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Top 10 destinations for winter cycling trips

As winter sets in, the days get shorter and the temperatures drop: it can be very tempting to take a trip where the climate is more favorable for cycling! Whether you're looking for a simple sunny trip in the middle of winter, or a real training camp to prepare for the season, some destinations have the perfect assets for a successful getaway.

Here we present our selection of 10 destinations for a winter cycling trip, some of which are among the most popular with professional and amateur cyclists alike, while others will take you off the beaten track for an unexpected experience!

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is THE off-season destination for cyclists. In December, January and February, Mallorca dons its soft mantle of mild temperatures (around 20 degrees on average): this exceptional climate makes it a prime cycling destination for those looking to prepare their season or take a sunny break. The island is one of the most beautiful jewels in the Mediterranean, offering a natural setting of striking beauty.

From golden beaches to the craggy mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, every road you take reveals a new picture of nature. Here, history intertwines with modernity: Palma's old town transports you to a medieval world, while picturesque villages bear witness to the island's authentic charm. The mountain passes offer breathtaking panoramas, the ultimate reward for your efforts. The winding routes offer an ideal playground for cyclists, with challenges to match: the ascent of Sa Calobra is reputed to be the pre-season fitness test for every cyclist.

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Girona, Spain

Located on the Costa Brava not far from Barcelona, Girona has been THE cycling destination in recent years, and is enjoying exponential popularity as a winter cycling destination. As in Mallorca, you'll have a good chance of bumping into riders from the professional peloton: more and more World Tour cycling teams are also choosing Girona for their winter training camp. This can be seen in the streets of the old town, where a veritable cycling economy has taken root: there are countless cycling cafés, accommodations dedicated to cycling holidays, as well as workshops and small boutiques specializing in cycling fashion.

The Girona region offers a diverse natural setting. Quiet roads wind through green valleys and medieval villages of timeless charm. On the roads of the Costa Brava, you'll be amazed at every turn. Don't miss the ascent of Els Àngels, the Catalan equivalent of Sa Calobra in Majorca. The region lends itself to endless exploration, from picturesque landscapes to hidden treasures. The city of Girona itself is a jewel of history and architecture. The cobbled streets invite you to stroll along after your outing, and discover its well-kept secrets.

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Sicily, Italy

Sicily has always been a winter playground for Italian professional teams: like the Spanish destinations, Sicily's extremely mild, sunny winter climate is ideal for cycling. On this volcanic island, it's impossible to miss Mount Etna, which offers a multitude of cycling possibilities, from gravel courses in the volcanic rock to the mythical asphalt road that has welcomed riders to the Giro d'Italia on numerous occasions.

The town of Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, is an ideal starting point for accommodation, and for exploring the rest of the island, with its many majestic views over the Mediterranean. What's more, Sicily's roads are generally quieter and less busy than those of the rest of Italy, especially in winter, making them extremely pleasant to travel on.

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Nice, France

The Côte d'Azur is an object of dreams for countless people around the world, with its landscapes of mountains tumbling into crystal-clear blue waters. And cyclists are no exception! From Nice, you'll find a wealth of possibilities along the roads of the French Riviera, including the Col d'Èze, the annual rendezvous of the Paris-Nice race, but also more remote and challenging passes such as Turini or the Madone d'Utelle, offering incredible panoramic views over the Mediterranean.

The city of Nice has seen the emergence of a great cycling culture in recent years, thanks in particular to the presence of numerous professional racers domiciled in the region (often in Monaco). In addition to the many independent bike stores, cycling has become a very safe activity, with the magnificent cycle path linking the Port of Nice to the Port of Antibes and running along the Promenade des Anglais. Between French and Italian architectural marvels and natural treasures in the hinterland, Nice's mild, sunny winter climate won't slow you down in your cycling challenges!

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Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, a sunny region in southern Portugal, is a treasure trove for cycling enthusiasts. Its roads wind along towering cliffs, golden sandy beaches and picturesque villages. The Algarve offers the perfect mix of demanding cycling challenges for the more athletic (the main challenge being the Alto de Monchique, the flagship climb regularly featured in the Tour de l'Algarve), and quiet rides along the coast for families looking for a more relaxed trip.

