7 of the best places to go cycling in April

1. Lake District, UK

Best for riders who enjoy steep, challenging climbs, dramatic mountain scenery and quieter roads before the summer crowds arrive.

Descending into Langdale (photo credit: E-Bike Safaris)

Why cycle in April

April is a great time to cycle in the Lake District. Winter is fading fast, daylight hours are increasing, and the fells begin to show their first real signs of spring. Fresh green colours appear in the valleys, waterfalls are running full, and the changing light gives the landscape a dramatic, atmospheric feel.

One of the biggest advantages of April is quieter roads (as long as you avoid Easter). It sits comfortably ahead of the busy summer season, so iconic passes such as Honister, Kirkstone and Whinlatter feel far more relaxed than they do later in the year. That makes April ideal for confident climbers tackling the Lakes’ famously steep gradients, as well as for leisure cyclists and e-bikers exploring gentler valley routes, forest tracks and lakeside paths.

Conditions are generally cool and comfortable for riding, especially on long climbs, but the weather can be changeable. Clear days offer superb visibility across the fells, while occasional showers are part of the experience – so a good waterproof is essential. Add in reopening cafés, lambs in the fields and a sense of the season beginning, and April delivers some of the most enjoyable cycling the Lake District has to offer.

Other times to consider

May and June tend to bring more settled weather and green hillsides, but also busier roads, especially around honeypot areas, such as Keswick and Ambleside. Autumn (September and October) is another excellent window, with quieter lanes and rich colours across the fells. July and August can feel crowded and hectic for cycling, while winter is best reserved for experienced riders comfortable with cold, wet and occasionally icy conditions.

More information

• Cycling Lake District, offering general tips on the region, its climbs and events.
• Self-guided cycling tours in the Lake District, for help planning your own tour of the region.

2. Netherlands

Best for relaxed touring, first-time cycling holidays and spring rides through iconic tulip landscapes.

Spring landscapes in the Netherlands are full of life (photo credit: Dutch Bike Tours)

Why cycle in April

April is one of the most memorable months to cycle in the Netherlands. Spring arrives in full colour, with vast fields of tulips and bulb flowers transforming the countryside into a patchwork of reds, yellows and pinks. Riding through these landscapes, particularly in regions such as the Bollenstreek or North Holland, is a true bucket-list experience and something that simply does not exist at any other time of year.

From a practical point of view, April also strikes a great balance. Temperatures are cool but comfortable for long days in the saddle, hours of daylight are increasing, and the country’s famous cycling infrastructure feels calm and welcoming. Crucially, it is still ahead of peak summer, so cycle paths and quieter backroads are noticeably less busy than they become later in the season.

Flat terrain, excellent signage and traffic-free cycle paths make the Netherlands ideal for relaxed touring, family trips and first-time cycling holidays, while more confident riders can enjoy longer routes linking historic cities, coastal dunes and rural landscapes. Be aware! The weather can be changeable, with occasional April showers and some strong winds, but this is easily managed with good waterproofs and the option to shorten days with the Netherlands’ excellent train network. When the sun breaks through over the tulip fields, few cycling experiences in Europe compare.

Other times to consider

May and June typically offer warm temperatures and green landscapes, though the tulip season fades after early May. July and August are ideal for longer city-to-city routes, including Amsterdam to Bruges, when conditions are warmer and more settled. September can also be excellent, with fewer crowds and mild weather, while early spring and autumn are cooler and more unpredictable.

More information

• Cycling in the Netherlands, our broad guide to the country for cycling trips.
• Guide to cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges, including route information, seasonality tips and more.

3. Flanders, Belgium

Best for cyclists who want to ride legendary cobbles and punchy bergs while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Spring Classics.

The Spring Classic Brabantse Pijl race (photo credit: David Stockman via VISITFLANDERS)

Why cycle in April

April is prime time for cycling in Flanders. The countryside is at its most beautiful, with orchards and roadside trees in blossom and fresh spring colours across the rolling fields of the Flemish Ardennes, Hageland and Pajottenland. It is also the month when the region’s cycling obsession feels most alive. The Spring Classics bring a festival atmosphere, with races such as the Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders and Brabantse Pijl turning everyday roads into iconic sporting theatres.

