Why Choose Cycling in the Sun rather than a Skiing Holiday?
When we think of winter active breaks, most people consider a week away on the slopes. The lure of powder snow, mountain views and deep blue skies help many Northern Europeans get through the dark winter days. However, more recently – and potentially due to climate change – the snow and skiing conditions have become less than predictable. Not only that but a family skiing holiday also needs careful planning and a sizeable budget, with many reconsidering this luxury choice.
In 2020, Outdoor Expert Pete Fletcher collated the prices of 45 of the most popular ski resorts in Europe. His report enabled him to estimate the average weekly cost of a skiing holiday. For a family of four, this amounted to £3,512. Cycling in the Sun estimates that a winter active break on the Costa Blanca, Spain, would cost appropriately £2,000. Comparing almost like for like, the price includes a wide range of activities that Cycling in the Sun organises, such as cycling, padel, stand up paddle and tennis. A saving of £1,500 on a family holiday is money worth saving!
Family winter active breaks in Spain are therefore becoming increasingly popular for numerous Northern European nations. Many Germans, Dutch and Belgians are taking advantage of longer daylight hours, sunnier and warmer days, high quality food and a happier living environment. For the winter of 2022, Cycling in the Sun received bookings from a variety of Northern Europeans, all of the same opinion; for health, happiness and a wonderful holiday, the Costa Blanca is the place to be in winter!
Indeed, Spain – and especially the Costa Blanca – offers an amazing winter active break, with blue skies and sunshine. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Costa Blanca is one of the healthiest places on Earth. With its balanced microclimate – sunny days and pleasant temperatures – and its geographical location, the Costa Blanca offers an excellent quality of life. Spending every day living a healthy and active life is the social norm. It gives the area a happy, feel-good vibe.
As a result of its balanced microclimate, the local roads are adorned with enthusiastic cyclists who revel in sharing roads with both male and female professional teams who are also out to train and enjoy the winter sunshine. However, the climate and smooth, stress-free roads are not the only reason for choosing Cycling in the Sun for a winter active break. As described by Mark Eddy, author of Mountain Adventures, Costa Blanca, “this part of the world lends itself to outdoor adventure activities, with the Costa Blanca being like the winter equivalent to Chamonix”.
La Casa au Lilas Rosa is an award-winning villa, with guest reviews reaching 9.8 out of 10 in less than a year on booking.com and obtaining Super Host Status with Airbnb in 2022. It is situated within close proximity of the Ridges, Via Ferratas, Canyons, sport climbing, trad climbing, hiking and trail running routes as well as the road cycling routes mentioned in Mark’s recently published and highly recommended book. Flights, accommodation and restaurant prices are also all significantly cheaper in the winter than in the summer months.
Of course, not everyone wants to ride a bike or climb the Bernia Ridge so let’s consider the variety of activities available within a 5km radius of La Casa au Lilas Rosa. Cycling in the Sun’s Nigel Stephenson joined the Padel Revolution in July 2022 following 6 months of cancer treatment. Since Nigel was unable to enjoy cycling as he had done previously, he needed to find another sport to maintain his physical and mental health. Thankfully, he found the very welcoming and inclusive local Buenavista Tenis and Padel Club.
Since July 2022, Cycling in the Sun has formed strong sporting relationships with Padel Coach Adam Lane as well as padel players from the club. According to padeluniteduk.com, padel could be ‘the most popular game you have never heard of’ and it is certainly one of the funniest and most addictive. This inclusive sport is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon and enjoy light-hearted humour and great company.
Other outdoor sporting facilities within a thirty-minute drive from La Casa include golf courses, a fully functioning gym with indoor swimming pool, saunas, jacuzzis and of course beautiful beaches and coves for sea swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing and snorkelling.
Many winter skiers also look for exciting après-ski environments. Whilst La Costa Blanca is much quieter during the winter season, Moraira, Benissa, Xabia and Calpe all have many superb seafood, tapas and paella restaurants to choose from. Sea view and outdoor live music bars remain open, as well as nightclubs, for the younger generation wishing to burn the candle at both ends!
As the cost of living continues to rise, so do the prices of skiing holidays, but Cycling in the Sun’s accommodation prices remain competitive within the area and can cater for Bed and Breakfast families, couples and retirees alike. Bed and Breakfast prices start at €75 per room per night, with the cost per night for the full villa starting from €165 in October 2023.
Interested? If so, we’d love to hear from you to arrange your 2023/2024 active winter break!
WhatsApp us on 0044 7958 596662 or email us and we’ll be happy to help you.
