Three Winter cycling destinations that will make you happy

I love cycling, but I love it a bit more when my nose doesn’t freeze.

Some people like Winter and cold temperatures, I do not. I am a summer girl, I can stand incredibly hot temperatures, the August heat and the burning sun, but as soon as the temperatures start dropping my legs refuse to move. I know many of you ride with no problem through rain and snow and a few are located in the opposite hemisphere, where Summer is about to start, but many others are glued to the home trainer dreaming about a sunny day in short sleeves and this post is definitely for us!

Is there a chance for Europeans to ride in warm weather in Winter and without going into bankruptcy? Yes, there is. The warm and easy-to-reach locations aren’t many, but there are some options that are totally worth every cent.

1. So cliché but so worth the hype: Canary Islands

The first destination is the most inflated one, but it is so inflated for one reason and the reason is it is a perfect Winter destination: Canary Islands.

First time I planned a Winter trip to Canary Islands I was very doubtful, after a couple of hours there I already knew that was going to become one of my must-places. Canary Islands have it all: low-cost flight connections, cheap or posh stay options, nice and clear sea on one side and surfing waves on the other, tourist and inflated areas as well as isolated ones, sun, warm temperatures and roads going up and down to die for.  

Tenerife is probably the most perfect island for a cycling break, I already talk about it here so I want to suggest you another Island that I personally loved: Lanzarote.

Lanzarote is the most post-card like Island of the archipelago, with the many artistic attractions by artist Cesar Manrique, the beautiful beaches and the Timanfaya Park, it would definitely deserve a dedicated long guide also because road biking in Lanzarote is quiet dreamy with those beautiful roads cutting through the desert. I will try to sum up a few tips.  

• Temperatures: you won’t need any winter cycling clothing, and not even mid-season one. Weather is lovely even if it can become a bit windy.
• Things you can’t miss: the Timanfaya Park (even if very touristic), all the attractions by Manrique (such as Jameo del Agua), a bath in Playa Papagayo and Playa Blanca, a surfing experience or a coffee stop in Playa de Famara, Charco Verde and the sea-side restaurants in El Golfo, the sunset at the Mirador del Rei, a (lovely) Malvasia wine tasting experience in one of the many wineries of La Geria
• Extra tip: absolutely enjoy a daily trip to La Graciosa and for once switch to Mountain Bikes. The small island is car-free and has absolutely stunning beaches that can be reached by foot or bike via sandy paths. In La Gomera there are some bike rentals, but if you are looking for a decent mountain bike I would suggest hiring one in Lanzarote.
• Where to ride in Lanzarote: basically everywhere, you don’t even need to plan routes in advance because every road is perfect for riding. For spicing up your rides with a nice climb I recommend riding up the popular Tabayesco, don’t miss a ride across La Geria wineries too, the area is magic and it has many gentle up and downs on smooth and perfect tarmac.
• Rent a bike a bike in Lanzarote: there are loads of rentals offering high-end road bikes for hungry cyclists, especially in Puerto del Carmen area. I personally relied on ProAction Lanzarote but the choice is truly endless, I always suggest booking your bike in advance as there are many cyclists populating the area in Winter and you might not find available bikes.

2. Portugal, but forget about Algarve and land in Douro Valley

Everyone knows Portugal for three things: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve. And the thermonuclear attacks by W52 at the Volta a Portugal, but that is another story. And perhaps also for the pasteis de nata (and if not, this is your sign to try them).

Visiting Portugal I discovered a Country that is much more than its most famous cities and its tourist southern coast. Portugal is convenient, quiet and a nice place to ride.

An area that surprised me and that is perfect for a cycling break paired with chilling and good wines is the Douro Valley, Portugal’s wine region and one of World’s oldest wine areas. With its terraced wineyards rising above Douro River and slopes way steeper than expected, the region hides many opportunities, along with endless dreamy staying options and great fine dining experiences.

• Weather in Douro Valey: deep winter might not be the best time of the year to visit Douro, with rain making its appearance, but temperatures are warmer than in most of the other European Countries. Pack mid-season clothes and a nice rain jacket.

• Where to ride in Douro Valley: following the river along the Estrada Nacional 222 is a great way to both discover the region and enjoy some good hours on the saddle. Slopes aren’t always gentle and sometimes they can get a bit rough. If you are up for some winter climbing challenge you can’t miss the famous Alto da Galafura or Casal de Loivos near Pinhão

• What to do in Douro Valley: after your long rides you can’t miss some nice wine tasting experiences in one of the many wineries, such as the old and renowed Quinta de la Rosa. Consider also a visit to Peso da Régua, the capital of the region.

3. Getting ready for the Milano-Sanremo: a nice stay in Liguria

The title of this feature should have been “A couple of ideas for a winter cycling break”, because three options are too hard to pick. If Canary Island were an obvious choice and Douro Valley looked like a good and unconventional idea, I was faced with many doubts with picking the third location. I had too many ideas and all were too nice yet not so good, but then at the end I decided to go with a place I (and many cyclists) know well and where I used to spend many breaks as a child: Liguria.

Here in Milano we say Liguria is for children and old people, but also cyclist. I don’t know an amateur cyclist living in Milano area who in Winter does not travel at least 3 or 4 times to Liguria for some riding. It’s not like travelling to Canary Islands, but the sea makes Liguria a warmer place and that is quite enough for cyclists.

Not only, because Liguria is great for cycling and yes, the coast is often packed with cars, but as soon as you leave the main roads you hardly find someone else. I personally love riding in Liguria, perhaps it is because I have many childhood memories in those places, but the road from Alassio till Sanremo is one of my favourite ones to ride: Capo Mele, Cervo, Berta, Cipressa and Poggio, just wow! If they sound familiar it is because it is also the final part of the Milano – Sanremo, a very gentle up and down along the coast, through maritime trees, colorful little towns and the persistent smell of fried fish and focaccia.

• Temperatures in Winter in Liguria: the sea makes temperatures a bit warmer and sometimes on clear sunny days it can be really really pleasant, but generally winter is winter even at the sea so you will need your winter kits and eventually a rain jacket
• Where to ride in Liguria: Liguria is a lovely place for riding, the coast is gentle and scenic, the hinterland rougher and quieter. Don’t miss a ride on the Milano – Sanremo route and on the Trofeo Laigueglia climbs, such as the nice loop up Testico but also Passo della Crocetta, Melogno, the choices are truly endless!
• What to do in Liguria: depending on where you are staying, there will be plenty of things to do and discover. The small towns, being them on the sea or in the mountains, are generally fascinating, the food is of course great (pesto, focaccia, farinata!) and the endless walks on the coast are always pleasant

And in case these three spots didn’t inspire you, here a list of other places to consider: Andalucia, for sure a warm and stunning region, the Turkish Coast and why not a big Greek Island like Rhodes?

Happy riding, y’all!