For visiting riders, that means you can tackle the same cobbled sectors and punchy bergs that test the pros, then roll into a café where cycling is the main topic of conversation. Routes linked to local legends add to the sense of heritage, and the short, sharp climbs suit everything from a focused training block to a long weekend of exploring.

Be prepared for changeable weather. Temperatures can still feel chilly, wind is common, and rain showers are frequent. Pack layers and a proper waterproof, and you will be ready for whatever April throws at you. When the sun comes out between showers and the blossoms are at full peak, Flanders delivers one of Europe’s most atmospheric spring riding experiences.

Other times to consider

May and June are usually a little warmer and often more settled, with longer days, though the Spring Classics buzz fades. Summer can be a lovely time for touring, but it can feel busier and less distinctive than April’s race-season atmosphere. September and early October are also excellent, with mild temperatures, quieter roads and autumn colour in the orchards. Winter is possible, but colder, wetter and far less forgiving on cobbles.

More information

• 3 of the best Flanders cycling routes for 2026, with a look at some of the rides inspired by the pros.
• Cycling Flanders: your ultimate guide, with information on routes, cycle hire, where to stay and more.
• Our pick of the best Belgium bike hotels, for suggestions on where to stay.
• Reasons to cycle in Belgium, for anyone considering cycling outside of the Spring Classics season.
• Belgium cycling holidays, for top tips to help you find your dream bike tour.

4. Tuscany, Italy

Best for cyclists seeking classic Italian scenery, hill towns, great food and varied riding across rolling roads and strade bianche.

Admiring the gorgeous green Tuscan landscapes during spring

Why cycle in April

April is one of the best months to cycle in Tuscany. After winter, the countryside turns vivid and green, with vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills looking at their freshest. It is a real contrast to later in the summer, when the famous landscapes can become sun-scorched and dusty, especially in the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi.

On the bike, April brings more comfortable temperatures for climbing and long mileage, without the heat and humidity that can make mid-summer rides feel more like survival exercises. It is also a rewarding time for variety. You can link medieval hill towns such as Siena, San Gimignano and Montalcino on quiet backroads, roll through Chianti’s vine-lined valleys, or mix asphalt with sections of strade bianche in the south for that classic Tuscan experience. A little further north, you can also connect two of Tuscany’s biggest cultural hubs on a rewarding journey between Pisa and Florence.

The region’s compact network of villages makes rides easy to pace, with plenty of opportunities for coffee stops, long lunches and post-ride gelato. There is a sense of the season opening up, but without peak-season crowds. Pack a light rain jacket for the occasional spring shower, and a warm layer for early starts, and Tuscany in April feels like the region at its most rideable and most beautiful.

Other times to consider

May and June are also excellent, with warmer days and longer evenings, though accommodation gets busier. Late June to August is very hot and can be uncomfortable for longer rides unless you start early or use an e-bike. September and October bring another sweet spot, with warm light, grape harvest atmosphere and great riding conditions. Winter is quieter but cooler and less reliable for multi-day touring.

More information

• Cycling Tuscany, our broad guide to the region, including when and where to go.
• Pisa to Florence bike tours, a look specifically at the tours between these two beautiful cities.
• Our pick of the best Tuscany bike tours, with three of the most well-loved routes covered.
• 8 best bike hotels in Tuscany, giving you information on where to stay for your cycling holiday.

5. Lleida, Spain

Best for vibrant spring blossoms and authentic Catalan culture.

Spring blossoms in Segrià (photo credit: JoanSeguidor.Guillem Riera via the Ara Lleida Tourism Board)

Why cycle in April

April is ideal for cycling in Lleida. You get cool air for climbs and long daylight for linking routes. As the snowline retreats, more Pyrenean cols open, while the Pre-Pyrenees stay reliable and quiet.

Down on the plain, spring brings colour; orchards bloom and rural lanes feel calm and safe. What sets Lleida apart is how authentic it feels: Catalan is widely spoken, village life is unhurried, and the welcome is warm. You can roll through characterful places like Solsona and the city of Lleida, then switch to big-view mountain roads the next morning. It’s a vast region, from lowland straights to high summits, so every rider finds something that fits.

Other times to consider

Late spring to summer unlocks most mountain routes; watch for early-season chip-seal and loose gravel on descents.

