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Ride Through Spain’s Hidden Landscapes

Cycling holiday Madrid-Valencia, 10 days

Besides the two vibrant cities of Madrid and Valencia, you mainly cycle through a region that has barely been discovered by mass tourism. Authentic Spain reveals unspoiled villages where time seems to stand still, and where the clattering storks on the medieval church tower are the only ones breaking the silence. This is another side of Spain. Pure, natural, authentic, and above all, very welcoming. » read more about Cycling holiday Madrid-Valencia, 10 days

Madrid, Cuenca, Tragacete, Teruel, Segorbe and Valencia
Beautiful nature with pine forests, grain fields, and orchards
Albarracín, the most beautiful village

GPS APP E-bike Zwaarte zwaarte_3

Cycling holiday
Round Trip
10 days
Individual

from 1340 p.p.
excl. additional costs

Prices and dates

from 1340 p.p.
excl. additional costs

Prices and dates

Spain at its best

Between Madrid and Valencia, you’ll find the Spain where the squares are still quiet. Where the afternoon drifts by slowly, and where the heavy bell of a medieval church tower rings out with excitement as you cycle onto the central square. As if it’s calling: liven things up! A local looks up from his café solo, takes a sip, and dozes off again. For a moment, a pair of storks clatter on the church tower, then the siesta settles back into its natural rhythm: slow and relaxed. This is what a 10-day journey through authentic Spain is all about.

Most beautiful village

Start in cosmopolitan Madrid, perhaps with a visit to the elegant Parque del Buen Retiro. Then you cycle along quiet roads through a rolling landscape, heading toward tranquil villages and authentic towns with names like Tragacete, Cuenca (with its famous hanging houses), and Albarracín, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. This last, peaceful village is so charming that it’s hard to get back on your bike. Alright then—onward to Teruel.

Albarracin

Untouched nature

For centuries, these villages and towns have withstood the emptiness of the surrounding landscape. Some have been remarkably well preserved, others slightly worn by time. But that, too, is part of the charm of this journey. On day 4, for example, you’ll be cycling almost entirely off the beaten track, with just one small village after the first climb and nothing but untouched nature beyond. There’s a good chance you’ll encounter wildlife along the way, such as deer or mouflon, while griffon vultures and eagles soar overhead. You won’t experience anything like this on the Spanish costas, but you will here. Thankfully.

Hanging houses

As you get older, gravity starts to win. Well, at least sometimes it does. And you do everything you can to prevent it. After all, it’s hardly the ideal of beauty—at least when it comes to people. But when it comes to centuries-old buildings, it’s the exact opposite: the older, the more beautiful. Then it’s more like: what a beauty—just leave it as it is. In medieval Cuenca, they know all about that. The walled town is famous for its dizzying Casas Colgadas (hanging houses), best viewed from the Puente de San Pablo. The houses cling so dramatically to the cliff face—right above the gorge—that they, along with the rest of the ancient old town, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Turns out, time can be kind after all…

Hanging Houses of Cuenca

A true gem

Albarracín is a real gem—one of the Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España, the most beautiful villages in Spain. Nestled in a gorge, with the Guadalaviar River winding its way through it, the village clings to a steep hillside. Its pinkish-red houses are reminiscent of southern Italy. Narrow streets and alleyways inevitably lead you to yet another staircase, going up or down. You can push your bike, or leave it at the bottom of the hill. At the highest point, you can still see the walls of the old fortress, once protecting the town. That’s no longer necessary. If you’re lucky, you’ll wander the streets alone, as if the whole village were asleep.

Star Trek in Valencia

Ever heard of Santiago Calatrava? Mention his name in Valencia and almost everyone will roll their eyes, or give you a look of even greater awe than they would for the Spanish royal family. Santiago is, after all, the uncrowned king of architecture and Valencia’s local hero. The architect designed the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, the City of Arts and Sciences. Tip: cycle through the ultra-modern Turia park (once a river); it feels like you’ve stepped onto a Star Trek set. A must-stop: a selfie by the giant “Valencia” letters.

Valencia

When are you going to take this trip?

Cycling holiday Madrid-Valencia, 10 days

Prices and dates

Routes

During this journey, you’ll cycle along Vías Verdes (former railway tracks), quiet national roads, and occasionally unpaved paths. In cities such as Valencia, there are often cycle lanes; otherwise, you simply ride on the road. Both in cities and beyond, Spanish drivers generally take cyclists into consideration. In more remote areas, you may encounter wildlife crossing the road or even herds of animals.