7 best places to go cycling in October

1. Alentejo, Portugal

Best for peaceful rides through golden vineyards and authentic Portuguese culture.

Castelo de Santiago do Cacém in Alentejo, Portugal (photo credit: Turaventur via Portugal Best Cycling)

Why cycle in October

Cycling holidays in October are some of the best in Alentejo. The fierce summer heat has eased, leaving warm, dry days that are perfect for long rides through one of Portugal’s most authentic regions. Expect daytime highs around 22 – 25°C, with cooler mornings and evenings that make cycling more comfortable than in midsummer.

The landscape is at its most atmospheric in autumn. Vineyards and olive groves take on golden tones, the cork forests cast long shadows, and rural roads are blissfully quiet.

October is also a time when Alentejo’s traditions shine through: harvest activity is still visible in the fields, and local towns are alive with seasonal food and wine. Combined with the region’s mix of castles, megaliths and rugged Atlantic coastline, October delivers the ideal balance of culture, scenery and climate.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to May) is another excellent window, when Alentejo is at its greenest and the wildflowers cover the hillsides. June brings warmer weather and better swimming conditions on the coast.  November to March can still offer good riding, especially inland, though days are shorter and rain is more likely.

Be aware! July and August are best avoided for cycling holidays in Alentejo. Inland temperatures can climb well above 35°C, making it hard to enjoy the climbs and open plains, and tourist hotspots on the coast become busy.

More information

• How to plan a cycling holiday in Alentejo, for an interview with Teresa Vilas Boas from Portugal Best Cycling.
• Guide to the best cycling regions in Portugal, packed with even more useful tips.
• Reasons to try off-peak cycling in Portugal, for more information on the best times to travel.

2. Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Best for Giro-level climbs, long-distance trails and vineyard landscapes without the crowds.

A vineyard landscape in the rural Collio region

Why cycle in October

Friuli Venezia Giulia (or FVG for short) is one of Italy’s most underrated cycling regions – and October is a fantastic month to explore it. Sitting between Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, the region offers a mix of epic mountain climbs and peaceful touring paths, all wrapped in a landscape of autumn colours.

The mighty Monte Zoncolan, Passo della Forcella and Monte Lussari are all here, along with sections of the Giro d’Italia. But you don’t have to be a pro: the Alpe Adria cycle path rolls gently towards the Adriatic, passing through medieval towns, vineyards and historic cities like Udine and Trieste.

October brings mild daytime temperatures, clear air, and a calm, authentic atmosphere with fewer tourists than in summer. Vineyards in Collio are in harvest, towns buzz with food festivals, and the coast stays warm enough for a post-ride dip.

Other times to consider

Spring (April–June) is another sweet spot, with fresh greenery and quiet mountain roads before the summer heat sets in.

July and August can be hot in the valleys and busy along the coast, but they’re ideal for high-altitude riding in the Friulian Dolomites.

Winter brings snow to the mountains but milder conditions along the coast if you want a quieter, off-season escape.

More information

• Guide to cycling Friuli Venezia Giulia is packed with lots of useful information.
• Guide to cycling Northern Italy, may also be of interest.
• Guide to cycling Italy, covers eight of the best places to cycle in the country (including Friuli Venezia Giulia).

3. Puglia, Italy

Best for combining coastal roads, historic towns and harvest-season flavours.

Rugged coastal cliffs in Salento, Puglia (Puglia Cycle Tours)

Why cycle in October

October is a beautiful time to ride in Puglia. The intense summer heat has passed, yet the days are still warm, sunny and inviting, with average highs around 22 – 24°C. The sea stays warm enough for swimming, making it easy to mix riding with dips along the Adriatic or Ionian coasts.

The vineyards and olive groves are alive with harvest activity, giving your rides a distinctly seasonal flavour – from the scent of crushed grapes to the sight of farmers gathering olives.

Towns like Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce are quieter after the summer crowds, making their narrow lanes and historic centres easier to explore. On the bike, you can expect a mix of gently rolling countryside in the Valle d’Itria, rugged coastal roads in Salento, and ancient Roman paths like the Via Appia.