The plain rides well from autumn to spring, though winter can trap fog near Lleida; sunshine often sits a short drive away. Peak summer is hot in the lowlands, so start early or head higher.

More information

Cycling in Lledia, for an in-depth guide to this region.

6. Lycian Coast, Turkey

Best for adventurous cyclists who value scenery and culture, combining coastal riding, ancient history and a slower, more immersive pace.

Gorgeous coastal views in Turkey (photo credit: Islandhopping)

Why cycle in April

If you want Turkey at its most vibrant, April is hard to beat. Along the Mediterranean coast, spring brings lush, green hillsides and a burst of wildflowers, with fragrant pine forests and citrus groves making the riding feel fresh and alive.

Temperatures are usually comfortable for steady climbing and longer days in the saddle, without the heavy summer heat that can make inland sections feel draining. It is also a brilliant month for combining riding with the pleasures that make this region special: a relaxed pace, long café stops for Turkish tea, and the chance to finish the day in a quiet bay with the sea right there.

Turkey also hosts one of the big April cycling events: the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey (26th April to 3rd May) a UCI ProSeries stage race. Even if you are not following the route, it adds an extra buzz in cycling hotspots, with local pride, TV coverage and that sense that cycling is in the air. Just be prepared for changeable spring conditions. A lightweight waterproof is worth packing, and evenings by the coast can still be cooler than you might expect.

Other times to consider

May and early June are also excellent, with warmer sea temperatures and longer daylight. If swimming is a priority, September and October are often even better, as the water stays warm for post-ride dips and the heat is less intense than mid-summer. July and August can be very hot, especially away from the coast, and the busiest tourist period. Winter is quieter but more unpredictable and less appealing for a multi-day trip.

More information

• Turkey cycling tours, including what you need to know to help you pick the best bike tour for you.
• Cycling the Balkans, a guide for anyone who wants to combine their Turkey bike route with other countries in the region.

7. South Korea

Best for the spectacular cherry blossom season.

Mountainous terrain and colourful blossoms (photo credit: Garret L. Smith)

Why cycle in April

April is easy to love in South Korea: comfortable temperatures, lighter winds and beautiful cherry blossom absolutely everywhere (particularly in early April)! South Korea makes a huge deal of it,  avenues, parks and riversides turn pink, and you’ll struggle to ride far without seeing blooms.

Expect major festivals in Seoul and pop-up celebrations in towns all along the Seoul–Busan trail, so it’s easy to combine cycling with cultural stops. Off the bike, temple courtyards and hanok streets look particularly magical under the blossom.

Be aware!  Spring is also known for “yellow dust” from China and the Gobi Desert, which can affect air quality. Checking pollution apps is important, especially for those sensitive to fine dust, pollen, or allergies. The good news is that pollution levels at this time have generally improved in recent years and are at much lower levelscompared with pre-2020.

Other times to consider

Autumn is the other beautiful time to explore South Korea’s spectacular seasonal landscapes when the weather is cool and dry, and the scenery is very colourful!

Summer is heavy with heat, humidity and rain; if you ride, start at dawn and keep it short. Winter is crisp and mostly dry, but cold and windy up north, so wear plenty of layers to stay warm.

More information

Cycling in South Korea, for an in-depth guide to this destination.

What’s next?

• Cycling in February, a look at our pick of the destinations across the world for a cycling tour during the month.
• Cycling in January, for bright, morale-boosting destinations that swap winter blues for warm roads, steady miles and a strong start to the season.
• Cycling in December, for ideas on ending the year in the saddle, combining winter sunshine, relaxed riding and a festive change of scene.
• Cycling in November, for destinations that still deliver mild temperatures, autumn colour and peaceful roads as the season winds down.
• Cycling in October, for golden-hour riding, cooler climbs and some of the best road and gravel conditions of the year.
• Cycling in September, for places that shine in late summer, with balanced temperatures, quieter routes and post-holiday calm.
• Spring cycling holidays, to inspire early-season plans with lengthening days, fresh scenery and ideal conditions for building form.
• Summer cycling holidays, highlighting top riding destinations for long days, high mountains and classic routes during peak season.
• Autumn cycling holidays, looking at the best destinations as the northern hemisphere begins to cool (and where to escape it)
• Winter cycling holidays, with a look at warm-weather destinations and those that’ll just be a lot quieter than peak 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.