Cycle Tour | Iberian Peninsula Circumnavigation: Mediterranean Coasts of Italy & France
ON THE ADVENTURE: CIRCUMNAVIGATING THE IBERIAN PENINSULA BY BICYCLE
Pedaling through mountains, seas, and sunlit horizons an unforgettable journey across the Iberian Peninsula.
Stage 1: From Milan Central Station to Ventimiglia – First Pedals on the Road
The journey began with a heartfelt farewell to my mother, my brother Clod my steadfast adventure companion and Elen, whose cheerful spirit always lights up any room. The air buzzed with anticipation, a quiet thrill vibrating in my chest. Soon, my sister Fulvia and her partner Mauro arrived to help me load my bike and gear into the car, and within minutes we were weaving through Milan’s bustling streets toward the Central Station.
Once there, I fastened my bags onto the bike racks and took a deep breath, feeling the thrill of the open road ahead. I pedaled the short distance to Camping Roma, a hidden gem tucked away in Ventimiglia, perched on the edge of Italy’s border with France. The campsite’s calm courtyard, a quiet sanctuary amid the chatter of the town, became my base for the first night a gentle introduction to the adventure that awaited.
The train had carried me 224 kilometers in under five hours, delivering me to the sun-kissed streets of Ventimiglia on the Ligurian Riviera. Unloading my bike, I felt the satisfying weight of the journey in my legs and shoulders. After pitching my tent, I set off on foot uphill, drawn to Ventimiglia Alta, the medieval old town that crowns the hill above the modern town and the sparkling sea. Its narrow, cobbled streets wound in a labyrinth of history, each corner offering a glimpse of time gone by and a view that stretched across rooftops to the horizon.
Returning to the campsite as the sun dipped low, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose, I felt a quiet gratitude. For the simple comforts of a warm meal and a safe tent, for the company of my family who had sent me off with love, and for the promise of the road ahead, where the next day would carry me across the border to the French Riviera, pedals spinning toward new landscapes and untold stories.
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Stage 2: From the Italian Riviera across the Côte d’Azur into Southern France
The moment I crossed the Italian-French border at Ventimiglia, the Côte d’Azur unveiled itself in all its legendary splendor. This stretch of Mediterranean coastline, framed by the rugged Alpes-Maritimes, is a tapestry of turquoise waters, sun-soaked cliffs, and vibrant towns a place where the landscape feels sculpted by both nature and time.
My first stop was Menton, the “Pearl of France,” a charming city that greets travelers immediately after the border. From there, I followed the Basse Corniche (Corniche Inférieure), a scenic route that guided me toward Nice. Each pedal stroke revealed an ever-changing panorama: winding coastal roads suspended above shimmering waters, rolling hills dotted with vineyards, and valleys cloaked in verdant green.
The days unfolded in a symphony of color and light. Golden beaches, quaint villages, and iconic towns appeared at every turn. Monte Carlo sparkled with its legendary elegance, while Nice welcomed me along the lively Promenade des Anglais. I rode past Villeneuve-Loubet, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes, and Cannes, where the famous Festival de Cannes and the glamorous Croisette instantly evoke visions of cinema and style.
Beyond Cannes, the adventure reached new heights. The Corniche de l’Esterel (Corniche d’Or) winds along crimson cliffs plunging dramatically into the sea. Riding this stretch, memories of California’s Highway 1 through Big Sur came rushing back a reminder that cycling is a passport to the world’s most spectacular coastlines.
Further along, I passed the seaside resorts of Mandelieu-La Napoule, Fréjus, Sainte-Maxime, and Port Grimaud. Rather than tackling the summer crowds of Saint-Tropez, I took a winding inland detour through La Môle, eventually reconnecting with the coast near Toulon, Marseille, and Martigues.
From Martigues, I boarded a small ferry across the Grand Rhône, entering the wild, untamed Camargue. Here, a dirt cycle path guided me through marshes, salt flats, and expansive beaches. In the distance, flamingos, wild horses, and black bulls roamed freely, part of an ecosystem that feels untouched by time near Arles.
Cycling past Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, along the Digue à la Mer sea wall, and by the Gacholle lighthouse, I later hopped on another cable ferry—the Bac du Sauvage to cross the Petit Rhône. Back on the Mediterranean coast, I pedaled through La Grande-Motte, then Sète, perched between the Thau Lagoon and the sea, famous for its oysters and charming canals.
