When winter arrives, it might be natural to think about putting your bike away in the garage until spring. Or you could choose to keep your wheels turning and tackle the weather by organising some snow rides. A third option is to seek milder climates and head for routes in countries steeped in history.
The possibilities are endless, even in the season considered least favourable: routes with spectacular views, welcoming places, and a favourable climate accompany three proposed itineraries.
We will travel to Italy, setting off and arriving in two historic cities, Verona and Bologna; we will venture into Andalusia, Spain, among expanses of olive groves and picturesque villages; and then we will seek the sun in Florida, on the exceptional route that leads to the Keys. Let's start here.
Florida: from Key Largo to Key West
Endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico accompany a flat, well-maintained route perfect even for novice cyclists, winding through breath-taking landscapes. In winter, the climate is mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. Cycling along the bike path that stretches from Key Largo to Key West, the southernmost city in the United States, offers all this and more: an unparalleled experience through the Florida Keys combining adventure, natural beauty, and a glimpse into a tropical paradise. Can one resist the temptation to cycle these 120 miles (193 km)?
Certainly not! The Florida Keys are renowned for their sea and nature, and this route offers the chance to ride across parks and reserves just waiting to be explored. The adventure begins right away: before embarking on the crossing, don't miss the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, in North Key Largo, which offers miles of trails through one of the largest tracts of tropical hardwood hammock in the United States.
On the old railway
Key West can be reached by following the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a network of bike paths and historic bridges largely built along the route of the old Overseas Railroad, originally constructed in 1912. The trail runs parallel to the Overseas Highway, offering a safe and enjoyable ride that is well-serviced throughout.
You can rent a bike in Key Largo, including electric options, but remember to bring along standard cycling gear (helmet, water bottles, and repair kit) as well as sunscreen. For those who are well-trained, the route can be completed in a single day. However, to appreciate the beauty of the journey fully, it's better to take more time and explore the towns along the way. When the road offers views of the sea, the ride becomes truly magnificent, and you can break it up with several stops. For instance, the first stop could be at Islamorada, known for its art galleries and the History of Diving Museum. Following that, you'll reach Marathon, home to the famous Seven Mile Bridge: spanning over 10 km (about 6.8 miles), it is one of the longest bridges in the world and exists in two versions. The new bridge was opened in 1982 and is dedicated to motor vehicles, while the Old Seven Mile Bridge, built in 1912 as part of the Florida East Coast Railway, is now dedicated to walking and cycling. It is an icon of the Florida Keys, and one of the most photographed stretches, featured in many famous films.
Reaching Key West by bike is a rewarding experience, as the city offers a variety of activities to relax after the journey, from beach relaxation to water sports and enjoying good food in a tropical paradise.
Italy: a tour of art cities
The Ciclovia del Sole (Sunshine Cycleway) is one of Italy's premier cycling routes, part of the European EuroVelo 7 project that connects Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Currently, it stretches from Brennero to Florence, offering approximately 300 km of trails suitable for all levels: the difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, with flat sections alternating with gentle slopes, on paved or compact gravel paths, suitable for any type of bike. The routes are well-marked and safe, mostly separated from vehicle traffic. The variety of landscapes along the way is remarkable: from plains to hills, and then to mountains, passing through art cities like Bolzano, Verona, Bologna and Florence.
The recommended sections for winter are the Bolzano-Verona stretch, which winds along the Adige Valley, the Verona-Bologna stretch, which runs through the Po Valley; and finally, the Bologna-Florence stretch, featuring the characteristic hilly landscapes of Tuscany, which are captivating yet challenging.
The Verona-Bologna Cycleway
Among these routes, the Verona-Bologna Cycleway stands out for its particular charm: it is relatively flat, suitable for all, and connects two cities steeped in history and culture, traversing the Po Valley.
Starting from Verona, in Piazza Brà, right in front of the Arena, the journey begins with a visit to the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Salionze, after 27 km, you'll find the official entry point to the EuroVelo 7 route, where it joins the Ciclovia del Sole. From there, you take the bike path that connects Peschiera to Mantua and after a few kilometres, you reach Borghetto sul Mincio, a small cluster of ancient mills waiting to be explored. The next highlight is entering Mincio Park which leads to the shores of Mantua's lakes, reached by passing along the Gonzaga lakeside promenade. Leaving Mantua, you continue along the Mincio River until you reach its mouth; then, you cross the Po River, and after a few kilometres, you enter Emilia-Romagna, with Mirandola as the first destination.
Near the train station, you take the old Mirandola-Bologna railway, a recently restored route with excellent signage (marked by a yellow sun painted everywhere), numerous shelters with benches, water fountains, columns equipped with multiple tools for emergency repairs, and even charging stations for electric bikes.
The route continues along endless straights that cut through the Po valley countryside, leading to San Giovanni in Persiceto. After crossing the imposing metal bridges, you arrive at Osteria Nuova, just a short distance from Bologna. The next destination is Piazza Maggiore, the perfect hub for exploring the city. The most interesting attractions are just a stone's throw away: Neptune's fountain, the Basilica of San Petronio and lastly the Two Towers. Up to this point, the route is approximately 140-150 km, depending on variations.
Spain: the Andalusian countryside
Andalusia is a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts, even in winter, thanks to its mild climate, diverse landscapes, and a wide range of routes suitable for all experience levels, whether along the coast or up in the Sierra Nevada. The sky is often clear, with numerous sunny days even in winter, and the temperatures are pleasant: during the day, many areas enjoy a climate ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
Among the many options, we highlight the Vias Verdes: a network of cycling routes developed along disused railway lines, ideal for cyclists of all levels due to their gentle slopes, safe paths (closed to vehicle traffic), and well-maintained conditions. It's a bike-friendly area: many country houses, hotels, and farmhouses offer services tailored to cyclists, such as secure bike storage and mechanical assistance.
The green way of olive oil
Choosing the Via Verde del Aceite, which starts from Jaén, crosses the provinces of Jaén and Córdobae, and ends in Puente Genil, you'll follow an old railway line through the heart of the Andalusian countryside. The route winds through expansive olive groves, picturesque villages, and historic railway bridges. It's ideal for cyclists of varying fitness levels: the slopes are gentle (with an elevation gain of about 600 metres), but the length requires physical endurance to complete in a single stage. At 128 km, it is the most extensive route in Andalusia, but it can be covered in 2-3 days without difficulty in finding accommodation.
The journey begins in Jaén, famous for its cathedral and olive oil, considered among the best in the world. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills of olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. After 27 mostly flat kilometres, you reach Martos, distinguished by its Mediaeval castle. Another 25 km brings you to Alcaudete, with its historic city centre perched on a hill, crowned by an impressive fortress. The route continues, dotted with 13 tunnels and long historic viaducts, offering breath-taking views of the valleys and hills. One of the most spectacular points is the Viaduct of the Río Guadajoz spanning 208 metres, a marvellous engineering feat constructed by the Andalusian Railway Company and inaugurated in 1893.
Entering the province of Córdoba the landscape shifts slightly, featuring flatter fields and traditional villages. The route concludes in Puente Genil, a major agricultural centre where you can recharge your batteries by savouring traditional Andalusian dishes. Don't miss the delicious jamón ibérico and stews, paired with the exquisite wines from local cellars.
