October is when the cycling map shifts south. Evenings up north get short, the high alpine passes start to close, and the Mediterranean finally cools down to perfect riding temperatures.
The summer crowds have gone home and the winter training camps haven't started yet. You get warm afternoons, quiet roads, and free tables on the café terrace.
Here are our top picks for where to ride in October.
Autumn Road Cycling at Its Best
Some places save their best riding for autumn. The light gets softer, the harvest comes in, and the roads get quiter after the summer rush.
Girona
Girona is at its best in October. The summer heat has faded, the roads stay mostly dry, and many of the pros who live here are back home after their racing season.
Warm up on Els Àngels, a steady 10 km climb at under 4% with wide views back over the city. For a bigger day, the Cake Shop Loop heads out to the Costa Brava and packs in about 1,550 m of climbing, including the steep, twisting road up to Sant Grau.
Back in town, the café scene is as good as anywhere in Europe. Mornings can start cool, so bring arm warmers you can stuff in a pocket when it gets warmer during the day.
Mallorca
Mallorca calms down in October. The summer traffic slowly disappears from the roads, and the Tramuntana mountains on the west of the island feel open again.
Ride out to the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor while the road is quiet, or take the classic loop up Coll de Sa Batalla with its shaded hairpins and long descent back to the coast. From Pollença, Coll de Femenia gives you a smooth, steady way into the high mountains.
October is also a great time to go before the island winds down for winter. From late November, many restaurants and some bike services close or cut their hours until spring.
Siena - Tuscany
Siena - Tuscany belongs to October. On the first weekend of the month, thousands of riders on pre-1987 bikes roll out of Gaiole in Chianti for L'Eroica, the world's best-known vintage cycling event. Their first real test is the gravel ramp to Brolio's Castle, often ridden in the dark with candles in hand.
You don't need a vintage bike or a race number to ride these roads. The Eroica loop from Gaiole in Chianti follows the opening and closing sections of the permanent Eroica course, including the strade bianche (white gravel roads) the area is famous for. Prefer smooth tarmac? Chianti West loops through the same hills without a single gravel sector.
October brings mild days and low golden light over the vineyards. Plan your rides around a long Tuscan lunch and a glass of Chianti Classico.
Warm-Weather Cycling in Portugal and Spain
Head further south and October still feels like summer, minus the extreme heat. These two destinations are entering their prime riding season.
Algarve
October is one of the best months to ride the Algarve. The days stay warm, rain is rare, and the beaches along the coast finally empty out.
Head inland and the riding changes completely. Alcaria do Cume climbs 17.6 km at a gentle grade into the Serra do Caldeirão, while Alto do Malhão packs 213 m into 2.5 km and is a regular summit finish in the Volta ao Algarve, the region's pro stage race. The Silves - Salir loop links the hills together in just over 100 km.
Lagos makes a great base for the quieter western side. Cafés along the way welcome riders and serve a strong espresso with a pastel de nata (a Portuguese custard tart).
Costa Blanca
October marks the start of the prime riding season on the Calpe - Costa Blanca. In a few weeks, WorldTour teams will fill the hotels for their winter training camps. Right now, you get the same roads with far fewer team cars.
The coastal loop to Coll de Rates rolls along the coast toward Xàbia and Dénia before turning inland to the area's most famous climb. Looking for something brutal? Want more climbing? The Sa Creueta and Bernia loop rolls straight out of Calpe and links two climbs in under 100 km. From the top of the Bernia, you get wide views over the coast before a smooth descent back to town
Calpe is the main hub, with rental shops, cafés and supermarkets that open early for riders. The afternoons are still warm enough for a swim after your ride.
Winter Sun Cycling Starts in the Canary Islands
October also kicks off the best riding months in the Canary Islands and around Málaga. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Malaga - Andalusia are all in great shape right now.
They stay strong deep into winter, so you'll find them in our November and December picks. If you want guaranteed sunshine and long (volcanic) climbs this month, any of them is a safe choice.
What to Pack for October Riding
October weather swings more than you expect, even in the south. Pack for cool starts and warm afternoons:
- Arm and knee warmers for early starts and long descents
- A light gilet or wind jacket that fits in a jersey pocket
- Front and rear lights, the days get shorter fast
- Sunscreen, as the southern sun still has real strength
Plan Your October Cycling Trip
Whether you want golden light over Tuscan vineyards, empty mountain roads on Mallorca, or one more warm week in Portugal, the south still has plenty of riding left this year.
Explore all destinations on The Ride Atlas and start planning your next trip.
