Are you an adventurous person, and do you like an active and sportive holiday? Then a cycling holiday could be a perfect option for you! You will discover the beautiful landscapes just like every other traveller, but in an adventurous way. Isn’t it more amusing to cycle in the open air than to sit behind a window in the car? We will show you the most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe. Some are not that far from home.
The most beautiful cycling destinations
Do you opt for a flat route, or do you prefer a challenge? Such as a climb in the interior of Italy. We will show you both options. Routes suitable for exploring with the family, and routes for advanced cyclists. Come, and discover the 5 most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe with us.
The Isle of Wight – England
Our first destination that belongs to the most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe is The Isle of Wight, an island on the south coast of England. The island has more than 350 km of cycle routes that are easily accessible via London. Ideal to avoid the crowds of the capital city for a while. You have the opportunity to cycle through the quiet interior, along the coast, over old train tracks converted into bike paths, or on some rougher paths for the advanced cyclists. A must is to cycle along the west coast. Here you will find ‘The Needles’ – pillars in the sea that you cannot miss. The official tourism site of the Isle of Wight has mapped out a number of cycling routes. Find them here, and choose your perfect route!
Besides cycling, you can rest on one of the beaches that the island has to offer. The villages on the coast have a number of cosy restaurants where you can eat or drink something. For children is it fun to go to Blackgang Chine – a large, adventurous playground. Lastly, take a ride in the world famous chairlift: The Needles Landmark Attraction.
Majorca
Majorca is especially known by cyclists who visit the island for their training round. Majorca is a hilly island with a lot of mountains that give you the opportunity to cycle a number of advanced routes. But, in addition, the island has many great cycle paths that make it suitable for beautiful, varied cycling routes. Besides, there are a lot of restaurants along the road where you can take a break and enjoy the beautiful view of the bays. These bays have beautiful beaches where you can cool down during your bike ride. Majorca is an island where it is always good weather, and the sun can be very strong in summer times. If you choose to take a cycling holiday to this island, you should especially go in early or late season.
For a cycling holiday on Majorca, you also need an accommodation! See our offers
A number of well-known bike routes on Majorca are the cycling routes from Palma de Majorca to El Arenal, from Sóller to Fornalutx, from Can Picafort to Port d’Alcudia, from Port de Pollença to Cap Formentor or cycling through the area of Serre de Tramuntana.
Lake Garda – Italy
Lake Garda has cycling routes for everyone. The people who love a quiet bike ride can make a wonderful cycling tour in the area around Lake Garda. Cycle along the flat routes next to the Minicio or on the cycle paths next to the lake. A beautiful route for people who love a quiet bike ride is from Riva del Garda, to Torbole Sur Garda, along the Sarche river to Arco. This route is about 26 km, easy to complete in one day. The sporty types must go to the interior for steep climbs, and mountain bikers can climb the famous mountain Monte Baldo.
Loire – France
Our next destination that belongs to the most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe, is the region where the kings built their houses in the time before Versailles; the Loire region. This cycle route is not about the amount of kilometres travelled, but about enjoying the surroundings and the wine. Yes, that is right, the Loire Valley is the largest wine region in France. You can cycle from wine tasting to wine tasting, and visit historical castles and picturesque villages along the way. Cycling along one of the most beautiful rivers in France, you will also encounter the most expensive interiors of sumptuous chateaus.
La loire à Vélo is a 800 km long, almost flat cycle route that runs mainly along the Loire. In 1998, the making of the route was finished and they could start with the realisation. On the website you can see the complete route, but you can also compose your own route. They show special routes for families, migration routes or holiday routes.
The Wadden Islands – The Netherlands
The last destinations we want to add to our list of most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe are the Wadden Islands. Yes, the small country of The Netherlands also has wonderful cycling routes. The Netherlands is the biggest bicycle exporter in Europe. The Wadden Islands all have their own character which you should have seen. They all have a beautiful nature that can be perfectly discovered by bike. You will find spectacular dune landscapes and wide beaches. Do you want to discover all islands? There is a possibility to go island hopping! Between the 6 islands there are direct boat connections available that can easily bring you from island to island.
Besides cycling, the islands have a number of special sights. On Texel, for example, you should definitely visit the seaside resort ‘De Koog’ for a day at the beach. Or visit ‘Den Burg’ where around 64 national monuments can be found. Or Ecomare, the centre where you learn everything about the Wadden and the North Sea, where they have a sea aquarium and a seal shelter. On Terschelling, you can not miss the nature reserve, together with the cultural history museum ‘t Behouden Huys. On Schiermonnikoog lies one of Europe’s largest beaches: the Balg. And finally, on Ameland, you must visit the Juttersmuseum and Hollom; the largest village of Ameland with a beautiful lighthouse and an old flour mill.
Do you feel like stepping on your bike? These are our most beautiful cycling destinations in Europe, but of course Europe has many more beautiful places where you can cycle through the beautiful nature. Anyway, we can not choose between these 5 destinations, maybe we should visit them all?
