In this article, we share our pick of the best cycling destinations in Europe and why we think they should be at the top of your must-do list.
Making this kind of selection is always tough, but we hope it helps inspire your 2025! We’ve ordered the list by season of the year – you’ll find our favourite places to cycle in each season to help with the question of when to go where – making it easier to plan your bike trips in Europe.
While we believe these are the best cycling destinations Europe has to offer, we’d love to hear your thoughts, too – let us know your favourites in the comments!
Read this article for our pick of the best cycling destinations outside Europe. Read this article for our pick of the best bike and barge tours in Europe.
Overview of the best cycling destinations in Europe in 2025
Hover over the map pins to see the place names and keep scrolling to find out more about each featured destination and why it’s made our list!
Best cycling destinations in Europe in spring
Tuscany
Location: | Italy |
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Great for: | A rewarding gravel bike adventure through vibrant, iconic landscapes |
Our view
Spring in Tuscany brings a milder climate that is perfect for exploring on two wheels. Temperatures typically range from 19°C to 28°C from April to May. This is also when this iconic region’s rolling hills are at their greenest! Cyclists can expect the Tuscan scenery to be thriving with life, with many wildflowers lining the roads, fruit trees in blossom and swallows soaring overhead.
This timeless destination has long been a tourist favourite; the historic towns and cities of Siena, Lucca and San Gimignano need little introduction, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The famous Strade Bianche road race held here every March also means it has made a name for itself amongst road cyclists.
Increasingly, the region is also attracting gravel riders. The network of gravel roads that are located here enables cyclists to immerse themselves in Tuscany’s scenic rural landscapes. These quiet trails are also a great way to escape the tourist crowds.
The Via Francigena Cycle Route is a place-to-place journey that makes the most of these off-road trails; it connects some of Tuscany’s best-loved cultural gems. This historical route is Italy’s equivalent to the legendary Camino de Santiago.
But in comparison with the Spanish Camino, based on our own experience of cycling the two routes, it’s a lot less busy and the scenery is also more breathtaking.
If you ask us, it’s only a matter of time before the Via Francigena becomes as popular as its Spanish brother. It’s up there as one of the best cycling routes in Europe, so check it out before the word gets out…
More information
Discover our guide to cycling in Tuscany
Find out more about the Via Francigena cycle route

The iconic Tuscan landscapes are at their greenest during spring
Girona
Location: | Costa Brava, Spain |
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Great for: | Cultural delight and quiet traffic traffic-free roads |
Our view
If Mallorca is where the professional cyclists train and hold their training camps, then Girona is the city where a disproportionate amount of them live. Further north than Mallorca, and within touching distance of the Pyrenees, you would be hard-pressed not to spot a professional cyclist as you take to the super smooth and virtually traffic-free Catalonian roads.
First made famous by Lance Armstrong, who lived in the city for many years, a lot of professionals from outside of Europe now base themselves in the area as geographically it affords easy access to the premier races on the UCI race calendar in neighbouring France and Italy.
As you walk through the streets of Girona’s old town, you can see the cycling influence: restaurants and cafés (some owned by ex-professionals) are intermingled with high quality bike rental, tour and cycling service companies. It oozes chic sophistication and with fantastic, quiet roads its undoubtedly one of the best places to cycle.
There is a mix of terrain starting from gentle climbs, such as the popular Els Àngels, to the more arduous tests of Mare de Déu del Mont and the well-known Rocacorba. Stray a little further to the north west as you hit the front ranges of the Pyrenees and the climbs get more demanding.
Many would say that Girona is one of the very best road cycling destinations in Europe.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Girona (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Admiring the stunning Costa Bravan coastline
Algarve
Location: | Algarve |
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Great for: | Pre-season training in a sunny and quiet environment |
Our view
The Algarve offers some of the best cycling holidays in Europe thanks to its diverse terrain, warm climate, and quiet roads.
While it might not (yet) be the most popular road cycling location in Europe, it is slowly growing in reputation, not least thanks to some WorldTour and ProTeams using the region for their training camps. This year alone, both Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team (WorldTour) and Human Powered Health (UCI ProTeam) held their pre-season training camps here.
The Algarve borders Spain in the east and lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, so the climate is temperate all year round, although summer can be extremely hot, reaching temperatures of 20°C first thing in the morning! That’s why spring is probably a better bet, as temperatures are more manageable throughout the day, yet you don’t have to fight for hotels or space on the roads with tourists that visit during the high season for the beaches.
In terms of cycling, there are decent-sized mountains inland, with the most famous climb being the Foia climb in the Serra de Monchique. It is often used in the professional stage race, Volta ao Algarve, which is held on an annual basis, usually in mid-February, and attracts some of the best professional cyclists in the world. The organisers also put on a sportive on the same weekend as the professional race, and we’ve covered this and two other key events, (including a mountain biking race) in our article here.
Elsewhere there are more rolling hills to contend with, and for those who prefer flatter routes, we recommend staying near the coast. There are also plenty of bike hire options if you don’t fancy taking your own.
If you’re looking for the best cycling locations Europe has to offer, the Algarve certainly won’t disappoint. Or, if you would prefer somewhere a little less known, the bordering region of Alentejo is also worth considering and is equally lovely during spring.
More information
- Our in-depth guide to cycling the Algarve
- Best cycling events in the Algarve
- Guide to cycling Alentejo
- Our articles on Portugal’s N2 route and the Atlantic Ring Route could also be of interest