The journey continued through Marseillan-Plage, where I joined the EuroVelo 8 – Route Méditerranée, winding through rural landscapes along the Canal du Midi and across the Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve. Finally, after passing Leucate, renowned for its kite-surfing competitions, I reached Le Barcarès, where the Mediterranean kisses the vast Salses-Leucate Lagoon at the foot of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Each turn of the pedals had brought me through an ever-changing world of sea, sun, and wind a journey that transformed the simple act of cycling into an intimate dance with the French Riviera itself.
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Stage 3: French Pre-Alps – Pyrenees Coast to Coast
Crossing the French Pre-Alps from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic was more than a ride it was a true adventure. Over 600 kilometers across six départements Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Aude, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques these mountains, the natural border between France and Spain, offered a journey of variety, culture, and challenge.
I followed a patchwork of roads, including segments of the Véloroute V81 – Piémont Pyrénéen. Unlike the legendary high passes of the Tour de France, this route meanders through the foothills, with gentler slopes and sweeping panoramas of the peaks. That didn’t mean it was easy climbs and descents kept my legs working, but the constantly shifting scenery made every effort worthwhile.
The ride began at Le Barcarès, on the Mediterranean coast, following the greenway along the Agly River to Rivesaltes. From there, landscapes unfolded like a storybook: wild valleys, rocky gorges, rushing rivers, and villages that seemed frozen in time, where stone houses and narrow streets whispered of centuries past.
Passing through Lourdes, with its profound spiritual aura, and Pau, proudly nicknamed the “Capital of the Tour de France,” reminded me of the Pyrenees’ deep roots in both history and cycling lore. Every pedal stroke brought a new vista, every turn a new chapter of mountains, forests, and sunlit fields.
By the time I reached Bayonne, a medieval city where the Adour River flows into the Atlantic, I felt the quiet satisfaction of having truly crossed the mountains, from sea to sea. Yet the adventure didn’t end there.
From Bayonne, I followed the Basque coast, each town more striking than the last: the wide beaches of Anglet, the surfers riding the waves of Biarritz, and the colorful fishing boats of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Finally, at Hendaye, the bridge over the Bidasoa River carried me into Spain, to Irun, a gateway city on the Bay of Biscay and the threshold of the Camino del Norte. It was the perfect place to close one chapter of my journey and open the next, the road ahead promising more landscapes, cultures, and adventures.
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Stage 4: Along the Northern Coast of Spain to the Portuguese Border
Also known as the Camino del Norte, or Coastal Way, this stage carried me from east to west along Spain’s northern seaboard, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, before turning south to cross by ferry from A Guarda into Caminha, Portugal.
Crossing the bridge over the Bidasoa River, I left France behind and entered Irún, the gateway to Spain and the starting point of the Camino del Norte. From the very first pedal strokes along the Bay of Biscay, I felt I had entered a new world one where the ocean never strays far from sight, and the road winds into the heart of what the Spaniards call Green Spain.
The Basque Country welcomed me with rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and towns like San Sebastián and Bilbao, where modern architecture, such as the Guggenheim Museum, rises against the backdrop of ancient streets and bustling fishing harbors. Further west, Cantabria revealed long sandy beaches and the vibrant port city of Santander. Asturias came next: wild, mountainous, and carved by the Atlantic, with Gijón perched proudly between sea and hills.
Each day was a dance of contrasts: one moment gliding along smooth pavement, the next pushing my loaded bike up muddy slopes or gravel tracks. The weather shifted as unpredictably as the terrain sunshine one minute, sudden downpours the next, swirling winds that seemed to sweep me across multiple seasons in a single ride. Each challenge, however, only deepened the sense of journey.
By the time I reached Galicia, the coastline began to fade, replaced by quiet valleys and stone-built towns like Mondoñedo, Vilalba, and Baamonde. Finally, I rolled into Santiago de Compostela, its cathedral towers rising in the distance, marking the end of the Camino del Norte. For pilgrims, this was the destination. For me, it was a turning point a pause before the next adventure.
My journey continued south along the Portuguese Coastal Way, taken in reverse. From Santiago, I pedaled through Padrón, crossed the Lérez River into Pontevedra, and continued through Redondela, Vigo, and Baiona, the first European port to welcome news of Columbus’s voyage.
