Summer is the perfect time to take your bike out and explore new routes. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just enjoy leisurely rides with the family, there are summer routes for you and your bike, suitable for all levels and tastes.. From demanding MTB routes to long rides for cycle touring or more relaxed excursions with your group.
Today we present the 5 best bike routes for summer in Spainfor all levels (5 is our favorite). For those looking for the most extreme challenges on two wheels and those looking for the perfect bike tour to do with kids this summer.
1. Bicycle route along the Vía Verde del Aceite (Andalusia)
The Vía Verde del Aceite is a 128 km summer cycling route perfect for families and more experienced cyclists. It runs along the old railway track (so it has no notable slopes) between Jaén and Puente Genil. A route that allows you to enjoy from the bike its diversity of landscapes, from olive groves to river valleys. It is an ideal option to spend a family bike day due to its simple and well signposted route.. But because of its long travel time, on hotter days, it can become on a demanding route as planned.
A perfect summer route for nature and history lovers. It crosses viaducts, tunnels and abandoned train stations that have been converted into rest areas and services for cyclists. The route is well conditioned and can be done in several stages, allowing you to enjoy stops in charming villages and savor the local gastronomy.
Oil VV in 2 or 3 days
You can do the route in two stages, from Jaén to Baena (72km), and from Baena to Puente Genil (63km), for the more experienced cyclists. If you want to do it in 3 stages, you can follow the following route: Jaén - Alcaudete (49km) Alcaudete - Doña Mencía (27km) to finish in Puente Genil (45km).
VV del Aceite 5 days: family bike route this summer
If you are looking for a summer route to do by bike with children, you can ride this route in 5 stages: from Jaén to Martos, from Martos to Alcaudete, Alcaudete - Doña Mencía, Doña Mencía - Lucena and the last day ending in Pente Genil. All these stages are between 20 and 25km in distance with flat territory and well signposted, making it ideal for families or inexperienced cyclists.
You can consult the route here.
2. The Trans-Pyrenees by bike: utough and demanding summer route (Pyrenees)
The Trans-Pyrenees is a cycling route through the Pyrenees, and one of the most challenging and rewarding, but also one of the most beautiful summer MTB routes. Crossing the Pyrenees from east to west, from the Mediterranean to the Bay of Biscay, is an unforgettable experience. Each stage offers spectacular scenery and a considerable physical challenge, and traveling them in summer will allow you to find the clearest roads.
This route crosses the entire mountain range of the Pyrenees, covering more than 800 km and accumulating a positive difference in altitude of more than 20,000 meters.only within the reach of the most prepared riders. Undoubtedly, the entire ride is a challenge for very experienced cyclists looking to challenge themselves. The landscapes, full of rivers and animals, vary from high peaks to deep valleys through picturesque mountain villages where you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
The Trans-Pyrenees by bike in stages:
Previous: Llança - Roses (52km). It is not part of the Transpirenaica, but if you have an extra day, it can serve as a warm-up the day before to loosen legs and contemplate the wonderful views of the Costa Brava.
Stage 1: Roses-Ripoll: (116km)First stage, the least difficult, to leave the coast behind and enter the Pyrenees.
Stage 2: Ripoll-Sant Julià de Loria (137km): Hard stage with +60km of ascent and 3.000M of positive difference in altitude to reach Andorra.
Stage 3: Sant Julià de Loria-Salardú (128km): From Andorra to the Vall d'Aran following the river Noguera Palalresa to enter fully into the heart of the Pyrenees.
Stage 4: Salardú-Gripp (105km): Shorter stage in which we enter the French Pyrenees and the famous usual ports of the Tour de France.
Stage 5: Gripp-Bedous(135km): The queen (and very hard) stage of the route takes us through French roads, with more than 3,7000m of positive elevation gain: the mythical passes of Torumalet, Aubisque and Marie Blanche.
Stage 6: Bedous-Larrau (91km): Short and softer stage after the very hard one of the previous day. We will ride through France and pass briefly through Navarra and its charm.
Stage 7: Larrau-Hondarribia (145km): Last stage, hard (as it could not be otherwise), with 2700m of positive slope to cross the regions of Navarre and the Basque Country, to finish bordering the sea to finish our route.
You can consult the stages of the route here
3. Northern Spain by bike: The Bear Trail (Asturias)
La Senda del Oso is one of our favorite bike routes for this summer to do with the family in the north of Spain.. With 22 km in length, this route follows the old mining railroad and offers spectacular scenery between mountains and forests. The route allows you to enjoy the coolness and shade even in the middle of the route, protected from the scorching heat.
