Calpe vs Mallorca vs Gran Canaria vs Tenerife! Which is the best for YOU?!!

[@_msc-ds9sj]

Always nice to listen to you, Katie. I fully agree, but three points: (1) It depends on when you want to go. Mallorca is quite cold in the winter ... (2) I would add Girona and the surroundings for spring to autumn. (3) It depends on what you want to do: road, gravel, or MTB.

[@modartcri]

Hi Katie. I will probably be the only Spaniard to comment, and I don't know the areas you have reviewed but let me recommend another one: Andalucia. You have plenty of flights to Malaga, and I would recommend to stay in the East Coast of Malaga or even in the Coast of Granada, where I live, only one hour from Malaga Airport. Here you have plenty of climbs in very quite roads. I would avoid December and January as they're the coldest months and from mid June to mid September since it is too hot and more crowded. But the rest of the year is also a hidden paradise for cycling. Many pro teams are spotted since they stay in Sierra Nevada for the altitude, but also come to the coast.

[@BrokenShifterCable]

That sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@simonemarin]

For anybody coming to Tenerife, I understand it is quite easy to go to Los Cristianos, climb Teide and call it a day, but there is much more to it, the Anaga national park offers some some seriously challenging climbs, and the ladnscapes and nature can compete at the same level as Teide, plus all the north coast is plagued with double digits extreme climbs, smaller villages and mainly out of the tourist area. Even climbing Teide from the north (La Esperanza or La Orotava) will give a completely different experience.

[@breezehillpete]

I was just around the corner from you when you were in Calpe, in Denia. The weather was very unseasonably cold this year but that was for the whole of Spain and can't be attributed to Calpe alone. We are seeing the effects of the cold spell in Spain in the supermarkets in the UK at the moment as they are struggling to get produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce that would have been grown in Spain. I also found that there were lots of cafes that accommodated cyclists really well and were very friendly. I was lucky in that I was with a big group of cyclists who had been there many times before, so they knew lots of great places to ride, but if you found yourself alone and wanted to ride with others, head to Cafe Ciclista in Denia where there is always a group going out a couple of times a week. There, I've said my bit for the Calpe/Denia area!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Calpe for a short flight and an area I spent many years with my parents as a child on holiday (moraira). Mallorca is easy and I have booked a cheap villa for me and many mates before just at the base of Femenia opposite the Lidl (great spot to walk to go shopping) but the Canary Islands win for me for less traffic and more consideration from drivers to cyclists. I love riding on Lanzarote whilst staying in playa blanca.

[@leebarrett4709]

Do you know any cycling meet ups in Moraira, I go often and the only thing missing is being able to ride with other people?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@leebarrett4709 there used to be some early mornings from near the harbour entrance near the cafes. Always cyclists down there. Not been to moraira though for a few years now

[@drummerman122]

Calpe compared with Mallorca is deserted. During Jan and Feb you will find a lot of pro cycling teams in Calpe. If you want to fight the coaches on Sa Calobra and idiot drivers on the lighthouse ride then choose Mallorca. It rains in Spain surprisingly enough and February and March can be wet although there are plenty of dry days.It snowed in Mallorca 2 weeks ago. There are so many rides to do in the Calpe area. Denia is also a great place to stay and has a cycling cafe that organises group rides. I also think Girona is fabulous.

[@robredpath9860]

Hi Katie great video, you really need to visit Girona. You would love it. The drivers are absolutely fantastic, there are mountains, stunning beach loops, short climbs and flat areas. It really is the pick of the bunch. The town is absolutely beautiful also, it’s immaculate and there food!!! I could go on forever. I’ll be going back there in July after I do the Marmotte fondo in the alps. Hopefully see you out there

[@alistairwhite3531]

Girona is the best by far...unless you are making a video in Jan/Feb!

[@theworldcyclist]

Thanks for making this video Katie - I was one of the people asking on your recent Tenerife video about how it compared with GC. I could see the ranking part was a bit painful for you between the top 3 - that's a very good sign for me. I have only done GC (and been several times) and loved it immensely. Like you, I love the climbs, so to hear that you rank Tenerife higher really makes me want to get out there now. Mallorca has, obviously, always been on the list!

