Last Updated on 29 December 2025 by Chris
Winter in Northern and Eastern Europe does not have to mean a break from cycling. More and more riders decide to travel to Spain and other warm destinations to build form in comfortable conditions before the new season. Two destinations are mentioned most often: Calpe on the Costa Blanca and the Canary Islands – Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
What about the other islands of the archipelago? They are rather an interesting alternative than a main destination for winter cycling camps. More difficult access (limited convenient flights), the specific terrain and weather conditions make them less popular choices for winter training. We deliberately skip them in this article, but we will definitely come back to the topic in a separate post 🙂
Both locations (Calpe and the Canary Islands) offer favourable – though different – training conditions: good weather, smooth asphalt and varied routes. That is why many cyclists face the same question: where is it better to escape the winter – Calpe or the Canaries?
In this guide, we compare both destinations, suggest who each of them suits best, and share practical tips on how to prepare for a winter training camp.
Routes and terrain profile
Calpe
The area around Calpe is known for its varied routes, which allow you to combine flat coastal sections with longer mountain climbs within a single ride. This is where the iconic Coll de Rates is located – a climb chosen by both amateur riders and WorldTour teams.
The quality of the roads is generally good. Of course, there are exceptions, especially when you venture onto smaller side roads. It is worth noting that the further inland you go, the lighter the car traffic becomes, giving cyclists a greater sense of safety and riding comfort.
Climbs in the Calpe region are mostly moderate – the majority do not exceed an average gradient of 6%. This makes them suitable both for beginners and for more advanced riders who want to work on longer intervals without dealing with extremely steep ramps.
Canary Islands – Tenerife and Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, offer a completely different riding experience. This is a paradise for fans of long climbs – ascents can easily stretch from 20 up to 45 km. A good example is the climb to Mount Teide on Tenerife, which is around 45 km long, with an average gradient of 5-6% depending on the route you choose (there are generally three main variants, with several possible modifications in the lower sections of the climb). The Canaries are a place where it is easy to find a steady rhythm and work on endurance over long distances.
Gaining elevation here feels almost effortless in a textbook sense. This is not about easy terrain – the ease comes from the fact that this landscape is perfect for accumulating vertical metres.Wherever you ride, the elevation gain adds up on its own. There are virtually no flat sections on the islands – this is the fundamental difference compared to Calpe.
Both islands are of volcanic origin, which means that, broadly speaking, the further you ride towards the centre of the island, the higher you climb. You can think of them as a cone, with the highest point located roughly in the middle.
Route and terrain profile comparison
| Criterion | Calpe (Costa Blanca) | Canary Islands (Tenerife / Gran Canaria) |
|---|---|---|
| Route difficulty | Moderate, with the option of easier loops | Hard, dominated by long climbs, virtually no flat sections |
| Climb length | Several to a dozen kilometres | Up to 45 km |
| Gradient | Moderate – usually up to 5%, occasional steep ramps | Varied, around 5-9%, ramps exceeding 15% |
| Example climb | Coll de Rates – iconic among amateurs and professionals | Mount Teide – approx. 45 km of climbing, three main ascent variants |
| Car traffic | Minimal inland. Courteous drivers. Traffic mainly on the coast. | Moderate to low inland and in the northern parts of both islands. Courteous drivers. |
| Terrain characteristics | Steady, not too steep climbs, flat sections | Volcanic landscape – easy elevation gain, constant climbing, no flat terrain |
| Road quality and access | Good, very few completely damaged road surfaces | Generally good, occasionally worse, frequent closures due to rockfalls |
Climate – weather conditions
Here we consider only the winter months, meaning January to March. Outside of this period, both locations are warm, but this article focuses specifically on winter training camps, so we limit the scope to these months.
Winter weather in Calpe
Winter in Calpe can be unpredictable. Yes, there are days with pleasant temperatures around 15-20°C and full sunshine, but it is just as possible to spend an entire week-long camp under cloudy skies, with wind and rain. You need to be prepared for changing conditions – from dry, sunny days to long hours of riding in damp weather.
Along the coast, wind can be particularly challenging and may significantly affect training. That is why most cyclists heading to Calpe in winter pack not only summer jerseys, but also arm and leg warmers, gilets and light jackets, and often lightweight thermal jerseys as well. In practice, riding is done using layered outfits that allow you to adapt to changing weather throughout the day.
