The UK’s long winter always has me looking for an early season warm weather cycling holiday. I have a few favourites and a criteria list that includes direct flights from Scotland, budget-friendly accommodation, smooth roads, some challenging hills, good food, plentiful drink and a group of nice friends.
My top five suggestions for a winter sun cycle trip include:
Mallorca
The Spanish island is a hugely popular destination for cyclists, especially in March, April and early May when you can find cheap flights and accommodation. The roads are wonderfully smooth and the drivers are courteous. Some of the hill challenges include Sa Calobra and Col de Soller.
Lanzarote
I have enjoyed several trips to the great cycling island of Lanzarote.
One of the Canary Islands, located off the west coast of Africa, Lanzarote is a much visited by cyclists. Club La Santa, a resort for sporty holidaymakers, has given the island a great reputation worldwide.
The long, sweeping roads, with numerous hill climbs and undulations offer smooth cycling. The scenery is starkly volcanic and the wind can be fierce but if you want to put in some tough miles before everyone else back home, it’s a great place to holiday.
Fuerteventura
Another of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is also acclaimed as a great early season destination for cyclists. More smooth roads, including hill challenges and flat, windier coastal roads, offer many miles of cycling, whatever your aspirations. The beaches on this island a beautifully white and the sun shines almost year-round.
Crete
Greece’s largest island has long been popular with holidaymakers. In recent years, it has become a bit of an untold secret among cyclists. Quiet roads with mostly smooth tarmac offer many miles of cycling routes. You could combine your cycling days with trips to some of the island’s many historic attractions.
Andalucia
Fly to Malaga to cycle the roads of Andalucia, the sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast. This area of Spain is also embodies much of what the world thinks of as Spanish: Flamenco, tapas, matadors and bullfights. It’s a great place for cyclists and offers terrain for all fitness levels. Here’s a way of getting to Malaga.
Images courtesy of pixabay