The beautiful beach of Praia da Marinha
Want more spring cycling destination ideas? Read this.
Best cycling destinations in Europe in summer
Pembrokeshire
Location: | Wales, United Kingdom |
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Great for: | Sampling a scenic section of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route in the UK and discovering the historic Celtic Trail |
Our view
Looking for a coastal cycling adventure? Pembrokeshire is an accessible option for UK-based cyclists and boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking coastline.
Did you know Pembrokeshire also hosts part of the increasingly popular EuroVelo 1? According to recent stats, this route has seen a 6% increase in usage recorded between 2023 and 2024 (2024, Cycling counts in Europe: numbers from the EuroVelo Usage Barometer).
At a staggering 10,650 kilometres, completing the full Atlantic coastal odyssey in one go would be a huge undertaking. So, for those with less time, or anyone simply looking to sample a section of the EuroVelo 1, this section in Wales can be conveniently completed in just a few days!
The Welsh EuroVelo 1 also shares some of the same routes as the historic Celtic Trail.
This enables cyclists to combine scenic coastal cycling with a unique insight into the region’s rich heritage. The remarkable St David’s Cathedral and the well-fortified Pembroke Castle are both noteworthy gems that cannot fail to impress.
As for getting to Pembrokeshire, access by train is possible to a number of key locations in the region. This includes Tenby, Pembroke and Fishguard. Always double check bike travel requirements ahead of booking.
More information
See our guide to cycling the Celtic Trail

Following the Sustrans number 4 route past St Davids Cathedral
French Alps
Location: | France |
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Great for: | Testing ascents made famous by the tour de France |
Our view
People have been cycling through Europe, and in particular the French Alps, from time immemorial. However, the ever-increasing publicity surrounding the Tour de France and the willingness for amateur cyclists to punish themselves on these fabled slopes ensures that they will never lose their appeal.
Excitingly, France’s dedication to cycling appears to be stronger than ever before. In June 2024 they announced a national strategy to be the number 1 cycling tourism destination by 2030 (2024, Destination France à vélo Cap Vers 2030). France is making huge investments to further improve cycling infrastructure and accessibility.
This is on top of a continuous improvement process in the French Alps area; a very ambitious ‘made for cyclists’ project was launched in recent years. Entitled the ‘Via 3 Vallées’ project the three ski resorts, south of Moûtiers, namely Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens are being linked by the creation of asphalt mountain roads for the exclusive use of cyclists! So, it won’t just be one of the best places to bike in Europe anymore, it will also offer some of the best road cycling in Europe too.
Stages one and two have already been completed which means that you can cycle from the altiport at Courchevel (circa 2,000 metres) up and over the Col de la Loze on a brand new 6-kilometre road. This incidentally increases the height of the Loze to 2,304 metres meaning it will be the 11th highest col in France.
Then, at the end of 2019, another new ‘cyclist only’ road (7.5 kilometres) down the other side to Méribel was completed, meaning that the two resorts are now connected by bicycle. This has created a superb 62-kilometre circular loop (1,970 metres) starting and finishing in Les Allues and incorporating the ‘new’ Col de la Loze and the new roads.
The final part of the project will see another ‘cyclist only’ road between the Col de la Loze and the Val Thorens ski station – a cyclist’s dream!
The Col de la Loze is also featured on the 2025 Tour de France route, alongside the iconic Mont Ventoux (returning after a long hiatus). So, if you’re thinking of where to go this year, this really could be one of Europe’s best places for cycling holidays in 2025.
More information
Our in-depth guides to the Alpe d’Huez region of the Alps (based out of Bourg d’Oisans) and the Iseran region of the Alps (based around Bourg Saint Maurice). These include links to many related route guides and articles.
Alpe d’Huez/Bourg d’Oisans: here.
Col d’Iseran/Bourg Saint Maurice: here.
Find out about cycling Col de la Loze and the Gran Fondo Col de la Loze here.

