Winter is just around the corner and cycling in the UK is about to get slightly more miserable (not that that stops us!). If you’re in need of some sun over the next few months then there are still places to travel. Check out 5 of our favourite winter cycling destinations below and chase the sun whilst everyone else battles through the brisk UK weather!
With averages of 9 degrees throughout winter, Girona is still a popular place to find some temperate training conditions. The months of December, January and February receive just 3/4 days of rain each, making for comfortable cycling conditions this winter. With the weather likely to be on your side, you will be able to enjoy a totally flexible cycling holiday in the lows of some of Europe’s most distinguished mountains.
The city of Girona is full of cultural secrets, concealed within the historic medieval walls. This is a great place to base yourself during your stay, allowing you to venture up to the likes of Vallter 2000, Els Angels, the Rocacorba and more. Following a day on the bike, rest up in your centrally located accommodation and find a place to eat amongst the city’s plethora of restaurants and tapas bars.
Gran Canaria is one of our most popular winter cycling destinations. The Canary Islands is a favourite all year round however, the pull of warm weather riding between December and February makes this the destination for the next few months.
The island is particularly popular with those looking to keep their fitness up before the cycling season begins. With lows of 11 degrees, averages of 13 and 11 hours of light each day, you’ll hardly know it’s winter. Explore Fataga, Tauropass, Ayacata and more on this flexible cycling holiday.
Mount Teide, the third highest volcano in the world, isn’t a bad place to spend a cycling holiday. With average temperatures of 17 degrees during December, January and February, Tenerife is a popular base camp for a number of professional cyclists. Rain is more likely during this time of year but don’t let this stop you from chasing the winter sun, magnificent climbs, stunning coastal routes and everything else the Canary Island has to offer.
Lanzarote boasts the most predictable weather amongst its Canary Island neighbours, this is due to it being the closest island to the African continent. During winter, you won’t be surprised to see temperatures riding to 20 degrees. Whilst December is the wettest months of the year, Lanzarote still only receives 2 days of rainfall during this period. You’ll find the island does receive high winds during winter but this won’t take away from the undulating coastal riding and challenging climbs that make the island so popular.
The Serra de Monchique mountain range awaits riders on the south west coast of Portugal, offering spectacular views over the vast Atlantic ocean all year round. This is one of our personal favourite places to travel due to the incredible accommodation that greets riders regardless of the weather. Staying in Monchique allows you easy access to the mountains or a choice of flatter rides through the forests and smooth, traffic-free roads. There’s something for everyone here and,whether you travel in winter or summer, you’ll find yourself wishing you never had to leave.