Barcelona to Gibraltar

We have wanted to put together a ride in Spain for some time but where to go? Spain is a big country and much of the interior is inhospitable for cycling!

The Mediterranean Sea spreads its calm waters over 1000 miles of Spanish coast, from Tarifa, the southernmost European point in the province of Cádiz, to the rocky cliffs of Cabo de Creus, on the border between France and Spain in northern Catalunya. This vast distance allows for a wide variety of landscapes, towns and cultures that are a far cry from the general perception of the Mediterranean as a Costa del Sol-style tourist trap.

Our ride takes in virtually the whole length, starting in magnificent Barcelona (a MUST SEE city!) and ending back on ‘British’ soil on the Rock of Gibraltar.

We will spend our first night at a hotel close to Barcelona airport before heading to the sea where we will spend much of the coming two weeks. Naturally we will pass through many holiday resorts but also areas of wild natural beauty. This is not an ultra-quiet ‘back roads’ tour, but in resort towns there is often a beach-front esplanade or cycle path to ease the miles!

For our last two days we turn inland and there is some hilly riding as we skirt Malaga, Marbella and the other southern ‘Costas’ before arriving on the iconic Rock of Gibraltar where we spend our last night before flying home.

Average daily mileages are 60-65 and this trip is suitable for all regular cyclists.

Highlights

• A sensational ride down the Spanish Mediterranean coast
• Some mountains thrown in for good measure
• Iconic finish on the ‘Rock’