6 of the best beginners cycling holidays

Our pick of the best beginners cycling holidays

1. Short, optional rides around Greece’s Ionian Islands with Islandhopping

Best for beginners wanting very short, optional rides alongside other activities.

Morning bike prep (photo credit: 360 Split via Islandhopping)

Key information

Route: An eight-day bike and boat trip from Corfu, exploring islands including Lefkas, Kefalonia, Meganisi and Paxos before returning to Corfu.

Terrain: Short rides on a mixture of island roads, with some hills but manageable daily distances.

Difficulty: Easy, with around 70 kilometres of cycling across the whole week and daily rides typically covering just 5 to 15 kilometres.

Highlights: Corfu Old Town, Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, Lefkas, Paxos, swimming stops and traditional Greek island villages.

Logistics: A family-focused multi-activity cruise aboard the Panagiota, with cycling mixed with hiking, canoeing, swimming and time on board; guests can choose which activities they join each day.

Best time to visit: The tour runs during the summer, with July and August departures designed around the family holiday period.

For more information: Adventure Ionian Islands, Greece

The riding

Cycling is only one part of this trip, and the short daily distances make it an unusually accessible introduction to a cycling holiday. Rides are generally around 5 to 15 kilometres, with the boat carrying everyone between islands and removing the need for long transfer stages.

The Ionian Islands themselves are hilly, but this itinerary is designed very differently from Islandhopping’s regular Greek cycling tours. You can ride when you feel like it, then do some hiking, canoeing, swimming or simply relaxing on board. That flexibility keeps the week manageable even if your fitness or cycling experience is limited.

What we love

We experienced this Islandhopping tour first-hand in August 2025, travelling aboard the Panagiota with two children aged 9 and 12. It was a fantastic way to explore the Ionian Islands, and the daily swim stops were a particular highlight.

One of the things we appreciated most was how little pressure there was to cycle. The guides took care of the routes, bikes and mechanical issues, leaving us free to enjoy the riding and everything else the islands had to offer.

It is also a good option for families where cycling confidence varies. Children’s bikes, trailer bikes and child seats are available, while the boat provides a fixed base throughout the week. Our children particularly enjoyed meeting other children on board, and the guides did a great job of making everyone feel included. That combination makes it easier to test the waters with a cycling holiday without committing to several hours in the saddle every day.

What else they offer

Islandhopping specialises in active holidays that combine cycling with time on the water, including Bike & Boat, e-Bike & Boat, MTB & Boat and Road Bike & Boat trips. They also run Hotel & Bike holidays and Multi-Adventure Cruises across destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa, with guided support built into their tours.

More information

• Greek island hopping for cyclists, our in-depth guide to picking the best bike-boat tours in Greece.
• Cycling the Greek islands, for our first-hand Islandhopping itinerary, including the rides, boat, activities and practicalities.
• 12 practical tips for cycling holidays in Greece, based on our own experiences.
• Islandhopping’s website including details on the full itinerary and how to book this tour.

2. Flat coastal cycling from Porto to Praia de Mira with Portugal Nature Trails

Best for first-time self-guided tourers ready for a flat point-to-point journey.

Riding past colourful buildings (photo credit: Portugal Nature Trails)

Key information

Route: A six-day self-guided journey from Porto to Praia de Mira, following the Atlantic coast and the Ria de Aveiro.

Terrain: Flat, 100% paved riding on a mixture of quiet roads, cycle paths and coastal trails.

Difficulty: Leisure level, with daily rides of around 33 to 46 kilometres and no more than roughly 300 metres of climbing.

Highlights: Porto, Senhor da Pedra Chapel, the Ria de Aveiro, Aveiro, Costa Nova and the Atlantic coast.

Logistics: Self-guided tour with quality accommodation, daily breakfast, luggage transfers, airport transfers, GPS tracks, a smartphone app and 24-hour local support included.

Best time to visit: The tour is available for much of the year, with spring and early autumn offering comfortable conditions for coastal riding.

For more information: Porto to Mira for Families

The riding

The route is almost entirely flat, making this one of the more approachable point-to-point trips in the article. Daily distances are reasonable, and the riding stays on paved surfaces as you head south from Porto towards Furadouro, Murtosa and Aveiro.

Much of the appeal comes from the setting rather than the challenge. The route follows beaches, pine forests and the waterways of the Ria de Aveiro, with stops in places such as Costa Nova along the way. Even the longest day is only 46 kilometres, with modest climbing throughout.

What we love

The combination of flat terrain and strong self-guided support makes Portugal Nature Trails‘ cycling holidays easy trip to understand and prepare for. GPS tracks, a smartphone app, luggage transfers and 24-hour local assistance remove much of the logistical pressure.

It is also designed with families in mind, which says a lot about the pace and difficulty. The route leaves room for beach stops, sightseeing and time in places such as Porto and Aveiro, rather than making the cycling itself the sole focus of each day.

What else they offer

Portugal Nature Trails runs guided, self-guided and tailor-made cycling and hiking holidays across Portugal. Its cycling programme ranges from easy family trips and relaxed leisure routes to more demanding tours through the Douro, Alentejo, Algarve, Azores and Madeira, with luggage transfers, selected accommodation and 24/7 local support available on many itineraries.

More information

• Self-guided bike tours in Portugal, a look at five options and how to plan your own cycling trip.
• An insider’s guide to the best cycling in Portugal, including where to ride and what to expect.
• Portugal Nature Trails’ website with more information on this and other beginner cycling tours they offer.

3. Guided Danube cycling and a river cruise from Passau to Budapest with BikePlanet

Best for beginners who want guided riding and the comfort of a river cruise.

A pit stop in the beautiful city of Budapest (photo credit: BikePlanet Tours)

Key information

Route: An eight-day guided bike and cruise journey from Passau to Budapest and back, following sections of the Danube Cycle Path through four countries.

Terrain: Predominantly flat or gently rolling riding on dedicated cycle paths and quiet riverside routes.

Difficulty: Easy, with daily rides generally between around 31 and 56 kilometres and shorter options available on some days.

Highlights: Passau, Linz, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, the Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey.

Logistics: Guided tour aboard the river cruiser Primadonna, with accommodation, meals, bike fitting and organised sightseeing built into the itinerary.

Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn, when conditions along the Danube are generally well suited to relaxed touring.

For more information: Danube Easy Guided Bike & Cruise

The riding

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s best-known leisure cycling routes, and this itinerary keeps the riding within a suitable level for beginners. Most days cover around 30 to 55 kilometres on flat or gently rolling terrain, with long stretches beside the river and through vineyard country.

There is also useful flexibility for newer riders. Some days offer shorter route options, while others combine relatively modest cycling with sightseeing in cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. With the ship moving ahead to each overnight stop, there is no need to carry luggage or tackle every kilometre.

What we love

The mix of easy terrain and strong support makes this a reassuring first cycling holiday. BikePlanet‘s route follows established cycle paths for much of the week, and the daily distances are manageable without being so short that the riding feels secondary.

The cruise format adds another layer of comfort. Your cabin stays with you throughout the trip, while guided city visits and sightseeing give the week more variety. That makes it a good choice for anyone who wants cycling to be part of the holiday rather than the whole focus.

What else they offer

BikePlanet runs guided cycling holidays across Europe, including bike-and-barge trips, river cruises and hotel-based tours. Its programme covers easy, easy-moderate and moderate routes in destinations such as the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Norway and Scotland, with many itineraries using established cycle paths and electric -bikes available on selected tours.

More information

• Danube bike and boat tours, our own in-depth look at cycling tours of this river.
• Danube cycling path bike tour, a beginner-friendly, hotel-based alternative for those who prefer not to stay on a boat, but are comfortable with longer daily distances.
• BikePlanet’s website for information on this tour, along with other cycling holiday for beginners and more experienced riders.

4. Rural rides through Thailand’s heritage plains with LocalRoutes

Best for culture-focused newcomers keen to explore rural Thailand by bike.