This does not change the fact that Costa Blanca is still considered one of the best places in Europe for winter training. You simply need a realistic approach and proper packing. Choosing the right clothing is what ultimately determines whether the trip remains comfortable, even when the weather is less than perfect.
Winter weather conditions in the Canary Islands
Winter in the Canary Islands is far more stable than on the Costa Blanca. Daytime temperatures usually range between 18-25°C, and rainfall is minimal. This is why cyclists often refer to the Canaries as a “sun guarantee” in the middle of the European winter.
However, it is important to remember the significant climatic differences between different parts of the islands. The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria is almost always sunny with dry air, while the north is often cloudier, more humid and noticeably cooler. This makes the choice of accommodation location crucial. If you stay in the south, you can be almost certain of good riding conditions.
Riding in the higher parts of the islands, for example on the climb to Teide, also means lower temperatures – even when the coast is sunny, a few kilometres higher it can be several degrees cooler. This is worth keeping in mind and taking a full set of warm clothing on your rides.
Raw weather data tells the full story. The differences are clear and significant, especially for cyclists training before the season. For data comparison, we used Calpe, Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) and Adeje (Tenerife).
If you are looking for the most reliable winter cycling weather – choose the Canaries.
The Canary Islands offer some of the most predictable and favourable winter climate conditions in Europe (geographically closer to Africa, politically part of Europe) – especially in the south, where the weather truly encourages long, daily training rides.
Winter climate comparison: Calpe vs the Canary Islands
| Criterion | Calpe (Costa Blanca) | Canary Islands (Tenerife / Gran Canaria) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter temperature | 10-19°C during the day, cool mornings and evenings | 19-26°C during the day, consistently warm |
| Weather stability (rating 1-5) | 3/5, possible rainfall and cooler periods | 5/5 in the south, more variable in the north |
| Rainfall | Possible several consecutive rainy days | Minimal rainfall, lots of sunshine, risk mainly in the north |
| Wind | Often strong winds, especially along the coast | Moderate wind, mainly near the coast |
| Local differences | Small temperature differences between coast and mountains, stronger wind on the coast | Sunny south, cloudy and humid north. Cooler in the mountains at approx. 2000 m a.s.l. |
When choosing a winter cycling camp, both Calpe and the Canary Islands offer conditions that are incomparably better than those in Poland. However, they differ in character, and the right choice depends on your expectations.
Quick decision guide
- Choosing Calpe? You are opting for a focused, training-oriented cycling camp, with less emphasis on beach time and sun-based activities.
- Choosing the Canary Islands? You can combine cycling with relaxation and other activities, enjoying stable, sunny weather. If you stay in the south, checking the forecast is practically pointless.
A lightweight jacket that easily fits into a jersey pocket – always keep it with you
An Ultralight jacket is an essential piece of clothing for mountain routes
Logistics. Transport options
1. CALPE
From a logistics perspective, this is a very convenient destination. From Poland and most European airports, you can fly directly to Alicante or Valencia, and from there the transfer to the Calpe area takes around one hour. Transporting a bike by plane is straightforward, and there is no shortage of hotels and apartments tailored to cyclists’ needs. The flight from Poland takes approximately 3 hours.
A major advantage of this winter destination is that you can also travel there overland in your own car. Polish cyclists often split the trip into two days, with an overnight stay somewhere halfway. This option is usually chosen by larger organised groups – for example when a big van drives with the bikes and luggage, while the camp participants can fly in quickly and comfortably.
2. CANARY ISLANDS
Getting to the Canaries (in practice: flying) takes more time. A flight from Poland takes around 5-6 hours. The islands are very well connected with most European cities. When planning your trip, pay attention to each airline’s baggage policy. Almost every airline offers a bike transport option, but fees and requirements may differ.
Another big plus is excellent transport from the airports – both taxis and buses make it easy to get quickly from the southern airports to the main resorts. Local buses are the cheapest option, and drivers usually do not make any issues about transporting a large bike case. At worst, they may ask for a small extra fee, but this has never happened to us.
Options for airport <-> destination transfers
- Public bus – less recommended due to luggage limits and potential inconvenience. In the Canary Islands, however, travelling with bikes is generally not an issue.
- Taxis – a good choice if you declare unusual luggage in advance. This is the most expensive, but also the fastest and most convenient option.
