3 winter riding destinations

Where to ride in the sunshine this winter?

With the temperatures slowly dropping and those fresh mornings reappearing, your arm warmers and wind jacket will be regular features of your rides now… soon it will be legs and full finger gloves.

If cold weather riding isn’t really your thing, then you’ll be glad to warm up with a read of Our top 3 winter riding destinations!

Andalusia, Spain

A cyclists paradise

Andalusia, in Southern Spain, is one of the most popular places for winter riding in Europe, and with good reason. A warm climate all year round and temperatures between 15 and 20°C in winter it’s ideal for everyone, cyclists included, who’d like to escape the cold of further north.

Here at GravelUp, we specialise in all-included gravel biking trips throughout Europe. In Andalusia we have both 3 day and 5 day gravel adventures, perfect for exploring the beautiful Spanish scenery and soaking up that sunshine!

Why Andalusia is a great choice for winter riding

• The perfect climate
  Andalusia is lucky enough to be bathed in sunshine for over 300 days a year! In winter the climate is mild, making it perfect for riding without having to dress for the Arctic.

• Masses of choice
  From winding mountain roads to wide gravel trails, the variety of terrain here means there’s plenty to explore for everyone, whatever your level. The Sierra Morena mountains offer spectacular views across open valleys, with immense and impressive Eucalyptus forests as far as the eye can see.

• A rich local culture
  Far from the deckchairs of the southern beaches, you’ll find the historical cities of Seville, Grenada and Malaga, as well as plenty of hidden gems in between to explore with each days riding - unique and varied architecture, bustling daily life and the all important tapas.

For any cyclists in search of sunshine and adventure this winter, riding gravel in Andalusia has to be a top choice. With nature, culture and breathtaking landscapes, theres something for everyone.

Tempted? Find out more about the Sierra Morena in our dedicated article “The Sierra Morena - a welcome dose of winter sunshine."

All our trips to Andalusia 👉 here.

Nice, South of France

Winter sun by the Med

At the heart of the Côte d’Azur, Nice enjoys a balmy climate year round thanks to the warming influences of the Mediterranean. With warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy pleasant year round riding… evident with the number of pro cyclists who have based themselves here.

GravelUp have put together a 3 day trip into the beautiful landscapes you’ll find just inland from Nice, tucked between the sea and the mountains, and led by a local guide.

Why Nice for winter gravel riding?

• The Sea AND the Mountains
  Nice enjoys a spectacular position with almost everything a cyclist needs right on its doorstep. You can set off along the coast for a few kms then turn inland to enjoy the rolling hills or head into the Alpes-Maritime mountains.

• Gravel trails and incredibly panoramic roads
  follow gravel trails that will take you from olive groves to vineyards via tiny villages, before rejoining one of the many balcony roads with sweeping vistas out to sea… the rewards are great for all of your efforts!
  

• A mild winter climate
  In Nice the temperatures rarely drop too low, thanks to the warming effect of the Med. You can expect temps of between 10-15°C with plenty of sun filled days to explore the beauty of the region.

Nice is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to ride gravel with the warmth of the sun on their backs, as well as enjoying the unique mediterranean lifestyle and landscapes, with the sea and the mountains right on the doorstep. The ultimate getaway.

👉 We have gravel trips from Nice from October through to April each year-find out more here!

The Algarve, Portugal

A hidden gem of Southern Europe

Down on the south coast of Portugal, the Algarve is an unmissable destination for winter riding. Well known for the beautiful beaches and impressive cliffs, theres also A LOT of gravel trails to explore!

Why you should explore the Algarve this winter?

• Almost unrivalled sunshine
  With over 300 days of sun a year like Andalusia, winter is the time to ride here with temps between 15-20°C - in summer its just too hot!

• Loads of gravel to ride
  You’ll find all types of trails in the Algarve, from coastal trails and balcony paths to rural backroads that will take you to tiny authentic villages, where the traditional Portuguese way of life reigns supreme. There’s plenty to explore, with the Serra de Monchique high plains in the hills and coastal dirt tracks just for starters.
  

• Winter calm
  Out of the high summer season the Algarve is blissfully quiet, allowing you to relax and experience the real Portugal.

With warm temperatures, incredibly varied landscape and a natural charm, the Algarve is a perfect to enjoy some winter riding. You’ll just wish you could stay longer!

Our top tips for riding in this winter

If you’re looking for a winter getaway, or just to extend your bike season that little bit further, then Andalusia, Nice and the Algarve are all ideal for your next bike trip. Each has a friendly winter climate, beautiful and varied landscapes, and plenty of routes to keep cyclists of all levels happy.

If we’ve whetted your appetite for a winter bike trip, get in touch now and we can start planning your getaway. We can put together tailor-made trips and you can enjoy some exclusive offers on our upcoming departures in search of sunshine.

And if getting away just isn’t going to happen, here’s some tips to help you keep riding and enjoying the fresh air despite the cold:

• Ride in a group
  easier to be motivated and safer in low visibility

• Wear the right kit
  protect your extremities well (head, hands and feet) and go for 3 layers on your body, with a decent waterproof in case of rain.

  👉 for all the details read our dedicated winter riding article!

• Invest in good lights
  with short days and dull light even in the middle of the day, you need to be seen by everyone else. It’s the time to invest.

• Maintain your bike
  look after your bike and it’ll look after you! It’ll get grubby, so clean it after each ride and keep the chain nicely lubed. You can also fit winter tyres for extra grip, comfort and puncture resistance!