7 of the best cycling holidays for solo travellers

Our pick of the best cycling holidays for solo travellers

1. Independent Camino cycling from Porto to Santiago With Top Bike Tours Portugal

Best for solo cyclists wanting independence with support on a sociable pilgrimage route.

Gathered in a tree-lined plaza (photo credit: Top Biketours Portugal)

Key information

Route: An eight-day journey from Porto to Santiago de Compostela following the Coastal Portuguese Camino through northern Portugal and Galicia.

Terrain: Mixed surfaces including cycle paths, wooden boardwalks, quiet paved roads, smooth dirt tracks and some cobbled and rougher sections, with hillier riding during the final stages in Galicia.

Difficulty: Moderate, covering around 278 kilometres over six riding days with approximately 3,000 metres of climbing.

Highlights: Porto, Atlantic coastal riding, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Baiona, Pontevedra and the final arrival at Santiago de Compostela.

Logistics: Available guided or self-guided cycling holiday, with accommodation, breakfast, luggage transfers, bike hire, GPS navigation and insurance included; solo travellers can book for an additional fee.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November, when temperatures are generally milder and conditions more comfortable for cycling.

For more information: Porto To Santiago De Compostela Coastal Way

The riding

Starting in Porto, the route spends its first few days close to the Atlantic, following cycle paths, boardwalks and quieter roads through fishing villages and historic coastal towns. Daily distances generally sit between 40 and 65 kilometres, giving you time to stop and explore rather than treating the Camino as a race to Santiago.

After crossing the Minho River, which forms part of the border between Portugal and Spain, the terrain gradually becomes hillier and more varied. There are dirt tracks, cobbles and occasional rougher stretches alongside the smoother sections, particularly as the route works its way through Galicia towards Pontevedra and Caldas dos Reis.

The final 40-kilometre stage brings you into Santiago de Compostela and the Plaza del Obradoiro in front of the cathedral. It’s a ride with a clear destination and sense of progression, combining manageable distances with enough variety and climbing to make reaching Santiago feel like a genuine achievement.

What we love

The Camino feels particularly well suited to solo travel because travelling alone doesn’t necessarily mean feeling alone. You’re following a historic pilgrimage route alongside walkers and cyclists from around the world, so there are natural opportunities to meet people along the way without having to commit to spending every day with the same group.

Top Bike Tours Portugal also gives solo cyclists a useful choice between independence and company. The self-guided version can run with just one participant, with accommodation, luggage transfers, bike hire and navigation arranged, while guided departures offer the more sociable experience of riding with other cyclists. There’s an additional solo-traveller fee for the eight-day trip, plus a single-room supplement that varies by season, so those extra costs are worth factoring into the budget.

What else they offer

Top Bike Tours Portugal runs guided and self-guided cycling holidays across Portugal, covering everything from relaxed coastal and Camino routes to tougher road and gravel trips in the Douro, Alentejo and Algarve. Tours typically include accommodation, luggage transfers, GPS navigation and 24/7 support, with touring, road, gravel, mountain and electric bikes available.

More information

• Guide to cycling the Portuguese Camino, with more information about this popular route from Top Bike Tours.
• Self-guided bike tours in Portugal, if you want to explore the country at your own pace.
• Top Bike Tours’ own website with details of pricing and availability for the tour.

2. Sardinia coast-to-coast by road With Saddle Skedaddle

Best for solo cyclists wanting a guided group road tour with a strong social side.

Quiet mountain roads in the heart of Sardinia – Gennargentu and Supramonte (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)

Key information

Route: An eight-day guided road cycling holiday from Alghero in northwest Sardinia to Pula in the south, following much of the island’s western and southwestern coastline.

Terrain: Predominantly well-surfaced, quiet roads with rolling coastal sections, inland climbs and several longer descents.

Difficulty: Moderate, with six riding days covering roughly 45 to 107 kilometres and up to around 1,175 metres of climbing in a day.

Highlights: The Alghero to Bosa coastal road, Montiferru, the Sinis Peninsula, Costa Verde, San Pietro and Sant’Antioco islands, and Sardinia’s southwest coast.

Logistics: Guided group tour with accommodation, scheduled group airport transfers from and to Cagliari Airport, local guides, a support vehicle and luggage transfers included. Accommodation ranges from small hotels to agriturismi and family-run properties.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, avoiding the hotter and busier months of July and August.

