Best Bikepacking Events in Spain 2026
Spain's bikepacking scene is a vibrant tapestry of arid deserts, volcanic islands, and soaring mountain passes. The 2026/2027 season is shaping up to be exceptional, offering a calendar packed with everything from world-famous gravel festivals to remote, unsupported adventures. Whethe
Bikepacking events in Spain 2026
- Iberica Treversa — 2026-09-20 · Irun, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain
- 2-Continents Adventure — 2026-09-20 · Irun, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, Spain
- Trans Pyrenees Race — 2026-09-25 · Girona, Spain
- RAIA GRAVEL RACE — 2026-09-26 · La Palma del Condado, Andalusia, Spain
- The Gravelscape — 2026-10-01 · Jaén, Andalusia, Spain
- Alicante900 — 2026-10-16 · Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain
- Costa Brava & Girona Camp — 2026-10-19 · Helechosa de los Montes, Extremadura, Spain
- GRAVAL Bikepacking Adventure — 2026-10-30 · Valencia, Spain
- Battle of the Strait — 2026-11-21 · Tarifa, Andalusia, Spain
Why Bikepack in Spain?
Spain is a country of staggering geographical and cultural contrasts, making it a world-class destination for bikepacking. You can ride through Europe's only true desert in the morning and be sipping a post-ride cerveza in a whitewashed Andalusian village by the afternoon. The appeal lies in this diversity — it's not just about the ride, it's about the journey through a rich and varied landscape.
The cycling culture here is deeply embedded, especially in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country. This means you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and good infrastructure, but also vast expanses of "empty Spain" where solitude and self-reliance are the main attractions.
The Terrain
The Desert South: Andalusia is home to the iconic Badlands of Granada and the Tabernas Desert. Dusty trails, steep punchy climbs, and immense open vistas define this prime bikepacking territory.
The Volcanic Isles: The Canary Islands offer an entirely different experience. On events like GranGuanche Audax Gravel, you'll traverse volcanic slopes, black sand tracks, and lush subtropical forests while island-hopping across the archipelago.
Catalonia's Gravel Paradise: Centred around Girona, this region is a global hub for gravel cycling. A perfectly manicured network of gravel roads, flowing singletrack, and coastal paths makes it the home of The Traka.
The Mountainous North: The Pyrenees and Picos de Europa form a formidable northern barrier. High-altitude passes, lush green valleys, and an alpine climate test riders at events like Transpyrenees.
Climate & Seasonality
Spring (March–May): The goldilocks season. Temperatures are perfect across most of the country, and it's the peak season for major events including The Traka and GranGuanche.
Summer (June–August): The interior and south can be punishingly hot. Head for the mountains — the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains offer an escape. Late summer brings the iconic Badlands event.
Autumn (September–November): A second prime season as the heat subsides. Spectacular colours and quieter trails. Events like Iberica Traversa take advantage of these mellow conditions.
Winter (December–February): The Canary Islands and Andalusia offer year-round riding with mild daytime temperatures. Santa Vall in February is a great early-season opener.
Remaining 2026 Event Highlights
Across Catalunya (Catalonia — 15 May 2026)
A multi-day bikepacking adventure crossing the length of Catalonia. One of the best ways to experience the diversity of the region's terrain in a single trip.
Transpyrenees (Llançà — 28 June 2026)
An unsupported race across the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean coast into the mountains. A pure test of climbing prowess and self-sufficiency.
Lost Horizons (Soria — 19 July 2026)
An odyssey through the remote, historic, and often-forgotten landscapes of "empty Spain". One of the most atmospheric and underrated bikepacking events on the calendar.
Iberica Treversa (Irun — 20 September 2026)
A classic peninsula-crossing adventure from the Pyrenees to the southern coast. A late-season epic for serious ultra-endurance riders.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Highlights
Registration for 2027 events will open in late 2026. These are the ones to watch:
The Traka (Girona — 28 April 2027): The undisputed king of European gravel events. Distances from 50km to 560km ultra. Notoriously competitive registration — follow their channels closely in autumn 2026.
GranGuanche Audax Gravel (Canary Islands — 22 March 2027): An unsupported island-hopping audax across five Canary Islands. One of the most compelling and unique events in Europe.
Badlands (Granada — Late August 2027, TBC): 800km unsupported through the wilds of Andalusia. A brutal but transformative experience and the ultimate badge of honour in the bikepacking world.
El Mito Challenge (Ronda — 11 April 2027): An audacious intercontinental journey from Europe to Africa, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar from Andalusia into Morocco.
Balutia (Córdoba/Ciudad Real/Badajoz — 1 May 2027): An immersive ride through the heart of Spain, exploring the rich history and landscapes of three southern provinces.