[@terjemyller6573]

Belated comment here. I’ve been to GC & Mallorca several times, love both. Been to Girona too, which I think is good but not great. Same with Calpe, Denia area. Also visited French alps, Morzin area. And the Dolomites (Stelvio, Mortirolo, etc.). Of course everything depends on personal preferences, but my number one, by far, is the Pyrenees. It’s unmatched. Takes a little bit more to get to and once there, having a car is nice. There is a reason for the Tour visits every year. Spectacular.

[@1justgo]

Just finished four days of cycling in Calpe and thought it was fantastic.

[@juiceqc7716]

Totally agree. The UK can be a very cold, wet and windy place in the winter. Many UK cyclists take advantage of the warmer weather in Tenerife (winter), Mallorca and Girona in the Spring. I have done many years in Mallorca every spring. Cycle tourism has become very important for the Mallorcan economy as it extends the season. In addition, it is a beautiful island with beautiful architecture and natural beauty.

[@EKcyclist]

Hi Katie. There have been a couple of comments about you cycling abroad v flying and CO2. I’m not sure if anyone is using them, but there are carbon offset schemes, where you can pay to plant trees to create a CO2 sponge for your trip. Relatively cheap, but watch out for scammers too xx.

[@gibfear]

I'd love to do Mallorca but do think you sold Calpe very short, or for me Moraira. There are some classic, Col De Rates that you were on being one of the most famous, but the caps, castell de castells, the climb up from Altea to Tarbena is fantastic and there is a lot out past Orba where you were. Some of the areas around benissa too, just on country roads. You can't run out of routes round that area!

[@BrokenShifterCable]

In the last 2.5 years after I took up road cycling after my 40th birthday I cycled on 4 Canary Islands: GC, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. I also rode on Sicily and Crete which supposedly are less popular cycling destinations. They are absolutely amazing and much cheaper than Mallorca.

[@KatieKookaburra]

That’s awesome I love it!!! Well done. So… I’ve not been to Lanzarote… how does it compare to say Tenerife??

[@BrokenShifterCable]

@@KatieKookaburra Lanzarote is the least hilly from all Canaries. The climbs are easy, usually less than 6%. I don't think I experienced anything above 10%. It's more windy than Tenerife, especially on flat coastal roads. Less cars in general. Less people. I miss Tenerife much more but I would happily come back to Lanzarote too.

[@tonygenovese6239]

Looking great as usual 👍👍👍

[@alexmorgan3435]

Gran Canaria all day long. By far the best scenery like the Grand Canyon. Lots of climbing but it's so rewarding. The descents are awesome. The other place to ride is Andalucia across the Sierra Nevada and into Cazorla NP.

[@jimmygee1969]

Based on everything I have read, experienced (in the case of Mallorca) and seen I think that except in the UK winter period, Girona tops all of these. Good roads, climbs, mountains, sea, lakes as well as a beautiful medieval city with world class food and a great vibe are only made better by a super accessible airport (20 mins) and low prices. Just don’t tell anyone else 😂 as it’s still relatively quiet when we usually go in early October

[@yvesbugmann2837]

Far more to do in Gran Canaria then Mallorca from January to May but of course when you go to Arguinegin it's probably more boring then in Maspalomas. And the weather is so much better then in Mallorca. I agree it's more for climbing.

[@jeremytaylor4458]

You should try San Remo area - lovely pretty quiet roads, iconic climbs (Poggio, Cipressa, Col de Madone), and great cafes serving coffee like only Italians can!

[@D-enson]

I know it's not a cyclist trendy as going abroad but honestly, south Devon if you want to stay in the UK for a cycling holiday, got the hills, got the scenery and the weather, I've already stopped wearing overshoes & gloves, it's sunny and the double digit temperatures are appearing already. It's the reason I'm glad I moved here

[@andygolborne5747]

There's loads to do everywhere in UK if you make a bit of effort. This winter (same as last year) hasn't been too bad at all.