Combined with the region’s UNESCO sites and outstanding food, October is a time when Puglia’s heritage and landscapes feel especially rich.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to early June) is another ideal window for cycling in Puglia, with blossoms in the orchards and mild temperatures perfect for riding long days. May in particular brings green valleys and colourful wildflowers.

Winter (December to February) is cooler and far quieter. Though you’ll miss the vineyards in full swing, you’ll gain peaceful roads and a unique, off-season atmosphere.

July and August are best avoided if your focus is cycling: temperatures often climb well above 30°C, and coastal roads can be very busy with holidaymakers.

More information

• Guide to cycling tours in Puglia, for an interview with Stefano Giotta, the co-founder of Puglia Cycle Tours.
• 15 tips for cycling in Puglia, for useful information for anyone considering a holiday in Puglia.
• Best cycling destinations in Europe,  to see where Puglia ranks on our list.

4. Croatia

Best for Mediterranean cycling with island loops, vineyard valleys and post-ride swims.

Motovun in Croatia (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Ivan Duran)

Why cycle in October

October is one of the best times of year for a cycling holiday in Croatia. The blazing heat of summer has passed, yet you’ll still find warm, sunny days – typically between 18 – 23°C, along the coast.

That means ideal riding weather, whether you’re tackling climbs in Dalmatia, exploring vineyard roads in Istria, or enjoying relaxed island loops in Kvarner.

Like in Greece, the sea remains warm enough for post-ride swims, and with the tourist crowds gone, coastal roads and harbour towns feel calmer and more authentic. Autumn also brings a rich seasonal atmosphere: vineyards heavy with grapes, olive harvests beginning, and golden light over Croatia’s medieval towns and islands.

Cycling in Croatia in October gives you a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm, manageable conditions, and quieter roads – all of which make exploring by bike especially rewarding.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to June) is another excellent option, with wildflowers in bloom and long, bright days. May and early June, in particular, balance mild weather with fewer crowds.

July and August are less suitable if cycling is your main focus. While the sea is warm and harbours are lively, the intense heat and busy roads make riding harder to enjoy.

November can still bring mild, sunny days, especially in the south, but shorter daylight hours and more unsettled weather make October the safer autumn choice for a cycling trip in Croatia.

More information

• Guide to cycling in Croatia, for an interview with Toni Hrvatin, the Destination Product Development Manager at Valamar Riviera, Croatia’s largest hotel group.
• 10 practical tips for Croatia cycling holidays, to help you prepare.
• Guide to Croatia bike and boat tours, offers practical tips and suggests some island hopping routes to consider.
• Guide to self-guided bike tours in Croatia, for anyone thinking about travelling without a guide.

5. Greece

Best for bike-and-boat adventures with warm seas and quiet island roads.

Poros bike ride in Greece (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Kleomenis Koufaliotis)

Why cycle in October

October is one of the most rewarding times to experience a bike and boat tour in Greece. The summer heat has eased, yet days are still comfortably warm, with average highs around 22 – 25°C in many island regions. The Aegean and Ionian seas remain inviting for swimming, so you can still dive off the boat after a morning ride.

On the bike, the quieter roads are a huge plus – the crowds of peak season have gone, leaving you free to spin through traditional mountain villages, past ancient ruins and along stunning coastal lanes at a relaxed pace.

Tavernas and harbours feel more authentic and less touristy, while the golden autumn light adds another layer of magic to Greece’s olive groves, hillsides and historic sites. October also marks the start of the olive harvest, giving your rides a seasonal connection to local culture.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to early June) is another beautiful season, with wildflowers in bloom and mild, sunny days perfect for climbing without the heat. Early May in particular sees the islands at their most colourful.

July and August are best avoided if cycling is the main focus – the intense heat, busy ferries and crowded harbours make riding more challenging.

