Christmas cycling holidays offer a unique way for avid cyclists to make the most of the festive season!
Whether you’re simply seeking some much needed winter sun, or looking for a special way to see the year out in style, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations to cycle during Christmas and New Year.
This list starts with familiar European classics in Spain and Portugal, before jetting off to places further afield where coastal views, vibrant culture and tropical cycling adventures await.
We believe these winter cycling destinations offer some of the best cycling in late December and early January.
Get ready to treat yourself to the gift of adventure this festive season…
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!
1. Southern Spain
Best for fun new year traditions
Cycling sun kissed roads in Almeria, Spain
You can expect a fun, party atmosphere on New Year’s Eve in Spain, with many locals taking part in the ‘12 Lucky Grapes’ tradition. This is when 12 grapes are eaten one by one with every chime of the clock at midnight!
Aside from the fun festivities, the regions of southern Spain are one of the few areas in Europe still offering some pleasant cycling conditions at this time of year.
Almeria in southeastern Andalucia is a particularly great base for a southern Spain cycling holidays and is home to a fantastic network of cycling routes, including beautiful coastal routes and rewarding cycling climbs.
Top tip! Even in the south of the country the mountains can have a very different ecosystem to the coast. Bring warm layers and a windproof jacket if you are planning on taking in some big elevation.
More information
2. The Algarve, Portugal
Best for beautiful beaches
The B=beautiful beach of Praia da Marinha
Like the idea of starting the New Year on a gorgeous beach? Us too…
The Algarve is home to a approximately 150 kilometres of stunning coastline.
Similar to southern Spain, the Algarve benefits from better weather than most other European countries during the winter. Temperatures can reach a delightful 20°C, perfect for a cycle trip (and post ride dip!).
Alongside its many beautiful beaches, this southernmost region in Portugal boasts many well maintained roads for cycling.
Algarve cycling holidays aren’t just reserved for roadies though! This destination also has plenty of varied terrain and trails that appeal to both gravel riders and mountain bikers alike.
More information
3. Morocco
Best for quiet mountain routes and ancient culture
The mighty Atlas Mountains of Morocco
After the sizzling temperatures of the summer, the winter months in Morocco bring far more pleasant temperatures, making it the optimum time to explore by bike.
The network of quiet, low traffic roads found in the stunning snow-capped Atlas Mountains is also a road cyclists’ dream.
Whilst cycling in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains you will encounter many remote Berber villages, home to the indigenous population of North Africa. Cycling here offers the chance to experience an ancient culture that feels worlds away from the modern hustle and bustle of the UK.
Top tip! Temperatures can really drop up in the mountains during the evening at this time of year, so don’t forget to pack some warm layers to keep comfortable.
4. Cuba
Best for tropical island cycling and vibrant culture
Vinales Valley in Cuba
Did you know that under Fidel’s rule, Christmas was banned in Cuba from 1969 to 1998? The good news is that today Cubans are once again able to celebrate this holiday season.
However, if you’re looking for a western style Christmas celebration in Cuba, this isn’t the place for you. Stepping off the plane into Havana will feel like stepping into a whole different world; one that’s very different to the UK. However, it offers plenty of escapism for adventurous cyclists this Christmas!
Summed up, Cuba’s lively culture is vibrant. The sound of salsa music is never far away and colourful classic cars are abundant.
Away from the bustling towns, cities and palm fringed beaches, a quieter side to this Caribbean Island awaits. Cycling in Cuba’s lush, verdant interior feels a lot like cycling back in time and it’s not uncommon to encounter horse drawn carts on the many beautiful rural tracks…
More information
- Don’t fancy Cuba, how about another Caribbean island? Check out this guide to Barbados.
5. Chile
Best for nature on a grand scale
Exploring Chile’s epic landscapes (photo credit: Chile Rides)
Prepare to be humbled by Chile’s spectacular landscapes.
This destination has so much for nature lovers to enjoy, including cycling past snow capped mountains and volcanoes, exploring ancient forests and soaking up views of vast, emerald lakes from the saddle.
Chile is arguably one of the best places to cycle in South America and it is best enjoyed during the winter months, between November to March.
In late December temperatures are generally warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to enjoy a Chile cycling holiday.
More information
- This guide to cycling Chile contains a discount code to use on local cycling services.
6. Vietnam
Best for scenic cycling in south east Asia
The beautiful coastline of Vietnam near Da Nang
Temperatures become more pleasant during December in Vietnam, making it a great time to hop on a bike and enjoy the scenic wonders this corner of Southeast Asia has to offer!
Despite being a primarily Buddhist country, Vietnam’s varied past means you are likely to encounter glimpses of a familiar western Christmas whilst visiting at this time. This is particularly the case in the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
Christmas Eve is usually the main event, with city streets even busier than normal, especially later in the evening when many attend midnight masses in beautifully decorated churches. Bright Christmas decorations are also a common sight!
As for cycling in Vietnam, away from the busy cities, Vietnam’s scenery is beautiful to behold by bike.
We’re talking rice paddies, palm-lined coastline and towering limestone mountains. All this, washed down with some of the world’s best food, makes a bike tour of Vietnam incredibly appealing.
7. Borneo
Best for cycling adventures in the rainforest
Cycling towards the hills in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Typically, many tourists head to Borneo between March and October, during the country’s dry season.
But with fewer crowds and warm sunny days still to be found in December, this is still a good time to explore Borneo by bike if you stick to the roads. Just be prepared for thunderstorms!
Borneo is an island that comprises three different countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
Malaysian Borneo, around the city of Kuching, is the region we are familiar with cycling. The landscapes surrounding Kuching are incredible to experience by bike and even suitable for families.
Highlights of cycling Borneo include riding alongside tropical coastline and exploring smaller islands. You can also experience cycling in lush, green rainforests, home to waterfalls and unusual wildlife (including Borneo’s famous and fascinating orangutangs!)
Top tip! Cycling in Borneo is hot, humid work so take your time and don’t forget your suncream and mosquito repellant. We also suggest packing some electrolyte tablets, which came in handy for us on particularly hot days.
More information
Looking for more winter cycling holidays?
Honoury mentions also go to
- the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, which benefit from pleasant temperatures during this time of year and are generally easy places to organise cycling breaks for yourself.
- Limassol and Cyprus; and
- Seychelles.
Check out these links for more info!
What’s next?
Chile’s stunning Lake District (photo credit: Chile Rides)
We hope this article has been helpful and got you feeling inspired to consider a new year cycling holiday, or to trade the usual turkey and tinsel for one of our suggested Christmas bike tours!
We certainly think a festive cycling trip is the perfect opportunity for some late season escapism!
Don’t miss our guide to the best winter cycling destinations for additional inspiration for those looking to cycle in between November to March. Or for anyone looking to escape a little earlier, check out the autumn cycling escapes in September and October.
For more general inspiration take a look at these long distance cycling routes instead.
Have you been on a Christmas cycling holiday?
We’d love to hear about your experience and also your favourite New Year cycling tours! Get in touch!
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Fran is a North East based cyclist with a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe’s best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
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