors, is a Renaissance complex.
For more info: Catalonia site
Turkey
The Turkish Riviera
The Turkish coast facing the Mediterranean enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a perfect destination for cyclists year-round. There are numerous road and mountain bike routes of varying difficulty and gradient.
It’s recommended to explore the Aegean coast, especially the Muğla province, where lush nature shines, the local culture is vibrant, and its historical importance is great. Over 1,000 kilometers of coastline feature turquoise and crystal-clear bays, mountains with lush pine forests, and plains fragrant with pomegranate and citrus. History enthusiasts cannot miss the 39 kilometers of the Rock Tombs route, to observe the 150 Kaunos tombs overlooking the Dalyan Strait.
Cyclists who enjoy gastronomy can head to Izmir (Smyrna), where they can cycle and indulge in some of the best dishes of Turkish-Aegean cuisine. The Çeşme Peninsula, where Izmir is located, offers many routes for all levels and the opportunity to visit the so-called boutique vineyards or dine in Urla and Alaçatı restaurants.
Turkey
Finally, we recommend the Mediterranean Eurovelo 8 route, the Ephesus-Mimas Cycle Path, a unique opportunity to visit the cities of ancient civilizations from the Ionians to the Ottomans. Along this route, you will pass through Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully preserves its archaeological sites from Classical Greece and the Roman Empire. The last stop on this route is Şirince, a village known for its ancient stone houses and local wines.
For more information: cycling in Turkey
Italy
Sicily and Its Thousand Flavors
Sicily’s beauty is overwhelming, and there are many themes to choose from for a cycling trip. Here, we recommend the Baroque route and the dedicated cycle path that passes through UNESCO-protected cities like Modica, Scicli, Palazzolo Acreide, and Noto, reaching Syracuse. The coast offers infinite beauties, such as the Island of Currents, from where you can head north to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, between Noto and Pachino, and then the Plemmirio Marine Reserve with its wonderful seabeds, not far from Syracuse.
Sicily bike – Palermo
In Sicily, you can also choose a “city holiday,” for example, in Palermo. To begin appreciating the architectural wonders of the historic center, you need at least a couple of days to visit the Cathedral, the city’s symbol, and some of Palermo’s churches that make up a special itinerary. These include the Church of the Martorana with its stunning mosaics, the Palatine Chapel inside the Palazzo dei Normanni, the oldest royal residence in Europe, also the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, and finally, the Monreale Cathedral, just a few kilometers from the city. Along the way, lose yourself in the iconic alleys and markets to taste the famous street food – pane e panelle, pani câ meusa, arancine, and other delights.
For inspiration about Sicily: click here