November can still bring pleasant conditions, especially on the southern islands, but shorter days and an increased chance of storms mean October is the safer autumn bet.

More information

• In-depth guide to Greece island hopping holidays, for an interview with Catharina Flaemig, destination manager at Islandhopping Greece.
• 12 practical tips for cycling in Greece to read before planning your Greek getaway.
• Ionian islands itinerary, for an insight into an island-hopping adventure in Greece.

6. Mauritius

Best for tropical rides mixing mountain climbs, beaches and rich cultural experiences.

Aerial view of Mauritius island panorama and famous Le Morne Brabant mountain, beautiful blue lagoon and underwater waterfall

Why cycle in October

October is one of the best months to discover Mauritius by bike. The island sits in a transition period between its cooler, drier winter and the hot, humid summer.

This means riders can expect warm but manageable cycling conditions, with average daytime highs around 25 – 28°C and low to moderate rainfall. The sea is comfortably warm for post-ride swims, and humidity hasn’t yet peaked, so both coastal loops and mountain climbs are enjoyable.

October also coincides with cultural highlights. Depending on the year, you may be able to experience Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which transforms the island with candles, lanterns and festive sweets.

Combine that with lush green scenery after the winter rains and quieter beaches before the high season begins in November, and you have a perfect blend of culture, nature and adventure for a cycling holiday.

Other times to consider

September is another excellent option, with slightly cooler, crisper mornings and a lively atmosphere thanks to events like the Mauritius Cycle Tour.

November can still bring good riding early in the month, though humidity rises quickly and tropical storms become more of a risk as summer approaches.

From December through March, conditions become hot and sticky, with cyclone season adding unpredictability.

In contrast, June to August offers cooler, drier weather – great for riding – but with a little less beach time compared to the shoulder months of September and October.

More information

• Guide to cycling in Mauritius, for an interview with Epic Road Rides reader Claude Léger.
• Mahébourg to Pointe Aux Piments, for a road cycling route to try in Mauritius.
• Guide to the Tamarin Loop via Chamouny, the Black River Gorges National Park, Vacoas and Casella.
• Black River Loop via Case Noyale, Chamarel and Baie du Cap.

7. Japan

Best for dazzling autumn colours, epic climbs and unique cultural immersion.

Striking autumn colours in Japan (photo credit: Bike Tour Japan)

Why cycle in October

Mid-October onwards is a great time to cycle in Japan if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s spectacular autumn foliage. Summer’s heat and humidity have faded, the typhoon season is ending, and the trees are all beginning to change colour.

In regions like Kita Kanto and the Nagano Highlands, maple and ginkgo trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, creating spectacular riding scenery. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, often ranging between 15 – 25°C depending on the region.

It’s also a time when Japanese food culture shines: mushrooms, chestnuts, persimmons and seasonal fish appear on menus everywhere, adding a culinary highlight to your cycling trip. Combine this with courteous drivers, excellent road surfaces and car-free cycle paths in places like the Shimanami Kaido, and October is hard to beat.

Other times to consider

Spring (March to May) is another magical window, when cherry blossoms bloom and the countryside feels fresh and full of life.

Early summer (June to July) is wetter due to the rainy season, while August is hot and humid across much of the country – though it’s the prime time to ride in cooler Hokkaido.

Autumn foliage continues in Japan into December, peaking in Kita Kanto around late November! Whilst high mountain regions turn wintry, lowland and coastal areas such as Setouchi remain rideable into early winter.

More information

• Guide to cycling Japan covers all the essentials you need to know.
• Japan cycling tours helps you to learn more about the cycling holidays you can book.
• Guide to self-guided cycling tours in Japan, is also worth a read!

What’s next?

• Autumn cycling holidays, for cyclists looking for more options around this time of year.
• Spring cycling holidays guide has suggestions with similar climates to those in October.
• Summer cycling holidays, for those who prefer to get away during the warmest months
• Winter cycling holidays, for more options for out-of-season getaways.
• Christmas and New Year cycling holidays, should you want to try something different for the festive season.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.