[@glennoc8585]

I think the UK is great but you have to get away from the populated areas. The isle of Wight and idle if man are very good I've heard. The republic Ireland is very good too but towns and villages are not so accessible as the UK.

[@andygolborne5747]

@@glennoc8585 I'm in Leeds are we can get out into countryside in 20 minutes from the centre/suburbs. Loads of great riding nearby, an easy access to Dales and Pennines. Same with most cities (London probably the big exception from anywhere central) - you don't have to go far to find good roads.

[@D-enson]

I actually live in Torquay and the town itself has great hills but 5 mins ride away and you're in the countryside will hills and scenery and when it's hot here, it's plus 25 and it's a great day out, even now in Feb it's 10 degrees today and that's a cold day recently. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone

[@adamrayner5365]

What's the longest climb? Anything over 10km?

[@Maddack]

7 times in Tenerife, 2 in Mallorca, 1 in Calpe. Tenerife this time got really cold and rainy in the mountains. Mallorca #1 for me. I want to revisit Calpe. I remember the roads so little traffic there off the coast.

[@grahambell9831]

Try the Torrevieja area of the Valencia region, its a hidden cyclists gem. 30 minutes south of Alicante airport. Majorca for me is another top spot and a an afforable "safe pair of hands". Lanzarote for the canary islands ( great for triathlon bike training). Alternatives? Portugals Algarve & Croatia.

[@Emonk2010]

Been to Mallorca quite a few times - Tenerife twice. Agree with your comments on both 100%. You need to be fit before you go to Tenerife!

[@Miekzz]

Great video Katie, thanks for the insights! Now only to resist the temptation of booking a trip! 😂

[@Trevor.Adams640]

We like Fuerte Ventura. Similar weather to Gran Canaria and Tenerife but less hilly. There are mountains in the south and west but flatter roads in the north and east, so you can mix it up a bit. Plenty of gravel roads too. It can be windy, but that’s good training. We’ve been to Fuerte Ventura 3 times on our bikes, FV is good in Jan/Feb/Mar - weather is warm enough to ride in shorts most days. We’ve been to Mallorca 3 times too, but the weather is better there later on, perhaps April/May.

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another brilliant video ❤️❤️ whether its a video you made 5 years ago (that popped up on my feed) or one from last week, they are all just so ace 😁😁 and you always look fab 👍❤️

[@steveb9349]

Over middle of May this year, looking forward to it.

[@crobbw]

Tenerife has lots of excellent rock climbing, surfing at all ability levels, wind sports too, loads of mtn biking, gravel and of course road biking.

[@shaunkirby7788]

Mallorca is the absolute best in my opinion...Great roads, variation, a clear welcoming of cyclists and good food / coffee. What is not to love.

[@Velorize]

Great video Katie, thanks for sharing!

[@alextorresphoto]

Mallorca and Tenerife is on the bucket list! 😃

[@treyquattro]

great comparison! Glad I watched this video after the Calpe one.

[@raybraydh2956]

Mallorca has something for everyone and in general car drivers are pretty cyclist aware Villa prices are always pretty good to . Have been thinking of an alternative might try Rimini

[@markrushton1516]

Lot of value in Majorca. 90 mins sometimes from the UK. Long climbs and coastal routes. If you can get there Riccione in Italy on the Adriatic is good.

[@oliverstuart]

When you come to Mallorca you must spend more time in the southern end of the Tramuntana, plenty would tell you the riding is better there. There are more climbs and it's so much quieter in terms of traffic and cyclists. Perhaps I'm biased as I live in that part of the island. Happy to show you around. Enjoy.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Deal!! 😎☀️

[@lenwilkinson8541]

Katie, I noticed that you commented on four areas, and your rundown was very informative. Thank you for the excellent description. However, you did not include Virginia, USA, and the Shenandoah National Park. When are you going to review it? lol

[@odetocycling]

Katie, you are looking totally radiant at the moment. I think that these trips are really so you. Maybe you'll be back fairly soon ☺️

[@davoone1]

I live on the costa blanca and yes there are alot of cyclists out here both local and visitors, it is the go to winter training ground for all the pro teams because there is a bit of everything. long flat sections for TT and interval training also a mixture of climbs of all types. the roads are good not many pot holes, and yes in march to april is our wet season. so trying to compare the weather with the canaries that are a 2.5 hour flight further south is hardly fair.