At last, I reached the southern tip of Galicia, A Guarda, where the land surrendered once more to the ocean. A small ferry carried me across the wide Minho River. The boatman steered with a relaxed smile as the current tugged us gently downstream.
As the Spanish coast slipped away behind me, the low, green hills of Caminha rose ahead. That crossing—brief but full of meaning—marked the end of Spain and the beginning of Portugal, closing one chapter of the journey and opening the next.
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Stage 5: The Coastal Route of the Camino Portugués and the Algarve Coast
My journey unfolded in two stages: first along the Portuguese Camino, from north to south, and then across the Algarve coast, from west to east.
What captivated me about the Camino Portugués was its freedom. It isn’t just a single path different variants intersect with the Coastal Camino and the Central Camino, allowing me to chart my own course. Some days I traced the ocean, some I ventured inland, and other times I discovered quiet lanes through villages and rolling countryside. This flexibility made each day a new adventure, a balance between sea breezes, hidden trails, and the steady rhythm of the road.
From Caminha, I followed the northern coast through Viana do Castelo and Esposende, finally reaching Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge was unforgettable: the iron arch suspended above the shimmering Douro River, steep hillsides covered with tiled houses and wine cellars, and the city unfolding in a vibrant mosaic below. Porto itself was a marvel: narrow streets, façades of colorful azulejos, and a lively riverfront teeming with boats and cafés.
South of Gaia, cycle paths traced endless beaches past Espinho and the Aveiro Lagoon, where dunes and wetlands framed the horizon. Further along, pine forests and sandy tracks led me near Figueira da Foz and Marinha Grande, before I climbed to Nazaré. From the clifftop district of Sítio, the view over Praia do Norte was breathtaking, while below, the lower town showcased its fishing heritage with brightly painted boats resting on the sand.
Leaving Nazaré, quieter inland roads took me to Torres Vedras and onward to Lisbon, the capital stretched across hills above the wide Tagus River. The city was alive: trams rattling up steep streets, tiled façades glowing under the sun, and the maritime quarter of Belém, rich with monuments to Portugal’s seafaring past. Crossing the river by ferry, I entered the Costa da Caparica, where beaches and cycle paths guided me south.
Through Setúbal and across the Sado estuary to the Tróia Peninsula, the road carried me into the Alentejo coast wild, rural, and timeless. I passed Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and Odeceixe, where whitewashed houses and fields of cork and olive trees lent the landscape a gentle rhythm. Further on, Aljezur welcomed me at the heart of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Heavy rain diverted me from Sagres, but via Bensafrim, I arrived in Lagos. Here, the cliffs glowed gold at sunset, sculpted into grottoes and arches by the relentless sea. The town itself seemed to breathe Portugal’s history, recalling the era when caravels set sail from its harbor to explore new worlds.
From Lagos, the Algarve unfolded in a succession of towns: Portimão, Lagoa, Faro, Olhão, and finally Tavira, a quiet jewel where Moorish arches, tiled houses, and countless churches whispered centuries of history. At Vila Real de Santo António, on the banks of the Guadiana River, my Portuguese journey came to an end.
A short ferry carried me across the river into Ayamonte, Spain, my gateway to Andalusia and the road toward Huelva, Seville, and the Strait of Gibraltar.
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Stage 6: From Portugal’s Ayamonte to Tarifa via Huelva, Seville & the Strait of Gibraltar
Leaving behind the border town of Ayamonte, I pedaled east through the province of Huelva, passing its bustling port city before reaching Seville. With its Iberian-Punic roots and a wonderful network of bike paths, the city opened its treasures to me: the Alcázar, the Cathedral crowned by the Giralda, the winding streets of Santa Cruz, and the lively neighborhood of Triana.
Yet what truly stole my heart was the Plaza de España, a square famed for its breathtaking architecture. Among the arches and canals, street performers danced and played flamenco, filling the air with the very spirit of Andalusia. For a moment, it felt as if the soul of the region had come alive just for me.
From Seville, the road led me into the province of Cádiz, along the sun-drenched Costa de la Luz, where the Atlantic kisses the land with endless light. Soon I arrived in El Puerto de Santa María, a town steeped in maritime history and forever tied to the great voyages of Columbus. Returning here, years after my first visit during the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage, brought memories rushing back, blending past and present as my wheels turned.
