Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Mojácar Cycling Holidays?

We aim to provide the ultimate cycling experience, and will cater for all your needs from the minute we collect you from the airport.

We have partnered with a local and long-established airport transport company, Exclusive Airport Shuttles, who are very experienced in the transportation of cyclists and their bikes.

You will be staying in a 3 or 4-star Mojacar Hotel, where each cyclist has their own double room, with breakfast and dinner included.

You can expect awesome cycling in Andalucia, a beautiful area of Spain that we believe surpasses better known cycling destinations such as Mallorca, with unspoilt coastal routes and stunning mountain rides, in an area which has over 340 days of sunshine per year.

Our team of professional guides know not only the most stunning routes and destinations, but have insider knowledge about some of the best places to stop for a cold beer, coffee, or traditional Spanish tapas.

We understand that a lot of our clients are also here for a well-earned break, so we have a network of local bars, restaurants and cafes ready to offer a warm welcome.

What is included in the price?

Your holiday includes half board accommodation (breakfast and evening meal) at the hotel, along with free wi-fi, guided rides and a goody bag containing a Mojacar Cycling Holidays bike water bottle, gels etc.

Single room occupancy is available in a double or twin room at no extra cost. The price also includes return airport transfers to Almeria airport (a reasonable surcharge will be applied for other airports) and daily group cycle rides through breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery, by English speaking, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

What facilities does the hotel provide?

All cyclists are provided with (on a single occupancy basis) a double bedroom, with half board (breakfast and evening meal).

You can expect excellent food (breakfast and evening meal) and the hotel caters for a wide range of nutritional and dietary needs.

Access to the swimming pool and gym is also included in the price. There is a secure cycle storage area in the hotel, along with every kind of bike tool you can imagine!  There are dedicated feed and briefing zones for our clients.

Is there a tourist tax?

There is presently no tourist tax in this part of Spain. At the moment, this tax only applies to the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.

Can I come for any length of time?

Our standard holidays are in multiples of seven days, with arrival and departures on Saturdays, but we can also offer bespoke holidays for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Can non-cycling partners come on the holiday?

Yes, of course, non-cycling partners are very welcome to come along.

Mojacar is a wonderful place to come for a family or couples holiday and as the hotel is right on the playa there are stunning beaches just a couple of minutes away. Mojacar and the wider area of Almeria has a huge range of wonderful cultural attractions as well as wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes.

Is there a discount for non-cycling partners?

We offer non-cyclists a special rate of £249 when sharing a room with a cyclist.

What travel insurance do I need?

Medical/travel insurance with a good level of cover is essential, and is one of the conditions of coming on these holidays. There are numerous insurance companies who provide cover which includes a variety of sports and activities.

We recommend you take out cover to at least the minimum levels below:

  • Cancellation or curtailment – £3000
  • Medical emergency, repatriation and associated expenses – £2 million
  • Personal accident – £15,000
  • Missed departure – £500 (Europe) £1000 (outside Europe)
  • Departure delay – £60 (abandonment – £3000)
  • Baggage and personal effects – £2000
  • Personal money – £500
  • Personal liability (third party cover) – £2 million
  • Legal expenses – £25,000

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, Saturday airport transfers by Exclusive Airport Shuttles are included in the price.  They are a long established company, experienced in the transportation of cyclists and their bikes.

Mojacar is well served with multiple airports nearby.

Almeria Airport is just 90kms from Mojacar, with a 50 minute transfer time.  Transport from Almeria is included in the price.

Corvera/Murcia International is 140kms from Mojacar with a transfer time of around 75 minutes, and  Alicante International Airport is located 220kms from Mojacar with a transfer time of around 2 hours.  Alicante is one of Spain’s busiest airports and has direct flights from around the world. A surcharge will be added for pick-up from these airports.

Malaga and Granada airports are further afield, but if these airports are better for you, we can arrange to collect you from there.

I’m vegetarian, vegan or have a food allergy.

The price of the holiday includes half-board accommodation, and breakfast and evening meals are taken in the restaurants at the hotel. The hotel provides amply for vegetarians, vegans and those with special dietary requirements, and there are at least 100 cafes and restaurants in Mojacar alone, catering for a wide range of appetites.

What group level do I choose?

If you have not cycled with us before, and you are uncertain of your level of ability, we suggest that on the first day you try the group one level below. You will have the opportunity to change groups at lunch time. Please check with the guides if you are unsure.

If our guides think you are not at the right level for the group, they might suggest you move groups. Please understand that this suggestion will be made both for the benefit of yourself and  for the group as a whole.

What level of groups do you offer/How long are the rides and how fast do you go?

We have three levels of groups, outlined below (average speeds are for flat rides).  Adjustments are always possible depending on weather conditions and the level of group ability.  The gradients outlined below are averaged by distance, so higher grades are possible during the climb. Every day the rides are discussed in advance and agreed by the group.

Group One

This group is aimed at cyclists looking for endurance rides. There will be five rides between 100 and 150 km, with a choice of recovery ride or rest day midway through the week. There will be approximately 8-10,000 metres of climbing over the week, and an average daily speed of 25 km plus.