Cycling the legendary Mont Ventoux
Nice
Location: | France |
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Great for: | If you’re looking for some of the best cycling in Europe, look no further. |
Our view
Nice has been synonymous with cycling for over a hundred years, indeed it was in 1906 that the fourth edition of the Tour de France visited the capital of the Côte d’Azur. It’s been back many times and in 2024, Nice hosted a historic final stage.
In 2025, Nice sets its sights on convincing gravel riders that it’s also a great place for gravel bike adventures. In October the city will host the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships. For this reason, it remains one of the best destinations in Europe for cyclists!
The best European cycling holidays combine a pleasant climate, great culture and top-quality cuisine – and Nice is famed for all three (along with its stunning coastline).
Other than a great coastline bike path that runs from Nice’s port to Antibes, much of the area is dominated by big climbs as you leave the city and head for the hills. To the north west lies the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d’Azur where you will be able to test your climbing legs on the 19-kilometre ascent of the Col de Vence.
Head out to the east, on undulating terrain, in the direction of Monaco and the Italian border and you will eventually reach the seaside town of Menton. If you then traverse due north into the hills of the Alpes-Maritime you can then climb the Col de la Madone (Lance Armstrong’s training climb) and the nearby, hairpin-laden Col de Braus as well as the aforementioned Turini.
If you want some of the best cycling Europe can offer, with some tough challenges, then Nice is worth checking out.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Nice and the Côte d’Azur (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Stunning Nice harbour
Bormio
Location: | Italy |
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Great for: | Giro d’Italia history and big climbs |
Our view
When you visit a town with a reputation for downhill skiing you know beforehand what sort of terrain you are likely to encounter! Situated in northern Italy and very close to the border with Switzerland, Bormio transforms itself in the late spring and summer months into a mecca for cyclists (don’t arrive too early in the year – many of the passes don’t usually open until May/June!). It’s highly recommended as one of the best cycling trips in Europe.
Top of the bill is the legendary Passo dello Stelvio which sits on the edge of the town. The description by the Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport probably best sums up the climb when it wrote that the mountain was ‘a serpent of asphalt, five tunnels, 21.5 kilometres and 1541 metres of climbing’.
That said, the north eastern ascent of the mountain from the village of Prato is generally regarded as the classic ascent due to the 48-hairpin bends that are contained within the 25 kilometres of vertical ascent. It is probably the most photographed mountain in cycling history. (There is also a third ascent of the Stelvio available starting in Switzerland via the Umbrail Pass).
Also within cycling distance of Bormio are the famous climbs of the Passo Gavia and the super hard Passo del Mortirolo, both steeped in Giro d’Italia folklore. Stage 18 of the 2020 Giro d’Italia saw the peloton climb the Stelvio (from Prato) before scaling the hairpin-packed and spectacular Torri di Fraele to finish by the Cancano dam.
A truly incredible region for cyclists; one of the best cycling holiday destinations in the world for cyclists that love to climb.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Bormio and the Stelvio region (which includes links to related route guides and articles).
You might also like our pick of the best places to cycle in Italy.

The view from the top of Passo dello Stelvio
Romania
Location: | Romania |
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Great for: | An emerging cycling destination for road, gravel and leisure cyclists |
Our view
Romania may not currently be on your cycling wish list, but we think it should be!
A new airport in the medieval city of Brasov now means this destination is more accessible than ever before. Located in the Southern Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is part of the historic Transylvania region.
First, for road cyclists looking for their next big challenge, the mighty Carpathian Mountains are home to two giant climbs, the Transfagarasan and Transalpina. These scenic climbs are conveniently located near each other and connect two historic Romania regions, Transylvania and Valachia.
If you prefer to get off the road, Romania is also ripe for a gravel bike adventure. This country still feels incredibly wild, with much of the countryside remaining unfenced and with an estimated 50% of the roads currently unpaved. This makes it one of the best cycling destinations in Europe for gravel riders.
Culturally Romania has so much more to offer than simply being the homeland of Dracula. Yes, you’ll certainly find many impressive historic castles and picturesque medieval towns. But did you know that Romania also has impressive wine regions that can be experienced from the saddle?
These vineyards sit at the same altitude as those found in Bordeaux in France and Tuscany, Italy. These can be easily reached from the capital, Bucharest. The Danube River also flows through Romania. This is closely followed by the popular EuroVelo 6 which is a great option for touring cyclists looking for a unique place-to-place adventure.
More information
Discover our guide to cycling in Romania
Everything you need to know about cycling holidays in Romania

