Cycling tours in Spain are seeing a boom as more travelers seek adventurous and sustainable vacations in Europe.
However, cycling in Spain has been a popular activity for decades. The geographical nature of the country provides a variety of road and mountain trails. Many cycling tours around Spain have introduced electric bikes to make the sector more accessible.
Some of the best places for cycling in Spain include the costas (coastlines), wine regions, and agricultural valleys.
Spain cycling holidays are generally spread over a couple of days to a week. And, if you’re looking for something less intensive, you can always stick to renting a bike locally. Scroll down to our pick of cycling tours in Spain’s cities for inspiration.
Best Cycling Tours Around Spain
These Spain cycling holidays are multi-day adventures inclusive of bike hire, helmets, luggage transfer, and hotels.
Guided tours are suitable for most levels of ability – provided you have some experience of long-distance cycling. Self-guided tours are an option for intermediate and advanced riders.
In most cases, at least some meals are provided – usually that’s traditional Spanish breakfasts and tapas but it can also include vineyard gastronomy.
Costa Brava Bike Tour
Trek Travel’s top-rated Costa Brava bike tour follows the Mediterranean’s “Wild Coast” of Spain.
This is one of the most luxurious Spain cycling holidays with an itinerary marked by exclusive organic wine tastings, a private boat cruise on a historic schooner, and five-star hotels.
After meeting your group in Girona, you’ll be transferred to the rural Empordà region of Catalonia to get fitted up with your bike for the week. The itinerary takes you through the medieval village of Pals, the beach town of Platja d’Aro, and the Tossa de Mar seaside resort.
Most legs give you a short and long route to pick between. There are vans available when you need a break and Trek Travel gives you a choice of classic bicycles and electric bikes.
What’s great about Trek Travel’s cycling tours in Spain is that non-riders are particularly well accommodated. This means, you can travel with someone who might not want to cycle every day or cover long distances. It also means you can sit out the hill climbs!
Groups with non-riders can contact Trek Travel directly for a bespoke quote.
Duration: 6 days/7 nights
Difficulty rating: Moderate/intermediate
Price: from from $5,499 per person
Book the tour here
A cycling trip with your spouse is a fun way to spend time together if you both enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Guided Cycling and Walking Tour of Andalucía
Curated by Toro Blanco Active Holidays, this guided cycling and walking tour of Andalucía is a wonderful fusion of outdoor adventure and culture.
Departing from Málaga, the route ventures onwards to Antequera, Granada, Guadix, and Álora – an appealing mix of famous and lesser-known cities in southern Spain.
Days are spent cycling undulating roads or light hiking, with major tourist sites including the Alhambra and El Caminito del Rey. Passing close to the Sierra Nevada, you’ll see some of Spain’s tallest peaks. How close you get depends on the weather conditions.
This tour is available with hybrid and e-bikes. There is the option to jump into one of the chaperone vehicles whenever you need a rest.
Toro Blanco Active Holidays also runs a guided cycle tour of Andalucía.
Concentrating on the same destinations, this holiday replaces the hiking trails in the previous tour with extra biking routes.
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty rating: Moderate/intermediate
Price: from $2,504 per person
Book the tour here
Self-guided Bike Tour of Doñana National Park
One of the shortest cycling tours in Spain, this self-guided bike tour around Doñana National Park is a two-day endeavor. It’s not a traditional tour as there’s no guide included. Instead, the operator Spain Cycling Tours provides a GPS system.
Doñana National Park is 20 miles southwest of Seville. After collecting your bike and gear system from Triana, you’ll cycle to see the Roman ruins at Itálica and explore at leisure.
The route then follows rural roads along the river to Vado de Quema and the boundary of Doñana. This forested area is where you’ll find your hotel for the night – one night of accommodation is included in the price.
The second day is devoted to exploring the wetlands and marshes of Doñana National Park. This is one of the best places for cycling in Spain for wildlife watching so consider taking binoculars.
It’s ideal to have some experience behind you for this route. However, the terrain is pretty flat and it’s short enough to serve as an introduction to the world of Spain cycling holidays.
It’s also possible to add an extra night of accommodation at an additional cost. Doñana is one of the best day trips from Seville and it’s so much better by bike!
Duration: 2 days/1 night
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $192 per person
Book the tour here
The point-to-point self-guided biking tours are some of the most magical ways to explore Spain and its natural beauty.
Self-guided Girona and Costa Brava Bike Tour
Cycling in Girona is extremely popular as the city and surrounding countryside has fabulous infrastructure for biking.
As such, this is one of the best places for cycling in Spain independently. This Girona and Costa Brava self-guided bike tour functions like the Doñana one. You’ll receive a tip-top quality bike from Trek Tour, a pre-loaded GPS, and basic maintenance gear.
There is no van support with this self-guided tour. You’ll have a choice of rides varying from short to avid and will need to be comfortable riding long distances unsupported.
The route loops Les Serres and El Mas Llunés with incredible views of the Pyrenees before heading to the lakeside town of Banyoles. After a night in a luxury hotel, you’ll tackle a couple of climbs: Els Àngels and Santa Pellaia.
There’s a detour to see the Castell de Dalí if you wish. It concludes with a run through Gavarres Natural Park and the Costa Brava before returning to Girona.
Interestingly, this self-guided tour is still able to accommodate non-riders. As it’s relatively short, it could be slotted into a wider Spain travel itinerary.
