Best Gravel Events in Spain for 2026
Spain is a world-class gravel cycling destination, and the 2026 season is set to be the best yet. From the festival atmosphere of The Traka in Girona to the epic, self-supported challenge of GranGuanche across the Canary Islands, this guide highlights the must-do events.
Gravel events in Spain 2026
- Santiso Gravel Race — 2026-09-19 · Visantoña, Galicia, Spain
- 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
- Tierra de Fronteras — 2026-10-11 · Hellín, Castile-La Mancha, Spain
- Alicante900 — 2026-10-16 · Alicante, Valencian Community, Spain
- VILLA GRAVEL RACE — 2026-10-17 · Guillena, Andalusia, 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 Ride Gravel in Spain?
Beyond the sun-drenched beaches and bustling cities, Spain hides a sprawling network of pistas (dirt tracks) and quiet rural roads that make it a world-class gravel cycling destination. Sheer variety is what sets Spain apart. In a single trip, you can ride the smooth, rolling gravel roads of Girona, climb through the lush green mountains of the Basque Country, and traverse the arid, moon-like landscapes of Europe's only deserts.
The Terrain
Spain's gravel changes dramatically from region to region.
Catalonia & Girona: The unofficial capital of European gravel. Well-maintained, smooth gravel tracks wind through forests and farmland. Fast and rewarding, but the constant rolling hills present a tough challenge.
Andalusia & the Deserts: Head south for rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful riding. The regions of Granada and Almería are home to the Gorafe and Tabernas deserts — rocky double-track, sandy washes, and long exposed climbs under a vast sky.
The Canary Islands: Volcanic landscapes, steep climbs carved into cliffs, and fields of black volcanic ash. An experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Northern Spain (Basque Country & Pyrenees): Steeper gradients, forest service roads, and ancient paths connecting mountain villages. Paradise for climbers.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Prime time across most of the country. Warm, sunny and packed with events.
Summer (June–August): The interior and south become very hot. Best riding is early morning or in the cooler north. Ultra-events like Transiberica and Basajaun embrace the summer conditions.
Autumn (September–October): Another golden period. Softer light, thinner crowds, ideal for long days out.
Winter (November–February): Andalusia, Murcia and the Canary Islands remain excellent winter destinations.
Remaining 2026 Event Highlights
Several world-class events are still ahead in 2026. Here are the standouts:
Ranxo GES26 (Ponts, Lleida — 1 June 2026)
A competitive gravel race in the heart of Catalonia, part of the Gravel Earth Series. Fast, technical and set in stunning Pyrenean foothills terrain.
The Wolf Race (Vitoria-Gasteiz — 15 May 2026)
A gravel race through the dramatic landscapes of the Basque Country. Challenging climbs, fast descents and a fierce competitive atmosphere.
Across Catalunya (Catalonia — 15 May 2026)
A multi-day gravel adventure crossing the length of Catalonia. Ideal for riders who want exploration over competition.
Transpyrenees (Llançà — 28 June 2026)
An unsupported bikepacking race across the Pyrenees. One of Spain's most demanding multi-day challenges.
Basajaun (Vitoria-Gasteiz — 26 July 2026)
A week-long self-supported bikepacking adventure through the Basque mountains. One of Spain's most unique and atmospheric events.
Transiberica (Málaga — 22 August 2026)
An epic unsupported race across the Iberian Peninsula. Nearly 3,000km of gravel, dirt tracks and mountain paths from south to north.
Iberica Treversa (Irun — 20 September 2026)
A late-season ultra crossing the full breadth of the Iberian Peninsula. For serious ultra-endurance riders only.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Highlights
Registration for several major 2027 events will open in autumn 2026. Get these on your radar now:
The Traka (Girona — 28 April 2027): Europe's most celebrated gravel festival. Distances from 50km to 360km. Spots in the flagship distances sell out fast.
GranGuanche Audax Gravel (Canary Islands — 22 March 2027): An unsupported bikepacking audax across five Canary Islands. One of Europe's most unique early-season adventures.
Gravel Desert 2027 (Grañén — 1 April 2027): A Gravel Earth Series race through Europe's largest desert. Pure speed and endurance.