Top European Autumn Cycling Destinations

Autumn is a beautiful time of year to ride bikes in Europe, the busy summer cycling destinations have come to a close but the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining. The high summer season of July and August is over and the tourists have largely gone home, leaving roads open for business for two-wheeled adventures. Here is our pick of the top destinations for an Autumnal European cycling vacation.

Girona Autumn Cycling – Home of the Pros

We may be biased towards our hometown but the fact that it is the chosen base of some 150 professional cyclists speaks for itself. We think that Autumn is the best time of year to visit Girona with the summer tourists gone and the temperatures hovering around the cycling sweet spot of the mid-twenties. With plenty of time to explore the mountains before winter creeps in and plenty of space to wander through the Old Town for a post-ride stroll, Girona is a great place to be in the Autumn months.

Highlights include the classic climbs of the area such as Rocacorba and Els Angels, the picturesque Banyoles lake and the Old Town of Girona itself.

Girona Cycling Tours

• Girona Classic Climbs: tick off all the Girona favorites in one week! 8th- 14th September & 6th-12th October 2019
• Pyrenees Mini Break: discover the hidden beauty of the pre-Pyrenees. 27th – 29th September 2019 & 25th – 27th October 2019

The Costa Brava – Coastal & Mountain Tour

For similar reasons to Girona, the Costa Brava is an ideal spot for an Autumn cycling vacation, with the beautiful, coastal towns becoming much quieter but staying equally as charming in the Autumn sunshine. At this time of year the winding coast roads are practically free of cars and the beaches are still habitable for a post-ride dip in the Med.

Highlights include the gorgeous coastal town of Cadaques, Girona and fresh seafood in Tossa de Mar.

Costa Brava Cycle Tours

• Tour of the Costa Brava: Ride Point-To-Point And Explore The Best Of The Costa Brava Region. 9th-13th November 2019

Andalucia Autumn Cycling – Sunshine and Smooth Roads

To ensure the need for less winter cycling kit Andalucia is the place to go in the colder months. Andalucía enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year and only 40 days of rain on average. While other parts of Spain are still much warmer than their Northern European counterparts during the Autumn, the South is warmer still. This is a great time of year to soak up the rich culture that the region has to offer alongside the fantastic riding on smooth roads.

Highlights include the Caminito del Rey, the Alhambra Palace, and the historical and picturesque cities of Antequera and Ronda.

Andalucia Cycling Tours

• Trans Andalucia: Ride Point-To-Point From Andalucia To Seville. 29th September – 6th October
• Andalucia Experience: Discover Granada, Antequera & Ronda. 22nd – 28th September

Costa del Sol – The Clue’s in the Name!

The region with Europe’s mildest ‘winter’ climate naturally boasts stunning Autumn conditions too. Much like neighbouring Andalucia, sunshine and smooth tarmac characterise the Costa del Sol and it’s for this reason that cyclists flock here during the autumn and winter. The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to go to extend a summer of riding or begin those early preparations for the following year.

Highlights include the Puerto del Leon climb, and the towns of Almuñécar and Orgiva.

Costa del Sol Cycling Tours:

• Costa del Sol Ride Camp: Explore The Coast & Climbs Of Andalucia. 24th-30th November 2019

Calpe – Training Heaven

The Calpe/Alicante area is known in summer as a haven for those seeking sun-soaked partying but in the autumn and winter it attracts a very different kind of clientele who mix with the stalwart mahogany ex-pats. Cyclists flock to the region in search of sun and smooth tarmac, which they receive in abundance. As with the rest of Spain the draw is not only the fantastic riding but also the laid-back lifestyle and delicious food and drink on offer, re-fuelling with some delicious tapas and a cerveza is a must!

Highlights include the Col de Rates climb, the Cumbre del Sol and Confrides.

Calpe Cycling Tours

• Calpe Ride Camp: Join The Pros And Head South To Smooth Roads & Sun! 17th – 23rd November 2019

Mallorca – The Old Favourite

The classic favourite amongst all kinds of cyclists as an Autumn/Winter cycling destination for a reason, Mallorca is a cyclist’s paradise. Ride to the Cap de Fortmentor lighthouse – the most northern point of the island, for nothing else if not a photo opportunity. An ascent of the sinewy climb of Sa Colabra, by far the most famous climb on the island and one of the most well-known in the world is also essential. Off the bike there is plenty to see and do including visiting the capital, Palma. For more check out our guide to cycling in Majorca!

Highlights include the Sa Colabra Climb, Cap de Fortmentor lighhouse, Col de Soller

Mallorca Cycling Tours

• Mallorca Ride Camp 20th-26th October 2019

Inspired To Ride Some European Autumn Cycling Destinations?

If one of these top European autumn cycling destinations has inspired you to ride then contact us online or via info@eatsleepcycle.com for more information on any of our tours!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours