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Looking for Europe’s best gravel bike adventures to help you get off the beaten track?

Whether you want to experience the best bikepacking routes in Europe, are keen to push your limits at one of Europe’s epic gravel cycling events, or are simply seeking new and inspiring cycling adventures, we’ve rounded up our favourite gravel cycling routes.

The team here at Epic Road Rides have years of experience exploring Europe on our bikes, and in recent years we have loved re-exploring some of our favourite destinations on our gravel bikes.

We think these are the best gravel cycling destinations in Europe. We’ve started the list in the far north of Europe and worked our way south…

Let us know what you think in the comments below – and get ready to earn yourself some bragging rights!

All metrics in this article are approximate.

Why go gravel cycling?

Gravel cycling typically involves a bike route on a variety of off-road cycling terrain. This caters for cyclists looking for a unique cycling adventure that immerses you in nature.

Cyclists through a vineyard in Romania

Exploring Vineyards in Romania (photo credit: Bike in Time)

Variety of terrain

Gravel cycling bridges road cycling and mountain biking. A gravel bike typically has wider tyres than road bikes and are designed for various rough terrain, including bike paths, forest trails, gravel roads and mountainous terrain.

Adventure

Born out of a desire to get away from traditional, well established cycling routes, gravel bike tours enable you to really get off the beaten track and away from other cyclists and tourists. These off road trails transport you into the heart of the natural landscapes you are exploring and provide a real sense of adventure, as well as a unique, lesser known perspective of your destination.

Not sure if gravel riding is for you? Take a look at our guide to bikepacking and gravel bike touring.

Our pick of the best gravel bike adventures in Europe

1. Westfjords Way, Iceland

Two cyclists riding gravel in Iceland

There is new dramatic scenery around every turn in Iceland (photo credit: Thrainn Kolbeinsson)

Best for

Remote and peaceful gravel bikepacking in one of Europe’s most wild areas

Our view

Gravel riding in Iceland’s vast, remote Westfjords is arguably the ultimate way to get off the beaten track in Europe. The country lies on the geological border between North America and Europe, but it’s linked politically and culturally with Europe, hence its inclusion in this list!

The Westfjords are located on a remote peninsula in Iceland’s northwest tip, it’s a landscape that’s been dramatically carved out by the natural elements of fire and ice. The result? The Westfjords scenery is truly jaw dropping, a place home to endless rugged mountains that plunge into the sea, powerful waterfalls and beautiful, remote bays with black sand.

Gravel riders who make it this far north are rewarded with long stretches of remote and scenic cycling routes. Infact only 1 out of 10 tourists in Iceland ever make it to the Westfjords!

But with so much to see in this incredible region of Iceland, where do you begin?

The 1,000 kilometre Westfjords Way is a great place to start. This route has a mix of gravel and asphalt roads making up the terrain. The gravel roads are generally compacted dirt, providing relatively smooth riding, though they can become muddy when wet.

Events

The Arna Westfjords Way Challenge is a unique 5-day stage race that covers a 1,000-kilometre route around the Westfjords peninsula in Iceland.

It features four stages, with each averaging 250 kilometres per day. It includes a unique format where riders must stop at two of the four to five predetermined cultural locations each day, where their race time pauses and they can take breaks at local points of interest, such as cafes or hot springs.

The final day of the challenge, known as the ArcticFish Midnight Special, starts at midnight under the 24-hour midnight sun and includes 65% gravel with nearly 4,000 metres of climbing!

More information

2. Angers, Loire Valley, France

Best for

An introduction to bikepacking in Europe

Two gravel riders ride alongside the river Maine in Angers

Gravel riding along the Maine river in Angers (photo credit: Alexandre Lamoureux)

Our view

The city of Angers in France’s legendary Loire Valley is a great base for gravel riders looking to explore new routes in a culturally rich destination.

There are many gravel cycling routes available from Angers that can be completed in a day, as well as lengthier routes that offer some additional overnight options.

