Where to tour in March? Help please...

[midliferider]

I have to take all my annual leave by the end of March. I have about 7 days left. I would like to do a week touring in Europe. In the last two years, I have toured in Majorca and Portugal. I want to go somewhere different this year.

I searched the forums here and found that some have done it in Lanzarote but it looks windy and hilly from their descriptions.

Puglia region in Italy seems a good choice but organised tours in Puglia starts in April. Therefore I assume that weather in March is not so great.

Your suggestions please....

 

[User269]

Costa Blanca. Jalon valley. Take me.

Or Mallorca again.

 

[jay clock]

Agreed that southern Italy looks marginal in March. Having booked there, we changed our booking from Italy to a week booked in march in Andalucia a few years ago and 2 days before leaving the forecast was 10 days of rain and 12 degrees. So we changed yet again and went to Galicia in June,

I have been to Lanzarote several times in March and always warm, often windy, but it is a road ride place not a touring destination. Only 100km long. off there 7-14th march 2015 for tri training

I would vote for Andalucia and cross fingers for weather. Almeria to Valencia is nice ride and the east coast is dryer. I have cycled there a few times and blogs are here www.crazyguyonabike.com/julian

 

[Mrs M]

We are going to Lanzarote in March.
Have been at this time of year before and it is windy but not a horrible blow you over wind, more a pleasant breeze, welcome with the temp in the 20's.
Saw lots of cyclists on our last visit, good roads but not much off road, found Portugal better for this.
Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[steveindenmark]

Sicily should be nice at that time of year. It's a lovely place.

 

[midliferider]

Sicily should be nice at that time of year. It's a lovely place.

Hi Steve, can I assume you have done it. When did you go? Any suggestions on routes?

 

[midliferider]

Costa Blanca. Jalon valley. Take me.

Or Mallorca again.

I did a Google search on Jalon Valley. It looks like it is more of a training place for serious cyclists who wants to get experience on hill climbing.
Have I got it wrong? Any suggestions of routes?

 

[User269]

I did a Google search on Jalon Valley. It looks like it is more of a training place for serious cyclists who wants to get experience on hill climbing.
Have I got it wrong? Any suggestions of routes?

Quiet roads, stunning scenery, and mountainous terrain. Suitable for any cyclist who favours those ingredients. Are you doing laden, 'moving on' touring, or fixed base? We've stayed in Alcalali, Castell de Castells, and Jalon, which all provide a pleasant base for a variety of rides, enough for at least 2 weeks worth of routes.

Consider Mallorca again if you've only previously ridden in the North of the island; the south, inland, is much more picturesque with a mixture of hilly and mountainous terrain to choose from. Travelling independently, or wanting an organised tour? For a fixed base, guided, fully supported week don't be put off by a so called training camp such as the Stephen Roche one. You won't be left behind no matter how slow, and there are different groups each day for different abilities.

 

[MarkF]

I agree with Jay Clock, Andalucia just about guarantees good weather, a Catalonia tour is worth considering for the cheaper/shorter flights to BCN.

 

[andym]

Puglia region in Italy seems a good choice but organised tours in Puglia starts in April. Therefore I assume that weather in March is not so great.

Your suggestions please....

It's a bit of a matter of luck. I have been in Puglia in April when it was actually colder than in London. But equally on a sunny and balmy New Year's Day - luck could be on your side.

You don't have to do an organised tour:

http://italy-cycling-guide.info/puglia/puglia-tour/

... but bear in mind that a lot of smaller hotels and B&Bs and camping sites may not be open until Easter. I'd definitely recommend using Booking.com to find accommodation.

Everywhere around the Mediterranean basin can be rainy over the winter. I've been in Andalucía in April when it's been rainy and they were still repairing roads that had been hit by landslides due to heavy winter rains. There is nowhere around the Mediterranean that will guarantee you good weather in winter.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Come out to Cyprus it's beautiful that time of year.
Blog in Sig link of what the rides are like here

 

[mcshroom]

I'm looking at heading West in March and planning a week's tour between Dublin and Belfast. March-April tends to be about the driest period of the year on this coast of the Irish Sea, so I'm hoping it's the same over there

 

[xilios]

For something totally different, have you thought about Crete?