[@flintsthirsk]

Your smile is sunshine

[@scchua4203]

Hi Katie, I'm not sure who are those that have a go at you about always 'going on a holiday', but I do enjoy seeing where you go to. Spain is on my list of destinations to visit, and I will definitely bring my bicycle along. It will be a longer trip as I will be leaving from Singapore, but I'm sure it will be a memorable trip. If you do come to visit Southeast Asia, do drop into Singapore. Not very hilly but a few nice roads. Cheers!

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great summary. Your dad is definitely a double for one of two people Actor Tommy Lee Jones or Rugby League Legend, Ultra Marathon runner for the Motor Neurone Charity, Kevin Sinfield . Stay safe & amazin Katie 🌴

[@KatieKookaburra]

He used to get David Seaman a lot too :)

[@cbenson513]

I'd go to (and have ) Madeira over these options, but I also love mountain biking, hiking, etc. Low cost, amazing views, nothing but up and down. Funchal has lots of activities, restaurants, etc. Fairly low cost and never too hot.

[@adamrayner5365]

Is it good for road cycling?

[@cbenson513]

@@adamrayner5365 Yes, outside of Funchal. Better be in shape though nearly nothing is flat and the grades are steep. Some pretty good 4x4/dirt roads too that can be done on a gravel setup.

[@roybuffey3886]

Hi Katie I think you gave Calpe an unjustified review based on not having been before I was out around the time you were there and the weather was very unusually cold and wet and windy with winds out of the north and yes some of the roads are steep but it is very varied so it must have something going for it with so many pro teams using the area every year as you can probably gather i like the variety of terrain

[@pantster9855]

You got really unlucky on weather in Calpe. Bear in mind at the same time there was snow in Mallorca and across Europe and Calp and Palma are only 150 miles apart so what affects one affects the other As a resident of Calpe I love the terrain there as do the pros who are always here and if you know where to look there’s plenty of cafes, more so than Mallorca. I visit Mallorca once a year but best of all is Malibu hills (you missed the best bits when you were there). Beats the lot hands down!

[@roubaix3843]

There isn't a special tax on AirBNB's on Mallorca but the Government has restricted it as it is driving a lot properties into the holiday let business, making it very difficult for locals and those who come to work for the season to find accommodation at reasonable prices. They do also check that it is legal (owners need a permit/licence number) and that any income is declared as it should be. Canary Islands have the great advantage of the climate, especially in winter and do not get that hot in summer. Disadvantage would be the considerably longer flights, ok if you go for a week but if you want to go for a quick 3 - 4 day break Mallorca can't be beaten. Can tell you love Mallorca, even the first shot when you introduce Gran Canaria is a descent in Pollensa 😉. Greetings from Mallorca!

[@ayoubdemes4485]

Nex time you should do Morocco, the weather is good, beautiful scenery ☺️ 👍

[@akhalid11]

Every places/routes are the best in their own way.

[@Helcc]

Brilliant was after this vid. Next to add is girona if you could make your next destination and report back

[@lanzaroterider365]

Great for you to compare, your insights are “something to bear in mind” lol Can I just throw Lanzarote into the mix too. Nothing massive like Teide, but I climb about 10mtrs per kilometre, on average, and I’m biased as I live here 👍😀🚴😎❤️

[@MrNisipeanu]

So funny the way English folks pronounce Teide. 🤣

[@johnjong1584]

I love cycling at Mallorca and completely agree. Looking forward to be there in a couple of weeks to do the shortest distance of the Mallorca 312. Maybe in autumn the Strade Bianchi. Curious whether the Italian are as polite on the road as the people on Mallorca.

[@chones_]

Come to hawaii, katie. Definitely not a cycling destination per se but we do have some good routes.

