Where would you go ?

[YMFB]

Next spring, probably April Im considering a week away somewhere warmer for a weeks cycling. Based in a suitable hotel and ideally with none cyclist places to see and walk For my wife. Majorca seems very popular, but is it the best or do you know better?

 

[PaulSB]

I can't offer a particular suggestion other than that you consider this very carefully. I understand Mallorca is generally rammed with cyclists and local people see this as a problem.

The thought of a week sharing roads with thousands of other riders turns me off - completely. I'm sure it's a great place to visit but its huge popularity would deter me. I wouldn't go.

I've had many wonderful rides in France. These have either been solo touring or while on a family holiday. I've never selected an area to match your criteria for your wife.

 

[Animo]

Andalusia.

Ronda area is fantastic if you don't mind being inland.

This September we're going to Torre del Mar which is on the coast East of Malaga.

 

[T4tomo]

I can't offer a particular suggestion other than that you consider this very carefully. I understand Mallorca is generally rammed with cyclists and local people see this as a problem.

The thought of a week sharing roads with thousands of other riders turns me off - completely. I'm sure it's a great place to visit but its huge popularity would deter me. I wouldn't go.

I've had many wonderful rides in France. These have either been solo touring or while on a family holiday. I've never selected an area to match your criteria for your wife.

Errr there won't be thousands of other riders in Mallorca in April, it's popular, but not overrun. The locals vs tourists issues have been in high summer in Palma when the cruise ships come in.
I would say it can be very wet in April in Mallorca.

Andalusia is a very good shout, as Mallorca mainly has beaches as its attractions, which in April is less of an appeal.

 

[ianrauk]

Andalusia.

Ronda area is fantastic if you don't mind being inland.

This September we're going to Torre del Mar which is on the coast East of Malaga.

Agree 100%
Anywhere in the greater Malaga area. Granada, Jerez, Cadiz, the Sierra Nevadas. Stunningly beautiful places for both cycling and a holiday.

 

[YMFB]

thanks For the ideas, I will spend time looking at these.

We have ridden the motorcycle in a lot of both France Spain, including a month when I caught Covid in September 2021. It doesn’t have to be a beach location but near the sea would be great. One of the attractions of Majorca is neither of us have been there.

We don’t mind driving either and are less than an hour from Portsmouth and less than three from Plymouth so ferry is a definite option.

Friends have stayed here which is some distance from Palma and ticks many boxes, but we like quiet evenings and I’m not sure it will be.

 

[Animo]

Another good option is Calpe for the Costa Blanca region. Hotel Gran Sol, get a sea view room. Baguet Bicycle Centre for your bike hire.

 

[figbat]

How about the Canary Islands? Warm but can be windy. Some good cycling both on and off road.

Or Menorca? Next door to Mallorca but generally quieter.

 

[Dave7]

I had a great weeks cycling in Majorca. We chose Pollenca which was excellent. Hills if you wanted but I'm not keen on lumpy rides and there were plenty of other choices. We just averaged maybe 30-45 miles each day to enjoy the scenery.
It was October, perfect weather and not many cyclists.

 

[markharry66]

Down to Margate jolly boys outing

 

[Emanresu]

Aosta Valley (fly into Turin). Has all the advantages of Switzerland and hill climbing without the cost. This is the Grand St Bernard Pass at 8114 ft. Some very fit locals.

 

[T4tomo]

Aosta Valley (fly into Turin). Has all the advantages of Switzerland and hill climbing without the cost. This is the Grand St Bernard Pass at 8114 ft. Some very fit locals.

View attachment 772329

That's a good shout, been there in the winter and skied beside that road. Aosta town is very nice, Roman ruins etc and Aosta wine is excellent.

Quite tempting for a cycling break

 

[wiggydiggy]

Cyprus

I read a holiday report recently of someone that went, they stayed in the South and did rides around the Larnaca/Limmasol/Paphos districts. I've visited twice myself in October (which I believe is similar to April for weather) and its lovely. Paphos town could be a good base.

 

[Dorset Boy]

Aosta Valley (fly into Turin). Has all the advantages of Switzerland and hill climbing without the cost. This is the Grand St Bernard Pass at 8114 ft. Some very fit locals.

View attachment 772329

Not a good choice for April though. Lots of passes won't be open and the weather still iffy. The western Alps had a huge dump of snow on 17th April this year, a metre at resort level in many places, and 1.5 -2 m at altitude. You don't hit the high Alps before very late May / early June.