- Car rental at the airport – a good solution if you prefer independence from public transport.
- Dedicated transfer (shuttle/minibus) – a convenient option: you can book a larger vehicle and declare a bike case in advance.
Where to stay – the best base
Each location has proven spots that work perfectly as a base. We considered many factors here, such as altitude, wind, easy road access, availability of apartments/hotels, climate, and the overall “vibe” of a place.
Canary Islands
Wind in the Canary Islands is dominated by the trade winds. On roughly 90% of days throughout the year, it blows from one direction – the north-east. The islands are of volcanic origin and their shape resembles a cone. This creates a natural barrier on the southern side, which is why these areas are sheltered almost completely from the wind.
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Calpe
The coast makes a very good base – there is no shortage of shops and bars, and the choice of hotels and apartments is wide. The further inland you go, the more you will find small villages without the facilities you may need.
Calpe and the Costa Blanca coastline
Costs – local prices and transport
Both destinations offer excellent routes, good infrastructure and a strong cycling atmosphere, but when it comes to costs, the differences are noticeable.
Flights – the first major budget factor
Calpe wins in terms of accessibility. Flights to Alicante and Valencia from Poland and across Europe are frequent and relatively affordable. In the case of the Canary Islands, you need to factor in a longer flight and noticeably higher ticket prices, especially when travelling with a bike.
Conclusion: Calpe is clearly cheaper and logistically simpler.
Accommodation and food
Calpe offers a huge selection of apartments and hotels tailored to cyclists. Prices are competitive, and longer stays often allow for better rates. The Canary Islands are more expensive – both in terms of accommodation and everyday expenses such as restaurants and grocery shopping. The difference becomes especially noticeable for stays longer than a week.
Conclusion: for the same accommodation standard, Calpe is more budget-friendly.
Grocery stores – prices
Shopping in well-known supermarket chains (Mercadona, Lidl, Hiperdino) looks very similar in both locations. Basic products – water, pasta, rice, fruit and vegetables – cost roughly the same.
Most important question: how much for a coffee?
Both in Calpe and in the Canary Islands, you drink the same Spanish coffee – a quick espresso at the bar, usually priced at around €1.20 to €2. This is a good example of how not all everyday costs differ between these destinations – Spain remains Spain, whether you are on the mainland or on an island.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Cycling Training Camps
1. Which destination offers more predictable weather?
The Canary Islands are clearly more weather-stable than Calpe.
2. Are cycling routes on the Canary Islands more difficult than in Calpe?
Yes. The routes feature significantly more elevation gain, with very few flat sections. Many climbs are also very steep.
3. What is the best way to transport a bike by plane?
We recommend using a dedicated bike case or bike travel bag. There are many options available on the market – hard cases, soft bags with internal frames, and more.
4. Where is road cycling safer?
In both cases, the country is Spain – cyclists are treated with respect and drivers are generally considerate. In cities, however, extra caution is advised, as Spanish drivers often do not use turn signals.
5. What are the biggest disadvantages of the Canary Islands for cyclists?
There can be frequent road closures, including on key routes, due to rockfalls. Road works often progress at a typically slow Spanish pace. It is worth checking current warnings and traffic updates here:
https://etraffic.dgt.es/etrafficWEB/
6. What are the biggest disadvantages of Calpe / Costa Blanca for cyclists?
Strong winter winds and less stable weather conditions can be an issue, especially during short stays – it is entirely possible to encounter a full week of poorer weather.
7. Where is it easier to control training intensity?
We recommend Calpe – the terrain is better suited for steady Zone 2 training without the need for long, continuous climbs.
8. How can you protect your bike during air travel?
The best solution is to use a dedicated hard bike case. Depending on the model, these offer built-in protection systems. Sensitive areas can also be additionally protected with bubble wrap.
9. What cycling clothing should you pack for a winter training camp?
The core of your kit should consist of clothing you normally use in spring or summer. In addition, you should pack warmer items such as arm warmers, leg warmers, a vest, an ultralight jacket, a cycling cap, and gloves. Bringing more socks than usual is also a good idea.
You can find everything you need at our Luxa.cc shop.
If you have access to a washing machine at your hotel or apartment, bringing 3–4 complete kits consisting of bib shorts, a jersey, and socks is usually more than sufficient.
