Looking for the best long distance cycling routes in Spain? Look no further…
Spain is the second largest country in the EU by surface area. It’s a vast destination that’s home to a diverse range of landscapes and epic rides catering for all styles of cycling. From mighty mountain vistas to alluring coastline and gentle greenways – this country has it all! These natural wonders are made all the better thanks to tasty tapas, world-famous cities and Spain’s unique culture.
The team here at Epic Road Rides love cycling in Spain and we have experienced first hand some of the country’s best cycling regions and rides over the years. We can’t wait to share our favourite Spanish journeys and routes with you.
Sound good? ¡Vamos!
Looking for more long distance cycling routes? Don’t miss our best long distance routes in France, Europe and the world.
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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! All metrics in this article are also approximate.
Our pick of the best long distance cycling routes in Spain
Map of Spain overview
1. Camino de Santiago
Fran on the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago
Summary
A legendary route that offers a historically significant adventure by bike
Start/ finish
St Jean Pied de Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques(France) to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain)
Distance
800 kilometres
Surface
A mix of off road gravel paths and roads
Our view
The Camino de Santiago is arguably the most famous long distance cycling route in Spain! This UNESCO World heritage pilgrimage stretches approximately 800 kilometres from St Jean Pied de Port in south east France to Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain.
There are multiple variations of the Camino de Santiago but the Camino Francés route is one of the most popular routes. From the lush landscapes of the French Pyrenees, cyclists traverse several scenic regions, including the vineyards of La Rioja and the vast plains of Castile and León, as well as the green valleys and woodlands of Galicia.
The cultural lure of the Camino is a major highlight of the journey, with thousands of walkers taking on the route each year. Along this well-signposted, popular path there are countless dedicated pilgrims’ hostels, special pilgrims’ menus and many historic sites that provide a memorable and immersive experience.
The unique and impressive Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela’s historic Old Town provides a fitting end to this rewarding multi day cycle route in Spain. You can even chart your journey’s progress and claim a pilgrims certificate at the end of this ride, with a pilgrim’s passport.
More information
- See our guide to cycling the Camino de Santiago here.
- For more Camino FAQ’s don’t miss this article.
- Got time to take on a lengthier long distance cycling route? The Camino de Santiago can be combined with the French pilgrimage route, La Scandibérique.
- Find out more about the long distance EuroVelo 3 cycle route
2. Pirinexus route
Cyclists taking on the Pirinexus route. Photo credit: Pyrenees Cycling Club
Summary
A cross border loop of the Pyrenees and Catalonia
Start/ finish
Girona, Catalonia
Distance
340 kilometres
Surface
Gravel paths and low traffic roads
Our view
The Pirinexus route is an unmissable long distance gravel ride that typically begins in Girona and heads north towards the Pyrenees. It crosses into France for a short stretch, before looping back into Spain.
This is a hugely varied route taking you from the Costa Brava coast, up into the Pyrenees mountains. Along the way you will cycle along via verdes, through the Garrotxa volcanic region and many more natural landscapes. There is also lots of cultural sites to savour along the way, including Roman temples and forts.
The beautiful city of Girona is a bustling cycling hub that attracts some of the world’s best professional cyclists. It makes a fitting start and end to this cycling loop and is one of our all-time favourite places in Spain.
More information
- Take a look at our Pirinexus route guide to find out more.
- Discover our Girona guide, where to stay in Girona and easy routes around Girona.
- Don’t miss our overview of the Pyrenees.
3. The Mediterranean Route (EuroVelo 8 Spain)
Beautiful coastal views await on the Spanish EuroVelo 8
Summary
An epic coastal odyssey connecting the north and the south of Spain
Start/ finish
La Junquera Cape, Catalonia, to Cadiz, Andalusia
Distance
1,830 kilometres
Surface
A mix of bike paths, paved roads and gravel
Our view
This Mediterranean Route is the Spanish section of the EuroVelo 8 that connects Spain with Greece. The EuroVelo 8 in Spain takes you on a 1,700 kilometre journey along Spain’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, from La Junquera Cape on the French border to the southern historic city of Cadiz.
Natural wonders and cultural hubs combine on this long distance cycling route through Spain. The journey takes in four noteworthy regions, including Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia and Andalusia. These could be broken up into stages, dependent on your timescales.
Highlights of the Mediterranean route include having the alluring, azure Med as your regular backdrop as you skirt countless Spanish beaches and soak up the many stunning coastal views.
