We love cycling in spring and early March to late May is the best time of year to cycle in some of our favorite destinations around the world. In fact, if you wait too long, in many places you risk missing your opportunity for a cycling getaway until fall arrives. But it’s not just about the climate of your chosen holiday destination: there’s something special about going on a cycling holiday in spring while it’s still cold in the air at home and to return to the promise of sunnier days to come. Plus, having an exciting trip to look forward to is great motivation to get through the winter!
If you’re worried about your fitness after winter, don’t be! You can choose a slightly easier route and use your spring cycling vacation to get in shape for the summer months to come. You can also opt for an electric bike.
Here are our best tips for choosing cycling destinations in spring:
The best cycling holidays in March
Latin America
If you know the story of Skedaddle and how it started, you’ll know that Chile holds a special place in our hearts. Since our first trip 28 years ago, we’ve been running cycling holidays across South and Central America, from Chile and Argentina to Colombia, Costa Rica and Cuba. In Chile, in March, the seasons change from summer to fall. The strong Patagonian winds subside and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red. Popular tourist destinations in Chile can become crowded during peak season, but in March things calm down and we can relax and enjoy peaceful trails. Whether you’re looking to explore off the beaten path on one of our cycling adventures or take an epic road bike tour, you’ll be blown away by the beauty and vibrant cultures of these diverse Latin American destinations.
SEE ALL OUR BIKE HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AMERICA
Morocco
Morocco is another wonderful destination to visit in March. Daytime temperatures start to rise to 20-25°C, and if you go at this time of year you will avoid the peak tourist season, which begins in April. A few light clearings bring the arid landscapes to life while meadows of wild flowers bloom between the argan trees; a beautiful sight to see during a spring cycling holiday.
SEE ALL OUR BIKE HOLIDAYS IN MOROCCO
The best cycling holidays in April
Andalusia
Just across the Strait of Gibraltar is Andalusia, the home of our Skedaddle Espana team. The weeks of late March and throughout April are perfect for cycling here before temperatures get too hot and hordes of tourists descend on the popular coastal areas. The traditional white villages (white villages) look stunning against a colorful backdrop of spring flowers and it is a wonderful time of year to enjoy a leisurely spring stroll between the beautiful cities of Granada and Seville.
The high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are slightly cooler and this wild adventure terrain is a mountain biker’s dream. Road cycling enthusiasts will love exploring the sublime traffic-free roads of the Sierra Nevada and tackling the classic climbs of the Vuelta. The roads around Ronda are another road cycling paradise, and if you like a gravel adventure, the badlands are perfect to explore.
SEE ALL OUR BIKE HOLIDAYS IN ANDALUSIA
France and Austria
If you’re looking for a relaxing spring cycling holiday, April is the perfect time to visit Austria, where you can explore popular routes like the Danube without the summer crowds. France is also beautiful at this time of year and you can go on a gentle stroll to explore the vineyards of Champagne, the castles of the Loire or the waterways of Provence.
East Asia
If you like the idea of heading to a far-flung destination, then April is one of the best times to visit East Asia. Japan is full of colorful spring flowers. Temperatures in South Korea are ideal for exploring the country’s extensive cycling network and it’s the perfect time of year to visit China’s spectacular Guangxi region.
Eswatini
Alternatively, you can head south of the equator at this time of year to experience a magical cycling safari in the Kingdom of Eswatini in South Africa. From April onwards, temperatures start to cool down to a pleasant 25-27°C, ideal for relaxed cycling and wildlife spotting.
The best cycling holidays in May
Sardinia
The magical island of Sardinia has been home to our Italia team for over 20 years. Sardinia can get very hot during the summer months, but spring and autumn offer ideal weather for cycling. In spring, the hills are lush and green, contrasting beautifully with the white sand beaches and cool turquoise sea of this Mediterranean paradise. Find your ideal May cycling holiday in Sardinia, whether it’s cycling the dreamy coastal road, traversing the island’s rugged landscapes on an electric mountain bike, discovering some of the best trails on gravel from Italy or to taste some of the wonderful flavors of Sardinia at the same time. enjoy a relaxing ride.
SEE ALL OUR CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN SARDINIA
Tuscany
Tuscany is another Italian cycling paradise with something for everyone, whether it’s a classic Tuscan road cycling experience, a gravel ride of the Strade Bianche, mountain biking adventures or something more peaceful. The pristine hills of Tuscany are a stunning green at this time of year and you can take part in the local spring celebrations at one of the many flower festivals.
SEE ALL OUR BIKE HOLIDAYS IN TUSCANY
Portugal
Portugal is another wonderful spring cycling destination with a huge stretch of coastline to enjoy as you ride. Fewer tourists mean you won’t have to struggle for space at cultural sites such as Pena Palace in Sintra and the Algarve. The Douro Valley fills with the intoxicating scent of orange blossom and almond blossom and you can soak up the warm spring sun while enjoying our bike ride through the hills, tasting the local cuisine, the wine and port along the way.
SEE ALL OUR BIKE HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL
United Kingdom
Finally, we can’t celebrate the joys of a spring cycle ride without highlighting our favorite cycling destinations in the UK. Head north into the Scottish wilderness and you can really make the most of long days on your bike while enjoying a spectacular display of wildflowers and avoiding pesky midge season! Many of our popular cycle routes in Northumberland, Wales, Yorkshire and the Lake District are ideal to explore during the quieter months of May and June.
VIEW ALL OUR UK BIKE HOLIDAYS
Embark on a cycling vacation this spring
Whatever the time of year, we offer a multitude of cycling tours, developed and led by our team of passionate experts. Hit the button below to view our full collection.
SPRING CYCLING HOLIDAYS