Europe is probably one of the most ideal places for taking a cycling tour. With a wide variety of terrains and landscapes, as well as cultures, languages and lifestyles, the European continent has all of the ingredients necessary for making an unforgettable cycling vacation. The continent’s rich history is evident in many impressive and beautiful monuments found everywhere from in the cosmopolitan cities to the sleepy villages. With a well-developed road and rail network it’s easy to get around yet there are still many quiet country roads with little traffic, perfect for cycling. Each region retains strong culinary and wine making traditions meaning cyclists have a medley of new foods to try and wines to taste at every stop.
After travelling around Europe by bike for many years we decided to focus our tours on two hidden cycling gems: Spain and Portugal, many times forgotten in lieu of France and Italy and other more well-known destinations.
By focusing our cycling tours on Spain and Portugal – two countries that we know like the palm of our hand — you know you’ll be well taken care of. We are experts on the best roads to take, the best things to do or to see and perhaps most importantly, the most delicious restaurants to try that may not appear in your guide book.
As a boutique cycling tour operator specializing in just Spain and Portugal, we have an intimate knowledge of the area and know what makes for an exceptional bike tour here, unlike large companies that often operate many tours around the world. When we founded our company we promised never to become a mega operator since we want your cycling trip to be a very personal inspiring experience.
The beauty of cycling in Spain
Red polka-dotted flamenco dresses and charging bulls are only a couple of the images that may come to mind when the cyclist or hiker thinks of Spain. Set on the Iberian Peninsula with borders adjoining France and Portugal as well as the Atlantic to the north and the Mediterranean to the south and east, Spain offers the active traveller a spectacular array of landscapes and regions to explore.
Terracotta Journeys tours introduce cyclists and hikers to both the iconic attractions of Spain such as the ancient mosque of Cordoba, or the Roman ruins of Mérida as well as the ephemeral attractions such as the scent of the almond trees in Andalusia, the taste of a juicy ripe tomato with olive oil, or the wonderful tradition of families gathering in the town square on balmy Spanish evening. Terracotta Journeys leads cyclists and hikers along routes carefully selected for their breath-taking scenery as well as historical significance. Cyclists and hikers may ride or walk over the same rolling hills of olive orchards as Don Quixote, the verdant local mountain ranges of southern Spain with views of the snow-topped peaks behind Granada or explore the lush green valleys and dales that pilgrims enjoy ever year on their mystical route to the spiritual site of Santiago de Compostela.
Cyclists in Andalusia, Spain
On every cycling or hiking tour, Terracotta Journeys leads cyclists and hikers on a culinary voyage as well: the chance to savor local culinary delights ranging from the local cheeses and handmade desserts to tapas and regional cooking, since we feel this is a fundamental part of the traveler’s experience in Spain. After every day of cycling or hiking crafted to perfectly balance nature and culture, the active traveler will sleep soundly in historical hotels, feeling truly satisfied knowing that they have seen and tasted the best Spain has to offer.
Reserve a Terracotta Journeys bike tour in Spain now!
Visit Spain on one of this Terracotta Journeys tours:
