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Tours and Holidays in Spain
For many tourists in the
past a week or two in Spain or her islands has meant beaches, clubs and
bars, but as holidaymakers become more environmentally aware and wanting
more from their holidays, cycling is becoming more popular as a way to
see a different part of the country.
Spain and the Balearic Islands
are two of the most popular cycling vacation destinations in all of Europe.
For tourists who do not wish to travel with their bicycles, rentals are
readily available throughout Spain and the islands.
Cycling vacations aren't
new - they are simply rising in popularity. Some cities and small towns
throughout Spain offer guided cycling tours from companies that have been
in the tourist business for some time and have noticed the increasing trend
towards cycling while on holiday by tourists.
Guided tours often include
a luggage service that delivers your personal belongings to your next area
of interest for those who want more than a morning or afternoon of cycling,
and want to go a grand tour with hotel stops en-route.
Alternatively, independent
cycling holidays are available for those who wish to tour Spain completely
at their leisure and can research routes beforehand.
Cycling offers much more
freedom than traditional holidays. Unlike most other forms of travel, cycling
is based on a holidaymaker's whim. Cycling vacations can be from hotel
to hotel or village to village. Many villages in remote places are nearly
untouched by tourism. Cycling provides an up-close view of the true way
of life in these villages. Rolling vineyards, sun-kissed villages and poppy
fields are just a few of the visually appealing sights awaiting cyclists.
MP3 Guided Tours
One great tour option available
for DIY cycling tourists is the MP3 guided tour. Instructional digital
audio is provided, along with maps of the area and its marked trails. Cyclists
are free to roam at their own pace while following pre-recorded directions
from a trained guide. MP3 guided tours are not recommended for beginning
cycling tourists.
A Thousand Miles of Cycle
Routes
Spain offers cyclists nearly
a thousand miles of cycling routes - small by comparisom with some countries,
but on the increase. Routes are being expanded each year to accommodate
even more cyclists.
The routes include an array
of difficulty levels, but most are flat, very clearly marked and beautifully
groomed. Many routes have been created to cover old railway tracks. These
unused railway tracks were built flat and stretch many miles across Spain,
making them perfect for cycling trails. Mountain trails are also available
for the more experienced cycling tourist.
Family cycling vacations
are available in nearly every city, town and village in Spain. Popular
routes include historical sites, gothic cathedrals, coastal scenery, poppy
fields and riverside trails. In Mallorca for example careful route planning
and support are available from a variety of locally owned holidays in Mallorca
cycle touring companies. Some tours include a back-up vehicle stocked with
supplies and emergency equipment, including first aid kits.
Cycling Holidays on Menorca
and Mallorca
The Balearic Islands offer
a unique experience for family cycling holidays. Residents of the islands
are accustomed to tourists, especially in areas surrounding the highly
popular resorts. Inland areas of the islands offer a much different view
of the island lifestyle.
Open air markets and family
owned restaurants await weary travelers in the smaller less touristy villages.
Cyclists often enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine and locally made wines
after a long day on the trail. The Balearic Islands are relatively small,
making them great cycling destinations for families or for a first cycling
vacation.
Professional Cyclists
Train in Spain
During the off-season, professional
cyclists can often be found on the trails in Spain or the Balearic Islands.
Most locations in Spain and the Balearics offer more than 300 days of sunshine
per year, making them perfect for year round training. Cycling trails in
Spain and the Balearic Islands provide many miles of scenic landscapes
for professionals looking for a change in scenery.
And training in Mallorca
certainly paid off for the British Olympics cycling team, who came away
from Bejing this summer with more gold medals than any other nation.
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Tours and Holidays in Spain
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About the Author - More information
about 2009 Majorca holidays are available with Majorca travel guide yourmajorca.net.
Available at the site are a choice of Mallorca photographs and for those
who like to keep themselves to themselves while on holiday a variety of
holiday villas in Mallorca. |
