alexeicharkham

I am considering touring over Christmas somewhere in Southern Europe (ie a place not too far away from England), where the weather is hopefully not too bad then, even though it's mid-winter (?).

Anyone got any recommendations or pointers about S Europe in winter? Is it very wet down there? Are there places to stay? What are the roads like? Is it completely dead over the non-tourist season?

Cheers all,
Alexei

MichaelW

I spent a winter holiday on the Portugese island of Madeira, in the Atlantic. It was like a typical English summer, with a few wet storms and warm sunny days. The hills are ferociously steep, the drivers are very fast and often the worse for alcohol at that time of the year.
New Year is a big event and pulls holiday makers, so it is fairly peak time, but I managed to get a room at a good price. The airport is small and bike-friendly, but the main road to the airport is not.

You won't find a more pleasant winter climate anywhere.

MichaelW

There is a good bike club and bike shop (road and MTB) in Funchal, so you can get spares there

alexeicharkham

thanks a lot michael - very helpful sir.

Is it a big island? big enough to do a tour round, or just go on day rides here and there??

If one could do a tour stopping off at different spots around the island (which I'd prefer), would you have any idea if we'd find places to stay etc??

thanks again

MichaelW

Probably best suited to a fixed base tour (or several bases). There are a couple of small towns away from the capital which would have easier access for day rides. The hills really are very steep and the traffic heavy and fast on the coastal road near Funchal. The mountain roads away from the capital are quieter.

The island is probably better suited to walking than cycling, or a mixture of the 2.

I won't say it has the best cycling Ive seen, just the best winter climate.

alexeicharkham

cheers

cyclezealot

I think it was Christmas 1995 that we spent time in the Rouissolon region (Perpignan)of France and Barcelona, Spain.
It was in the 50's and dry all the while we were there. Maybe daytime highs near 50 degrees F. Every day was sunny- then at least.. I would think Southern Spain, Italy, S. France and Greece would be decent. Could rain a lot? Would not mind having my bike with me that trip...
Recall spending New Year's Day having Paella on a beach restaurant north of Barcelona. It was a pleasant outdoor New Years' Lunch.. Sunny, but cool. Needed a jacket.
From what I am told Southern Spain could even be quite warm..

cyclezealot

Oh, yes. Someone once recommended Portugal for a Christmas destination. Reported to have climate somewhat like Florida, but less humid..Have know of cyclists to go there, but in the Fall..

alexeicharkham

thx for all your tips guys - really appreciated:thumbup: