We all set out with the best intentions for regular winter riding but let’s be honest, most of us don’t pick up our bikes for a proper pedal until the daffodils start to peep through the last of the winter frost. Our focus turns to getting fit for summer but that doesn’t mean we’re confined to explore what’s on our immediate doorstep. Early March through to the end of May is the best time of year to cycle in some of our favourite destinations around the world. In fact, leave it too long and in many places you’ve missed your window of opportunity for a cycling escape until the autumn comes around. A cycle tour is a great way to get into shape whilst you’re on holiday, so don’t miss out! Here’s our list of top places to visit from March to May. What’s more, you can now save up to £250 on selected holidays with our Early Season Offer!
March
If you’re familiar with the story of Skedaddle and how it began, then you’ll know that Chile holds a special place in our hearts. Since our first trip 28 years ago, we’ve been running cycling holidays across South America, from Chile and Argentina to Colombia and Costa Rica. March is when the seasons shift from from summer to autumn in Chile. The strong Patagonian winds ease up and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red. Popular tourist destinations in Chile can become crowded during the high season but in March, things quieten down and we can relax and enjoy peaceful trails.
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Morocco is another wonderful destination to visit in March. Daytime temperatures begin to warm up to 20-25C, and if you head out at this time of year, you’ll avoid the crowded peak tourist season, which begins in April. A few spells of light rainfall bring the arid landscapes to life as wildflower meadows bloom between the argan trees.
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April
Just across the Strait of Gibraltar lies Andalucia, the home of our Skedaddle Espana team. The weeks from the end of March and throughout April are perfect for cycling here before the temperatures become too hot and the hordes of tourists descend to the popular coastal areas. The traditional pueblos blancos (white villages) look beautiful against a colourful backdrop of spring flowers and it’s a wonderful time of year to visit the beautiful cities of Granada and Seville.
The high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are slightly cooler, and this wild adventure playground is a dream for mountain bikers. Road cycling enthusiasts will love exploring the sublime traffic-free roads of the Sierra Nevada and ticking off classic climbs of the Vuelta. The roads around Ronda are another cycling paradise and if you enjoy a gravel adventure, the ‘badlands’ are beckoning to be explored.
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Adventure-seekers might want to head south of the equator at this time of year to experience a magical cycling safari in Kingdom of Eswatini in South Africa. From April, temperatures begin to cool down to a pleasant 25-27C, perfect for some relaxed cycling and wildlife spotting.
May
The magical island of Sardinia has been home to our Italia team for more than 20 years. Sardinia can become quite hot over the summer months, but spring and autumn bring the perfect weather for cycling. In spring, the hills are lush and green, contrasting beautifully with the white sandy beaches and cool turquoise seas of this Mediterranean paradise. Find your perfect cycling escape in Sardinia, whether that’s dreamy coastal roads, traversing the island’s rugged landscapes on an e-mountain bike, discovering some of the best gravel riding in Italy, or sampling some of the wonderful flavours of Sardinia as you enjoy a relaxing ride.
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Tuscany is another Italian cycling paradise with something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a classic Tuscany road cycling experience, strade bianche gravel, mountain biking adventures or something more leisurely. Tuscany’s pristine rolling hills are a gorgeous green at this time of year and you can join in the local celebrations of spring at one of the numerous flower festivals.
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Portugal is another wonderful spring cycling destination with a huge expanse of coastline to enjoy as you ride. Fewer tourists mean you won’t be jostling for space at cultural sights such as the Pena Palace in Sintra and in the Algarve. The Douro Valley fills with the intoxicating scent of orange and almond blossom and you can enjoy the warm spring sunshine as you cycle and sample the local food, wine and port along the way.
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Lastly, we can’t celebrate the joys of a spring bike ride without highlighting our favourite UK cycling destinations. Head north into the wild Scottish landscapes and you can really make the most of the longer days on your bike whilst enjoying a spectacular show of wildflowers and avoiding the pesky midge season! Many of our popular cycling routes in Northumberland, Wales, Yorkshire and the Lake District are brilliant to explore in the quieter months of May and June.
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