The region's capital, Faro, is home to a historic old town surrounded by ramparts, while Albufeira, with its beaches, restaurants and lively bars, is a great place to relax. The port city of Lagos is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding sea caves, should you wish to combine your cycling trip with other explorations. Of course, Portuguese cuisine, rich in Mediterranean flavors, is a must. The mild winters of the Algarve, Europe's sunniest region, make it a perfect winter destination for cycling, with a perfect climate that allows you to make the most of every outing.

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Florida, USA

Florida is a popular winter destination for cyclists seeking warmth and diversity. The white-sand beaches of the West Coast, the Everglades and bustling cities like Miami offer an incredible variety of possible experiences on a cycling trip. With its warm, sunny climate at any time of year (even more pleasant in winter than in summer), it's the closest and most accessible destination from Quebec for a successful cycling trip.

Florida's cycling culture is quite vibrant, with many local cycling groups and clubs, particularly in Miami. The metropolis, as well as neighboring cities such as Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, are excellent starting points for venturing further inland with your bike. Florida's very flat terrain makes it an ideal winter cycling destination for families.

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California, USA

California is an American state that appeals to travelers of all passions, and even cyclists can find something to suit them! Indeed, with an impressive diversity of landscapes throughout the state, a climate ideal for year-round outdoor sports, and roads of impeccable quality, California is an incredible territory to explore by bike.

As San Francisco is in a cooler, windier region in winter, we'd advise you to head for Southern California and the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego to make the most of your stay on the Pacific coast. You can go on long excursions to national parks such as Mojave or Palomar Mountain.

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Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, nicknamed "the city of eternal spring", is an emerging destination for winter cyclists. The mountains that surround the city offer an ideal playground for climbing enthusiasts, while the eternally spring-like climate makes it a pleasure to ride all year round, and therefore during our winter months in Quebec.

Take the opportunity to explore the city of Medellin, with its picturesque streets and vibrant cultural atmosphere. The parks and public squares are ideal for meeting the locals and taking a pleasant break: in Colombia, don't miss the local coffee tastings! Medellin also hosts numerous cycling events, including mountain bike competitions and local road races. A sign that, as has been the case throughout Colombia in recent years, cycling culture (already very much in evidence since the end of the last century) is booming, much to the delight of enthusiasts lucky enough to visit this beautiful place.

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Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa isn't necessarily a destination you'd spontaneously think of for a cycling trip. However, the region around Cape Town has a real cycling culture, and is an excellent choice for a change from the more famous destinations! Obviously, the scenery in this part of the world is breathtaking: large wine estates, vast sandy beaches jutting out into the restless ocean, craggy peaks set right on the coastline... The most famous being Table Mountain and its national park, which is a great challenge to climb by bike.

The Cape region is a fairly affluent part of South Africa, with a quality infrastructure, and the challenges present in other parts of the country (security, communication) won't concern you during your trip to this superb place, the pearl of the rainbow nation. Similarly, don't panic about the wildlife you'll encounter on your way out of town: lions, hyenas and other wild animals typical of the country don't frequent the Cape region, with its temperate, humid oceanic climate that doesn't suit them. So there's no major danger to making the most of your cycling outings in this absolutely magical country!

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Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, capital of the Australian state of Queensland, is an ideal winter destination for cyclists seeking adventure on the other side of the world. The city's subtropical climate is particularly pleasant during our Quebec winter months, which are summer months in Australia.

Brisbane is Australia's cycling capital, with a wealth of well-maintained cycle paths, including the River Loop, which runs along the Brisbane River. You can also venture into the surrounding mountains for more strenuous challenges. Mount Coot-tha, for example, offers breathtaking views over the city and is a prime training climb. Brisbane's cycling culture is thriving, with many local cycling groups and events like the Brisbane Cycling Festival attracting two-wheeled enthusiasts from all over the world. All this makes the city, which will host the Olympic Games in 2032, an emerging sporting destination that's well worth a visit!