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Top countries for winter cycling

Escape a cold, grey winter and hop in the saddle for a tour of Vietnam's intriguing backstreets, pedal along wild beaches in Portugal or head into the Atlas Mountains of Morocco for a cycling adventure like no other.
Author: Aimee White - SEO Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 22 November 2024
 

Winter is an ideal time to embrace the great outdoors on two wheels. Make the most of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in the likes of India, Spain and Costa Rica, which are among some of the top winter cycling destinations. It's not all about cycling, though - your expert tour leader will also show you all the top attractions and unbeatable experiences, from houseboat stays to market visits.

Choose from short to long distance cycling holidays, and there's usually an e-bike option, too. You'll find a tour that's suitable for you as you cycle through rural villages, old spice trading routes and winding coastal roads.

These are the best places to cycle in winter:

  1. Vietnam
  2. India
  3. Cuba
  4. Spain
  5. Portugal
  6. Morocco
  7. Costa Rica
  8. Sri Lanka

 

1. Vietnam

Experience Vietnam up close and personal and enjoy cooler temperatures with our Upgraded - Cycle Vietnam trip. Cycling is part of everyday life in Vietnam, so you can expect a warm welcome and enthusiastic waves from locals as you pedal along the interesting backroads. Wind along undulating coastal roads and cycle through Nui Chua National Park, over the Thi Nai sea bridge and around Hue as you cycle from south to north on this Vietnam cycling trip. With a variety of landscapes to take in, Vietnam is one of the best road cycling trips to enjoy.
View all Asia cycling tours

2. India

Enjoy warm, dry weather and clear blue skies as you hop in the saddle and uncover the tropical coastline of ‘God’s own country’ on a cycling holiday in Kerala, as you embrace a winter sun road cycling trip in India. Pedal past verdant tea, rubber and spice plantations, ride along golden sand beaches shaded by fanned palm trees and explore a labyrinth of tropical backwater villages along the coast of the Arabian Sea. 

3. Cuba

With quiet roads, few cars and warm, dry weather, the Caribbean island of Cuba is an idyllic destination for a winter cycling holiday. Explore Spanish colonial architecture, and the lush green crops of tobacco and sugar cane in the beautiful countryside. Ride alongside locals on horse-drawn carts and in classic American Cadillac cars, and enjoy warm hospitality in locally-run homestays before celebrating a fun day in the saddle with mojitos, live Cuban music and a Havana cigar. 
View all Cuba cycling tours

4. Spain

Southeastern Spain boasts year-round sunshine and mild, pleasant temperatures, making it one of the best places in Spain for winter cycling. Avoid the crowds on our cycling tour to explore the rural countryside of Murcia. This moderate-graded cycling trip will guide you along smooth, quiet, and gently undulating roads, past fruit orchards and through rustic villages. Stop for a delicious lunch of freshly made tapas in the Moorish town of Morattall and explore its 15th-century fortress before heading towards the lush green rice fields of Calasparra. As you'll see for yourself, Spain is one of the best European countries for cycling.
View all Spain cycling tours

5. Portugal

Another top winter cycling destination in Europe is Portugal, especially in November, December and January. Pedal along the gilded coastline of Portugal’s Algarve on a cycling tour in winter to enjoy mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Pristine coves and wild beaches are embellished with far-reaching views of of the Atlantic Ocean. Cruise along the cobbled streets of Lisbon and discover Europe's largest coastal natural park that make up one of the best cycling destinations. 
View all Portugal cycling tours

6. Morocco

The mild climate of Morocco between October and April makes it an ideal winter cycling escape. Ride through palm-fringed gorges, across desert plateaux and past fortified Kasbahs, against the dramatic backdrop of the towering Atlas Mountains. Delve into colourful souks for a unique souvenir, stay in a traditional Berber village and spend a night under the stars in a Saharan nomad desert camp. Covering an average of 25.5 miles a day, this trip is ideal for those looking for long distance cycling tours.

7. Costa Rica

Swap dreary winter climes for warmer summer days on a cycling holiday in Costa Rica. Ride along the Caribbean coast and past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests, all while ticking off bucket-list sites and spotting incredible wildlife. Costa Rica's summer (or dry season) falls between December to April, but you can still expect some short bursts of rain. This two-week cycling trip will also see you unwind on the beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park - bliss!
View all Costa Rica cycling tours

8. Sri Lanka

With warm and dry weather across most of Sri Lanka, winter is a fantastic time to visit for those in search of sunshine. As you cycle Sri Lanka you’ll explore lush tea plantations, rolling highlands and quiet backroads, as well as ancient cities such as the 12th-century ruins of Polonnaruwa. Take in the coastal breeze as you cycle through Bundala National Park where you may be able to spot crocodile, before soaking up the turquoise waters of the southern coast.

Don't just travel, Explore!

Interested in a cycling trip with Explore? Choose from leisurely cycling holidays to more moderate and challenging levels. Our cycling tours operate year-round, allowing you to consider other destinations including France, Italy, the UK, Japan and more.
View all cycling tours

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