Our Top Cycling Destinations for escaping the cold UK weather

Winter is a difficult season. You’ve got the inevitable weight gain from the holidays, those icy dark mornings and rainy evenings, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  

Imagine avoiding the cold for a few more weeks by jetting off to sunshine, short sleeves, and warmer temperatures.  

A holiday abroad may seem like financial madness; however, we’ve scoured Europe for our top, affordable cycling destinations this winter.

Make sure to activate your worldwide travel cover with Sundays insurance before you leave to cover your bike while you’re away.

Winter training in Mallorca

1. Mallorca

Mallorca is known by cyclists across the globe as the mecca of cycling, with teams and individuals coming from far and wide to avoid the cold and train on the open roads under the balmy Spanish sun.

The island is complete with winding roads and exciting climbs like the Cap du Formentor. The Sa Calobra road is a 45min effort filled with twists and turns and is one of the most scenic roads. If you plan your visit right, you could even rub shoulders with the world's best, who are known to frequent the area during the winter months.

Accommodation & Travel

Traveling to this island destination is surprisingly easy and affordable, with flights to Palma de Mallorca starting from as little as  £40, depending on when you travel (from London). The flight itself is just over 2 hours, and before you know it, you’ll be unpacking your bike and heading out on a ride.  

Mallorca is very tourist friendly, and there are many shuttle options to get from the airport to your accommodation. The island has a host of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to choose from, depending on your budget.  

Winding coastal roads in Girona

2. Girona

This well-known city is home to many professional cyclists all year round. The landscape offers excellent coastal roads, rolling hills, mountain passes, and flat roads. Whether you’re taking your gravel, road, or mountain bike, Girona has something for you to enjoy.  

While there, try your hand at the infamous Rocaborba climb, unofficially known as Girona’s most challenging climb. The 9,7km climb boasts an average gradient of 7% and features false crests, downhills, and twists and turns.

Accommodation & Travel  

Flying directly to Girona can be difficult, and it is sometimes easier to fly into Barcelona and take the AVE train into Girona. Flights to Girona start at £85 while flights into Barcelona cost as little as £20.

Girona has many bike-friendly hotels and hostels because of cyclists flocking in from all parts of the world. The city also has many rental bike options if you don’t feel like taking your own.  

Scenic views from the top of one of Calpe's many climbs

3. Calpe

Calpe is the place to be if you’d like to brush shoulders with the pros. This small coastal holiday town is a favourite training ground for many professional teams who use Calpe as their base for off-season training camps. From windy coastal roads to mountainous routes and fantastic climbs, this Spanish region has it all.  

The town has several climbs close by that are sure to test your fitness and endurance. The Coll de Rates is a popular challenge at 6km long with an average gradient of 5%. If you want to test yourself, try the Puerto de Tudons at 15.3kms long and an average gradient of 5%.

Accommodation & Travel

Travelling to Calpe is relatively easy, with regular flights to Alicante airport an hour up the motorway.  You can hire a rental car from the airport, take a shuttle or train, or ride your bike if you’re feeling up to it. Calpe is a popular destination during the summer months and has many accommodation options, from budget to luxury options available for visitors to the town.

Smooth tarmac around Algarve

4. Algarve (Southern Portugal)

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter than the typical cycling destinations, we suggest you try the Algarve in the south of Portugal. This sunny coastal region rarely sees double digits or rain during winter. Be warned that wind can pick up, and you’re guaranteed to encounter many headwinds. Algarve has the best of both, with coastal roads for cruising along and climbs like Monchique mountain for testing the legs.  

Accommodation & Travel

Faro Airport services Algarve; one can easily catch a flight, starting at around £30, and hire a vehicle to take you to your exact destination. The area is full of hotels and various other accommodation options.  If you’re looking for something further out from the hustle and bustle, consider hiring an Airbnb in a town like Praia da Luz or Sagres.

Avoid donning your winter overshoes and rain jackets a little longer with these great warmer winter destinations right on your doorstep. Before you head out onto that much-needed escape, make sure that your bike is covered by activating our worldwide travel cover option. Click here for more.

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