Europe is the second smallest continent and one way to explore it is to go on road trips as you cycle past different interesting places. From the Moore Valley to the Strade Bianche, and the Danish Riviera route are some of the must-see places when exploring the backroads on cycling tours in Europe. Cycling on two wheels exposes you to the diverse cultures and travel adventures of a lifetime.
Whether you are looking for local insight from the country or the beautiful collections on the streets. Europe has it all, from the scenic backdrop to the coastal roads, lush countryside and captivating island.
As Kate Richardson, a sports expert, says, “Your grand entrance into Europe for a biking vacation should include riding through the remote villages with lush plantations including the backwaters with a hybrid or mountain bike.”
So, what is stopping you from making this place a bike tour destination? We bring you all the best destinations you can ever find in this article, read on.
The Best Destinations for Cycling Tours in Europe
The historical roots of bicycle tours started in Italy, Europe in the year 1894 when a group of cycling lovers came together to have a travel adventure – Linkedin.
In recent times cycling tours have been incorporated into the online betting space where people can bet on popular events. If you are an online gaming enthusiast, you can bet on cycling outcomes on different platforms for Europeans.
Players are often offered a variety of bonuses on different betting games including cycling-themed sports. As you binge on the excitement of predicting outcomes on betting sites, free bets and other amazing bonuses are available for you to claim too. Players can also grab the best offers with MightyTips for fans of sports betting. Cycling trips in Europe are an avenue created to promote the cycling culture and establish travel destinations. We have listed the 10 best destinations for you here, have a look.
France
The Loire Valley
Here is one of the perfect places for your cycling tour with gorgeous cities, well-designed with stylish locals. If you are looking for a rewarding experience and holiday with good bikes, then make this place your cycling holiday destination.
The Loire Valley is one of France’s most scenic and historic biking routes, called the “Garden of France” for cycling trips. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage region like Wachau of Austria and is famous for its stunning châteaux, stone buildings, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
Cyclists on the European tour can ride along the Loire River on designated routes, stopping at castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. The terrain is relatively flat, so it’s ideal for all levels of skill. The best time to visit if you are going for your Europe bike tours is between April and October when the weather is nice.
Fun fact: Loire Valley produces some of France’s finest wines, perfect for a warm evening after a road trip ride.
Duration: 5–7 Days
Italy
Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the Renaissance cities in Italy that offers picturesque views of rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano. The white roads or Strade Bianche are famous among cyclists for their dirt roads and the picturesque landscape throughout Europe.
It is an ideal spot for both new and experienced cyclists due to the hilly terrain. The Dolomites region is not left out with its well-built cycle paths for a dynamic touring experience during your cycling vacation. On this bike tour, riders can taste authentic Italian food and world-class wines from the Julian Alps region in northeast Dolomites. Spring and autumn are the ideal periods for cycling here because the weather is so nice.
If you need a short bike tour, you can go to the Umbria or Vista region to discover its stunning landscape, picture-perfect fields and lovely medieval villages. For enthusiasts who want to go to the famous fields of Provence, the best time to go see the full blossoming of the lavender is around mid-June to August.
Fun fact: Tuscany hosts the famous L’Eroica race, in which riders use vintage bikes while dressed in retro clothing.
Duration: 7 – 10 Days
Denmark
Copenhagen and Zealand
As written by Life in Travel, Ernest Hemingway says “Bicycle riding is one adventure that exposes you to the contours of a country. As you pedal through the hills, valleys and coast, you get to see the country’s best. On a bike tour, you have an accurate remembrance of the country you have driven through”
One of the striking things about Denmark as a country apart from its natural beauty is that it upholds the bike culture. Denmark is the most bike-friendly country globally, and Copenhagen has frequently been voted the world’s best cycling city. Like the Cotswold which is one of the popular places to consider in UK cycling with a quintessential charm, Denmark stands out with its historical richness of local landmarks.
The surrounding Zealand region offers fantastic coastal rides, forests, and old Viking ruins. The infrastructure includes separated bike paths, ferry transport, and cafes that accommodate bikes. Among the best routes is along the Danish Riviera route, through seaside villages and sand beaches. It’s largely flat, perfect for all types of cyclists.
Fun fact: Copenhagen has more bicycles than residents, and approximately 90% of Danes have a bike. Hence, more bicycle trips are experienced.
Duration: 3 – 5 Days
Holland
Amsterdam and The Netherlands’ Countryside
The Netherlands is one of the popular cycling destination countries, with over 35,000 km of cycling routes. One of the most popular routes begins in Amsterdam and winds its way through tulip fields, windmills, and cheese-making villages such as Edam and Gouda.
The flat roads and well-tended cycling paths make it suitable for beginners. Spring is the ideal time to go, with the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in bloom. The itinerary usually starts by 10:10 am and lasts up until 5: 45 pm.
It’s easier to remember every feature as they are and they make a better impression than travelling in a motor car as you go through one of Italy’s finest cities. To make your journey more enjoyable, you can go for e-bikes that make it easier to navigate hills. It takes away the hassle of using a traditional bike.
