Bicycle Holidays In Spain For 2009

In the past a week or two in Spain or her islands has meant beaches, clubs and bars, biut as holidaymakers become more environmentally aware and wanting more from their holidays, cycling is becoming more popular as a way to see a different part of the country.

Spain and the Balearic Islands are two of the most popular cycling vacation destinations in all of Europe. For tourists who do not wish to travel with their bicycles, rentals are readily available throughout Spain and the islands.

Cycling vacations aren't new - they are simply rising in popularity. Some cities and small towns throughout Spain offer guided cycling tours from companies that have been in the tourist business for some time and have noticed the increasing trend towards cycling while on holiday by tourists.

Guided tours often include a luggage service that delivers your personal belongings to your next area of interest for those who want more than a morning or afternoon of cycling, and want to go a grand tour with hotel stops en-route.

Alternatively, independent cycling holidays are available for those who wish to tour Spain completely at their leisure and can research routes beforehand.

Cycling offers much more freedom than traditional holidays. Unlike most other forms of travel, cycling is based on a holidaymaker's whim. Cycling vacations can be from hotel to hotel or village to village. Many villages in remote places are nearly untouched by tourism. Cycling provides an up-close view of the true way of life in these villages. Rolling vineyards, sun-kissed villages and poppy fields are just a few of the visually appealing sights awaiting cyclists.

MP3 Guided Tours

One great tour option available for DIY cycling tourists is the MP3 guided tour. Instructional digital audio is provided, along with maps of the area and its marked trails. Cyclists are free to roam at their own pace while following pre-recorded directions from a trained guide. MP3 guided tours are not recommended for beginning cycling tourists.

A Thousand Miles of Cycle Routes

Spain offers cyclists nearly a thousand miles of cycling routes - small by comparisom with some countries, but on the increase. Routes are being expanded each year to accommodate even more cyclists.

The routes include an array of difficulty levels, but most are flat, very clearly marked and beautifully groomed. Many routes have been created to cover old railway tracks. These unused railway tracks were built flat and stretch many miles across Spain, making them perfect for cycling trails. Mountain trails are also available for the more experienced cycling tourist.

Family cycling vacations are available in nearly every city, town and village in Spain. Popular routes include historical sites, gothic cathedrals, coastal scenery, poppy fields and riverside trails. Careful route planning and support are available from a variety of locally owned cycle touring companies. Some tours include a back-up vehicle stocked with supplies and emergency equipment, including first aid kits.

Cycling Holidays on Menorca and Majorca

The Balearic Islands offer a unique experience for family cycling holidays. Residents of the islands are accustomed to tourists, especially in areas surrounding the highly popular resorts. Inland areas of the islands offer a much different view of the island lifestyle. Open air markets and family owned restaurants await weary travelers in the smaller less touristy villages. Cyclists often enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine and locally made wines after a long day on the trail. The Balearic Islands are relatively small, making them great cycling destinations for families or for a first cycling vacation.

Professional Cyclists Train in Spain

During the off-season, professional cyclists can often be found on the trails in Spain or the Balearic Islands. Most locations in Spain and the Balearics offer more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making them perfect for year round training. Cycling trails in Spain and the Balearic Islands provide many miles of scenic landscapes for professionals looking for a change in scenery.

And training in Majorca certainly paid off for the British Olympics cycling team, who came away from Bejing this summer with more gold medals than any other country.

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