4 Popular Cycling Destinations to Consider

Cycling holidays are an excellent way to see a country at your own pace, plus you get to keep fit and enjoy the fresh air. You can enjoy a self-guided cycling tour or a guided option, which may be the best choice if you’re less experienced. Europe offers a variety of routes that can be challenging or leisurely. So, if you’re looking for cycling holidays in Europe, here are a few tour suggestions.

Where to go?

Italy

The most spectacular and taxing cycling in Italy is in the Dolomites. But the mountain scenery offers plenty of rewards for cyclists who can handle the climbs. This isn’t for amateurs. To emphasise, roads such as Passo Giau and Passo Pordoi form the backdrop to the Giro D’Italia. There is only a late spring to autumn window for cycling as the mountain passes are snowed in during winter. Away from the mountain ranges, cycling in Italy can be enjoyed all year round. Tuscany offers long climbs, rolling hills and flat riding combined with stunning scenery to enjoy as you sweat. To relax, take pitstops in picture-postcard hilltop towns such as San Gimignano or timeless cities such as Siena. 

Spain

Spain is a popular cycling destination but has high summer temperatures, exceeding 35°C in certain areas. Having said that, the climate makes the country a year-round cycling destination. Away from the cities, this is a cycle-friendly country. There are over 3,400km of converted railway lines called Vias Verdes (greenways) that offer over 120 cycle routes. There are also 10,000km of nature trails that again use abandoned railways and canals for cycling. Finally, EuroVelo crisscrosses Europe, and three of its major routes offer long-distance cycling through Spain. These are the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route, the EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims Route and the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route. Popular routes include Camino de Santiago, which finishes at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in the north of Spain. More centrally, you can follow the Canal of Castile, which takes you through Castile and Leon. 

Slovenia

Its mild Mediterranean climate makes Slovenia an excellent cycling destination all year round. The country has diverse and well-maintained cycle trails. You can cycle by the sea, between charming Istrian and Karst villages or the vineyards and orchards of Vipava Valley and Brda. The climbs up Mount Nanos, the Trnovo Plateau and the Banjsice Plateau are excellent challenges for road cyclists, while the slopes have trails for mountain bikers. Or explore the Triglav National Park and take in awe-inspiring Alpine views. You can begin the Alpine route in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, before heading north to the Kamnik-Savinja Range along the Kamniška River.

France

The French Alps offer similar cycling challenges to Italy’s Dolomites. And if you’re a keen mountain biker, you’ll love the area around the resort town of Morzine. More family-friendly cycling can be found in Brittany in the north of France. Here are peaceful country lanes and gentle hillsides along the banks of the River Rance. More centrally, Burgundy has canal and riverside cycling and, of course, routes that take you through ubiquitous vineyards. If you yearn for the Alps but have the leg power of a casual cyclist, there are less challenging riverside routes linking the lakes of Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. If you’re a fan of camping, you could make the most of France’s great campsites on your cycling holiday and move around different areas to see even more of the country.

Whether you are planning to tackle the mountain climbs in the French Alps or the rolling countryside, cycling offers endless opportunities for adventure and fitness. Wherever you choose to ride, staying up to date with cycling news can help you prepare by providing training advice, route recommendations, weather updates and tips for handling different types of terrain. With the right preparation and a destination to inspire you, cycling can become much more than a workout – it can be a rewarding experience that keeps you motivated for years to come.

This is a collaborative post.