Fun fact: The government of the Netherlands encourages people to take a cycling tour, and in cities such as Utrecht, bicycles dominate the streets over cars.
Duration: 5 -7
Germany
Romantic Road
If you are looking for inspiration for cycling, check out this quote by Stephen Littleworld. He says “I love to go bike riding! It exposes me to things I have never seen. The roads have too many directions even when there is only one road”- Ecobnb..
Romantic Road in Germany is a must for any cyclist who appreciates medieval villages, castles, and countryside scenery. The 460 km ride from Würzburg to Füssen goes through fairytale villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and culminates at the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.
The road is a mix of flat and rolling ones, perfectly suited for riders belonging to the intermediate category. Whether you are a casual rider or a seasoned one regardless of your skills level, there is something for everyone here. May to September is the best time to visit this European country.
Fun fact: The Romantic Road was a medieval trade route dating back to the Middle Ages.
Duration: 7 – 10 Days
Belgium
Belgium’ Flanders
Belgium’s Flanders region is one of our cycling destinations famous for its cobblestone roads and vintage cycling events like the Tour of Flanders. Discover cycling paths like the medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, with quaint canals and historic buildings.
It is ideal for riders who prefer flat, slightly rolling roads. Cyclists can stop at local restaurants and breweries to taste Belgium’s food and wine. The best time to come is in the spring or early autumn.
You can take one of the self-guided tours that offer cycling tour services with maps, road books and rides with GPS. The next time you are on vacation in Europe, you might want to consider these itineraries for your biking tours.
Fun fact: There are over 10 Belgian cycling routes that celebrate famous cyclists in Belgium.
Duration: 4 -6 Days
Portugal
Algarve
The Algarve in the southern part of Portugal is known for its spectacular seashore scenery in the form of golden cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages. Also, the Ecovia do Litoral is a specially reserved cycling path extending from Vila Real de Santo António to Sagres.
This terrain is mostly flat with some rolling hills, so it’s perfect for all levels. If you are coming here, Spring and autumn (March–June and September–November) are the ideal time for you.
Ensure to get a tour guide service that offers you comfortable accommodation in or near the villages or towns where the cyclists pass to catch some rest in the afternoon and evenings before continuing their trip.
Fun fact: Portugal has one of Europe’s highest sunshine hours, so it’s a great place to cycle all year round.
Duration: 5- 7 Days
Norway
Lofoten Islands
The European cycling holiday takes you through a journey of discovery visiting places like the Intriguing Lofoten Islands or the tranquil Ecovia do Litoral. You could go for guided cycling as you explore Europe by bike. You have everything at your disposal to experience all that Europe has to offer with the bespoke e-bikes tour.
For an exciting cycle holiday, the Lofoten Islands in Norway offer dramatic landscapes of fjords, towering mountains, and villages with a fishing industry. The route by cycle measures approximately 230 km along the E10 highway with some testing hill climbs.
Summer is a good time to explore Europe, especially the Lofoten Islands but winter can be unforgiving. Using a self guided tour offers the best possible accommodation from guesthouses, campsites and luxury hotels which you can help yourself with on your trip. You can book an itinerary for an e-bike on their site.
Fun fact: The Lofoten Islands are one of the few places in the world where you can experience both northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer.
Duration: 7- 10 Days
Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is home to one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe, with dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea, old towns, and picturesque islands like Hvar and Korčula.
Active travel on a bike on European cycling tours enriches and exposes you to different aspects of life. Beyond the cycling adventure, it teaches you the meaning of applying effort, – going up and down. With guided cycling tours you can also bike along coastal highways and ride ferries between islands. The roads have rolling hills and short climbs, so it’s ideal for intermediate riders. April to June and September to October are the best times to visit.
Fun fact: Several of the coastal towns, such as Dubrovnik, were filming locations for Game of Thrones.
Duration: 5-8 Days
Spain
Camino de Santiago
This is one of Spain’s most renowned cycling tours, Camino de Santiago, is an ancient pilgrimage path to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Camino Francés is the most used cycling tour, spanning approximately 800 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago in Spain.
The landscapes are breathtaking and the cyclists are treated to a midnight sun in the summer season – perfect for exploring. Your tour in this city includes varying flat plains and mountainous ascents, making it a good option for seasoned riders.
Camino de Santiago has locations with differing cycling experiences varying from beach riding to mountain terrain, so there is something for all European cyclists. May to October is the perfect time for exploring this region.
Fun fact: The Camino has been on pilgrimage for over 1,000 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Duration: 7 – 14 Days
Imagine taking cycling tours in some of the best places with the best scenery in these European countries. How would you feel enjoying the rushing rivers of the Loire Valley or going through the lush countryside soaking in the good views on a European bike tour? So what are you waiting for? Get your luggage together and don’t forget to check out our best destinations here.
Photo by www.freepik.com