The EuroVelo 8 also takes in several of the country’s best-loved cities, including the iconic Barcelona, Malaga, Murcia and Valencia. Each city is a melting pot for culture, art and history that are all worth taking time to explore, time allowing.
More information
- Don’t miss our guides to Murcia and Barcelona.
- Want to extend this long distance cycle route? Discover more about the EuroVelo 8 France in this article and our roadie’s alternative to EuroVelo 8: cycling Venice to Corfu.
- Check out our article on cycling the EuroVelo 8 France.
- Find out more about the long distance EuroVelo 8 cycle route.
4. Via Verde de Ojos Negros
Segorbe, Castellon, Spain. View of the city from the Star Castle
Summary
The longest green route in Spain
Start/ finish
Teruel, Aragon to Valenica, The Valencian Community
Distance
162 kilometres
Surface
Traffic free, well-maintained trails
Our view
Looking for an easy cycling holiday in Spain? The Via Verde de Ojos Negros is a relatively gentle long distance route through varied landscapes.
The term Vías Verdes translates as ‘greenways’ and are a network of disused railways that have been transformed into scenic cycling and walking routes across Spain. This particular route is the longest greenway you can cycle in the country!
The Via Verde de Ojos Negros route starts in the city of Teruel in the region of Aragon. From Teruel, cyclists will travel south-east through rolling hills, lush farmlands, and quaint villages. The path meanders through tunnels and over viaducts.
Along the way, highlights include the charming town of Segorbe, with its historic castle and medieval walls, and the peaceful natural landscapes of the Sierra de Javalambre. The journey concludes in Spain’s third largest city Valencia, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and the architecturally striking Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences).
More information
Discover more about Spain’s greenways here.
5. Seville to Valencia via Granada
Plaza de Espana in Seville
Summary
A stunning cycling tour of Andalucia
Start/ finish
Seville, Andalusia to Valencia, The Valencian Community
Distance
1,000 kilometres
Surface
Quiet, paved roads
Our view
This long distance cycling route showcases the very best of rural southern Spain. Starting in the capital of Andalucia, Seville, it takes you through quiet Spanish countryside, towards the Mediterranean coast and bustling city of Valencia.
The route winds through vast fertile plains, olive groves, vineyards and two National Parks, the Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra Nevada. Other natural highlights include riding through the Gorafe Megalithic Park and El Chorro Gorge.
This multi day road cycling journey also enables you to see many pueblos blancos (Spanish white towns), which are never far from the saddle! The highlight of these has to be the impressive hilltop town of Ronda.
Alongside riding through beautiful varied nature, you also tick off some of Spain’s most beautiful, historic cities. This includes the impressive Moorish architecture of Granada, home to the mighty Alhambra Palace, as well as Córdoba and Murcia.
More information
See our Seville to Valencia guide here.
6. Ruta via de la Plata (EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coastal Route)
The impressive Roman amphitheater ruins in Merida
Summary
An ancient, off the beaten track through the heart of Spain
Start/ finish
Seville, Adanlusia to Gijón, Asturias
Distance
800 kilometres
Surface
A mix of paved roads and off road trails
Our view
The Ruta via de la Plata, also known as the Sliver Route, spans from the world renowned city of Seville in the south, to the coastal city of Gijón on the northwestern Cantabrian Sea.
This ancient Roman road was built to transport goods and soldiers during the Roman Empire. It eventually became one of the main roads that connected the north with the south of the country. However, today the route is largely on trails and low traffic roads.
Dotted along the Ruta via de la Plata are numerous impressive archaeological sites, including the Roman ruins and amphitheater in Mérida, the beautiful ancient city of Salamanca and the medieval, fortified town of Zamora.
More information
- Get a copy of the Ruta de la Plata guidebook here.
- Take a look at our Camino guide for further insights.
- Find out more about the long distance EuroVelo 1 cycle route.
Tips for planning a long distance cycling route in Spain
Different cycling networks
Spain boasts several established cycling networks that cater to long distance cyclists.
Admiring the stunning Costa Brava coastline
EuroVelo Spain routes
The EuroVelo network is a great starting point for cycling in Spain routes. There are three EuroVelo routes in Spain and each traverse large sections of the country. They are also part of wider routes that connect other countries in Europe.
Via Verdes
The Via Verdes are a large network of converted railway lines that provide scenic and relatively flat cycling paths. They are ideal for less strenuous rides and perfect for cyclists looking for an easy cycling holiday in Spain.
