---
title: "Bicycle touring in Spain | Cycle Planet"
description: "Northern Spain is a wonderful place for cycle touring. Green Spain as it's known has all you want. Fantastic beaches and little coves abrupt the Atlantic…"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt)

Southern Europe

# Spain

**Schengen**[**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=40.463667,-3.74922,6.5) [** Download GPX (32) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/ES)

## **About **

Northern Spain is a wonderful place for cycle touring. Green Spain as it's known has all you want. Fantastic beaches and little coves abrupt the Atlantic ocean and make perfect stop overs. Asturias and Galacia are green and differ from the South of Spain as the weather is cooler but still warm. The Picos de Europa mountain range is very close to the coast and has fantastic scenery and camping sites. Average camping costs between €7 to €15 a night in July...

Last updated 9 Sept 2020 by [Eyre](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/h8tGOXnD5IPgaPFeN4urzeTIdZJ3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/about)

## **People **

I find the Spanish people friendly but not as much other countries I've cycled in.

Last updated 9 Sept 2020 by [Eyre](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/h8tGOXnD5IPgaPFeN4urzeTIdZJ3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/people)

## **Visa **

People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here [**https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/**](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/). The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries.

Last updated 3 Sept 2020 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/visa)

## **Border crossings **(1)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![Border crossing](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Border.png)**1. Melilla (Spain) – Beni Ansar (Morocco)**To MoroccoIMPORTANT AWARENESS: Land border currently closed until at least end of May 2021, probably longer. Land border between Spain and Morocco. Melilla is the… 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/68dd403a-f687-4008-9fc0-53e5698003c4)

## **See and do **(14)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Santiago de Compostela**See & doCycle to this UNESCO world herritage to see the beautiful city. It's the final destination of the popular pilgrim route. 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/dcb1a336-87d4-4b40-a3cb-2999ef563b2b)
2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Beach - Horcas Coloradas**See & doA nice beach with a cliff backdrop, more of a morning beach as it gets good morning sunshine. In the afternoon the sun sets behind the cliffs so beach will be… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/1ff857d9-7737-45c7-946d-59369ad8a02e)
3. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**3. Beaches**See & doLong stretch of beaches along the Paseo Maritimo which has a bicycle lane. Very shallow and calm water as it in a harbour. Lots of cafes and shops along paseo… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7a862069-bd10-4005-b00e-20873e8c334a)
4. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**4. City centre**See & doCheck out the city centre, well worth a day´s visit. There is the old town - la Viaja looking over Melilla, then the Modernist city centre with amazing… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3e492ff5-e15c-484d-b511-b3b2322e70d2)
5. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**5. Aguadur cliffs**See & doCliffs of Aguadur, go jump off the cliffs into the sea at the very north end of Melilla.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/ec62bf25-2b40-49ad-9e3c-a0dda4253efd)
6. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**6. Arnedillo hot springs**See & doRelax in the open air hot springs then dip yourself in the icy cold river running alongside the springs.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/53555314-37d3-4727-acb4-7befc14bfe04)
7. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**7. Bardenas Reales desert**See & doSoaring canyons, sandstone cliffs & rocky outcrops are the draw to this sprawling desert region.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/c053bbb6-703f-4aaf-a3d8-a096bccac20f)
8. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**8. Beautiful Park**See & doI nice park in Melilla - if you love palm trees, there iss a beautiful, exotic palm tree grove in the NE corner of the park. From the open space by the pond…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/f3423102-b986-4133-acde-4835ab117acf)