[@ianlainchbury]

Wales, Northumbria or my home town :)

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Anywhere where's there's sun, I'm not fussy 🤔😊

[@zzhughesd]

Definately got a good bronze glow post trip. Unlike us Brits not managed escape !!! Unless you call FullGaz away from Blighty

[@steveeglintine]

That's, interesting. I remember back in the day you'd said Mallorca. Then after staying in the South of Tenerife, I wondered if you'd changed. I'm addicted to Tenerife, but thinking about Mallorca or Madeira as my other place. If you can do Madeira and post something, that would be awesome

[@adamrayner5365]

Agree interested in Madeira but not had balls to try yet, big hills there!!

[@JayDollKingHefner]

You look like sunshine in this video! ❤️🔥

[@miivii]

Katie. One a bit out of topic question: Are you satisfied with your Lazer Genesis helmet? +/- ? Thanks for answer.

[@robtomlinson3721]

I’m very surprised by your Calp comments, it’s definitely not flat, top climbs all over, cafe stops everywhere, so why you couldn’t find any was again was a surprise. A lot of top riders go there hence the under cutting on the descent, especially with no traffic so you can go faster and take the racing lines more. Never been to Majorca so will bare your comments, and I enjoyed both Tenerife and Gran Canaria but the poor road surface quality does let Gran Canaria down compared to Tenerife’s roads but both are great for climbing nonetheless

[@bobtavener4824]

Brill vid, as always, thank you. Have you tried Italy? Mega climbs around the Dolomites etc but there's also some decent climbs, I think, just in from the Adriatic Coast to places like San Marino and San Leon. Good beaches and places to eat etc. If you get the chance it would be interesting to see how those areas would feature in your thoughts. 🥰

[@adamrayner5365]

Lake como is great too

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

It’s sun soaked Middlesbrough for me no cash 🙁

[@markrushton1516]

You do have Northumberland and the Borders. Hard, glorious areas.

[@KatieKookaburra]

yeah Northumberland is STUNNING!

[@rachaelsmith5735]

Would you feel safe on the roads and instead at night to go alone to all locations? Were the drivers best in any of the locations?

[@luismedeiros7139]

As someone that lives in a townn thats being overwhelmed by Local housing being taken of locals and overpriced so they can use it for tourism, i totaly undertsand teh tax on air b n bs, some hotels are closing around here due to the same tactics by unscrupoulous landlords that rather rent per day that rent to locals. On that note would you consider riding in Portugal? I say that cause its still pretty virgin land with amazing roads to cycle, a lot of spanish love to ride here msotly around the north of Portugal.

[@glennoc8585]

I'm thinking of riding Portugal, start in the north then head south.

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Interesting and informative.

[@wjp555]

Where would you go if you didn't want to fly either for environmental reasons or you're just not enamored of sitting in a tin can 30k ft with 2 petrol bomb machines saving you from instant death?

[@markrushton1516]

Europe via ferry or Eurostar. Scandinavia by ferry. Euro trains can be quite cheap and there may be deals. A Swiss rail pass gets you round the country but you may have to include bike hire. Each country has it's own rail deals. Could prob get to Milan overnight via Paris.

[@OGillo2001]

Zwift

[@KatieKookaburra]

I would probably live in a bunker underground.

[@Trevor.Adams640]

Mainland Spain is quite easy to reach by train or car from the UK, though it takes a day or so to get there rather than a couple of hours on a plane. The carbon footprint of train or car v flying is much less, especially the train.

[@neilgreenfield6414]

Hi katie, just wondering which insurance company you use to cover your bike when taking it abroad? Struggling to find a company that offers single trip policies. Only 1 I've found was yellow jersey. Cheers

[@rhyswilliams695]

Majorca, every day of the week

[@go_jeff_go]

hey Katie! are you still using your postcarry transfer case? If so, what are you thoughts on it now?

[@andrewmcalister3462]

10:02 Katie gets carried off in the surf.

[@playandteach]

Mallorca Villa? £600 for the whole place for a week? or per person? I paid £1700 to stay in Wales last summer.

[@KatieKookaburra]

The whole place!!!!! ☀️🙌🏼

[@The29ervince]

And what about Girona?

