We love cycling in Spring and early March through to the end of May is the best time of year to cycle in some of our favourite destinations around the world. In fact, leave it too long and in many places you’ve missed your window of opportunity for a cycling escape until the autumn comes around. It’s not just about the climate of your chosen holiday destination though – there’s something special about heading off on a spring cycling holiday when there’s still a chill in the air back home, returning to the promise of sunnier days ahead. Plus, having an exciting trip to look forward to is a great motivator to see you through winter!
If you’re worried about your fitness levels after the winter, don’t be! You could choose a slightly easier-paced tour and use your spring cycling holiday as a way to get into shape for the summer months ahead. You could also opt for an e-bike.
Here are our top tips for choosing spring cycling destinations:
Top cycling holidays in March
Latin America
If you’re familiar with the story of Skedaddle and how it began, then 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 America and Central America, from Chile and Argentina to Colombia, Costa Rica and Cuba. March is when the seasons shift from from summer to autumn in Chile. The strong Patagonian winds ease up and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red. Popular tourist destinations in Chile can become crowded during the high season but in March, things quieten down and we can relax and enjoy peaceful trails. Whether you’re looking to explore off the beaten track on one of our cycling adventures or join an epic road cycling tour, you’ll be blown away by the beauty and vibrant cultures of these diverse destinations in Latin America.
SEE ALL OF OUR CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH AMERICA
Morocco
Morocco is another wonderful destination to visit in March. Daytime temperatures begin to warm up to 20-25C, and if you head out at this time of year, you’ll avoid the crowded peak tourist season, which begins in April. A few spells of light rainfall bring the arid landscapes to life as wildflower meadows bloom between the argan trees; a beautiful sight to behold on a spring biking holiday.
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Top cycling holidays in April
Andalucia
Just across the Strait of Gibraltar lies Andalucia, the home of our Skedaddle Espana team. The weeks from the end of March and throughout April are perfect for cycling here before the temperatures become too hot and the hordes of tourists descend to the popular coastal areas. The traditional pueblos blancos (white villages) look beautiful against a colourful backdrop of spring flowers and it’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy a leisurely spring ride between the beautiful cities of Granada and Seville.
The high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are slightly cooler, and this wild adventure playground is a dream for mountain bikers. Road cycling enthusiasts will love exploring the sublime traffic-free roads of the Sierra Nevada and ticking off classic climbs of the Vuelta. The roads around Ronda are another road cycling paradise, and if you enjoy a gravel adventure, the ‘badlands’ are beckoning to be explored.
SEE ALL OF OUR CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN ANDALUCIA
France and Austria
If you’re searching for a relaxing spring cycling holiday, then April is a great time to visit Austria – where you can explore popular routes like the Danube without the crowds of summer. France is also beautiful at this time of year and you can go on a gentle ride exploring the vineyards of Champagne, the Chateaux of the Loire Valley or the waterways of Provence.
East Asia
If you love the idea of heading off to a far-flung destination, then April is one of the best times to visit East Asia. Japan is awash with colourful spring blooms. Temperatures in South Korea are perfect for exploring the country’s extensive cycling network and it is the ideal time of year to visit the spectacular Guangxi region of China.
Eswatini
Alternatively, you could head south of the equator at this time of year to experience a magical cycling safari in Kingdom of Eswatini in South Africa. From April, temperatures begin to cool down to a pleasant 25-27C, perfect for some relaxed cycling and wildlife spotting.
Top cycling holidays in May
Sardinia
The magical island of Sardinia has been home to our Italia team for more than 20 years. Sardinia can become quite hot over the summer months, but spring and autumn bring the perfect weather for cycling. In spring, the hills are lush and green, contrasting beautifully with the white sandy beaches and cool turquoise seas of this Mediterranean paradise. Find your perfect cycling holiday for May in Sardinia, whether that’s dreamy coastal road cycling, traversing the island’s rugged landscapes on an e-mountain bike, discovering some of the best gravel riding in Italy, or sampling some of the wonderful flavours of Sardinia as you enjoy a relaxing ride.
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Tuscany
Tuscany is another Italian cycling paradise with something for everyone, whether that’s a classic Tuscany road cycling experience, Strade Bianche gravel riding, mountain biking adventures or something more leisurely. Tuscany’s pristine rolling hills are a gorgeous green at this time of year and you can join in the local celebrations of spring at one of the numerous flower festivals.
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Portugal
Portugal is another wonderful spring cycling destination with a huge expanse of coastline to enjoy as you ride. Fewer tourists mean you won’t be jostling for space at cultural sights such as the Pena Palace in Sintra and in the Algarve. The Douro Valley fills with the intoxicating scent of orange and almond blossom and you can enjoy the warm spring sunshine as you enjoy our road cycling tour through the rolling hills, sample the local food, wine and port along the way.
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The UK
Lastly, we can’t celebrate the joys of a spring bike ride without highlighting our favourite UK cycling destinations. Head north into the wild Scottish landscapes and you can really make the most of the longer days on your bike whilst enjoying a spectacular show of wildflowers and avoiding the pesky midge season! Many of our popular cycling routes in Northumberland, Wales, Yorkshire and the Lake District are brilliant to explore in the quieter months of May and June.
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Embark on a cycling holiday this spring
Whatever the time of year, we have a variety of cycling tours to choose from, put together and led by our team of passionate experts. Hit the button below to see our full collection.