Exploring Europe on two wheels: cycling trails to hit this year

From cruising along the Croatian coast to free-wheeling through France’s vineyards, cycling trips in Europe are as varied as the continent’s mix of cultures. Exploring on two wheels allows you to get to know a place more intimately, seeing life unfold in small towns and villages, roaming country lanes and off-road routes, and embracing slower, more environmentally friendly travel.

Although there are plenty of long-distance and more challenging routes, you don’t need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy some of the best bicycle tours in Europe. There’s plenty of scope for laid-back pacing, gentle terrain, or a little battery-powered assistance on an e-bike. In this article, we take a spin through some of the best cycling tours in Europe, from coastal jaunts around the Med to Scandi scoots and river-hugging rides.

Cycling trips in Europe: the best destinations and routes

France: Provence, Loire Valley, and Bordeaux Wine Country

With its distinctive regions, gorgeous countryside and exuberant food culture, France is a top choice for a cycling vacation in Europe. This is a land of long lunches and boulangeries, so matching calorie intake with kilometer count will be a breeze.

The UNESCO-protected Loire Valley is a great place to start, with mainly flat cycling and a wealth of historic towns and châteaux to admire. A network of interconnecting routes follows dedicated riverside bike paths and quiet country lanes through vineyards, orchards and picturesque villages.

Sunkissed Provence with its olive groves and lavender fields is another firm favorite. The region continues the theme of predominantly flat terrain, with just a few steeper sections. The vibrant landscapes here inspired the paintings of Van Gogh, and by spending time in the countryside under sunny skies and starlit nights, you’ll see why.

Wine buffs on wheels should set off for Bordeaux, where rides through the undulating countryside can be combined with vineyard tours and fine dining. The Canal du Midi route from Toulouse to the Mediterranean coast is another of the best bike tours in Europe for first-timers.

Italy: Tuscany, the Dolomites, and coastal routes

Food, wine and natural beauty abound in Italy. The north offers some spectacular mountain routes, while the southerly landscapes are flatter with more gentle terrain. The distinctive limestone peaks of the Italian Dolomites form a dramatic backdrop for biking adventures in the South Tyrol. This much-loved UNESCO-listed region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing skiers in winter and hikers and bikers in summer. There are some challenging climbs here, complemented by spectacular views and hearty mountain food.

Further south, the rolling hills and cypress-studded lanes of Tuscany present a more relaxed pace. Here you can cruise through age-old vineyards and olive groves, putting in the pedal power to reach picturesque hilltop villages where your next dining pit-stop awaits. Sunshine, good food and Italian hospitality – Europe cycling vacations don’t get much better than this.

Spain and Portugal: Mediterranean Coast and Douro Valley

Spain’s bright and breezy coastline curves around the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, offering many scenic cycle routes along the way. Barcelona to Valencia is a standout route, taking you south along the Catalan coast. Between golden beaches, the coastline features wildlife-rich wetlands, rice paddies, forested stretches, and welcoming fishing villages.

Mountain bikers should head north to the Pyrenees for more challenging routes. Spain’s network of Vías Verdes (Greenways) runs along former railway lines, offering a gentler, more family-friendly option. For sizzling seafood tapas and Moorish architecture, the Andalucía route from Cadiz to Seville is particularly varied and culturally exciting.

In Portugal, the wine-rich Douro Valley is another top Europe cycling destination. Spend a few days in the character-packed city of Porto before pedaling through the fertile Douro River Valley, with its age-old wine culture, steeply terraced vineyards, and villages.

Central Europe: Austria, Germany, and Switzerland Alps

Well-organized, well-signposted and well-maintained, central Europe cycling tours have a lot going for them. One standout route combining accessibility and natural beauty is the Lake Constance Cycle Path.

It is largely flat, ideal for families and those seeking a low-stress bike trip with outstanding views of mountains and lakes. The route takes you through Austria, Germany and Switzerland, with lakeside villages to explore in each country.

Read more: Our top destinations for unforgettable cycling tours

Northern Europe: Holland, Belgium, and Scandinavia

Out of all the cycling vacations in Europe, Holland is likely the most famously flat destination. Biking here is a breeze, with gorgeous scenery, quiet roads, and a nation that embraces life on two wheels.

Petite Belgium continues the theme, with a well-organized bike path network and plenty of flat terrain along scenic canals and country lanes. Those looking for a more challenging route should head to the river valleys and forested hills of wonderful Wallonia. Wherever you steer your wheels in Belgium, there will be historic towns to admire and an abundance of breweries to quench your thirst.

With long winters to endure, Scandinavia eagerly embraces outdoor activities when summer finally arrives. Biking is popular here, with great options for self-guided cycling tours along the Norwegian fjords or following one of Sweden’s well-organized National Trails, through the coast or countryside.

Mediterranean islands: Mallorca, Sardinia, and the Greek islands

Rugged and sun-baked, Sardinia is ever-popular with cyclists because of its quiet, well-kept roads and sensational views. The Smeralda Coast route sweeps through granite coastal hills and woodland with sparkling ocean views ever-present. Cycling here can be challenging, so unless you’re a seasoned road bike enthusiast, an e-bike is advised.

With its temperate climate and a great mix of coastal roads and mountain trails, Mallorca is another popular island for cycling tours in Europe. Smooth roads, great weather, and considerate drivers make it a favorite destination for serious road bikers. Dramatic mountain roads crisscross the interior, but there are plenty of options for the less incline-inclined cyclist, too.

How about Greek island hopping by bike? With plentiful sunshine, ancient history all around, and a relatively low population outside of the main cities, Greece is a rewarding European cycling destination. Bikers should be prepared for some steep climbs, as many of the islands are quite mountainous. But challenging stints in the saddle can be punctuated with sea dips, taverna pit-stops, and ferry crossings somewhere new.

When to go: best seasons for cycling trips in Europe

Spring cycling (March-May)

For spring cycling tours in Europe, head south to enjoy the brighter, warmer weather. You’ll find blue skies and plenty of sunshine in Italy, Spain, Portugal, southern France, and all around the Mediterranean. This is the best time of year for cycling in Europe’s warmer climes, with low rainfall and comfortable temperatures.

Summer peak season (June-August)

During the long days of summer, it makes good sense to head north. The cooler climes of central and northern Europe are still warm and sunny from June to August, but generally quite manageable. Scandinavia sees particularly long hours of sunshine, so you’ll have plenty of time to get the miles in, or dawdle, depending on your travel tempo.

During high summer, the heat will become a hindrance to long-distance cycle rides in southern Europe. If you do decide to saddle up at this time of year, you’ll need to set out early and cut the mileage right back.

Fall cycling (September-November)

The mellow days of fall are made for cruising through vineyards and drinking in the changing colors of the season. Early fall is a prime time for biking across Europe, but later in the season, set your Strava for southern Europe to chase the warmer rays.

Read more: Our shortlist of epic cycle trips around the world

Make it happen

To start planning the ultimate cycling trips of Europe, navigate to your chosen destination and reach out to our local experts today. In the know about their home country’s best trails and active experiences, they’ll help put together an itinerary that’s uniquely yours and truly unforgettable.