Discover 3 European destinations where the exciting landscape makes them ideal for second homeowners who enjoy a spot of cycling…

 

Mallorca
With its combination of flat coastal routes, sweeping inland plains and exhilarating passes through its Tramuntana mountain range, the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands is one of the most popular winter season training destinations for professional cyclists.

Efforts to ensure quality, tarmacked roads are available across the island have paid off – one cycling hero who would agree is Sir Bradley Wiggins. Wiggo, winner of the 2012 Tour de France, has a soft spot for Mallorca, in particular Port de Pollença, where he’s been based numerous times for training. He’s also taken family holidays there and once was rumoured to be property-hunting around the resort.

Port de Pollença is a popular family resort in the north-east corner of Mallorca, built around a bay with a sandy beach and the charming Pine Walk promenade. This stunning three-bedroom penthouse is a just a few minutes from the seafront – click on it, for more info.

Girona, Costa Brava
The medieval city and province of Girona sits in a stunning location on the fertile plain of Alt Empordà, with the towering Pyrenees as a backdrop and the sparkling Med less than 30 minutes away. More seasonal than the south of Spain and with low rainfall in winter, the northern Costa Brava’s landscape, climate and infrastructure means cyclists feel immediately at home here. The region, home to the famous Volta a Catalunya race, has attracted famous riders, such as Lance Armstrong, to base themselves there for much of the year.

Aside from the cycling, the Costa Brava offers some of the best gastronomy in Spain, oozes Catalan culture, boasts a wonderful coastline of cosy coves and is an easy hop from the UK via airports at Barcelona, or Girona. Tempted to buy there? This is the view from the terrace of a charming three-bedroom semi-detached villa near Begur, 45 minutes from Girona. Click the image to find out more.

Corsica
Officially part of France, this beautiful island is often described as a mountain range in the Mediterranean Sea. Just 183 kilometre long and 83 kilometre at its broadest point, it has 21 peaks over 2,000 metres, with the highest, Monte Cinto, reaching 2,706 metres. To the delight of cyclists, there are more than 150 cols that are accessible by road, as well as 200 glorious beaches when it’s time to relax. Unsurprisingly, Corsica has been used for a stage in the Tour de France.

With views of mountains and sea, this five-bedroom villa near Lecci in the south-east of the island would be perfect for getting away from it all, and hopping on your bike when the mood took you!

Tuscany
Italian riders and bikes have always been at the forefront of cycling, so it’s unsurprising the undulating countryside of Tuscany is home to a famous race, namely the Strade Bianche, named after the white gravel tracks it takes place on.

Cyclists that enjoy good wine will be in heaven there too, as the Chianti part of Tuscany is deemed an ideal place to be on two wheels. Travel between Siena and Florence, and you’ll often have vineyards on either side of you. Again, the cooler winter months and not too hot springs are ideal for riding. To read about a lovely traditional four-bedroom country house in Greve, Chianti, click here.

More info
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