What's included in a Macs Adventure biking vacation?

Every trip includes handpicked accommodations, breakfast, daily luggage transfers, detailed route notes, a mapping app, and 24/7 support from our local ground team.

How do luggage transfers work?

Your luggage travels by vehicle to each night's hotel while you ride with just a light daypack, so you're never carrying more than you need for the day.

What fitness level do I need?

Grades range from Easy to Strenuous based on daily distance and terrain, so there's a route to match riders from occasional cyclists to seasoned athletes.

What kind of bike will I ride?

Most routes offer a quality hybrid or e-bike for rent and you can bring your own if you'd rather ride a bike you know.

Can I customize my dates or itinerary?

As there is no group or guide, start dates are flexible on most routes. We're also happy to add rest days at additional cost. Stages and mileages however can’t typically be altered and days can’t be combined as these are arranged around accommodations and fixed bike routes.

What should I pack for biking in January?

In Andalusia or the Algarve, expect mild days around 15-18C and cool mornings, so layers, a light waterproof, and gloves for early starts are worth packing.

Is January a good time for a biking vacation?

It's a quiet time across most of Europe, but southern Spain and Portugal's Algarve stay rideable, with fewer other travelers on the road.

4.5(60)

Biking Vacations in January

January sits in the quiet season for self-guided biking in Europe. Most routes across France, Italy and Croatia pause for winter, since many of the small hotels and guesthouses along the way close between November and March.

A handful of regions stay rideable. Andalusia in southern Spain and Portugal's Algarve coast keep a mild climate through January, with quiet roads, olive groves and coastal towns to ride between.

It's also a good month to plan ahead and lock in a spring departure before the best dates fill up.

Alentejo, Portugal
Algarve coast

3 hand-picked routes

Portugal
4.7 (34)
Authentic Algarve By Bike
Cycling
8 days
Moderate
from$2,465CAD pp
View Route
Spain
3.9 (15)
Cycle Andalucia: Seville to Cadiz
Cycling
8 days
Moderate
from$3,575CAD pp
View Route
Portugal
4.5 (11)
Algarve Cycling Short Break
Cycling
5 days
Easy - Moderate
from$1,120CAD pp
View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

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Why do so many routes close in January?
Small, family-run hotels and guesthouses across rural France, Italy and Croatia shut for winter, so the network of stops a self-guided route depends on isn't fully open.
Where can I still ride in January?
Southern Spain's Andalusia region and Portugal's Algarve coast stay mild enough for comfortable riding, with quieter roads than you'll find later in the year.
Should I plan a trip now for later in the year?
January is a smart month to book, since spring departures for popular regions like Tuscany and Puglia start filling up early.
Will I have the roads to myself?
Yes, January riding in Andalusia or the Algarve tends to be much quieter than the same routes in spring or fall.

Biking Vacations in January