Gravel riders looking to head out for their first overnight trip can explore the unique area between the Loire and the famous Angevine slate quarry. There’s also the chance to follow the Loire river, enjoy stunning views and pause at the Port-Thibault guinguette to grab a drink.

Not too far away, in the heart of the vineyards, France’s tallest castle, Brissac castle, is particularly impressive. A section of the Angevine loop of La Loire à vélo route returns you back to Angers.

Events

The Nature is Bike festival in Angers is an annual event celebrating gravel riding and the stunning natural surroundings of the Loire region. It unites cyclists through gravel bike rides, talks and music. The event has a strong focus on environmental sustainability and was awarded the “Eco-engaged Event” label in 2022.

More information

3. Pirinexus route, Pyrenees, Spain and France

Best for

A stunning cross country gravel ride through the Pyrenees mountain range

Two gravel riders in the Pyrenees in France

Setcases, Catalunya – heading for the French border (photo credit: Pyrenees.cc)

Our view

The Pirinexus loop is a must-do for gravel cyclists, offering a varied 340 kilometre ride which takes in both France and Spain. This route showcases stunning mountains, beaches, national parks, and vineyards.

This gravel route can be adapted to suit your fitness. Leisurely paced, it can take ten days, allowing for morning rides and afternoon explorations of Roman ruins and vineyards. However, most complete the route in four to six days, choosing their own preferred pace.

Highlights include the Emporda wine region, the city of Girona and riding the ‘via verde del Carrilet’, a converted railway trail through the Garrotxa volcanic region. The mountainous landscapes you ride through are also home to lots of impressive wildlife, including vultures and wild horses.

Events

The Pirinexus Challenge is a non-stop race that challenges riders to complete the full 340 kilometre route in a day.

More information

4. Alta Badia, The Dolomites, Italy

Best for

A tough but thrilling way to experience the staggering beauty of the Dolomites

Two road cyclists looking at the view whilst cycling in the Dolomites, Italy

Admiring the jagged peaks of the Dolomites

Our view

The jagged peaks of the Dolomites are well known in the world of road cycling. Its revered climbs regularly host the professional racers of the Giro d’Italia and several of its mountain passes of the Sella Ronda are regarded as some of the greatest mountain roads in the world.

But this staggeringly beautiful mountain range isn’t just for road cycling pros. They are also home to numerous gravel and dirt tracks that offer gravel riders the opportunity to explore the grandeur of this incredible natural playground.

The glorious Alta Badia valley lies in the heart of the Dolomites and its gravel trails boast a totally knockout backdrop. There’s a range of options to try, from busier bottom of the valley routes that connect to quieter, far more technical, high-altitude trails.

Events

The YOLOmites5000 stitches together the Alta Badia gravel routes on a notoriously challenging 80 kilometre ‘adventure ride’ that packs in 5,000 metres of elevation gain.

The brainchild of local Igor Tavella, it was created back in 2016. Despite the intense challenge it presents gravel riders, it proved so popular it’s now held annually every September.

The YOLOmites500 is both stunning and brutal in equal measure. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted and good gravel bike handling skills are a must. But as the title indicates…you only live once!

More information

5. Central Romania

Best for

Biking back in time through untouched landscapes

Gravel cycling through Romania on a bike tour off road with church behind

Gravel cycling in Romania (photo credit: Bike in Time)

Our view

Did you know that approximately 50% of Romania’s road network is still unpaved? This makes Romania a paradise for gravel riders!

Romania’s rich cultural heritage provides a fascinating lure for many tourists. But it’s the country’s vast network of gravel paths through the unspoilt Romanian countryside that has us most excited.

The off-road trails and forest tracks appear boundless and connect the various cultural attractions – taking you through many beech forests, past beautiful lakes and across the rugged mountains.

A timeless feel remains over much of the peaceful countryside here.

Local traditions can still be observed in the rustic villages and picturesque valleys you pass. Whilst Gothic castles and fortified churches provide plenty to explore off the bike.

