Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a family looking to enjoy a relaxed ride together, or just fancy a leisurely spin, hopping on a bike here means an adventure that’s healthy, eco-friendly, and bursting with surprises at every turn as you discover the heart of Spain. And the region’s official cycling network, supported by initiatives like CiclaMadrid, makes it easy to find the right route for your unique adventure.
Madrid’s climate is its sweet spot, offering mild winters and warm summers, making cycling a pleasure throughout the year. One of the region’s greatest advantages is its ever-expanding, cohesive cycling infrastructure. The extensive network of interlinked cycle paths connects to public transport, making it easy to start or finish your adventures wherever you wish, or to mix and match routes as you like.
The region’s geographical diversity is another win: within a mere 8,000 km², you can pedal through mountains and meadows, valleys and vineyards. This varied terrain caters to every level and style of cyclist, from steep mountain trails to gentle riverside paths. So, what is there to discover?
Heritage hotspots
While Madrid remains a bustling capital city, just beyond its energetic hub lies a treasure trove of culture. You can explore three of the five Community of Madrid’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are accessible by bike. Start by cycling into a history book filled with palaces, pantheons, and grand libraries at the magnificent Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece.
Next, pedal to Alcalá de Henares, famous as the birthplace of Cervantes and home to a historic university dating back to 1499. Here, Renaissance charm meets vibrant streets and quaint cafés – a perfect place to catch your breath before heading to Aranjuez, where palaces meet lush gardens alongside the peaceful and beautiful Tagus River. UNESCO’s got good reasons to shine the spotlight here!
Natural wonders
Former railway lines have been restored and repurposed, offering visitors unique and scenic ‘Greenways’ that cover over 70 km. But wait, there’s more. Madrid’s bike routes have been cleverly woven together by the CiclaMadrid network, and link you to historic castles, charming towns in the ‘Villas de Madrid’, and even stretch into the beautiful Guadarrama National Park and Sierra Norte with their rich flora and fauna. And don’t miss the Hayedo de Montejo, a mystical beech forest that tells tales of primeval woods.
And then there’s the 420-kilometre perimeter route known as the Gran Tour, where you’ll be spoiled for choice, from action-packed mountain biking and peaceful countryside rides to family-friendly trails and scenic vineyard routes to solo riders seeking solace among some of Spain’s most charming scenery.
Sip, savour and cycle
Cycle tourism here is also an adventure for your taste buds. The Sierra Oeste de Madrid region, renowned for its Garnacha reds and Albillo Real whites, invites cyclists to enjoy wineries and vineyards. Some routes even take you through traditional underground wine cellars called Cuevas-Bodega, where locals craft their signature wines.
Pair your ride with the flavours of mountain cuisine or sample local specialties like the ‘patatas chulas’ in Colmenar de Oreja. The towns along the CiclaMadrid network are full of culinary surprises, from Michelin-worthy restaurants to rustic family taverns, ensuring that every ride ends on a delicious note.
Sustainable, accessible, and healthy travel
Choosing the bike as your mode of travel in Madrid isn’t just fun; it’s a win for your wellbeing and the environment, keeping you active and engaged with your surroundings in a way cars never could. Plus, it opens the door to hidden local gems – quiet villages, secret viewpoints, and authentic culinary stops – that are often missed by traditional tourism.
And more good news – Madrid fully supports its cycle tourists every pedal of the way. With friendly bike rentals, dedicated repair shops, cozy cyclist-welcoming accommodations, and guided tours, you’ll never be short of help or enthusiasm. The CiclaMadrid product club brings together public and private players committed to growing cycle tourism sustainably, so you can pedal with peace of mind.
Ready to explore somewhere truly special by bike? The Community of Madrid promises an extraordinary cycling adventure you’ll want to come back to – again and again.
This article is sponsored by Visit Madrid.