It is famous for its tunnels and viaducts crossing deep gorges. It is an ideal summer cycling tour for families and occasional cyclists.The profile is mostly downhill and has numerous rest areas. In addition, it is common to encounter brown bears in semi-freedom in the Proaza enclosure, which adds a touch of adventure to your cycling trip.
You can consult the route here
4. The coolest bike route for this summer: The Cidacos Route (La Rioja)
In the summer heat, cycle a route along the river is one of the best experiences a cyclist can have.rbut to end up in a thermal watersis the next level! The Cidacos Route is a 34 km Greenway that goes from Calahorra to Arnedillo, in La Rioja.
This route follows the course of the Cidacos River and crosses a landscape of vineyards and orchards. It is an easy and accessible route, with a flat and well-conditioned route, a perfect summer bike ride for families.. At the beginning of the route, you will be surprised by the beauty of the landscape and the tranquility of the route, but in Arnedillo the natural hot springs await you, a perfect reward to finish enjoying after a day of cycling.
You can consult the route here.
5. The best cycling route for summer: El Camino de Ronda
The Camino de Ronda on the Costa Brava is our favorite summer cycling route. Walking along its narrow paths that border the Mediterranean Sea is a unique experience, and its crystal clear water landscapes leave you speechless. The cliffs, hidden coves and panoramic views of the sea make of this bike tour an unforgettable summer adventure. And, undoubtedly, not only to see its landscapes, but to immerse yourself, literally, in them. You can take breaks during your route to refresh yourself in the best beaches and coves of the country.
This historic route runs along the Costa Brava, from Blanes to Portbou. The most popular sections include the route between Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, which offers spectacular views of cliffs and hidden beaches. It is ideal for a summer bike tour and ride along the sea with spectacular views.
It is organized by different sections, of different lengths and difficulty for all types of cyclists.. The stretch from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Tossa de Mar. is a demanding stretch of 22km for experienced cyclistsSteep climbs and narrow trails that require good handling and technique on the bike. If you want to do a summer family bike route on the Costa Brava, the stretch from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc is a small flat stretch of 5km where you will be able to perform a pleasant bike ride with family or friends overlooking the sea to round off the day with a swim at the beach.
Extra. El Camino del Cid: summer cycling trip (Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Comunidad Valenciana).
After presenting you our 5 favorite bike routes for summer, we bring you an extra bonus. A long route with more than 26 stages for cycle-travelers. You can also ride some of its specific sections.
El Camino del Cid is a historical bike route that follows in the footsteps of the legendary medieval knight.. Travelling along its most iconic sections is an enriching experience both culturally and scenically. The entire route is long, but offers stages that can be adapted to different levels.
The route covers about 1,500 km from Burgos to Valencia.passing through the lands of Soria, Guadalajara and Teruel. Along the way, you can visit castles, fortresses and villages with a rich medieval history. This route combines road sections with MTB trails, offering a variety of challenges and landscapes.
You can consult the entire route here
Tips for Summer Bike Routes
Planning your bike route well is essential, but in summer it is even more so. Be sure to carry a map or GPS, and know the points of interest and refreshment points along the route, a good hydration is key to enjoy the experience.Drink water and cool down often. Take breaks more often or even consider carrying an extra water bottle, check the weather conditions before setting off and avoid the hottest hours. Don't forget that a bike ride is also an opportunity to enjoy your surroundings. Take your time to appreciate the nature and the villages you pass through.
Puncture protection
In the summer, consider increasing your protection against punctures, since heat can cause roads to dry out and become drier and more arid and filled with stones, increasing the risk of punctures. It is essential to take extreme care against punctures. If it's already a chore to get a puncture on a road during the year, imagine doing it in the middle of a hot area with no shade nearby.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PUNCTURE AND FORGET ABOUT WORRIES
If you only want to focus on enjoying the scenery and your bike during your summer tourProtect yourself against punctures with Tannus. For bikes with inner tubes, Tannus Amour protects you against 90% of the most common mountain bike punctures, in addition to protecting your rim. The tires Tannus TiresThe 100% solid tires are puncture-proof, they are impossible to puncture because they have no air, and are the best solution for road bikes, since you will only have to worry about enjoying yourself. If you use Tubeless system, Tannus Tubeless offers 3 inserts with different levels of puncture and rim protection to suit any rider and discipline.
Many athletes rely on Tannus in top level competitions in extremely hot conditions, such as Tessa Kortekaas, winner of the last Titan Dessert Morocco or Fran Herrero, also a participant of the toughest competition in the world, the best cyclists in the world recommend it! You can get them in our web.