Guide to Trail Riding in Spain
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Trail riding offers a different type of challenge, an injection of adrenaline hard to source elsewhere. The trails take you places you couldn’t otherwise get to, deep into the nature complete with beautiful views. This type of riding is a great activity to throw in as a change-up if you’re on a typical motorcycle tour riding tarmac. Or if you’re a regular tourist and wanted to throw in a day of trail riding among the food tours and boozin’ you’ve been on.
And in Spain, trail riding can be found anywhere, just 20 minutes outside of Barcelona is enough, although we suggest riding an extra 40 minutes north when you hit the foothills of the Pyrenees, or an additional 40 minutes to the south around Tarragona where you have the Prades Mountains.
If you think trail riding is only reserved for expert riders or for those who grew up riding dirt bikes, then you are mistaken. Anyone with a general understanding of how to ride can ride off-road. Like ski mountains, you can find a trail that matches your skill level. But unlike these mountains, there are no markers of trail difficulty. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to ride with a local or a guide, even if, like me, you repel guided tours.
What is considered trail riding in Spain?
In Spain, when we talk about "trail riding" we generally refer to unpaved public roads. It’s technically not permitted to ride motorcycles completely off-road or on bike trails or hiking trails unless you’re on private property for which you are permitted to be on. But don’t let that dissuade you, there are several areas in Spain where the geography facilitates great trail riding, bringing you to “off-the-grid” areas with unreal views.
When is the best time for trail riding in Spain?
Photo by Ambitious Studio | Rick Barrett
For those that have never rode off-road before, there is a physical element to this type of riding that is different from riding on tarmac. And as I’m sure you know, Spain can get very warm at certain points in the year. And certain areas get hotter than others. So it’s important to know when not to go—good thing is that the ideal seasons for trail riding are almost the inverse of high tourist seasons.
Generally speaking, the best time for trail riding is between March-May and between September-November. However, make adjustments depending on the region in which you will be riding. Anything in the mountains, like the Pyrenees, gets cold at seasonal bookends and sunlight is decreased, obviously affecting vision, but also temperature.
July and August you want to stay away from.
Where are the best areas in Spain to ride off-road?
Great trail riding can be experienced in most regions of Spain, look for mountain ranges as they offer dynamic riding and beautiful scenery. So the question to where you should focus your trail-riding holiday research is best answered by what else you want to combine your trip with and what is the most logistically practical if you’re traveling from far away.
Is it a food scene that interests you? Then focus on northern Spain in Basque Country where the western bit of the Pyrenees mountain range exists and you can get a cracking Spanish tortilla. Or in the south where Andulucia is known for the tapas culture.
If it’s beach vibes and coastal fishing towns that capture you, have a look at Barcelona, where Costa Brava is just an hour ride north. Barcelona, and the wider Catalunya region, has the most varied offering in that it is well connected to international airports, has a great food scene, located next to the Penedes wine region, is an hour away from the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range, close proximity to Mediterranean coastal towns and medieval hill towns, and littered with remnants of Roman life when they conquered Spain.
Should I ride with a guide?
I usually prefer to go at it alone when I travel, I don’t do guides. I like to travel at my own pace and not be beholden by a tour guide. Also, you want to make the travel experience your own, a unique experience, not something hundreds of others have before you. However, when it comes to trail riding, this is where I bend my rules.
Leverage local knowledge
Navigation: you don’t know where you are going, don’t waste time going down paths that won’t offer the best riding experience. In many cases, digital navigation won’t work in these “off-the-grid” places. This is fine if you live in the area, but if you’re traveling, don’t waste precious time.
Hidden gems: beautiful views, secluded villages, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants are easily found with a guide. Otherwise you’re relying on luck to get you there.
Safety: I’m sure you’re all great riders, but a fall or mechanical malfunction can happen. If it were to, now you have a local that speaks the local language that can call for help. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of an uninhabited mountain range with a broken wrist or a tire puncture.
Cultural/historical insights: Spain is steeped in history, the Catalan region in particular with its Roman past and sites of the Spanish Civil War. It’s nice to know that you’re riding the same route Emperor Augustus took on his way to the Roman outpost of Tarragona.
Photo by Ambitious Studio | Rick Barrett
Trusted Guides: Catalan Adventure
It’s hard to find touring companies that offer trail riding tours, mainly because of the additional liability, something the larger tour operators rather not deal with. Therefore, it’s best to look at smaller operators or individuals. One guide in particular that I recommend is Nick Tunstill at Catalan Adventure. He operates out of the southern region of Catalunya, just outside of Tarragona. He’s been taking international riders down those country dirt roads since 2017, many of them return customers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, trail riding in Spain is an experience that’s highly recommended. It's a chance to disconnect from the usual tourist routes and connect with the landscape in a deeper way. Whether you're a seasoned rider or simply curious, give it a try, you may discover a new passion.