A bit of cold weather doesn’t have to keep us off the bike. Plenty of riders keep commuting through winter, layer up for weekend rides and accept that the occasional wet ride is simply part of the deal.
But let’s be honest: after a few months of cold mornings, damp roads and piling on the layers, the thought of riding under blue skies in 20-plus degrees starts to sound pretty appealing.
That’s where a winter sun motorcycle holiday comes in. Fly somewhere warmer, pick up a rental bike and you could be swapping your winter gloves for sunglasses within a few hours. Whether it’s a long weekend or a full week away, it’s a brilliant change of scenery and a good excuse to discover somewhere completely new on two wheels.
So, where should you go, and what should you think about before booking?
First things first: where are you going?
The Canary Islands are an obvious choice, and for good reason. Tenerife and Gran Canaria pack an incredible amount of riding into relatively small islands, with volcanic landscapes, mountain roads, endless bends and coastal views.
Depending on where you rent, you can also take your bike on the ferry and go island hopping, or simply visit another island for the day. Our Head of Marketing, Thalassa, had a brilliant time going from Tenerife over to La Gomera for a day of exploring its mountain roads. If you’re tempted to do the same, check out Canary Ride, whose Tenerife rental bikes can be taken between the islands.
Andalusia gives you a little more room to roam. Málaga makes an easy starting point, with places such as Ronda, the Pueblos Blancos and the mountains of southern Spain all within reach. It’s a great option if you want to combine proper days on the bike with good food, interesting towns and perhaps a slightly slower day or two in between. Check out Triumph ADV Spain for example.
And then there’s Morocco. If you’re looking for a bigger change of scenery and culture, it’s hard to beat. From the Atlas Mountains and winding tarmac to desert landscapes and off-road riding, there’s enormous variety. It’s also somewhere where going with a knowledgeable local guide can add a lot to the experience, particularly if you want to venture beyond the tarmac. Wheels of Morocco is a trusted option.
Whichever destination catches your eye, remember that winter sun doesn’t guarantee summer weather. Temperatures can change dramatically with altitude, and even sunny destinations get rainy days. Check the conditions for the specific areas you’ll be riding through, not just the weather forecast for the beach next to your hotel.
Once you’ve picked a destination, the next question is how much of the trip you want someone else to organise.
A guided tour takes most of the work out of it. Routes, accommodation and logistics are usually organised for you, and you have someone who knows the area riding with you. That’s particularly useful somewhere unfamiliar or if you’re planning to ride off-road.
A self-guided tour sits nicely in the middle. Depending on the operator, your motorcycle, accommodation and routes may all be arranged in advance, but you’re free to ride at your own pace without following a guide all day.
Or you can simply rent a motorcycle and make your own plans. That’s the option with the most freedom. Book your own hotel, choose your own routes and change your mind whenever you like. If discovering somewhere for yourself is half the fun, this might be the one for you.
There’s no best option. Think about whether you want your holiday to feel organised and effortless or whether planning and exploring independently are part of the experience for you.
Two motorcycle holidays that look similarly priced can turn out to be very different once you look at what’s actually included.
Does the rental company collect you from the airport or hotel, or do you need to arrange transport to its base? Is accommodation included? What luggage comes with the motorcycle? Can you rent riding gear, or will you need to bring your own? Is mileage unlimited? What does the insurance cover, and what’s the excess if something goes wrong?
It’s also worth checking what support is available if you have a mechanical problem halfway through your trip.
If you’re travelling during a popular period, we’d book the motorcycle before getting too carried away with the rest of your plans. Rental fleets aren’t unlimited, and the bike you really want might not still be sitting there when you arrive.
Renting an adventure bike doesn’t automatically mean you can take it off-road.
Before heading towards that tempting gravel track, check the rental agreement and insurance conditions. Some companies specifically prohibit off-road riding, while others offer motorcycles and tours designed for exactly that purpose. In Morocco, for example, you’ll find both road-only rental companies and operators offering dedicated guided off-road trips.
You’ll also need to make sure you’re legally allowed to ride wherever you’re heading. Rules vary between countries and regions, so don’t assume that because a trail is physically accessible, motorcycles are welcome.
If riding off-road is one of the main reasons for your trip, tell the rental or tour company before you book. They’ll be able to tell you what’s permitted and whether the bike, tyres and insurance are suitable.
It’s very easy to look at a forecast showing 20°C and sunshine and start packing as though you’re heading away for a summer holiday.
On the motorcycle, things can obviously feel very different. Add some altitude, an early morning start or a few hours at motorway speeds and you’ll be glad you brought layers. The same applies to waterproofs. Hopefully they’ll spend the entire trip at the bottom of your bag, but you’ll be very happy they’re there if the weather turns.
If you’re bringing your own helmet and riding gear, check your airline’s luggage rules before you fly. A little planning here can save some unpleasant surprises at the airport.
JUSTRIDE doesn’t stop being useful just because you’ve jumped on a plane.
Use it to plan and navigate your routes while you’re away, record the rides you want to remember and share them afterwards. And if you’re travelling with friends, Group Navigation means everyone can follow the same route while seeing where the rest of the group is, even when you naturally spread out along the way.
Heading somewhere more remote? JUSTRIDE can also connect with compatible satellite devices such as Garmin inReach and ACR Bivy Stick, giving you another way to stay connected when your route takes you beyond reliable mobile coverage.
That’s particularly reassuring when the whole point of the trip is to get away from the busy places and explore somewhere new.
A winter motorcycle holiday doesn’t need to be a huge expedition. It could be a week exploring Morocco, a few days chasing bends in Gran Canaria or simply a long weekend with a rental bike somewhere warmer than home.
Do a little research, decide how much you want organised for you, check exactly what your rental allows and pack for more than just sunshine. Then all that’s left is deciding where to go.
Maybe winter isn’t the end of the riding season after all. Perhaps it’s just a very good excuse to ride somewhere new.
