Routes for mountain biking in the province of Ciudad Real

Rutas para salir en bicicleta de montaña en la provincia de Ciudad Real

The land of Quixote is a perfect place for cycling lovers. Its flat orography makes it an ideal destination for those seeking easy and relaxed routes, especially on mountain bikes and road bikes.

MTB routes in Ciudad Real: unique trails and landscapes

For mountain bike enthusiasts, the province offers numerous MTB routes with gentle slopes and wide paths. Although the terrain is mostly flat, the northwest area stands out for the Montes de Toledo, a perfect area for those looking for a bit more challenge in their routes.

If you prefer to enjoy long journeys without major climbs, many of these routes are ideal to do with gravel bikes, combining compact tracks and natural trails with a touch of adventure.

Road cycling and tourism in the land of Quixote

In addition to being a destination for MTB, Ciudad Real is an excellent place for road cyclists. Its secondary roads and rural paths allow you to travel through spectacular landscapes with little traffic, connecting villages with great historical and cultural richness.

Villages such as Campo de Criptana, Daimiel, Almagro or Valdepeñas are must-stops for any cyclist. In addition, natural environments such as Las Tablas de Daimiel offer a unique experience, combining sport with nature.

More than cycling: culture and history on every route

Ciudad Real is much more than a cycling destination. After a day on the bike, it's essential to enjoy its gastronomy, tour its windmills and discover its historical heritage.

If you are looking for a complete cycling experience, with accessible routes and a setting full of history, Ciudad Real is a perfect destination for both mountain biking and road cycling.

Vicario Dam Route

An easy route through the plains of La Mancha, starting and ending in Ciudad Real. It is even possible to do it without problems with a gravel bicycle. From the provincial capital, you must head north towards the Vicario reservoir and cross its dam. We skirt the reservoir from west to east until we reach the famous iron bridge at the other end of the reservoir to start the return journey. In the last kilometers, we pass through the trails of the Atalaya forest park, one of the green lungs near Ciudad Real.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Type: XC
  • Distance: 41.6 kilometers
  • Elevation gain: 230 meters
  • Route type: Circular
  • Start/end: Ciudad Real
  • Track of the route

Windmills Route

To the north of the province of Ciudad Real we find Campo de Criptana, one of the most picturesque towns in La Mancha, famous for its group of windmills, some of them built in the 16th century. This route follows the course of the Tierra de Gigantes mountain bike tour, in honor of Don Quixote. It is a mostly flat route but with short climbs at the beginning and end that will test your fitness. The route can be completed perfectly in a morning. It is not recommended to do it in summer due to the high temperatures.

Tablas de Daimiel Route

This is a rolling route that crosses the Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, one of the most important wetlands rich in fauna and flora in the entire Iberian Peninsula. In this area, you will find the 'Ojos del Guadiana', a group of aquifers from where the river emerges through the underground layers. Starting and ending in Daimiel, we travel through the lagoons and wetlands of the park. It is recommended to do this route in spring, due to the climate and the higher amount of water, sometimes even encountering flooded paths that you will have to get around. The route is completely flat except for the climb to the Mirador de la Mancha, in Villarrubia de los Ojos, from where you can see a panoramic view of the La Mancha plain.