REFUEL AND REST
Getting the very best out of the days in the saddle means planning some down time off the bike to recharge and recuperate. Amazing rides require great places to stay and enjoy the local hospitality, food and culture.
Here we recommend some of our favourite cycling friendly places to stay, slow the pace and soak it all in. These locations are all situated along our routes, have eco friendly credentials and are perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding regions. For more information on our epic cycle routes see our guide books.
CYCLING FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY
Finding cycling friendly accommodation isn’t essential, most places will take care of guests who arrive and depart on two wheels. However, finding hotels or self-service apartments managed by locals, who have the know-how to assist cyclists can make the difference between a good and a great stay. This is especially true after a long day on the bike when rest, refuelling and relaxation are front of mind, however check-in, bike maintenance and laundry may also be fighting for your attention.
When researching places to stay you’re likely to have several considerations especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who aren’t cycling. These might include a relaxed atmosphere, restaurants serving delicious food, a beautiful swimming pool, comfortable beds or a great bar.
The cyclist’s checklist adds a few extra requirements, so that from the moment you ride into the hotel driveway to the time you checkout, everything is geared up to make exploring the surrounding area by bike a breeze. Naturally, it’s the people that make the biggest difference. Staff who are also cyclists or are well versed in where to go and what to see can help unearth those hidden gems and navigate the iconic roads you’ve dreamed of riding.
WHAT MAKES CYCLING FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION?
Firstly location. You will want to be as close to the action as possible, within easy reach of the best local bike rides and preferably without needing to navigate through cross town traffic first.
City and town centre locations are ideal for sight seeing and nightlife, and are a good option if you’re planning to spend more than one night exploring off the bike. Alternatively, locations on the edge of town can offer more space, easier access to the surrounding countryside and are within a taxi ride of the urban centre.
WHICH FACILITIES WILL YOU NEED?
Wherever you stay you’ll need somewhere safe and secure to store your bike and many hotels will be fine for you to keep your equipment in the room. Alternatively, if the room sizes don’t allow it, or negotiating your bike into a tiny lift, or up too many flights of stairs is a cycling challenge too far, then a separate locked room that can be easily accessed whenever you need should be available.
Likewise, secure car parking with space for larger vehicles, if you’re carrying your own bikes and luggage, can also be helpful. If you’re not planning to drive yourself then a transfer service with experience in carefully handling your precious equipment should be provided or recommended.
The best cycling hotels will also provide a dedicated room close to the bike storage area with specialist equipment including a work stand, tools and a track pump. All being well, you won’t be spending much time here and, better yet, a qualified mechanic will be on-hand to carry out any necessary maintenance for you.
WHICH SERVICES TO LOOK OUT FOR?
If you decide not to travel with your own bike and hire one locally instead, hotels can advise on the best places for bike rentals that meet your grade and specifications. Accommodation with strong links to local bike stores may also be able to arrange for bikes and other equipment to be delivered to you, fitted before you ride and picked up at the end of your stay.
Food is an important part of any great holiday, especially on an active break such as a cycling tour. A big breakfast, the most important meal of the day, full of energy and packed with carbs served early, will set you up for a good day on the road or trail. Flexible service hours for snacks, lunch and dinner are also important, so you can easily refuel whenever needed.
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel next, to find ourselves.”
In a perfect world, every hotel would have a spa with facilities to help rejuvenate tired muscles ready for the next session. Of course this isn’t always possible, however the option to organise a high quality, deep tissue sports massage can be a big leg-up in getting you back into the saddle.
Finally, let’s not forget that after a sweat drenched stretch over a col or even a lazy meander along a river path, a laundry service that can have your kit fresh, clean and ready to ride again overnight lightens the load when you’re packing for several days.
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
Most hotels will offer information on popular activities in the area but do they have any cycling expertise and insights to share? Cycling friendly hotels will organise guided tours tailored to your ambitions, taking in the key routes for all abilities. If you prefer to find your own way they should also supply detailed route guides, maps and GPX files for navigating your own path.
The hotel or apartment management won’t be the only good source of cycling information. Meeting like-minded cyclists with story’s to share, and tips on the best spots to visit, over a drink in the bar is also an invaluable part of the experience. Of course, you’ve got to feel comfortable strolling around in your lycra and being amongst other guests who are also there to ride makes for a good atmosphere.
ALL SUMMED UP
All things considered, even the most basic accommodation won’t kill the endorphin rush of a great day out in the great outdoors. However a little extra help, tailored to make your trip run smoothly and look after your well being can go a long way to making the ride extra special.
All of our recommendations have been vetted by cyclists and will offer some or all of the facilities and services described here. Even if a cycling friendly hotel isn’t available in every town or city you visit, it’s worth thinking ahead to what will make the difference during your stay and reaching out to your chosen accommodation in advance. As a rule of thumb, the best hoteliers and apartment managers will be open to your ideas and suggestions even if they aren’t already on the menu.
MAS SALAGROS
Riera de Vallromanes, Catalonia, Spain
Just north of Barcelona, Mas Salagros is built on the site of a converted farmhouse, part of a Roman settlement that was originally used as a route across the Iberian Peninsula. The hotel is located in a nature reserve with views of Parc de la Serralada Litoral.
This is the first 100% sustainable eco resort in the region, featuring a spa with a thermal bath circuit by Aire ancient baths, Mediterranean restaurant’s using seasonal ingredients farmed in the local area and a philosophy of “the slow movement” taking the time to enjoy each moment.
The commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism also extends to buildings materials used in the hotels construction, energy efficiency and waste management so you can relax with peace of mind.
LE BIKE STOP
Sitges, Costa del Garraf, Spain
A specifically designed cycling retreat and hotel based in the beautiful and vibrant Mediterranean town of Sitges on the rugged coastline of the Garraf Natural Park, just south of Barcelona.
The retreat brings the local cycling community together, so whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, you’ll be among like-minded friends. Daily transfers, packing and meals are all taken care of, as well as advice on where to ride, so you can relax and enjoy the local culture.
Three hundred days of annual sunshine, quiet roads, incredible scenery and great cafe stops make riding in the area, a truly unforgettable cycling experience. Plus the vibrant nightlife in Sitges and Barcelona means you can burn the candle at both ends!
SESTA TERRA
Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
This family owned, natural resort sprang from an affection for the amazing beauty of the Cinque Terre. Set on a cliff overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Sesta Terra is tucked away, close to the popular sights, but far enough from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Built in harmony with the natural environment of Framura, this is a peaceful paradise where the colours and fragrances of the Macchia Mediterranea overwhelm your senses. Here you can experience full immersion in nature, while enjoying environmentally friendly accommodation composed of twenty wooden cottage and canvas lodges designed for maximum sustainability, surrounded by terraced gardens that slope toward the sea.
ESSENZA SARDEGNA
Localita Cuccu Ezzu, Torpe, Sardinia
A journey through time, just a few minutes from the sea and situated in the Tepilora park, an 8000 hectare natural area recognised by Unesco as a biosphere reserve. Within twenty kilometres are preserved mountains, forests, valley’s, rivers, lakes and marine areas.
The structure of Essenza is a reconstruction of the ancient “quatrefoil nuraghe”, a single central room with four circular chambers at each corner. a similar construction, common to inner Sardinia, to the prehistoric monument “nuraghe san pietro” a short distance downstream.
For your stay, you can choose between the four exclusive luxury hut suites, named after local Sardinian herbs; Elicriso, Lavanda, Ginepro and Mirto. consisting of a circular stone base with a ceiling of branches on a wooden frame.