Cycling the Sunrise Coast from Bangkok to Phuket, with a scenic stop in Ban Krut, Thailand (photo credit: Nicolas Brocard-Saidi/LocalRoutes)

Key information

Route: A seven-day journey through Thailand’s heritage plains, linking Laplae, Ban Na Ton Chan, Si Satchanalai, Bang Khlang and Sukhothai.

Terrain: Predominantly flat riding on quiet backroads, riverside paths and occasional dirt tracks through farmland and rural villages.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with most riding days covering around 35 to 50 kilometres and very little climbing.

Highlights: Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, rice paddies, rural villages, traditional crafts and a stay in Ban Na Ton Chan.

Logistics: Self-guided tour with pre-booked accommodation, a navigation and roadbook app highlighting local points of interest, and phone support from the LocalRoutes team throughout. Cyclists ride independently at their own pace, with local assistance available when needed.

Best time to visit: November to February, when the central plains around Sukhothai and Uttaradit generally experience drier weather and more comfortable temperatures for cycling. March to May can be particularly hot, making longer rides less comfortable.

For more information: Thailand Heritage Plains

The riding

Most days are flat, with distances typically between 35 and 50 kilometres. The route uses small backroads, riverside paths and occasional dirt tracks, passing rice paddies, sugarcane fields and villages well away from Thailand’s busier tourist routes.

The flatter profile keeps the physical demands modest, while the changing scenery gives each day variety. There are also shorter rides at the start and in Sukhothai, where the focus shifts towards exploring the historic surroundings rather than covering distance.

What we love

This LocalRoutes bike tour is a strong choice for beginners who want a proper point-to-point cycling journey without major climbs. The distances are substantial enough to feel satisfying, but the terrain stays forgiving for most of the week.

There is also far more to the trip than riding. Stops in rural communities, traditional craft experiences and visits to UNESCO-listed heritage sites give the itinerary a clear cultural focus. That should appeal to newer cyclists who want the bike to be a way of exploring Thailand rather than the sole purpose of the holiday.

What else they offer

LocalRoutes offers cycling holidays across Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh, with self-guided and fully guided options. Its programme ranges from easy and leisure trips through flat countryside to much tougher mountain routes, covering coastal rides, heritage areas, river valleys and remote backroads well away from the main tourist trail.

More information

• Cycling in Thailand: The inside guide, with more information on various options for cycling holidays in the country.
• 8 of the best cycling tours in Asia, with more options across the continent for beginners and expert cyclists.
• LocalRoutes’ website with a detailed look at this tour’s itinerary plus lots more useful information.

5. Châteaux and circular rides from one base in Chitenay, Loire Valley, with French Bike Tours

Best for nervous first-timers who prefer one hotel and a choice of circular routes.

Cycling along the banks of the Loire (photo credit: French Bike Tours)

Key information

Route: A five-day self-guided stay based in Chitenay, with three days of circular riding to Cheverny, Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Terrain: Mostly gentle countryside riding through vineyards, forests, fields and quiet villages, with modest climbing.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with three riding days of around 24, 38 and 64 kilometres and low overall elevation gain.

Highlights: Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loire Valley vineyards and rural villages.

Logistics: Fixed-base self-guided tour with three dinners included, plus a choice of five cycling excursions from Chitenay.

Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn, with June to September also offering the annual Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire.

For more information: Loire Valley, Cycling Around Chitenay

The riding

The fixed-base format keeps this trip simple, with three circular rides starting and finishing in Chitenay. Two of the suggested routes are relatively short, at around 24 and 38 kilometres, while the longer Chambord day reaches roughly 64 kilometres.

The terrain stays gentle, with low climbing figures across all three rides. Routes pass through vineyards, fields, forest and small villages, with time built in for château visits rather than pushing on for distance. Having several route choices also adds flexibility if you want an easier day.

What we love

For beginners, the biggest advantage of this French Bike Tours holiday is that you stay in one place for the whole trip. There is no need to repack every morning or worry about reaching a new hotel by bike, which removes a lot of pressure from a first cycling holiday. If you don’t feel like riding, it also makes life easier.

The range of routes helps too. You can choose from five excursions around Chitenay, so there is scope to adjust the difficulty depending on how confident you feel. The sightseeing focus also means the cycling is only one part of the day.

