Chasing Sun & Trails: A Winter Campervan Escape to Spain (INT-ENG)

Carola Favoino was once one of Italy’s great young downhill talents. Today, in her Mid-Twenties, she enjoys a more adventurous path freeriding for Team Propain, roaming the world. From her latest winter escape to Spain in a CLIFF 600X RT she brought back 7 spots and tips, to-dos and must-eats.

This trip started with one simple idea: I wanted to escape winter by following the sun. While most of Europe was cold, grey, and frozen, Spain promised blue skies, dusty trails, salty air, and long days outside.

So, what better destination than Catalunya — a place where riding, culture, food, and beach life naturally blend into one perfect winter escape. For me, it was the ideal mix: training, exploring cities, working on myself, and still having enough time to sit with a coffee after a long ride day.

1. Ride where the community is (not where the campsites are pretty)

If you’re heading to ride spots like La Poma, La Sorrera, or 4Riders Bikepark, don’t expect picture-perfect camping spots. These places are about dirt, shovels, and passion, not fairy lights and infinity pools. But what you will find is something much better:

• A welcoming bike community
• People who live for riding and building
• And instant connections that turn into riding buddies within minutes.

Sometimes the best campsites aren’t beautiful, but they’re close to the jumps.

2. Say yes (si!) to local riders

One of my favourite things about this area is the people. The Spanish riding scene is incredibly open, positive, and passionate. Everyone loves riding, building, fixing, repeating – and they do it with big smiles and even bigger motivation.

You arrive as a stranger, and by the end of the session you’re part of the crew. Different languages don’t matter when you’re sharing shovels, lines, and post-ride laughs.

3. Mix training with beach days (yes, even in winter!)

Hard training days need proper recovery – and Catalunya delivers. After dirt jump sessions and downhill laps, there’s nothing better than heading straight to the beach. Winter beach days in Spain mean:

– Sun without crowds
– Quiet walks along the water
– Salty hair and tired legs
– And that calm feeling you only get near the sea

It’s the perfect balance between pushing your limits and slowing everything down again.

4. Sneak into Barcelona for culture and calories

Even the best bike trip deserves a rest day — and Barcelona is the perfect place for it.

Park the bike, grab a coffee, and get lost in the city: wander past Gaudí’s crazy architecture and eat your way through tapas bars. Patatas Bravas, Churros, coffee, repeat. Trust me: a full stomach and tired legs are a beautiful combination.

5. Eat like a local (not like you’re on a diet)

Spain is not the place to count calories. It’s the place to celebrate food. Must-eats:

– Patatas Bravas (obviously)
– Croquetas de Jamon Serrano
– Bocadillos from tiny bars
– Churros with hot chocolate

Food tastes better when you’ve earned it on the bike.

6. Things you should NOT do!

Every good list needs a warning section:

✗ Don’t expect luxury campsites near hardcore riding spots
✗ Don’t rush sessions – locals ride with flow, not stress
✗ Don’t skip rest days (your body will thank you)
✗ Don’t stay only in one place – explore a bit
✗ Don’t forget sunscreen… even in winter

7. Go for the sun, stay for the feeling

I came to Spain to escape winter, but I stayed for the vibe. The warmth isn’t just in the weather, it’s in the people, the riding culture, and the rhythm of life. This trip reminded me why I love traveling with my bike: freedom, simplicity, connection – and a home on wheels that lets you chase summer wherever it hides.