Winter Cycling in Andalusia, Spain

We are planning a winter cycling trip ((Jan/Feb/March) cycle trip from Seville heading south to Cadiz and along the coast as far as Barcelona possibly. Weather looks ideal for this and seems there is some good cycling infrastructure and quiet roads. We don’t plan to prebook accommodation except in Seville. Anybody cycled this route? Or spent time here in the winter? We have done lots of cycle touring in France, Germany, and a few European countries. Spain looks less expensive.

[ Edit: Edited on 18 Apr 2023, 14:21 GMT by Jenniferklm ]

I have never done any long-distance cycling, but have visited Andalusia quite a few times in winter, and can confirm that it's (generally, excepting the odd rainy day) the perfect time of the year to be there. Mostly 20 degree temps at its hottest on sunny days during the afternoon. Nights can get pretty chilly, but mostly it's just pleasant. I really enjoyed March, with the almond trees blossoming. Things are pretty quiet, so you should be fine for accommodation, but not deserted, so most everywhere should be open.

I'm guessing hugging the coast makes sense from an altitude point of view, but be aware you'll be missing out on some amazing inland places like Sierra de Grazalema, Ronda, and Granada with the Alhambra. Might be worthwhile to schedule a few overnight trips by public transport (e.g. Ronda is just an hour and a half or so by bus from Marbella).

Be aware that restaurants in Spain generally don't open for the evening before 19:00, frequently even 20:00; that can be really annoying if your biological clock demands food earlier.

Thank you so much. That really confirms what our research tells us and I remember the late dining hours from a long ago trip to Spain. There are good bike routes to those inland places too so we plan to divert from the coast to visit them. We have lots of time.

Ah, if you're happy to deviate from the straightest/fastest route, then one more recommendation to add: Arcos de la Frontera (on the initial stretch from Sevilla to Cadiz). Not much to do there, but amazing views all around.

Wonderful. Put it on the list. Any recommendations welcome. We have not done a bike trip since 2017 when we followed the Moselle from its source in the Vosage Mts in France to its source in Koblenz, so pretty excited to get back to Europe. 😊

(Sorry if it's against forum rules but a source of directly relevant expertise). If you want 1st hand experience of such touring try the CUK forum. Used to be called the Cycle Touring Club and the forum has loads of active members who have cycle toured all over the world. https://forum.cyclinguk.org.

Loads of existing threads e.g. Winter Training Spain or start a new thread.

A UK based organisation/forum but many contributors tour outside the UK.

Ian
(I am also a member on the above linked forum and have cycle toured France, Belgium, Netherlands & Germany but not Spain so can't help on that country)

[ Edit: Edited on 18 Apr 2023, 20:57 GMT by Psamathe ]

Quoting Psamathe

(Sorry if it's against forum rules but a source of directly relevant expertise).

We only clamp down on links when they may be spam. An established member giving recommendations is great - don't hesitate.

Thank you for those suggestions - much appreciated!

Andalusia, Spain is a great location for winter cycling due to its mild climate and scenic routes. The region offers diverse terrain, from coastal roads to mountain ranges, and many local bike rental companies and tour operators provide equipment and guides for cycling enthusiasts. Just be sure to pack appropriate gear for the cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.