Further south, Tarifa awaited the windswept tip of the Iberian Peninsula, beloved by surfers and sailors alike. Beyond the town, the road climbed into the misty headlands of the Estrecho Natural Park, rising to 330 meters. At the summit, a small shop and terrace offered unforgettable views: Tarifa’s coast below, Africa shimmering across the strait, and the meeting of two seas the Atlantic and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly before me.
The descent carried me into Algeciras, alive with the rhythm of its bustling port, and onward to La Línea de la Concepción, the border town where Spain meets Gibraltar, the famous British colony at Andalusia’s southern tip. The Rock stood proud, crowned with its mischievous monkeys, a sight I couldn’t resist revisiting, even after having seen it before.
With that, I turned my wheels westward. After this fleeting glimpse of Gibraltar, my Iberian journey was ready to unfold along southern Spain’s shores, opening a new chapter in an adventure that had already carried me across mountains, seas, and centuries of history.
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Stage 7: Along the Mediterranean Coast of Spain to La Jonquera, Catalonia
Leaving Gibraltar behind, I entered the narrow strait where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean, and where Europe and Africa almost seem to touch. Crossing this threshold felt symbolic, like stepping into the final great chapter of my Iberian journey.
From there, I followed the Mediterranean coast eastward, pedaling along the EuroVelo 8 route and other winding paths that carried me through a kaleidoscope of landscapes. Golden beaches stretched endlessly, then abruptly gave way to jagged cliffs, sleepy fishing villages, or vast expanses of sun-drenched plains. Each day brought new discoveries: history etched into old port towns, vibrant plazas alive with music and chatter, and the constant, soothing rhythm of waves never far from my side.
After the Atlantic shores of Andalusia’s Costa de la Luz, the Mediterranean revealed its variety and charm: first the sparkling Costa del Sol, then the dramatic Costa Granadina, the wild beauty of Almería, the warm Costa Cálida, the whitewashed towns of the Costa Blanca, the fertile plains and beaches of Valencia, the golden sweep of the Costa Daurada, the welcoming Costa del Maresme, and finally, the untamed Costa Brava.
My wheels eventually carried me to La Jonquera, in northern Catalonia, just a stone’s throw from the French border. There, I paused and looked back not just at the road I had traveled, but at the full circle I had traced around the Iberian Peninsula.
The journey had been vast, demanding, and unforgettable. Yet in that quiet moment, it felt simple: just me, my bicycle, and the endless horizon that had guided me all along. I would leave La Jonquera, Spain, with a heart full of memories where cultures intertwine, landscapes unfold in a mosaic of panoramas, and every turn had told a story. Smiling, I prepared to return to France, ready to continue toward the true end of my Iberian adventure.
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Stage 8: From La Jonquera, Spain via the French & Italian Riviera to Ventimiglia – End of the Tour
With a deep, contented smile, I began the final stage of my journey at La Jonquera, crossing into France through Le Perthus. The road felt both familiar and new: places I had passed before now appeared in a different light, as if they, too, were bidding me farewell.
Passing the seaside resort of Le Barcarès, in the Pyrénées-Orientales by the Mediterranean, I was greeted by memory. On the outward journey, this had been the point where I joined the Vélosud Pré-Alpes Française coast-to-coast cycle path. That crossing had been unforgettable. This time, my goal was different: not the high mountain passes I love, but the completion of a full circle around the Iberian Peninsula.
I rode on to Sète, the “Venice of the Languedoc,” where canals shimmer between lagoon and sea. From there, the route led inland through Provence: Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Brignoles, with vineyards and pine-clad hills guiding me toward the Massif de l’Estérel. Climbing the cols of l’Auriasque and Testanier, I was rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean, the sea stretching endlessly below.
The descent carried me to Cannes, Villeneuve-Loubet, and Nice, followed by one last climb along the Grand Cornicheto La Turbie, perched majestically above Monaco. The final descent took me through Roquebrune and Menton, the last jewel of the Côte d’Azur.