Rasnov Fortress in Brasov, Transylvania, Romania
Slovenia
Location: | Slovenia |
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Great for: | Discovering a new cycling destination with plenty of quiet roads and eco credentials |
Our view
Slovenia is a fantastic destination, one of the best places for cycling holidays in Europe, and it’s also recognised as the continent’s most sustainable country. It’s somewhere cycling is encouraged as both a mode of transport and for tourism.
Slovenia is a country full of hidden gems, and with the rise of the strength of Slovenian riders in the professional peloton like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, it’s somewhere that more and more cyclists are considering for their European cycling tours and holidays.
Slovenia does have a lot to offer, particularly in the summer. Ride along dedicated cycle paths and discover gorgeous places like the Vipava Valley, Lake Bled, home to blue and green lagoons and traditional castles and architecture. Alternatively, challenge yourself in the Julian Alps.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Slovenia (which includes links to related route guides and articles).

Cycling in Slovenia’s Julian Alps
Want more summer cycling holiday inspiration? Read this.
Best cycling destinations in Europe in autumn and winter
Cyprus
Location: | Cyprus |
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Great for: | Warm, wind-free cycling |
Our view
Another new winter cycling destination has emerged as Cyprus starts to gear up to welcome more and more cyclists to the island. Driven by a national push to encourage more people to use bicycles as a means of reducing their carbon footprint, a cycling culture is clearly developing. For winter cycling trips, Europe’s best destinations offer over 300 days of sunshine – and with Cyprus averaging 326 days each year, there’s a lot to like!
The island has a diverse selection of terrain, from flatlands in the east to undulating terrain in the south. The area around the Troodos mountain range is arguably the best place for cycling on the island, offering an opportunity for the climbers to test their legs.
In addition to the warm weather, an added bonus due to the particular climate of the region is that there is little or no wind on the island. If you normally spend your winter in colder climes, this is a huge plus point!
As a popular holiday destination, there is a good selection of quality hotels, restaurants and shops, and there are now established cycle routes and bike rental outlets in all the main towns and cities such as Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos.
Definitely one to consider for 2025 if you’re looking at different places to go cycling.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Cyprus (which includes links to related route guides and articles). We also have an in-depth guide to cycling the Limassol region as well as a guide to cycling the Paphos region.

The ruins of ancient Kourion in the Limassol District
Puglia
Location: | Italy |
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Great for: | Retracing Italy’s rich historical past |
Our view
Puglia has a rich and diverse history that has resulted in beautiful architecture located amongst breathtaking natural landscapes. This Italian region’s southern, sun-soaked location also makes it an excellent option for a late-season cycling adventure!
For centuries, Puglia has been influenced by a variety of people, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Byzantines.
This impressive history means the region has a wealth of historical treasures to get excited about. Famous sites include the town of Alberobello, home to 1,500 fairytale-like Trulli homes, as well as the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce. All this history means that today Puglia is one of the best cycling destinations in Europe for cyclists who love learning about local culture on their travels.
The Via Appia, one of the most important Roman roads, also runs right through the region, before stopping at the Adriatic coast in Brindisi. This ancient road became Italy’s 60th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. The famous cave city of Matera is another UNESCO gem and is located near the border of Puglia, in neighbouring Basilicata.
Alongside its seemingly never-ending roll call of cultural attractions, Puglia’s pretty rural landscapes and extensive coastline will delight cyclists looking for gentle, scenic cycling routes.
The azure, blue waters found here have long been a favourite of holidaying Italians and hard to hard to resist after a day in the saddle. The centuries-old olive trees in Puglia also produce Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the delicious local dishes you’ll savour each day.
More information