Pilgrim routes
Both the Camino de Santiago and Ruta de la Plata take place on ancient pilgrim paths. The Camino is an incredibly popular route with lots of established infrastructure, including signage, for both walkers and cyclists. The Ruta de la Plata is a little less trodden and great for a more off the beaten track adventure on the bike.
Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at this guide to picking the best cycling holidays in Spain.
Bike maintenance and how to deal with mechanicals
Good bike maintenance is crucial ahead of a long distance cycling journey. Before your trip, ensure your bike is in good condition with a thorough check-up.
We recommend carrying a basic repair kit, including spare tubes, a multi-tool, tyre levers, and a pump. You could also familiarise yourself with common repairs such as fixing a flat tyre and adjusting brakes.
In rural areas of Spain, bike shops may be sparse, so being able to handle minor repairs is essential and provides good peace of mind.
For more tips to check your bike is suitable for a long distance ride, take a look here.
Accommodation
Look for cycling-friendly hotels and guesthouses that offer secure bike storage. This will make your life a little easier at the end of each day’s cycling!
Popular routes like the Camino de Santiago are dotted with hostels and albergues. These offer a unique and social experience.
Top tip! Book ahead as these fill up during busy times of the year. Don’t assume each one has bike facilities, it’s always best to contact ahead of booking to find out what services they have.
For a low budget option, take a look at Warmshowers – a popular website that can connect you with local hosts who cater to cyclists. Take a look at this article for more insight into this platform.
Shop opening hours
In Spain, shop opening hours can vary.
Typically, shops open from 10:00 to 14:00 and then from 17:00 to 20:00.
In smaller towns, shops might close earlier or not reopen in the afternoon. Plan your food and supply stops accordingly, especially in more remote areas where options may be limited.
Cycling in Murcia
Do you need to know Spanish?
Knowing some basic Spanish can greatly enhance your trip, especially in rural areas where English is less commonly spoken. Alongside the friendly hola (hello) and gracias (thank you), here are some useful additional phrases:
- Dónde puedo encontrar una tienda de bicicletas? (Where can I find a bike shop?)
- Puedo llenar mi botella de agua? (Can I fill my water bottle?)
- Hay un lugar seguro para dejar mi bicicleta? (Is there a safe place to leave my bike?)
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel.
For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Spain are here.
You should also read and follow Spain’s highway code.
Logistics of planning a long distance cycling route in Spain
Best time of year for cycling Spain
The best time of year to cycle in Spain depends on the region and the type of route you plan to take.
Generally, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for cycling. During these times the temperatures tend to be milder and there are fewer tourists.
Summer can be very hot, especially in southern regions and interior areas, such as Andalucia. Alternatively, winter can bring cold weather and snow in the mountains.
Top tip! Consider the specific climate of the regions you’ll be cycling through and plan accordingly. Coastal regions in the south can be pleasant throughout the winter, whereas mountainous regions across Spain can expect snow during the winter months.
Do you need an organised cycling tour of Spain?
Organised cycling tours can be beneficial but are not necessary for every cyclist, especially those looking to travel on a budget. One of the major benefits of booking an organised tour is that they can take all the hassle out of planning.
Take a look at this article to find out our opinion on 10 bike tour companies in Spain.
What are your packing tips for cyclists visiting Spain?
What you need to take with you on your long distance cycling trip in Spain, will depend on the route and duration of your trip!
To get started, don’t miss our ultimate cycling holiday packing list. For those planning an unsupported bike touring trip in Spain, take a look here.
Bike hire and servicing
Bike hire and servicing are widely available in Spain, particularly in major cities and popular cycling regions.
Many towns along well-known routes like the Camino de Santiago and Via Verde have bike shops offering rentals, repairs, and spare parts.
Top tip! Research and note the locations of bike shops along your route in case you need assistance along the way.
The rural Spanish countryside surrounding Girona
Looking for more cycling tours in Spain?
We hope our article has got you inspired to start planning an unforgettable journey in Spain!
For those seeking more ideas, we have plenty more Spanish cycling guides to explore that we think you may like. This includes articles on the popular Spanish islands of Mallorca and Tenerife.
Don’t miss these articles…
- Guide to cycling Spain
- 9 best regions in Spain
- 9 best hotels in Spain
- Guide to cycling Northern Spain
- Costa Blanca Q&A
- It’s not Spain, but it’s very close! If you’re flexible, the Raid Pyrenees is worth a look!
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Fran is a cyclist based in the northeast of the UK and has 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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