Getting Ahead for 2026

Don't wait until spring to find your form! The secret to getting a jump on your 2026 preparation and adventures lies in the mild winter climate of Southern Europe.

Picking the right destination for a cycling holiday can feel daunting—not because of a lack of choice, but because there are so many fabulous places to ride! But stop worrying about which tour operator has the "best" deal; the real decision is about aligning the destination with your December to March training goals.

For this guide, we've kept the scope narrow and the message simple, focusing only on the European hot spots that offer the most reliable conditions for road cycling in relatively dry and mild weather. It's time to swap the turbo trainer for sunshine and quiet, open roads!

Climbing above Calpe

Costa Blanca - Altea, Calpe and Denia

The top winter destination for cyclists. There is no one factor that makes it a standout. Moreover, it is the combination of varied routes, quiet roads, an abundance of hotels and flights into Alicante and Valencia that make it such a good option. Furthermore, the support for cycling tourism continues to flourish meaning you are never far from a good cafe stop or mechanic. With a range of different climbs, it is easy to understand why so many professional cyclists train in the region.

• Accommodation - There are options from cheap and cheerful self catering to top quality 4* hotels where you brush shoulders with the pro teams. Calpe is probably the most popular location, but you always have a significant climb at the beginning of your ride. Whilst many teams now favour Denia with a slightly quietr vibe and flatter start to the day!

  
  

• Flights - Whilst not as plentiful is in the Summer when Benidorm is in full swing, Alicante is well served by most short haul airlines and you can also find flights into Valencia at a reasonable price.

Canary Islands - Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote: 

A top destination year-round. It offers volcanic landscapes, excellent road surfaces, and consistent warm weather. You can choose between flat coastal rides and challenging climbs, like Mount Teide on Tenerife

• Accommodation - the late winter/early Spring is a very popular time of year to visit the islands so options are plentiful, though prices can vary.

• Flights - Flight options are numerous, but are significantly more expensive than the other options listed here

Mallorca, Balearic Islands  

Famous for its well-maintained roads and a strong cycling culture. While slightly cooler than the Canary Islands, it still can be a great location from February onwards. We favour staying away from some of the mountain roads as they can be very slippery on their north face.

The famous Formentor Lighthouse

• Accommodation - Many places are closed until early March, but there are still some good options in Alcudia and nearer Palma - often at very good prices.

• Flights - Flight options are not as numerous as from April onwards, but Palma is still well served from most major UK airports

  
  

The Algarve, Portugal

The weather is relatively dry and mild, making it an excellent location for endurance base miles and a good dose of Winter season. The terrain lends itself well to longer miles and the roads are super quiet

• Accommodation - Accommodation options continue to be plentiful particularly in the major tourist regions which are popular with those seeking winter sun and other sports such as Golf or Tennis

• Flights - Flight options are not as numerous as from April onwards, but Faro is still well served from most major UK airports

Cyprus

Whilst it is a little farther afield, Cyprus offers a mix of stunning routes. It generally has warm, sunny winters, especially in the coastal areas like Paphos. The terrain is perfectly suited to rolling winter miles with the option of some larger mountain climbs should you wish!

• Accommodation - the late winter/early Spring is a very popular time of year to visit Cyprus so options are plentiful, we really enjoy Paphos as a town and there are some excellent hotels along the cliff top which support cyclists and multi sport athletes really well.

• Flights - Flight options are numerous, but aside from the Canary Islands they are significantly more expensive than the other options listed here

Choosing a destination in this December to March window is less about finding a place to ride, and more about finding the right place for your specific 2026 goals. Whether you need guaranteed altitude training (Tenerife) or maximum base-mile value (Algarve), these five European hotspots offer the perfect escape to get ahead of the game. Now, the only difficult decision is which one to book first!

As ever, please contact swoodward@sportagroup.com if you are looking for a Winter or early Spring escape