The scenic countryside and long open roads of Ibiza lend themselves perfectly to those with a passion for cycling. With rolling hills and single track paths through the richly forested landscape, Ibiza is an ideal place to spin your wheels. In recent years, the government have actively encouraged visitors to come and explore the island by bicycle, providing dedicated cycle paths to many of the main roads, and signposted routes across the countryside. There are more than 20 of these routes dotted across the island, all well thought out to offer a cyclist the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Ibiza in the safest possible way. The routes will take you on a journey of the islands hidden treasures, taking in, monuments, watch towers, historic ruins, windmills and ancient wells. The routes are also clearly marked to indicate the level of ability required, from easy (green) to difficult (black) routes, ensuring that families or experienced cyclists alike are on the right path.
One of the most popular routes is from the beautiful valley of San Mateo to Santa Agnes. Here you can glide through the picturesque woodlands, taking in the spectacular views and enjoy the sights of the local vineyards. In February, the usually sleepy village of Santa Agnes becomes a popular spot for out of season visitors because of its abundance of almond blossom trees, which bloom during the month. The sight of the blossom in its full glory is truly a memorable one. Beach lovers could take the route from San Antonio out of the busy resort and follow the track towards the breathtakingly beautiful bays of Port des Torrent, Cala Bassa and Cala Conte, where the juniper clad forests offer welcome shade during the summer months. You may also want to take a breather at one of the beautiful beach bars and savour the views over the sparkling blue waters.
There are many dedicated cycling holiday companies, offering guided tours and full planned itineraries for those who are seeking a full on cycling experience. Or if you just fancy taking to two wheels for just a day or two, there are several places on the island where you can rent bicycles. Ibiza Hire has a good selection of mountain bikes and racing bikes, and can also provide the necessary safety equipment such as helmets and protective clothing. It’s always important to be well prepared when planning a cycling expedition. Be sure to wear the appropriate clothing, helmets of course, and sensible footwear. Sunscreen and plenty of water are also a necessity, particularly during the summer season. But most of all enjoy your adventure across the beautiful island of Ibiza.
Photo courtesy of michael kofteros