Though there are many spectacular trails here in the UK, sometimes the itch for a cycling trip to Europe has to be scratched.
As cyclists, we’re always on the lookout for our next route or challenge—and you’ll find plenty of them throughout the four million square miles of mainland Europe.
Europe offers vast potential for cyclists all year round. Whether it be to make the most of the summer sun or escape the UK’s winter cold for some warm weather off-season training, there are many reasons why we love to flock to the continent.
Better still, some of the best cycling holidays in Europe are only a mere two or three-hour flight away from the UK. What more of a reason do you need to explore?
If you’re planning a trip, you’ve come to the right place. In no particular order, here are our top picks for the best trips and cycling holidays in Europe.
Cycling in Europe
Girona, Spain
Nestled away in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain is Girona, often described as the ‘Playground of the Pros’ when it comes to cycling.
Cycling in Girona feels different. Not only are you blessed with great weather and roads, but you’re in esteemed company, too. Many pro cyclists choose to live in and around the region, and various pro cycling teams have a permanent base here, so it must be doing something right.
Girona’s cycling culture has grown massively over the past few decades, since Lance Armstrong trained here in the 1990s and moved over permanently in 2000.
Girona is easy to get to and from, with direct flights available from several UK airports. Its proximity to the Pyrenean border with France, famous for its iconic Tour de France stages, makes it a true cyclist’s paradise and an absolute must-visit.
French Alps
If you like a challenge, there are few better cycling holidays in Europe than the French Alps. In many ways, the French Alps feel like the ‘hub’ of European cycling—some of the world’s most famous climbs can be found in this region, and of course, the Tour de France needs no introduction.
The likes of Alpe d’Huez and the Col du Galibier are among the most popular sections in Tour de France history, but such is the vastness of the French Alps that every cyclist’s taste is catered for—from the mountains themselves to the peaceful valleys and Alpine towns in between.
The Col d’Izoard mountain pass (pictured above) has featured in the Tour numerous times over the years and is a very popular route among local and tourist cyclists. At just under 2,400m, it sits in the highest category of the Tour.
Typical cycling season in the Alps runs from mid-April to mid-October for areas up to 1,500m and from mid-May to the end of September for higher areas.
Julian Alps, Slovenia
Our tour of the best cycling trips in Europe is staying in the Alps for now, but heading eastward from France to Slovenia, where the Julian Alps lie. These Alps are challenging but highly rewarding destinations for ambitious cyclists.
While Slovenia might not necessarily be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to cycling holidays in Europe (it’s far more renowned for its beautiful lakes and ski resorts), this small and somewhat unassuming central European nation is a hidden gem for cyclists.
The Julian Alps region is about 40 miles northwest of Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, towards the Italian and Austrian borders. The highest point is Mount Triglav, at a mighty 2,864m, and though far from the most famous stretch of the Alps, the scenery here is no less impressive.
Most international flights to Slovenia will take you to Ljubljana, but popular places for cyclists to stay when touring the Julian Alps include Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled, and Soča Valley.
Lanzarote
We know what you’re thinking. And yes, the Spanish island of Lanzarote probably is more widely known for its beaches and busy nightlife. However, there’s far more to it than that.
Lanzarote’s super dry weather (it only rains about 16 days a year here, on average), gorgeous sea views, and mix of coastal and inland routes make it one of the best cycling holidays in Europe, too.
Lanzarote is arguably the best of all the Canary Islands for cyclists. That’s because, despite the island’s many volcanoes and hills, there’s a surprising number of flat routes. So, you don’t necessarily need to be a climbing expert to come cycling here—but of course, the hillier routes are still an option should that be your thing.
The island’s three major resorts are Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, and Playa Blanca—all of which can be good for cyclists. You can pretty much bank on the weather all year round in Lanzarote, too, which makes it a popular destination in the typically colder UK months.
The Algarve, Portugal
Though somewhat similar to Lanzarote in its fame for beaches and family resorts, the Algarve might also surprise you when it comes to cycling. Despite being relatively small, this region in southern Portugal boasts several intriguing cycle routes.
Cycling is a great way to explore this part of Portugal. And once you leave the bustle of the larger towns and cities, you’ll find that most of the countryside roads and trails here are virtually car-free, giving you complete freedom to explore.
Most of the Algarve is suitable for road cycling. Still, some of the more popular areas include Faro, Tavira, Lagos, and Salgados—the latter of which is close to the tourist hotspot of Albufeira.
Cycling season officially ‘kicks off’ here in February with the annual road bike race event, Volta ao Algarve. However, the best times for cycling tourists to visit the Algarve are between April and June or September and November, when temperatures tend to be milder.
Nice, France
Located on the French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur) on the southeastern coast of France, Nice hosts some of the best cycling opportunities in the world, not just in Europe.
Cycling routes in Nice are hugely varied, owing to the city being both at the foot of the Alps and on the Mediterranean coast. So, there’s no need to choose between a mountainous or coastal trail—you can do both during your trip here.
Nice’s climate is generally mild but sunny, with most suitable cycle roads open all year round, even during the winter. With Monaco to the east, Cannes to the west, and the French Alps to the north, Nice is the perfect place to set up base if you want to see more of France’s beautiful south.
We have to give a shoutout to Café du Cycliste, a premium cycling clothing brand based in the centre of Nice. What more proof do you need that this is the place to be for cyclists?
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites, sometimes referred to as the Dolomite Alps (there’s a common theme running through the best cycling trips in Europe, isn’t there?), are a mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Italy.
The weather is perfect for cycling from around May to October, with June and July typically the hottest months. But be wary: cycling in the Dolomites can be extremely tough, and flat routes are few and far between. That said, the mountain scenery here is breathtaking, making the tough inclines all the more worth the effort.
The mountains are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and span across the Italian provinces of Belluno, Vicenza, Verona, South Tyrol, Trentino, Udine, and Pordenone, so you’re far from limited in terms of places to set up base when visiting this part of Italy.
However, some of the more famous climbs and mountain passes, can be found on the ski circuit of Sellaronda. Gardena, Campolongo, and Pordoi passes have long been popular with cyclists here.
Specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan
Thousands of cyclists head off on cycling holidays in Europe and worldwide every year, and it’s not hard to see why.
However, as fun and exciting as cycling holidays can be, they’re not without risk, so you may want to consider protecting yourself and your gear with specialist cycling insurance before travelling anywhere.
Through Cycleplan, you can get cover for theft, loss, and accidental damage up to £30,000. You can also opt for Worldwide and European cycle insurance when you take out a policy to give you peace of mind when cycling abroad.
Learn more about specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan or get a quote online today.
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