At last, leaving behind the French Riviera with all its beauty, charm, breathtaking landscapes, elegant cities, rich culture, and glamour, I crossed into Italy along the Via Aurelia, reaching Ventimiglia. Nestled between sea and mountains, this charming city offered varied landscapes and sweeping views over the Ligurian Sea the perfect ending to a journey that had begun here.
Here, the circle was complete: the Iberian Peninsula fully circumnavigated by bicycle. What a journey! Its memories will stay with me forever.
And to all the people I met along the way, whose warmth and kindness made this journey even more memorable, and to my relatives and friends Roby, Vivi, and all those unnamed who followed my adventure from afar, sharing in every moment as if they were riding beside me, I am deeply grateful.
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🌍 Stages of the Tour & Videos
Follow the full circumnavigation of the Iberian Peninsula by bicycle through detailed stages, each enriched with GoPro videos, maps, and highlights from the road. From the first climb in Ventimiglia to the golden beaches of Portugal and the southern winds of Tarifa, every stage brings the journey to life.
📌 Click on each stage below to explore the route details, stories, and GoPro footage:
1 Stage 1: From Milan Central Station to Ventimiglia – First Pedals on the Road
2 Stage 2: From the Italian Riviera across the Côte d’Azur into Southern France
3 Stage 3: French Pre-Alps: Pyrenees Coast to Coast
4 Stage 4: Along the Northern Coast of Spain to the Portuguese Border
5 Stage 5: The Coastal Route of the Camino Portugués and the Algarve Coast
6 Stage 6: From Portugal’s Ayamonte to Tarifa via Huelva, Seville & the Strait of Gibraltar
7 Stage 7: Along the Mediterranean Coast of Spain to La Jonquera, Catalonia
8 Stage 8: From La Jonquera, Spain via the French & Italian Riviera to Ventimiglia – End of the Tour
My epic solo and completely independent journey was more than just a ride: it was the realization of a dream. I set out from Ventimiglia, the last Italian town on the Western Ligurian Riviera, bordering southern France and paving the way to the French Riviera. Along the Mediterranean Sea, crystal-clear waters, spectacular cliffs, and the scent of salt and pine greeted my departure.
Each village and town revealed its own rhythm: bustling markets, quiet squares, and glimpses of cultures steeped in history. From the charming seaside resort of Le Barcarès, I crossed the French Prealps, embracing every climb and descent before reaching the wild immensity of the Atlantic coast.
My wheels carried me along the northern shores of Spain and Portugal: the rugged cliffs of the Camino del Norte, the sun-drenched trails of the Portuguese coast, the olive groves, hidden villages, and golden landscapes of the Algarvethat opened onto a new horizon each day. Festivals, centuries-old cities, and unforgettable flavors enriched the journey with living traditions.
Then came the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe: Punta de Tarifa, in Cádiz, where the Costa de la Luz meets the Strait of Gibraltar. Here, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean collide, I felt pure euphoria.
From this stretch of sea, gazing toward the Moroccan coast, I could make out distant hues on the horizon. From there I pedaled eastward toward Algeciras, passing through Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, and continued along Spain’s legendary coastlines: the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical, the Costa Blanca, and the pristine Costa Brava, until I finally left Spain at La Jonquera.
Retracing part of my French itinerary but never leaving the coast, I cycled from Nice along the Grand Corniche and at last returned to Ventimiglia, perched once again on the Ligurian Sea the triumphant conclusion of my circumnavigation of the Iberian Peninsula, which also included the Mediterranean coasts of southern France and Italy.
This odyssey through mountains and oceans, historic cities, vibrant cultures, and windswept coastlines became a tapestry of freedom and wonder. With every pedal stroke, I carried not only distance but also memories, impressions forever etched on the map of my heart.
Route Details
• Direction: Counterclockwise
• Distance: 5,714.23 km
• Daily Average: 95.24 km/day
• Duration: 60 consecutive days (no rest days), August 22 – October 20, 2024
• Countries Crossed: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy
• Interview 🗨: Circumnavigation of the Iberian Peninsula – Coming soon
• Full Route Map 📍: Full perimeter of the Iberian Peninsula, including the Mediterranean coasts of southern France and Italy
• Live the adventure 📍: Explore the stages, check the maps, and discover the distances covered with a single click on the link
• Be part of the journey 📖 🎥 : Follow the daily travel diary stages and relive every ride with the Insta360 X