For more information: Sardinia Coastal Explorer

The riding

This is a proper point-to-point road cycling journey, taking you from Sardinia’s northwest coast all the way to Pula in the south. The opening ride from Alghero to Bosa sets the tone, with a rolling road high above the sea, dramatic cliffs and small bays before the route gradually works inland towards the Montiferru mountains.

The terrain changes regularly as you head south. There are flatter stretches through the wetlands around Cabras and the Arborea Plain. The riding becomes hillier through Costa Verde and the southwest, with several days climbing around 1,000 metres. Distances vary considerably too, from around 45 kilometres to a longest day of roughly 107 kilometres.

There is plenty to break up the riding, including archaeological sites, historic villages, beaches and ferry crossings to San Pietro and Sant’Antioco. The final day follows the south coast towards Pula, with the Mediterranean rarely far from view.

What we love

The guided format makes this a strong option for solo travellers who want the social side of a cycling holiday built in. Saddle Skedaddle specifically highlights its group tours as a good choice for people travelling alone. You get the chance to meet other cyclists, while local guides handle the route and much of the practical side.

The accommodation should help with that too. Rather than relying on large anonymous hotels, the trip uses a mix of independently run properties, agriturismi and family-managed stays, with several shared lunches and dinners along the way. It feels like the sort of tour where the group experience continues well beyond the riding itself.

What else they offer

Saddle Skedaddle offers cycling holidays in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, covering road, gravel, leisure, mountain biking, family and adventure-focused trips. They run small-group departures alongside tailor-made holidays for private groups, with more than 25 years of experience matching riders to trips that suit different interests, riding styles and ability levels.

More information

• Cycling Sardinia, our detailed look at cycling breaks on the island.
• 12 of the best cycling destinations in Europe, our guide which includes Sardinia on the list.
• Saddle Skedaddle’s website, with details of the Coastal Explorer tour on Sardinia including how to book.

3. A Golden Triangle cycling adventure in northern Thailand With LocalRoutes

Best for solo cyclists wanting a more adventurous, immersive ride through northern Thailand.

Riders near Phu Chi Fa in the Golden Triangle (photo credit: Nicolas Brocard-Saidi/LocalRoutes)

Key information

Route: A six-day circular cycling tour starting and finishing in Chiang Rai, passing through Mae Chan, Phamee, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong and Phu Chi Fah.

Terrain: A mix of quiet back roads, valley roads, riverside stretches and sustained mountain climbs, with several highland sections and long descents.

Difficulty: Sporty, averaging around 73 kilometres and 1,056 metres of climbing per day, with the toughest stage covering 89 kilometres and roughly 2,190 metres of climbing.

Highlights: Doi Tung Royal Villa, Phamee hill tribe village, Chiang Saen, the Mekong River, Golden Triangle landscapes and Phu Chi Fah.

Logistics: A six-day self-guided cycling holiday with accommodation, a navigation app and phone assistance included. Luggage transfers and a support vehicle can be arranged for an additional fee, with options to shorten some of the tougher mountain stages.

Best time to visit: The cooler, drier months are generally the most comfortable for cycling in northern Thailand, particularly for a route with this much climbing.

For more information: Chiang Rai And The Golden Triangle

The riding

This is a much hillier and more demanding trip than the daily distances might first suggest. The opening stage eases you in with quieter roads and rolling terrain from Chiang Rai to Mae Chan, but the route soon starts climbing towards Doi Tung and the mountain village of Phamee.

From there, the profile changes constantly. There are smoother descents into the plains around Chiang Saen, rural riding beside the Mekong and then another major push into the mountains towards Phu Chi Fah. The fifth day is the biggest challenge, with around 2,190 metres of climbing over 89 kilometres, although a transfer can be arranged to bypass the main climb.

The final stage is long at just over 100 kilometres but includes a substantial descent back towards Chiang Rai. Throughout the trip, the riding is broken up by temples, markets, tea plantations, riverside stops and remote villages, so it feels like an exploration of northern Thailand rather than simply a sequence of big cycling days.

What we love

For a solo traveller, this LocalRoutes cycling holiday has the appeal of a genuinely immersive journey through a part of Thailand that would be far harder to piece together independently. The route moves between mountain villages, riverside towns and the Golden Triangle, with plenty of cultural interest alongside the riding.

We also like the flexibility built into some of the tougher days. Route options around Doi Tung and the possibility of transferring past the biggest climb towards Phu Chi Fah make the trip less intimidating if you’re travelling alone and don’t want every stage to become an all-or-nothing test.

