May, not Mallorca
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
May is a very popular time to travel with your bike. In this article we explore where you can travel in May and how much it might cost. Traditionally, the end of April and first few weeks of May has been seen many cycling groups de-camp to Mallorca. With an increasing amount of negative press and stressful traveller experiences associated with Mallorca at this peak season, we are very interested and invested in alternative options. Our mission is always to maximise the enjoyment and reduce the stress associated with booking and being part of a cycling holiday
To set the scene, the prices mentioned are for groups of 10 or more people who are including flights in their package and staying for 4 nights on a half board package in a 4* hotel. Ground packages would clearly be cheaper, but that price can give a false impression.
Costa Blanca
Where - Calpe, Javea, Denia and Oliva
Airports - Alicante or Valencia
The cycling - May is much quieter than the busy February window, but the roads are still glorious and the climbs testing, but never gruelling. The temperature is often in the mid to high 20s which means you have to stay well hydrated on the bike, but the sea is a little warmer for your post ride dip.
Price - £925pp
Tuscany
Where? San Gimignano, Lucca, Montalcino
Airports - Pisa and Florence
The Cycling - Empty rural back roads, cool alpine breezes cascading off the Apennines, perfect mid-20°C weather, and vibrant green vineyard vistas - we think this sounds OK. You could also throw in Iconic strade bianche (white gravel) routing, rolling cypress-lined ridges, and testing medieval hilltop town finishes. Oh and if you get lucky you might even see the Giro?
Price - £975pp - £1050pp
The Algarve
Where - Albufeira, Loule or LAgos
Airports - Faro
The cycling - We think this region is the 'next big thing' as it has so many elements that have made Mallorca and the Costa Blanca so popular. Excellent roads and options for flat or hilly routes make this great fun for Rouleurs and Grimpeurs alike. The climb to Foia is a beauty and the town of Loule is a cycling hub waiting to launch.
Price - £895pp - £950 pp
Girona and the Costa Brava
Where - Girona, Banyoles or Tossa de MAr
Airports - Barcelona or Girona
The cycling - The home for many of the pro peloton, a mecca for gravel riders and a beautiful city awash with cool cycling cafe's and shops. The climbs of Els Angels and Rocacorba are iconic and the coastal loop via San Grau is a must do.
Price - £845pp (Tossa de Mar) - £1125 pp (Girona itself)
The Costa Tropical
Where - Nerja, Almunecar and Granada
Airports - Malaga
The cycling - During May, many Tour de France contenders head to altitude camps in the Sierra Nevada. However, just below that is the wonderful Costa Tropical. The coastal road is stunning and lumpy, whilst inland you have some wonderful climbs including the 34km 'Old Goat Path' rising up to 1200m from sea level at Almunecar. We found the riding here to be tremendous fun!
Price - £895pp staying in Almunecar
Cote d'Azur
Where - Nice, Menton and Monaco
Airports - Nice
The cycling - Nice and Monaco are the home to as many pro bike riders as Girona. The cynic in me thinks this is for tax reasons in Monaco, but I am also sure this is because of the amazing roads in the vicinity - you could choose to test your on the Madone, charge up the Col de Eze or head down the coast to San Remo. So much iconic bike riding all in one place and a chance to see Pogacar if you are lucky!!
Price - £895pp staying in Menton
Emilio Romagna
Where - Rimini, Riccione & Cesenatico
Airports - Bologna
The cycling - Home to the actual Nove Colli cycling festival—the roads come alive for bikes, traffic is minimal, and the Adriatic is perfectly refreshing. Epic, punchy Apennine foothills, historic fortress climbs like San Leo, and the legendary, rolling Nove Colli route terrain. This coastline is perfect for varied groups and those who love a bit of Italian cycling history!! You can even pop to San Marino for a bit more adventure and ticking off another country
Price - £855pp staying in near Rimini
To conclude - May is a brilliant month to travel with your bike and there are so many amazing places to cycle. Why limit yourself to the same old place ;)
Happy Cycling,
Sam
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