Where to Ride in December: The Best Cycling Destinations in Europe

December is on of the quietest months on the cycling calendar. Up north, the roads are wet, the days barely start before they end, and most riders have swapped the road for the indoor trainer.

Yet a short flight south and you can continue riding in perfect conditions. You won't get the long, hot days of spring, but you get sunshine, dry roads, and the chance to start build some solid base in winter. 

Here are our top picks for where to ride in December, and how to choose the one that fits you.

Winter Cycling in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands sit off the coast of Africa, which makes them the most reliable place in Europe to ride in December. Each island has its own character, so it pays to pick the right one that fits your riding style. 

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the easiest island to ride. The climbs are short and gentle, the roads are smooth, and the landscape looks like nowhere else in Europe, with black lava fields and white villages.

The Timanfaya, La Santa and Famara route crosses the lava plains of the national park, then runs along the coast below the cliffs of Famara. The Famara climb itself is a long, gentle drag with the cliffs on one side and the Atlantic on the other.

The real challenge on Lanzarote is the always present wind. A flat road into a headwind can feel harder than any climb, so plan your loops to finish with the wind in your back.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the island for riders who want to climb all day. In December, near the coast it stays mild but the high up around El Teide it can be cold and sometimes sees snow. Check conditions before you head up.

The good news is that you don't need Teide for a hard day. In the west, the ride from Mirador Loop from Los Gigantes packs over 2,300 m of climbing into 78 km, with steep hairpins around Masca and huge views over the ocean. For an easier day, the coastal loop to San Miguel rolls along the coast before a steady climb inland.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria sits somewhere between the two. You get serious climbing into the mountains, but also quieter coastal roads and more variety from one day to the next.

Most riders base themselves in Maspalomas on the sunny south coast, with the mountains starting right behind town. From there, you can ride straight from the beach to the island's highest point on Pico de las Nieves from Maspalomas. Stock up on water and food in San Bartolomé or Ayacata, because the steepest ramps come in the second half.

Looking for the ultimate challenge? The full loop around Gran Canaria starts in Maspalomas and circles the whole island in 199 km and over 3,600 m of climbing.

Winter Sun on the Spanish Mainland

Prefer a shorter flight and easy access to everything? Mainland Spain still offers great riding in December, with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.

Costa Blanca

December is when the Calpe - Costa Blanca turns into the winter base for many WorldTour teams. The hotels fill with team buses, and you'll share the climbs and café stops with the pros getting ready for the new season.

Want to ride like one of them? The MVDP Classic is based on the ride Mathieu van der Poel takes his teammates on every year: 205 km with over 2,500 m of climbing, adjusted to start in Calpe. Bring good legs and plenty of food.

For shorter days, Calpe sits right on the coast with the mountains just behind it, so a two or three hour loop still gets you plenty of climbing.

Málaga - Andalusia

Malaga - Andalusia stays mild through the winter, with crisp mornings and clear skies. The coast is the warmest, while the inland hills give you quiet roads and big views.

Straight from the city, Puerto del León via Olías climbs almost 20 km and close to 1,000 m into the Montes de Málaga, with views back over the coast. For a longer day, the Guadalhorce Reservoir Loop takes you through farmland to turquoise lakes and pine-covered slopes.

Málaga has a large international airport and fast trains, so it works well for a long weekend between the holidays.

Which December Destination Fits You?

Still deciding? Here's how they compare:

• Easy miles and guaranteed sun: Lanzarote
• Long climbs and big training days: Tenerife
• The most variety on one island: Gran Canaria
• Riding alongside the pros: Calpe - Costa Blanca
• Culture, food and a quick getaway: Málaga - Andalusia 

Tips for a December Cycling Trip

December trips need a little more planning than spring ones. Keep this in mind:

• Book flights early: flights around Christmas and New Year fill up fast, and so do the spots for bike bags
• Check holiday opening hours: many cafés, shops and rental companies close or have short opening hours around the holidays. 
• Pack for cool mornings: arm warmers, a gilet and gloves for early starts and long descents
• Plan around the daylight: the days are at their shortest, so start mid-morning and finish before sunset. 

Want to make sure you don't forget anything? Check out our complete road cycling holiday packing list.

Plan Your December Cycling Trip

Whether you want volcanic roads in the Canary Islands or a few days training alongside the pros in Calpe, there's no reason to spend all winter on the indoor trainer.

Explore all destinations on The Ride Atlas and start planning your next trip.