## **Bike shops **(5)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**1. Bicicletes Poblet**Bike shopBike shop called "Poblet". It belongs to the family of a former professional cyclist, Miquel Poblet. Good technical service.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/064c509d-594c-4c86-b3e8-b73598bb8d3c)
2. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**2. Bicipolis**Bike shopBike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/ad75b580-74d0-4bf0-ae7a-7088905e731a)
3. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**3. Bike shop**Bike shopA small bicycle shop, very experienced mechanic who owns it and works at the shop. He has a done a lot of touring himself](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/61483069-6c44-4086-86de-b1dc2b25095e)
4. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**4. Cicloturisme shop**Bike shopBike shop called cicloturisme, good service and specialized in travelling.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/1f80008a-e92d-4bf3-a3d2-f0b38f039d0c)
5. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**5. Tandem cicles**Bike shopBike shop called "Tandem Cicles". Nice and good service!](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3868bee1-97b8-465e-a566-c2675019857d)

## **Sleeping **

### **Staying with locals**

Addressing residents of a small town without a hotel can't hurt either. The Spaniard sometimes has a room or apartment left. Moreover, they always know a place for the tent.

### **(Formal) camping**

Plenty of camp sites but many do tend to close over winter. There are many more open in the south and winter rates are far cheaper.

Except on the coast, the distances between the campsites are large. In Andalusia, most campsites are located on the coast and in attractive mountain areas. Campsites are quite comfortable and almost all have a swimming pool. The ground is always very hard, special (rock) pegs are needed. Camping Cortijo near Cazorla is one of the few campsites with green grass and soft soil. This one is therefore highly recommended.

### **Ho(s)tels**

If you are following the pilgrimage routes and bought the pilgrimage pass (\~5€) you are allowed to sleep in the pilgrimage hostels for one night (costs: donation or 5-10€). Very simple but nice accommodations (usually with a kitchen). Cycling pilgrims should arrive after 5pm and everyone has to leave before 9am.

### **Wild camping**

Wild camping is possible in many places, especially at the many reservoirs. In the heat and drought of summer and autumn you have to take into account that rivers and sources have dried up, the water in reservoirs is then very low. Keep in mind that many forests in Spain are privately owned. At small villages in the deep interior you can also simply ask for a camping spot.

Vesna: "I never had any problems wild camping in the countryside but there are signs at times saying no camping. I arrived late and left the camp early before anyone arrived."

Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/sleeping)

## **Places to sleep **(6)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**1. Cala de San Pedro - Hippie Community**Wild campingThere is no way to describe Cala de San Pedro, better visit. Cannot arrive with heavy bike, maybe with bikepacking style but be prepared to put it into your… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/9ea36af0-e748-487d-af56-3b65708e3cc7)
2. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**2. Wild camping spot - La Mesa de Roldan**Wild campingAmazing place to do wild camping, away from the main road. It is at 220 mt attitude with a steep climb, but the views are amazing. With bad weather, there is a… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/e0a8c2ba-d1ee-408f-86f5-1e8542e9e286)
3. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**3. Hills where to rest**Wild campingJust at the outskirts of Aldover, next to the "Via Verde" of Terra Alta. Quiet place and there is even an abandoned place as a shelter if it's raining.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/6f1ba3d1-d922-461b-a56e-07d213a8f29e)
4. [![Hostel](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Hostels.png)**4. Pensión Felipe**Hostel20€ in low season with private bathroom. Cheapest in the area!](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/baff4876-91de-4596-af16-a8acaf418600)
5. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**5. Quiet forest to camp**Wild campingPlenty of space to camp in the middle of a quiet forest, next to the sea. Although i recommend you not to be next to the sea even the views... More people…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/640e38b9-d0cf-4f8c-8c62-8676156c4218)
6. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**6. Quiet place to sleep**Wild campingPlenty of space to wild camp. Lot of shadow and close to a city where you can get water.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/e62be4d4-3398-4e33-929e-7bf1664b9a53)

## **Safety **

Spain is very safe for cycle touring. Most car drivers are considerate and usually wait for a safe time to overtake but in cities its very different where everyone is in a rush...

### **Traffic**

The experiences with Spanish motorists are positive. On smaller roads, driving is usually fairly quiet. In general, people overtake well and often people wait behind you if necessary.

Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/safety)

## **Food and drink **

Fantastic food.. Tapas is a must as well as the local cuisine Even in the smallest village you'll find a small bar/coffee shop where you can by "tortilla de patatas".

**Cooking fuel**

Everything is readily available, except benzene and Coleman Fuel.

Last summer (2010) in the north of Spain could not find any replacement gas bottles from CampingGaz with a click closure, out of poverty but switched to injection bottles again.

**Vegetarians**

The vegetarian is a bit spoiled, but there are dishes to be found. For small amounts of vegetables and pasta you can go to the small mercados. In the large supermarkets you can have fresh and sometimes frozen vegetables weighed, but the vegetables are often prepackaged in larger quantities.

**Supermarkets**

There are more and more supermarkets, often on the edge of the core. Every village has a shop for the necessary foodstuffs.

Make sure you do your shopping on time. Between 2 and 5-7 pm it is siesta and all shops are closed. During that time you can enjoy all kinds of small snacks (tapas) in bars/cafes/restaurants.

**Restaurants**

Eating out is cheap but can be quite one-sided. During the siesta and in the evening from 21.00 or even 22.00 is eaten. If you can't wait until then, you can often enjoy the delicious tapas. You can also order a hot snack in cafes at noon.

**Drinkable water**

You can drink tap water almost everywhere, but in many cities, villages and sometimes also on campsites the water often tastes bad because it contains chlorine. Water in fountains in the mountains and in town squares usually tastes good. If this is not drinking water, it is stated: "agua no potable". In late summer, many springs can be dried up because of the drought. Bottled water is widely available in shops, bars or gas stations.Campsites sometimes have 2 systems: drinking water and shower water.

Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/foodDrink)

## **Other places **(6)

Sorted by most likes

1. [![Shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Shop.png)**1. Decathlon**ShopA Decathlon store in Melilla. Not the biggest but they have the basic stuff. It is in the mall of Melilla, so there are other shops very close by too.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/a66dc709-dd80-4d7f-8916-8a17008ba273)
2. [![Water](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Water.png)**2. Drinking water**WaterFuente for drinking water](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/84c2c2ab-46de-4c3a-9329-1c975f86f9db)
3. [![Ferry](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Ferry.png)**3. Ferry**FerryOpen from 1st May to the end of Septemeber](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/d53e0a79-02b9-4173-965c-8ccf75b8c336)
4. [![Water](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Water.png)**4. Water**WaterPublic water font](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/14f98a11-223c-4299-ac24-8a0549051c59)
5. [![Water](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Water.png)**5. Water**WaterWater source](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/f362297a-5136-459f-80ea-3368dfc8d3b5)
6. [![Water](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Water.png)**6. Water point**WaterPublic water point in the Real neighbourhood with shops and restaurants close by.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/abe8b4e0-e09a-450a-8444-5450508e763e)

## **Blogs **

- [Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela](https://www.basidsinga.com/02-pilgrimage-to-santiago-de-compostela/)

## **Videos **

- [video](https://youtu.be/-2zsMuIM3GI)
- [Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela](https://youtu.be/zVEmqk9Otpw)

## **Other **

**Best time to cycle**

Spring and Autumn: This is the best time for cycling. In September (and sometimes even October) the temperature is still around 25 to 30 degrees. In the spring it is greener and many are in bloom. In the fall you see beautiful fall colors. In the mountains, temperatures can be cool, especially at night.

**Spare parts**

In major cities, all quality bicycle parts are available. In the smaller places only the cheaper ones but enough to keep cycling. Most towns and larger villages have one or more bicycle repair shops. The addresses are listed in Luc Oteman's guide. There are many 26 inch tires available. On the island of Mallorca you will find many bike rental companies that rent out racing bikes, ATBs and hybrid bikes (prices range from 25 euros per week for a beach bike to about 90 euros per week for a racing bike).

Last updated 9 Jun 2021 by [Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.be](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/spain/edit/other)

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