Exploring Spain by bike – are you up for the challenge? If cycling is your passion, pack your panniers. The long-distance cycle tourism routes in our country offer the chance to experience an exciting sporting adventure. Here are some of the main long-distance itineraries you can tackle by bike while enjoying the rich landscapes and villages of Spain.
The Way of St James: a unique experience, even by bike
Experts say that the routes along the Way of St James are ideal for those new to cycle tourism. They are clearly signposted with the famous yellow arrows; there is a network of hostels and accommodation options where you can rest at the end of each stage; and they offer all the necessary facilities along the route. If we add to that the chance to discover the wealth of historical monuments, natural beauty and culinary delights in different regions of Spain, whilst sharing experiences with people from all over the world, what more could you ask for? There are many options to choose from, although the most popular is the French Way, with its 750-kilometre cycle route from Roncesvalles.
The Silver Route: from Seville to Gijón
Those who have done it highly recommend it. This historical route, which follows the route of an ancient Roman road, crosses Spain from south to north, from Seville to Gijón. The Silver Route stretches for some 900 kilometres across Andalusia, Extremadura, Castille and León, and Asturias, offering a beautiful variety of landscapes including pastures, valleys and mountainous areas. In addition, the route visits many towns and tourist destinations such as Cáceres, Plasencia, Béjar, León and Oviedo. The cycle route is divided into 49 stages, with options for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and road bikes. There is also a passport that can be stamped at town halls and Tourist Offices, entitling holders to discounts at participating accommodation providers, restaurants and other establishments. On the website www.rutadelaplata.com you will find information on the sections, including maps and tracks, as well as details of the available services (repair shops, accommodation, hire companies, etc.).
The Ojos Negros greenway: from Teruel to Valencia
The greenways network is another popular option for cycle tourism in Spain. The longest route to date is the Ojos Negros Greenway. The 167.5-kilometre route begins in the town of Ojos Negros (Teruel) and ends in Sagunto (Valencia). It follows the route of an old mining railway and is divided into two sections, although it is best to allow three days to enjoy the route at a leisurely pace. On the way to the orchards of Valencia, the route takes you through the Jiloca Valley, the Sierra de Javalambre and the Palancia Valley, passing through tunnels, over bridges and viaducts, and close to towns such as Segorbe and Teruel, whose Mudéjar architecture has been designated a World Heritage Site.
TransAndalus: a mountain bike tour around Andalusia
The 2,000-kilometre circular route can be completed at almost any time of year, thanks to the favourable climate, and offers the chance to admire the extraordinary natural beauty of southern Spain. The TransAndalus route runs mainly along paths and drove roads, passing through all the provinces in the region and taking in protected natural areas such as Cabo de Gata, the Sierra Nevada, the Sierra de Cazorla and Doñana, amongst others. In fact, 35 per cent of the route passes through areas with some form of environmental protection. What’s more, the route has been designed by local cycling enthusiasts who know the best routes in each area. As it is a circular route, you can plan your trip to start wherever you like or choose the section you prefer. On the website www.transandalus.org you’ll find information about the stages, maps and GPS tracks .
El Cid Route: a literary journey on two wheels
Literature and sport come together on this itinerary through the sites associated with El Cid Campeador, the famous Spanish knight, which feature in the medieval poem “Cantar de Mío Cid”. It starts in the town of Vivar del Cid (Burgos) and runs as far as Orihuela (Alicante). The road cycling option covers a total of 2,000 kilometres, divided into several themed cycle routes ranging from 60 to 360 kilometres, all of which are interconnected. The mountain bike route covers 1,485 kilometres, spread across seven stages ranging from 49 to 313 kilometres, which are also linked together. On the website www.caminodelcid.org , you will find detailed information on maps, services and tracks. What will you encounter as you cycle? World Heritage Sites such as Burgos Cathedral, a large number of castles and fortresses, small villages and historic towns, and unique natural areas such as the Gallocanta lagoons and the Alto Tajo Natural Park.
Trans-Pyrenean route: from the Mediterranean to the Cantabrian Sea across the Pyrenees
The Trans-Pyrenean is a route of around 800 kilometres that runs from Cap de Creus (Girona) to Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa) along the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, passing through beautiful mountain villages and spectacular landscapes. In 1985, it was officially designated as the GR-11 long-distance trail and, since then, the route has been signposted with the usual red and white markings. The cycling version typically starts in the town of Llançà, although there is no official route, and alternatives vary depending on whether a road bike or a mountain bike is used. Late spring and summer are the best times of year to cycle this route, which has now become a classic example of cycle tourism. However, this is a demanding and difficult route, recommended for experienced cyclists in good physical condition.