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Difficulty rating: Advanced
Price: from from $1,499 per person
Book the tour here
Private Bicycle Tour of Tenerife
Italy Cycling Tour runs a bicycle tour of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. This is a private tour available for groups of two to seven and therefore has lots of options for customization.
This sub-tropical island offers the best Spain cycling holidays for volcanic landscapes. The route takes you up the slopes of Mount Teide where you’ll get to escape panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and crystal-clear night skies.
Cycling in Tenerife lets you experience a side of the island so few tourists get to see. Although it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, most folk stick to the beach.
With a local guide at your side, you’ll get to see the real island. Accommodation and most meals are included and there is van support if needed.
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty rating: Moderate/intermediate
Price: from $5,294 per group of two
Book the tour here
Many of the biking trails, especially in the north of Spain are full of mountains. Difficult terrain but stunningly beautiful as well.
Camino de Santiago Bike Tour
Hiking the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is an essential Spain travel experience for outdoor enthusiasts. But – did you know this is a prime location for cycling tours around Spain?
This 15-day Camino de Santiago Bike Tour is a major undertaking with a daily cycling distance range of 30 miles to 60 miles.
It starts in Pamplona from where you’ll pick up your Pilgrim’ Passport and head into the mountains. The journey is up and down between Estella and Logroño, passing lookouts and cycling through the vineyards of La Rioja.
Riding the Santo Domingo to San Juan de Ortega is a highlight. This area is a mix of farmland, mountains, and forest as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atapuerca.
There’s a full day off cycling in Leon where you can indulge in cafe culture and shopping before the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela.
Electric-assist bikes are available on this tour for a surcharge.
If you don’t have time for the 15-day tour, check out the Cycling Camino Last 200km Collection for a shorter route.
Duration: 15 days
Difficulty rating: Moderate/intermediate
Price: from $6,998 per person
Book the tour here
Best Cycling Tours in Spain’s Cities
Feeling daunted at the thought of cycling in Spain for five days straight?
If you haven’t had much cycling experience, it’s far better to ease yourself in with a couple of half-day tours around the cities.
Valencia City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
If there was ever a city perfect for cycling, that’s Valencia. The Valencia city highlights guided bike tour focuses on the Ciutat Vella and the City of Arts and Sciences.
After seeing the likes of the cathedral and the historic silk exchange, you’ll go for a pedal around Turia Park. This is a repurposing of the old river bed and the perfect place to catch your breath between the ancient and modern sights of the city.
The tour is available as a small-group or private activity, which is more flexible if you only have 24 hours in Valencia.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $27 per person
Book the tour here
City bike tours are the best way (in my opinion) to see a lot of sights in a fun and quick way.
Barcelona E-bike and Sailing Trip
The E-bike and Sailing Trip in Barcelona with World Experience is one of the best cycling tours in Spain for novice cyclists.
For starters, the bikes are all pedal-assisted which means you can pedal as much or as little as you like. Actually – you might want to make that a lot. The route takes you up Montjuïc Mountain which isn’t crazy steep but it’s enough to feel the burn. You’ll complete the journey with a ride on the cable car.
After circuiting the parks and lookouts, you’ll cruise down the hill to the port and swap the bike for a boat. This will take you to the Olímpic Port, allowing lovely skyline views. The tour concludes back in the saddle with a trip to La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $67 per person
Book the tour here
Málaga City Bike Tour
Many Spain cycling tours depart from Málaga. You can also experience the birthplace of Picasso on this city bike tour with a local guide at your side.
Mounted on your trusty bicycle, you’ll visit the Alcazaba, Málaga Cathedral, and the Mercado Central among hidden gems.
There’s a lot of cycling on this tour (using standard bikes) but you do stop frequently for commentary.
If it’s your first time in Málaga, this tour is the perfect introduction to the city’s history. After passing by a selection of the top things to do in Málaga you can revisit attractions and museums in your own time.
The guide will also share wisdom on the best tapas bars in town and how else to make the most of Málaga.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $17 per person
Book the tour here
Seville City Sightseeing and Local Culture Bike Tour
Fall in love with Seville’s Moorish delights and ornate plazas on one of the best cycling tours in Spain for culture.
This city sightseeing bike tour is designed for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
The route mixes headliner attractions with Seville’s coolest neighborhoods. You’ll cycle past the Golden Tower and the Alcázar but also investigate Triana on the other side of the river.
Storytelling is a major part of this tour. You’ll make regular stops to hear the histories, myths, and cultural nuances of Seville. Don’t be afraid to quiz your guide or ask for an offbeat tapas recommendation!
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $28 per person
Book the tour here
Rent a bike and self-tour around Seville, Malaga, or Valencia or go on a guided tour so that you can also learn about the history of what you are seeing.
San Sebastián Guided E-Bike Tour
Besides cruising pintxos bars and surfing, cycling is one of the best things to do in San Sebastián. This Basque Country seaside town has an incredible beach, La Concha, which is great fun to see as part of a mini Spain cycling tour.
This San Sebastián guided e-bike tour traverses the city’s bidegorris (bike lanes) and the Gros neighborhood, a surfer’s paradise.
You’ll cruise along La Concha and summit Mount Igeldo for stunning bay views. That’s why, you’ll note, this tour comes with an electric-assisted bike!
You’ll also see lesser known neighborhoods and get the lowdown on San Sebastián from your local guide.
Duration: 34 hours
Difficulty rating: Easy
Price: from $60 per person
Book the tour here