[@Flint_Westwood]

Hi Katie, I'll be going on a cycling holiday to Majorca mid April. I'm considering what kit to take. Would you recommend a base layer that time of year? I'm considering bib shorts, arm and possibly leg warmers. Thanks.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah defo - and a rain jacket just in case. Could be chilly early mornings :) a gilet would be good too! But I’m nesh so always take extra :)

[@Flint_Westwood]

Thanks Katie. I have a nice Castelli Perfetto jacket with zip-off sleeves that might do the job. Thanks for the info and great video as always 😊👍

[@glennoc8585]

Cyclists everywhere can be good and bad. I think south of France or Corsica is being overlooked and even Sardegna. Portugal was really big for MTB and road is taking off there so might be worth a look.

[@adamrayner5365]

Sardinia is great, such wilderness and great terrain

[@HackettFlynn]

When in Mallorca, do you tend to stay in puerto pollenca area for good access to those great spins along the west coast or do you have suggestions for other locations?

[@KatieKookaburra]

I defo prefer Puerto Pollenca! For the location and beach and lovely little cafes and shops. Oh and I do love that Eroski - great sushi! 🙌🏼

[@adamrayner5365]

Solller/port de solller is great place, so many climbs from there and places are so amazing, great restaurants, beaches , etc (there are three climbs within 5km including puig major).

[@HackettFlynn]

@@KatieKookaburra Thanks Katie. I agree. Nice warm up distance from Puerto Pollenca to the mountains. Loved the Sa Calobra climb

[@HackettFlynn]

@@adamrayner5365 Thanks Adam.

[@erick_fernandez_78910]

Love it =)

[@zephyrfpv9871]

The real question is: can you find a place in Spain where is not nice to ride?😅

[@Bills_Bicycle_Rides]

I love you...

[@Bills_Bicycle_Rides]

Beautiful...

[@hansmarggraff1567]

I thought one aspect of cycling is its low carbon footprint. Flying all over the place to go cycling is not Something I would do nowadays. The other aspect for me is that almost any region offers beautiful rides. So for me as a European, places like southern France, Italy, Croatia are just as beautiful for spring warmup.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yes there are great roads at all these places! And most places there are some awesome roads. Except London 😂 But with the flying - I totally understand why you wouldn’t want to.

[@shaunkirby7788]

To some extent I agree. But...The UK has many beautiful rides...but the roads are shockingly poor, so much so that I can't use my road bike , it is the gravel one now (better to survive potholes). Eurostar and other rail companies are really anti cycling groups (often don't allow bikes on trains...or only two...so with a group, forget it) so flying is the only real alternative.

[@andygolborne5747]

Stop rubbing it in. A cold wet February commuting round Leeds will have to do for now. :-)

[@gordonjenkinson460]

Love the video,but only comments on mallorca I think your wrong,up north its so busy with bikers and buses!!! Full of koms hunters and don't respect the roads 5 &6abreast! I'm based in palmanova and your 15mins the palma ,and straight into the mountains. To to busy up pollensa, also in Feb till November is more like it ,late teens ideal .

[@88pedro888]

None of them compare to Girona.

[@nicholasfulford209]

United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is the best if your skint 😂

[@stevehughes975]

Katie I love your channel....But...for a cyclist you have an enormous carbon footprint. Many of your viewers do not have sponsors, cannot afford Rapha clothes, or garmin power meter pedals, or umpteen foreign cycling holidays every year, or three super duper bikes.Just saying. I have ridden to Nice and back, to Barcelona and back from my home base near Amsterdam. Please don't take offence but recent posts have been quite alienating.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Not that I need to justify this but want to give you a better understanding. This is based over the past 3/4 years of travel and as I get asked so many times where I would recommend for any of you to visit on a cycling trip so wanted to share my experiences. Also, you have to remember this is my job. So I know people might not like that fact - but I am unbelievably grateful this is what I get to do.

[@adamrayner5365]

Steve, Katie is putting these trips together quite cheaply and most likely far cheaper compared to 8-15m mass market UK tourists ,why so negative Steve? I don't find alienating at all. Ps I went to Nice last year on a cycling holiday as great.