Exploring the picturesque Itria Valley (photo credit: Puglia Cycle Tours)
Gran Canaria
Location: | Spain |
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Great for: | Sunshine and big climbs |
The Canary Island resort of Gran Canaria has quickly earned a reputation as an excellent new cycling destination in Europe and is a great choice for winter cycling holidays. Sitting just 100 kilometres off the northwestern coast of Africa, it boasts some 3,000 hours of sunshine each year – that’s 8 hours per day on average!
But there’s much more to it than the weather, as the island has everything required to get you in shape for the forthcoming season. Challenging climbs, good quality road surfaces, stunning coastal roads, and deep canyons. The added advantage of it being a popular holiday destination also means that hotels, shops and restaurants are in plentiful supply, particularly on the coast.
The Vuelta a España has, in recent years, visited the island and raced to a stage finish at the summit of the popular Pico de las Nieves (Snow Peak), which at 1,950 metres is the highest point on the island.
One of the other highlights of Gran Canaria is the infamous Valley of Tears, probably the most revered climb on the island. It’s a brutal climb with sections at 25% and is clearly steep enough to test anyone’s legs!
It’s fair to say that Gran Canaria is thought of by many as one of the best road cycling destinations out there.
More information
Our in-depth guide to Gran Canaria (which includes links to related route guides and articles).
If you like the idea of the Canaries but not Gran Canaria, check out our guides to Lanzarote and Tenerife.
Not sure which Canary island if for you? This might help.

Admiring the stunning views of Gran Canaria
Read this autumn cycling holidays and for winter cycling holidays see this article.
Looking for a guided tour?
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What next?!
What did you think of our selection of the best countries for cycling?
Which of these best cycle holidays in Europe have you tried, and what would be in your top 3?
Comment below and let us know!
If you want guides to the scores of other places that narrowly missed our top 12, check out our cycling holiday destinations page, here!
Other related articles that might be useful:
- Looking for the best destinations further afield? Take a look here.
- Inspiration for the best cycling routes in the world, Europe or the UK.
- The best cycling holidays in Europe that you can drive to from the UK? Check out this article.
- The best coastal cycling routes in Europe (and further afield)
- Looking for more biking in Europe? You might like Iceland’s Westfjords and Poland’s Masurian Lakes.
- 6 destination dupes for cyclists seeking quiet, peaceful riding in 2025.
- You might also like our pick of the best cycling weekends away.
- Finally, how about taking on city break in 2025 in one of these bike-friendly cities?
Want to check travel advice before you go? If you live in the UK, a good place to start is the government’s travel website.
Useful books to help you plan
If you want to continue your planning, check out these beautiful books. They’re full of stunning photography and information to inspire your next adventure.

Published 26 March 2020
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Published 3 September 2020
224 Pages

Published 27 October 2011
224 Pages

Published 27 August 2020
320 Pages

Published 1 April 2021
256 Pages
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Claire, yet another inspirational, helpful and motivational article. Just wants you book and to begin the mental imaging
Thanks so much Eimear, what a wonderfully kind comment! It really is so nice to hear our articles are helpful. Thanks for taking time to get in touch!
Don’t forget the Annecy region in Savoie! It’s superbe! Thank you for all your info!
Great shout, Annecy is a beautiful destination for all kinds of holiday and it’s definitely worth bringing your bike. Quite a bit of traffic around the lake itself but head into the hills and it’s a different story!
I love this article, thank you! At the same time I am a bit crestfallen – my favourite country is Italy and I was hoping to find a region to explore, having already done Bormio / Stelvio etc
Thanks for your kind comment Steve! Perhaps this article will help you find somewhere else in Italy to explore? https://epicroadrides.com/cycling-blog/cycling-in-italy/
Hi, I love your article. Been on a few of these destinations: Girona, different places in the French Alps (Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Allemond, Barcelonnette), Bormio. All where nice locations for climbing holidays, except Saint-Jean-de Maurienne, not so nice town. Also went to Argelès-Gazost in the Pyrenees, Arabba in the Dolomites, Andermatt in Switzerland and this year Aosta Valley in Italy. One by one perfect locations to start a climb cycling holiday. To point out a favorite is difficult. Each destination has his own identity. With his own highlight famous climbs. Also each with his own characteristic mountains. For me it’s the highlight every year to search a lovely destination to go cycling the mountains. So suggestions like this are always welcome. Thanks for the inspiration. Greetings, Ken.
Hi Ken, sounds like you’ve been to some amazing places! Pulling together a list of “the best” is always hard… As you say, in this mountainous part of Europe, all the places you mention are fantastic in their own way and let you access different famous climbs, so the best thing to do is try them all (if you can)!