What else they offer

LocalRoutes designs guided and self-guided cycling holidays across Asia, focusing on quieter roads, local encounters and routes away from mass-tourism hotspots. Trips are built around different riding levels, with flexible itineraries, local support and an emphasis on giving cyclists enough independence to travel at their own pace.

More information

• Cycling in Thailand: the inside guide, our detailed look at cycling tours in the country.
• 7 of the best cycling tours in Asia, including Thailand and other destinations.
• Local Routes’ website, for booking this tour or exploring other options.

4. Hokkaido’s two-week guided cycling journey in Japan With Ride & Seek

Best for solo cyclists wanting a longer small-group adventure with strong cultural immersion.

Cycling through remote, peaceful forests (photo credit: Ride and Seek)

Key information

Route: A 14-day guided journey across Hokkaido, exploring Japan’s northernmost island through mountains, forests, open plains, volcanic landscapes and remote local communities.

Terrain: Predominantly smooth, quiet roads with rolling plains, sustained mountain climbs and long descents through volcanic and forested landscapes.

Difficulty: Moderate, graded three out of five by Ride & Seek, with additional riding available for stronger cyclists who want more distance or climbing.

Highlights: Daisetsuzan, Niseko, volcanic caldera lakes, natural onsens, Ainu culture, remote countryside, wildlife and Hokkaido’s renowned food.

Logistics: Fully guided, with accommodation, most meals, scheduled airport transfers, luggage transport and a locally based guide team. Bike hire costs extra, and a single-room supplement applies for solo travellers wanting their own room.

Best time to visit: Summer and early autumn, when Hokkaido offers cooler cycling conditions than much of the rest of Japan.

For more information: Hokkaido – Japan’s Last Frontier

The riding

Hokkaido feels very different to Japan’s more densely populated southern islands, with bigger horizons, quieter roads and long stretches through countryside where towns can be few and far between. The tour makes the most of that space, linking open agricultural landscapes with forests, volcanic mountains and sweeping roads around the island’s lakes.

There is enough climbing to make this a solid two-week challenge, but the base itinerary sits firmly in the moderate rather than extreme category. Ride & Seek also builds in additional riding for those who want to push harder, which should help accommodate different levels within the group.

The scenery changes continually, from volcanic terrain and caldera lakes to mountain roads around Niseko and vast rural plains. Just as importantly, the riding is regularly broken up by hot springs, local food, traditional accommodation and cultural experiences, so the tour feels as much about discovering Hokkaido as accumulating kilometres.

What we love

For solo travellers, the biggest attraction is the combination of a long, immersive itinerary and a ready-made group experience. Ride & Seek’s guided tours typically bring together eight to sixteen riders. Over two weeks, there is plenty of opportunity to get to know other cyclists without needing to organise a companion before you book.

There is also a strong social element away from the bikes. Shared meals, ryokan stays, onsens and cultural experiences mean the group spends a lot of time together beyond the riding itself, while the local guide team takes care of the logistics and helps bridge language and cultural gaps.

What else they offer

Ride & Seek runs small-group cycling adventures across a wide range of destinations, with a strong focus on long-distance journeys, local culture and historical context. Their tours combine carefully scouted routes with full support, distinctive accommodation, food-focused experiences and flexible pacing, allowing riders of different speeds to enjoy the same trip comfortably.

More information

• Japan cycling tours, our guide with must-read tips from Ride & Seek
• Self guided cycling tours in Japan, a look at what you need to know before booking a self-guided cycling adventure.
• Ride & Seek’s website, including more detailed information on their Cycling Hokkaido tour.

5. Vietnam north to south by bike With Intrepid

Best for solo cyclists wanting a sociable group journey packed with variety beyond the riding.

Group cycling by reservoir (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)

Key information

Route: A 15-day guided journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, combining cycling through northern valleys, central Vietnam and the coast with transfers, cultural visits and days away from the bike.

Terrain: A varied mix of flat rural roads, rolling countryside, mountain passes and coastal highways, with some longer climbs and several easier or downhill sections.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with riding days generally ranging from around 16 to 94 kilometres and tougher sections including the Hai Van Pass and routes into the Central Highlands.

Highlights: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hue, the Hai Van Pass, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat and the final arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.

Logistics: Fully guided small-group tour for up to 16 travellers, with accommodation, internal transport, support vehicle, many meals and a mixture of cycling and non-cycling activities included. Solo travellers can request a single room for an additional fee, except during the homestay and overnight train journey, when accommodation is shared.

Best time to visit: Vietnam’s long north-to-south route means conditions vary considerably by region, so there is no single best time for the whole journey.

