| July 04, 2026
When Is the Best Time of Year for a Cycling Tour in Spain?
One of the questions we’re asked most often is: “When is the best time to go on a cycling holiday in Spain?”
Many people are surprised by our answer. At Vamos Bike Tours, we offer tours during spring and autumn, specifically:
* April, May, Early June, September and October.
But why not summer? After all, Spain is famous for sunshine, beaches and long summer days.
The answer goes far beyond the temperature. Spain Is Much More Than a Summer Destination. For many travellers, Spain means July, August, hot weather and the Mediterranean. And while that image certainly exists, it represents only a small part of what makes Spain such an incredible country.
The real Spain is found in its quiet villages, winding country roads, vineyards, mountain landscapes, local festivals and authentic regional cuisine.
These are the experiences that make a cycling holiday unforgettable. And they’re often best enjoyed outside the busy summer season.
Yes, It Can Be Hot…
In regions such as La Rioja, summer temperatures can become very high. Cycling for several hours in 35°C (95°F) heat simply isn’t as enjoyable as riding through vineyards on a crisp spring morning or during the warm days of early autumn. Comfort matters. After all, this is your holiday.
…But Heat Isn’t the Main Reason
Many people assume we avoid summer because of the weather. That’s only part of the story. The real reason is traffic. During July and August, Spain experiences a huge amount of domestic tourism. Families travel across the country for their holidays, coastal regions become extremely busy and many roads carry far more vehicles than they do during the rest of the year. For us, that’s a compromise we’re simply not willing to make.
Our Philosophy: Quiet Roads First
At Vamos Bike Tours, one principle guides every route we create: Minimise traffic. Maximise enjoyment.
We spend countless hours designing routes that follow quiet country roads, scenic backroads and peaceful secondary roads wherever possible. We deliberately avoid busy highways and heavily trafficked routes. We don’t believe a cycling holiday should involve constantly looking over your shoulder, worrying about passing traffic or feeling stressed by cars. Cycling should be relaxing. It should allow you to admire the landscape, chat with your riding companions, stop for photos whenever you like and enjoy every kilometre in complete confidence. If a road becomes too busy during certain months of the year, we simply don’t use it. It’s as simple as that. We’d Rather Offer Fewer Dates Than a Worse Experience
Many tour companies operate throughout the entire summer. We choose not to.
Could we? Of course. But that’s not the experience we want our guests to have. We’d rather limit our season and offer exceptional rides than run tours on roads that no longer meet our standards for safety, comfort and enjoyment. For us, quality always comes before quantity.
Spring and Autumn Show Spain at Its Best
These months offer everything we’re looking for in a cycling holiday. Pleasant riding temperatures. Greener landscapes. Beautiful vineyards and countryside. Quieter roads. Relaxed villages. Authentic local life. And plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re riding through the vineyards of La Rioja, exploring hidden mountain roads or discovering charming medieval villages, these seasons reveal a side of Spain that many visitors never experience. Experience the Spain Most Visitors Miss
Anyone can visit Spain in the middle of summer. But if you want to discover the country’s hidden roads, authentic culture and spectacular landscapes from the saddle of a bicycle, spring and autumn are when Spain truly shines. That’s why we choose those months. Not because it’s easier for us. Because it’s better for you.
At Vamos Bike Tours, we believe your cycling holiday should be remembered for breathtaking scenery, peaceful roads and unforgettable experiences—not traffic jams and busy highways. And that’s exactly why we ride when Spain is at its very best.