What else they offer

French Bike Tours specialises in self-guided cycling holidays across France, with more than 50 itineraries covering a wide range of regions and ability levels. Trips include accommodation, route planning, luggage transfers and bicycle rental, with options suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and groups.

More information

• 5 best cycling routes in France, specifically looking at tours aimed at cycling holidays for beginners.
• Tips for cycling the Loire Valley, including a look at some of the best route options and times of the year to visit.
• French Bike Tours’ website, with an in-depth look at this tour and when you can book it.

6. Short coastal rides and beach days in Asturias with S-Cape Travel

Best for active beginners wanting short rides mixed with beaches and canoeing.

Coastline of Asturias (photo credit: S-Cape Spain)

Key information

Route: An eight-day self-guided journey from Vilde to Nueva de Llanes, with four main cycling days plus optional rides and a canoeing day.

Terrain: Quiet country lanes, coastal roads and rolling countryside, with a few short steeper sections.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with most rides between around 20 and 30 kilometres and shorter alternatives available on some days.

Highlights: Llanes, Cuevas del Mar, Ribadesella, the Deva River, Poo de Llanes, prehistoric cave sites and views towards the Picos de Europa.

Logistics: Self-guided family holiday with bike-friendly accommodation, route choices and non-cycling activities including canoeing and beach time.

Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn, when northern Spain offers milder conditions for cycling and outdoor activities.

For more information: Asturias Coastline Family Cycling Holiday

The riding

This trip keeps the daily distances modest and gives you useful choices along the way. Most cycling days are around 20 to 30 kilometres, while the first day offers either a 14-kilometre ride or a longer 45-kilometre option.

The terrain is rolling rather than completely flat, but harder sections can often be shortened or avoided. Routes use quiet country lanes and coastal roads, with beaches, villages and viewpoints breaking up the riding. The mix of shorter distances and flexible route options makes the week approachable without feeling repetitive.

What we love

This S-Cape Travel bike tour is a good choice for beginners who like the idea of a cycling holiday, yet do not want to ride every day. Canoeing, swimming, beach time and cultural stops are built into the itinerary, so the week never feels too bike-heavy.

The flexibility is another strength. Several days offer shorter alternatives, and the tougher climb near Nueva can be bypassed. That gives less confident riders room to take things at their own pace while still sharing the same overall holiday.

What else they offer

S-Cape Travel specialises in self-guided walking and cycling holidays across Europe, with trips in Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and the UK. Their cycling programme includes family holidays, e-bike trips and routes for different budgets and ability levels, with local teams available to arrange logistical support.

More information

• Cycling northern Spain, with tips on planning your own cycling break.
• Spanish cycling holidays, an in-depth look at the various options for all levels of cycling holiday across the country.
• S-Cape Travel’s website including more information on this and the other cycling tours they offer.

What’s next?

The best beginners cycling holidays are those that give you the confidence to enjoy the journey without worrying too much about distances or difficulty. There are plenty of great options, from guided and self-guided tours to family holidays with activities beyond cycling.

We hope this selection has inspired you to give your first cycling holiday a go! Have you tried any of these tours, or do you have another favourite destination for beginners? We’d love to hear about your experiences, so let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more cycling holiday inspiration? Take a look at these articles:

• Best easy cycling holidays in the UK 2026, including a specific look at UK cycling holidays for beginners.
• Family cycling holidays: how to plan a family bike trip, with practical tips on choosing routes, daily distances and accommodation when cycling with children.
• Best family cycling holidays in Europe, including family-friendly routes in France, Spain and along the Danube.
• Cycling Borneo, for our first-hand experience of a guided cycling holiday with two children.
• Best bike-friendly hotels for families, for anyone looking for accommodation with cycling facilities and plenty to keep children entertained.
• How to plan a bike tour or cycling holiday on a budget, for beginner cycling holidays where you want to keep costs down.
• Best luxury cycling tours, if budget isn’t a concern and you want the best cycling holiday possible.
• Best cycling holidays in Europe, a look at some of the most famous and popular options across the continent.
• Best bike and wine tours in the world, when you want a cycling break wrapped around vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences.

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.