For more information: Hanoi To Ho Chi Minh City

The riding

This is a genuinely varied cross-country ride, with the scenery changing almost daily as you work your way from Hanoi towards Ho Chi Minh City. Early stages take you through paddy fields, limestone landscapes and the green valleys around Mai Chau and Ninh Binh, before the route shifts south towards Hue and the central coast.

There are some substantial days on the bike, including roughly 86 kilometres over the Hai Van Pass and around 94 kilometres on the approach to Nha Trang, but the tour is not built around riding every possible kilometre. Bus transfers connect some longer sections, there are easier days mixed in, and riders can sometimes opt for vehicle support on tougher climbs.

That balance allows the trip to cover a huge amount of Vietnam without becoming relentless. Cycling is mixed with city visits, a homestay, an overnight train, sightseeing in Hue and Hoi An, and a boat and snorkelling day in Nha Trang.

What we love

This feels particularly well suited to solo travellers who want a ready-made social environment from the moment they arrive. Intrepid runs the trip with groups of up to 16. The itinerary includes shared meals, a homestay, cultural visits and non-cycling days as well as the riding itself, giving you lots of opportunities to get to know the rest of the group.

We also like how much logistical complexity is removed. Travelling the length of Vietnam involves trains, buses, hotels and transfers as well as the cycling, and having those organised makes the trip far easier to tackle alone than trying to stitch together a similar journey independently.

What else they offer

Intrepid runs small-group adventure trips across more than 100 countries, with cycling forming one part of a much wider programme. Its cycling tours cover destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, Central America and New Zealand, combining supported riding with local culture, food and shared group experiences rather than focusing purely on performance cycling.

More information

• Cycling Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam North to South), our full guide to this cycling route.
• Cycling in Vietnam: the inside guide, our more in-depth guide to the country, including an exclusive reader discount from Intrepid
• Intrepid’s website, including reviews of this tour, more information on booking it and other tips.

6. Women-only, no-drop cycling in northern Mallorca With Mellow Jersey

Best for solo female cyclists wanting a supportive women-only group and flexible riding options.

Admiring the view in Mallorca (photo credit: Mellow Jersey)

Key information

Route: A four- or seven-night women-only cycling holiday based in northern Mallorca, with daily guided rides to destinations including Sa Calobra, Formentor, Soller, Petra and Sineu.

Terrain: Predominantly smooth paved roads, ranging from rolling inland lanes to sustained mountain climbs and fast descents in the Tramuntana.

Difficulty: Suitable for a range of abilities, with riders split into smaller groups by pace or experience and alternative routes available on several days.

Highlights: Sa Calobra, Formentor Lighthouse, Puig Major, Col de Soller, Col de sa Batalla, Sineu and Mallorca’s quieter inland roads.

Logistics: Women-only guided trip with experienced ride leaders, small ability-based groups, no-drop rides and mechanical support on the road.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when temperatures are generally well suited to riding and Mallorca’s roads are quieter than during the peak summer season.

For more information: The Iconic North

The riding

This trip is designed to showcase northern Mallorca’s most famous cycling roads without assuming everyone in the group wants exactly the same challenge. Several days offer a choice of routes, from gentler rides towards Petra or Alaro to longer mountain days taking on Puig Major, Sa Calobra and some of the best-known climbs in the Tramuntana.

Distances range from around 65 to 140 kilometres, with climbing varying from roughly 550 metres to 2,000 metres depending on the route chosen. Riders are split into smaller groups based on speed and experience, so stronger cyclists can take on the bigger days while less experienced riders still get a substantial week of riding.

There is a good amount of variety too, with fast inland roads, narrow camis, mountain passes and scenic coastal cycling paths. For those on the seven-night holiday, the final ride to Formentor Lighthouse brings the week to a fitting close with twisting roads, sea views and one of Mallorca’s most recognisable cycling destinations.

What we love

This stands out for solo female travellers because the social side is absolutely central to the trip. Mellow Jersey has been running women-only cycling holidays since 2017, and many guests book individually, with the emphasis firmly on meeting other riders, supporting one another and building confidence rather than arriving as part of an established group.

The structure should also make joining alone feel less intimidating. Rides are no-drop, groups are divided by ability and the guide-to-rider ratio is typically around one to five or eight. Mellow Jersey can also try to match solo travellers for a room share where possible, helping those who would rather avoid the single supplement. Solo travellers who prefer their own room can book a single room for an additional supplement.