Group Two

This group is for keen cyclists seeking challenging rides at an easier pace. There will be five rides with varying distances between 80 and 120 km, and a choice of recovery ride or rest day midway through the week.  There will be approximately 5 -8,000 metres of climbing in total for the week, with average daily speeds of 22 km plus.

Group Three

This group is aimed at cyclists looking for a sociable pace. There will be five rides between 80 and 110 km, with a choice of recovery ride or rest day midway through the week. There will be approximately 5 – 7,000 metres of climbing in total for the week, and an average daily speed will be dictated by the wishes of the group.

Women only groups

If there is a demand for women-only groups,  we are happy to organise women only rides led by one of our guides.

How many guides are there?

There will always be one guide for each group, and if the size of the group warrants it, we will also provide an assistant guide.

What if I am not fit enough?

We believe we offer a range of group levels to meet all needs. However, we  recommend that you try to achieve some riding before you join us.

Will you wait if I get a puncture/mechanical problem or I can’t keep up?

We operate a no-drop policy, so we will help you or wait for you. If you find you are struggling in a particular group, you can change down to an easier group (even at lunchtime).

I’m not very good at climbing or descending, will you wait?

On the big climbs, we let everybody climb and descend at their own pace then re-group at the top or bottom (often with a cup of coffee). Guides will generally ride at the rear of the group to ensure everyone gets up smoothly and down safely! One of the big benefits of riding with us is that our guides can give you help on both these fronts along with many others, sharing local knowledge day by day on specific topics.

Do you have to ride every day?

No, it is your holiday and you are free to choose whether you’d like to cycle or not. If you wish to have a day off, please do!

Do I need a map?

You won’t need a map but you might want to buy one if you are interested in seeing where you have been. Our guides will lead you around the area, leaving you to enjoy the scenery Almeria has to offer.

Do we have café/lunch stops?

Absolutely! Depending on the nature of the ride, the level of the group and the weather we may have more than one coffee/lunch stop.

For all groups, we generally try to meet in the same village/town/peak so that you are able to replenish your water bottles.

Purchases made at these stops are the responsibility of individual riders, so please remember to bring some euros with you.

Is there a following car?

We have a support vehicle which can provide support for all groups during the day.

All riders need to ride on the basis of being self-sufficient (you should carry your own spares/pump/water/gels etc.)

Guides will contact the support car on your behalf in the event of a mechanical failure/accident or a rider feeling unwell.

Do I need to bring my own bike?

No, you don’t need to bring your own bike, but if you do, bike transport is included free of charge to and from Almeria airport.

We have a range of high spec, modern bikes available to hire if required, but we recommend that you bring your own helmet, shoes, pedals etc.

What type of bike do I need/ Can I bring / Use an e-bike?

We recommend that you bring a road bike. If you intend to bring you own e-bike please check the conditions of carriage with your airline, especially with regard to your bike battery. If necessary, we can arrange hire of an electric bike for the duration of your stay.

Your bike will need to be in good working order, so please pay attention to tyres, gears and chain and ensure these all run smoothly before you arrive. Cycling shoes and clip-less pedals are strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of whether you are bringing your own bike or not.

Deep section wheels are not ideal for the region so suitable gearing should be brought to deal with the undulating terrain.

How many days cycling do you offer?

We offer five guided cycling days, with one rest day.  There are no guided tours on Saturdays as these are the changeover/travel days.

Can I ride some of the famous climbs?

Yes – generally in the course of a week’s riding we would expect our most enthusiastic cyclists to have tackled several of the area’s major climbs, such as the Alto de Velefique and the Carboneras/Agua Amarga Coastal Loop.

Please let us know if there are any you are particularly interested in tackling.

What is the weather like and what cycling clothes should I bring?

Mojacar enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with a medium yearly temperature of around 20 degrees. However,  you should be prepared for the occasional wet day or windy day and it can be considerably cooler in the mountains, especially in winter when descending in the afternoon.

We suggest that you bring arm and leg warmers, gloves, a gilet and a rain jacket. You will also require some form of sunscreen as the sun can be quite strong even in February or March.

What cycling kit should I bring with me?

It should be possible to hand wash your kit, so we suggest you bring three pairs of shorts, three jerseys, three pairs of cycling socks, three undervests, one pair of arm and leg warmers, cycling gloves, full gloves and overshoes (just in case), a rain jacket, gilet, helmet, eye protection (sunglasses) and sun cream.

It is important your bike is in good working order and that you have a pump or Co2 gas gun with canisters, spare tubes and tyre levers.

If  your bike has unusual components, it is your responsibility to bring spares of those. We will provide you with two bike water bottles and enough sports nutrition products to get the average rider through our riding schedule.

What happens after the rides?

There is no organised programme of evening activities, but most rides end at either the hotel or at one of the many bars/cafés in Mojacar.

This should give you the opportunity to socialise and enjoy a post-ride drink in the sunshine with some tapas.

Can I buy additional Mojácar Cycling Holidays kit, energy gels and bars?

We will have a small selection of kit and matching accessories available to buy when you are with us.

However, if you want extra kit or accessories it’s far better to pre-order using the feature on your booking form to avoid disappointment.

Whilst we will be supplying you with cycling nutrition and food for your day to day riding, if you are a complete gel and energy food addict and want more, we will have extras available to purchase throughout your stay with us.