5 Cycling Trips to Take in Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean putting your bike away.

While days get shorter and roads turn grey across northern Europe, just a short flight or ferry ride away you can find destinations where riders are still cycling in short sleeves, with low winter sun stretching shadows across the countryside and tourist traffic reduced to a minimum.

It’s no coincidence that professional cycling teams spend much of their pre-season preparation between December and February in Southern Europe and the Atlantic islands. What works for them also works for anyone planning a cycling holiday: mild temperatures, quieter hotels, and lower prices.

Here are five destinations where winter becomes the best season to ride.

Southeastern Sicily in winter feels like a completely different island compared to the busy summer months. Daytime temperatures often range between 14°C and 18°C (57-64°F), almond trees begin to blossom as early as late January, and the provincial roads linking Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli are often almost empty.

It’s the perfect landscape for both road cycling and gravel riding: rolling plateaus crossed by dry-stone walls, descents towards the sea, and short but punchy climbs leading to historic town centers declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A three- or four-day loop allows riders to stay in a different town each night and finish the day with a cannolo or a granita, which locals happily enjoy even in January.

Ideal for: cyclists looking to combine mileage and culture without tackling extreme elevation gains.

The scenic road connecting Chia and Teulada is widely considered one of Italy’s most beautiful rides, and in winter you’ll often have it almost entirely to yourself. Expect white-sand coves, Spanish watchtowers overlooking dramatic headlands, and Mediterranean vegetation that remains fragrant even in February.

From here, riders can continue towards the Sulcis region and the islands of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro, connected by bridge and ferry, or head inland onto quiet roads with very little traffic. The main challenge is the wind, so checking the forecast and planning routes accordingly is highly recommended.

Ideal for: cyclists seeking stunning coastal scenery and who don’t mind a breezy day.

If your goal is guaranteed warm-weather riding in December, the Canary Islands are one of the safest bets. Along Gran Canaria’s southern coast, winter temperatures often remain above 20°C (68°F), and rainfall is infrequent.

The island feels like a miniature continent. In a single ride, you can start at sea level and climb to the area around Pico de las Nieves, close to 2,000 metres, passing through canyons, pine forests, and mountain villages along the way. Climbs are long and steady, the road surface is generally excellent, and high-quality bike rentals are easy to find.

Ideal for: experienced cyclists looking for serious climbing and reliable weather.

Between December and January, spotting entire WorldTour teams training around Calpe and Altea is completely normal. The reason is simple: dry, mild weather, a mountainous hinterland just a few kilometres from the coast, and an extensive network of quiet secondary roads.

Leaving the coast behind, riders can tackle famous climbs such as Coll de Rates, winding through citrus-filled valleys and picturesque white villages. Local accommodation is highly cyclist-friendly, often offering secure bike storage, workshops, substantial breakfasts, and route recommendations.

Ideal for: riders who want to experience a professional training camp atmosphere without sacrificing the comfort of staying in a single hotel.

The Ecovia do Litoral crosses the Algarve for approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles), from Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwestern tip, all the way to the Spanish border along the Guadiana River. It’s a perfect route for bikepacking and cycle touring, easily divided into four or five stages and featuring dramatic cliffs, the lagoons of Ria Formosa, and charming fishing villages.

Winter brings some of the mildest weather in Europe, and with the summer crowds gone, the coastline returns to a slower pace. Riders looking for additional climbing can venture inland towards the Serra de Monchique.

Ideal for: cyclists seeking a true point-to-point adventure at a relaxed pace.

A cycling trip in January is built during November and December. Arriving with a few hundred kilometres already in your legs can make the difference between enjoying the climbs and simply surviving them.

When rain and short days make outdoor riding difficult, indoor training is one of the most effective ways to maintain fitness. Just three sessions per week, even relatively short ones, can provide a solid endurance base before departure.

Choose your destination, mark the dates in your calendar, and start training. Winter may just become your favourite season to ride.