What else they offer

Mellow Jersey runs cycling tours, training camps, sportive packages and point-to-point challenges across the UK and Europe, alongside corporate and charity events. Their trips combine experienced ride leaders with detailed logistical planning, with a strong focus on supportive group riding, helping cyclists build confidence and achieve personal goals. Some cycle tours are designated as for women only.

More information

• Women’s bike tours, our guide to finding the best tours for women-only cycling breaks, plus an exclusive reader discount from Mellow Jersey.
• 10 must-do cycling climbs in Mallorca, if you want to experience some of the island’s best challenges.
• Mellow Jersey’s website, with more information on their tours and how to book.

7. Amsterdam to Bruges by bike and barge aboard the IRIS with Premium Bike Tours

Best for solo cyclists wanting an easy-going, sociable tour with one floating base.

Paved path through open landscape (photo credit: Premium Bike Tours)

Key information

Route: A 10-day guided holiday from Amsterdam to Paris, combining daily rides through the Dutch and Belgian countryside with eight nights aboard the IRIS, followed by a transfer from Bruges to Paris for a final night in a hotel. The itinerary includes Keukenhof, Kinderdijk and historic Belgian cities.

Terrain: Predominantly flat and gently rolling paved cycle paths, quiet roads and rural cycling routes through polders, villages and lowland countryside.

Difficulty: Relaxed to moderate, with most cycling days averaging around 48 kilometres and e-bikes available for riders who want additional assistance.

Highlights: Kinderdijk’s windmills, Zeeland, the Scheldt River, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and the transition from Dutch countryside to historic Flemish cities, followed by a stay in Paris, including an evening cruise on the Seine.

Logistics: Guided bike and barge tour for up to 24 guests, with the boat carrying luggage between overnight stops and cycling groups generally limited to 12 riders or fewer.

Best time to visit: Spring through early autumn, when conditions are generally well suited to cycling in the Netherlands and Belgium.

For more information: Amsterdam to Paris including Bike and Barge IRIS to Bruges

The riding

This is a very different style of cycling holiday from a conventional point-to-point tour, because your accommodation travels with you. Each morning you leave the barge by bike and follow quiet roads and cycle paths through the Dutch and Belgian countryside. The IRIS continues by water to meet you later in the day.

Daily distances are usually around 30 to 50 kilometres, so the focus is more on steady exploration than big mileage or climbing. The route takes in classic Dutch landscapes of polders, waterways and windmills before continuing through Zeeland and into Belgium, where medieval towns and historic city centres become a bigger part of the experience.

One of the major highlights is Kinderdijk, with its 19 historic windmills, while later stages introduce the cultural contrast of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. Because the terrain is generally forgiving, there is plenty of time built into the day for sightseeing, cafés and stops along the route.

What we love

Premium Bike Tour’s bike and barge format makes this a particularly easy option for solo travellers who want company without having to commit to a large tour group. The IRIS carries just 24 guests, with guided cycling groups of 12 or fewer, so there is ample opportunity to get to know other people both on the bike and back aboard the boat.

We also like the fact that everyone returns to the same floating base each day. Shared breakfasts, dinners, route briefings and time on deck create a naturally sociable environment. Only unpacking once during the bike-and-barge portion of the holiday also removes much of the hassle that can come with travelling between hotels alone.

What else they offer

Premium Bike Tours runs guided cycling holidays across Europe, with a strong focus on bike-and-barge trips aboard the IRIS as well as hotel-based tours. Their routes cover destinations including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Norway and Scotland, with an emphasis on quieter roads, cultural stops and small-group experiences.

More information

• Bike tours for seniors: an insider’s guide, if you’re looking for solo cycling holidays with other senior cyclists.
• Premium Bike Tour’s website with information on the various tours they have available.

What’s next?

Travelling solo can be a brilliant way to see the world by bike, and we hope these tours have inspired you to give it a go.

Have you ever been on a solo cycling holiday? We’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have for other solo travellers. Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more cycling inspiration? Don’t miss:

• 4 of the best luxury cycling tours, well-suited to cyclists who want a premium experience from the biking holidays.
• 13 of the best bike and wine tours in the world, for a cycling holiday that lets you enjoy wine alongside the cycling scenery.
• 7 of the best affordable bike tours in Europe (and beyond), suitable for anyone solo cyclists wanting a cheaper getaway.
• The best cycling tours with non-cycling partners, for anyone who wants to enjoy a bike trip but whose partner isn’t as interested in cycling.
• 11 of the best bike tours across Europe if you want a look at some epic multi-day breaks across the contintent.

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.