More information

6. Strade Bianche, Tuscany, Italy

Best for

Idyllic biking on legendary gravel roads

Cycling on Italy's Strade Bianche

Cycling in Tuscany on the Via Francigena cycle trail (photo credit: SloWays)

Our view

Weaving through the spellbinding scenery of Tuscany are a network of legendary white roads, known locally as Strade Bianche. These undulating, often wide, compact roads are a gravel rider’s dream!

The beautiful and historic hilltop city of Siena makes a great base from which to explore this vast network of white gravel roads. The surrounding rolling countryside is home to some of Italy’s most idyllic scenery, with the Val D’Orcia, Crete Sinesi and Chianti all within easy access.

This is Italy at its most sublime! A natural paradise home to iconic cypress trees and olive trees, world famous vineyards and rippling fields of wheat fields and wildflowers.

This Tuscan landscape is also renowned for its many short, sharp hills, making it an excellent backdrop for a rewarding gravel bike adventure.

Looking for a gravel cycling holiday itinerary that utilises the Strade bianche? The iconic historic trail the Via Francigena cycle route takes place on these white, gravel roads surrounding Siena and features many more gravel sections along the way.

Events

Unsurprisingly, the Strade Bianche has attracted several world-famous races, catapulting these remarkable roads into iconic Tuscan emblems.

Some noteworthy annual races that take place on these routes include:

  • Tuscany’s most famous cycling event is the Strade Bianche race. It’s part of the UCI World Tour and attracts many of the world’s best professional racers to take part.
  • L’Eroica is a range of popular vintage cycling events that originated in Tuscany! It has with multiple route length options to choose from that suit a range of abilities. Many participants take part on vintage bikes and even dress up. It has a real festival feel.
  • The Tuscany Trail is the world’s largest bikepacking event. It’s a 470 kilometre self supported challenge that takes place in Tuscany every May. You have ultimate freedom in this event to choose where and how you eat and sleep along the way.

More information

7. Day rides, Girona, Spain

Best for

Gravel riders looking for a historically significant long distance cycling route

Girona cycling

Exploring the peaceful countyside surrounding Girona

Our view

Girona has been a cycling mecca for many years, and we have waxed lyrical about the riding here in countless articles. In recent years, it has also been building a reputation as a gravel cycling paradise.

From the historic Girona city centre there are many loop rides that allow cyclists of all abilities to get off-road and explore the beautiful Catalonian countryside.

Some of the highlights of these day routes include cycling through the fields and farmhouses in the east of Girona in the Llemana Valley, discovering the Gavarres mountains and visiting the Saint Miquel Castle.

You can even challenge yourself on the gravel version of the well-known Rocacorba climb and sample biking around Lake Banyoles.

Events

The Traka is one of the most famous gravel races in the region, taking place in and around Girona. This challenging race takes place in May and there are a number of different lengths of route to choose from.

More information

8. Ruta de la Plata, Spain

Best for

Gravel riders looking for a historically significant long distance cycling route

Merida in Badajoz Roman amphitheater at Spain by via de la Plata way

The impressive Roman amphitheater in Merida

Our view

Did you know there are multiple Camino de Santiago routes to choose from?

The Camino we’re including here is the 1,000 kilometre Ruta de la Plata which takes cyclists from Seville in southern Spain to Santiago in northern Spain.

The Ruta de la Plata is a historic route in Spain, originally used by the Romans for trade and military purposes, connecting the north and south. Riding it gives you the experience of following the same paths as ancient Romans, medieval pilgrims, and others throughout history.

The scenery varies greatly, including Extremadura’s plains and Castilla y León’s mountains. You’ll see beautiful areas away from the busy coasts, like the Sierra Norte de Sevilla and the Sierra de Gata.

As this route goes through less-visited parts of Spain, you get a genuine cultural experience. You’ll bike through small villages and cities like Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, and Zamora, seeing Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and experiencing local traditions that have lasted for centuries.

More information

What’s next? Time to plan your gravel bike tour…

We hope this list has got you excited about planning your own gravel bike holidays! For more useful gravel cycling planning tips don’t miss these articles…

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Fran Wilson

Fran is a cyclist based in the northeast of the UK and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe's best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.

Last Reviewed: 08 August 2024

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