| Traditional vacations typically have included beach time, | | | | array of difficulty levels, but most are flat, very clearly |
| party time, family time and relaxation time. The latest | | | | marked and beautifully groomed. Many trails have |
| popular trend in vacation activities is cycling. Spain and | | | | been created to cover old railway tracks. These |
| the Balearic Islands are two of the most popular | | | | unused railway tracks were built flat and stretch many |
| cycling vacation destinations in all of Europe. For | | | | miles across Spain, making them perfect for cycling |
| tourists who do not wish to travel with their bicycles, | | | | trails. Mountain trails are also available for the more |
| rentals are readily available throughout Spain and the | | | | experienced cycling tourist. |
| islands. | | | | Family cycling vacations are available in nearly every |
| Cycling vacations aren't new; they are simply rising in | | | | city, town and village in Spain. Popular routes include |
| popularity. Some cities and small towns throughout | | | | historical sites, Gothic cathedrals, coastal scenery, |
| Spain offer guided cycling tours from companies that | | | | poppy fields and riverside trails. Careful route planning |
| have been in business up to 30 years. Guided tours | | | | and support are available from a variety of locally |
| often include a luggage service that delivers your | | | | owned cycle touring companies. Most family tours |
| personal belongings to your next area of interest. | | | | include a back-up vehicle stocked with supplies and |
| Independent cycling vacations are available for those | | | | emergency equipment, including first-aid kits. |
| who wish to tour Spain completely at their leisure. | | | | Cycling Vacations on Menorca and Majorca |
| Cycling offers much more freedom than traditional | | | | The Balearic Islands offer a unique experience for |
| vacations. Unlike most other forms of travel, cycling is | | | | family cycling vacations. Residents of the islands are |
| based on a tourist's whim. Cycling vacations can be | | | | accustomed to tourists, especially in areas surrounding |
| from hotel-to-hotel or village-to-village. Many villages in | | | | the highly popular resorts. Inland areas of the islands |
| remote places are nearly untouched by tourism. | | | | offer a much different view of the island lifestyle. |
| Cycling provides an up-close view of the true way of | | | | Open-air markets and family-owned restaurants await |
| life in these villages. Rolling vineyards, sun-kissed | | | | weary travelers in the smaller, less-traveled villages. |
| villages and poppy fields are just a few of the visually | | | | Cyclists often enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine |
| appealing sights awaiting cyclists. | | | | and locally made wines after a long day on the trail. |
| MP3 Guided Tours | | | | The Balearic Islands are relatively small, making them |
| One tour option available to do-it-yourself cycling | | | | great cycling destinations for families or for a first |
| tourists is the MP3 guided tour. Instructional digital audio | | | | cycling vacation. |
| is provided, along with maps of the area and its | | | | Professional Cyclists Train in Spain |
| marked trails. Cyclists are free to roam at their own | | | | During the off-season, professional cyclists can often |
| pace while following pre-recorded directions from a | | | | be found on the trails in Spain or the Balearic Islands. |
| trained guide. MP3 guided tours are not recommended | | | | Most locations in Spain and the Balearics offer more |
| for beginning cycling tourists. | | | | than 300 days of sunshine per year, making them |
| Nearly 1,000 Miles of Cycling Trails | | | | perfect for year-round training. Cycling trails in Spain |
| Spain offers cyclists nearly 1,000 miles of cycling trails. | | | | and the Balearic Islands provide many miles of scenic |
| Trails are being expanded each year to | | | | landscapes for professionals looking for a change in |
| accommodate even more cyclists. The trails include an | | | | scenery. |