If you fancy a spot of summer cycling during May, June, July and August, then this guide will help you find the ideal bike holiday destination to suit your cycling style, budget, preferences and timescale.

From cycling in Mallorca in May to touring Romania’s hidden delights during August, there’s no better option during summer than a European cycling holiday, when the weather is at its finest.

While we love Mallorca, there is so much more to summer breaks on two wheels than that well-cycled island. How about cycling holidays in Austria, UK family cycling holidays or cycling holidays in Italy, for example?

Whether you fancy tackling the challenging climbs of the Yorkshire Dales, taking on the French Alps or Dolomites or sampling the cycling life in Austria or Slovenia, this article will point you in the direction of the best British, French, Austrian, Slovenian, Romanian and Italian cycling holidays for summer.

1. Yorkshire, UK

Best for staycationing cyclists

If you like challenging climbs, wild weather and getting off the beaten track, then Yorkshire could well be the best cycling destination to head for during summer. The mildest climate conditions can be expected at this time of year, and opting for this cycling holiday in the UK means you won’t even have to take your bike out of the country.

Yorkshire is at the forefront of the British cycling scene due to the events the north-eastern region hosts. Cyclists have flocked here each year for the Tour of Yorkshire and the Etape du Dales, both held during May, as well as international events.

So which parts of Yorkshire make for the best cycling breaks? Highlights for those traversing the area’s roads on two wheels include the Strines in the south, the eastern Yorkshire Wolds and Calderdale in the west, while many of Yorkshire’s the steepest hills are located in the Yorkshire Dales.

May, June, July and August are the months to visit, as the weather is more likely to be kind (although this is of course far from guaranteed)! Whether in blazing sunshine or drizzly rain, this landscape of dry stone walls, old cottages, desolate moors and rolling green hills offers some of the best cycling holidays in the UK.

More information

For more guidance on the best cycling routes, where to find breathtaking climbs, where to hire bikes and our recommended cycling hotels, check out our complete guide to cycling in the Yorkshire Dales.

Descent of Buttertubs Pass to ThwaiteOn Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales
Bicycles in Ripley, near Harrogate, Yorkshire Dales Yorkshire World Championship sportiveYorkshire embracing the cycling vibe!

2. French Alps

Best for ticking off Tour de France climbs

Take a short hop across the English channel and you can experience all that French cycling holidays have to offer. Completing epic climbs here is incredibly rewarding, and the summer weather is pleasant but not too hot thanks to the elevation.

Cycling holidays in France are understandably popular – not least because of the world-famous Tour de France. So of course you’ll find some of the best cycling routes in Europe here. If you love the thrill of a tough climb followed by an electrifying descent, then you have to experience a road cycling holiday here at least once.

The best cycling climbs are found throughout the north, south and central French Alps, so you can choose between skirting close to the shores of Lake Geneva, tackling the fabled Alpe d’Huez or sweeping along the roads of the Cote d’Azur and more.

If tackling 2,000 metre peaks sounds like a challenge you’re ready to take on, then France offers some of the finest cycling holidays in Europe. Add to that soaring Alpine peaks, glittering lakes and native wildlife, and you have the recipe for the cycling weekend or longer holiday of a lifetime.

More information

You can find out more about what France has to offer the keen road cyclist in our helpful articles on Alpine cycling, the Alpe d’Huez or Col de L’Iseran regions and La Marmotte Granfondo route.

Road up to Oulles, from aboveTiny mountain roads in the Alps
View down to the valley from Villard Reculas balcony roadFrench Alps cycling trips are perfect for the summer

3. Dolomites, Italy

Best for mountain goats

If you’re considering Italy, then considering a Dolomites cycling holiday is a no-brainer. Majestic peaks that tower over you no matter how high you climb, an impressive road cycling heritage and arduous ascents are just some of the reasons to visit.

This area of northern Italy forms part of the Italian Alps, and lies to the north of Venice and south of the Austrian border. There are plenty of peaks with formidable gradients to tackle here, all set among an unspoiled, natural landscape dotted here and there with grazing mountain goats. This incredible landscape makes it one of the best places to cycle on earth. Did we mention that it’s a UNESCO world heritage site?!

If you time your visit carefully, you may also get to experience the Dolomites Bike Day, the Sella Ronda Bike Day or the Maratona dles Dolomites. These are annual events held during mid or late June and July respectively – in one of the best cycling countries on the planet. At any time during summer, the best routes include the Sella Ronda, the Maratona loop and the Funes Valley area.

May or June are great months to visit the Dolomites if you can, as you’ll avoid the Italian school holidays held in July and August.

More information

You can discover more about the Italian Dolomites region or the Maratona dles Dolomites course in our dedicated articles.

Final kilometres of the Passo Fedaia by bike, Dolomites, ItalyPasso Fedaia, Italian Dolomites
Incredible mountain peaks

4. Austria

Best for varied terrain

If you’re keen on tackling a range of terrain during a cycle holiday, then an Austrian cycling holiday could be perfect for you.

In contrast to other mountain cycle holidays in Europe, Austria isn’t just about the steepest gradients. While there is an abundance of mountains to climb here, it’s also ideal for those seeking cycling holidays for beginners.

The 2018 Innsbruck World Championships plunged Austria into the road cycling spotlight, and what’s great is that you can access a range of cycling destinations within a relatively small country. There are lofty peaks in the west to rival Europe’s finest, and flatter terrain in the east that’s well suited to family cycling holidays.

Austria’s best-known cycling challenge is the Grossglockner climb, while the vast majority of locations lying to the east of Salzburg are a lot flatter. The tarmac here tends to be slick and well-maintained, and there’s a thriving cycling scene with plenty of bike shops.

Whether the vineyards of the Bucklige Welt area, the lakes around Salzburg, the flora and fauna of Bregenz Forest or classic Alpine scenery appeals most, this compact country offers Austria cycling holidays to suit everyone.

More information

For the ultimate guide to cycling in Austria, take a look at our guide.

This article shares John Vincent’s cycling tour of the Salzkammergut region, east of Salzburg.

Cyclists on Grossglockner Austria bike climb(credit: Pinzgau_Heiko Mandl)Großglockner (credit: Pinzgau_Heiko Mandl)
RENRAD AND TRIATHLON HOTEL AustriaRennrad & Triathlon Hotel Mohrenwirt – Salzkammergut (credit ©Erwin_Haiden,bikeboard)

5. Slovenia

Best for eco tourism

If you like to tread – or wheel – gently over the earth’s surface, then Slovenia offers some of the best cycle routes in Europe for eco-conscious riders. This is a country well set-up for Europe cycling holidays, as it’s a pursuit actively encouraged by the government – as well as something of a hotbed for talented pro cyclists.

Another factor in favour of Slovenia is that there’s a good variety of terrain, and you can see a range of landscapes during Slovenia cycling holidays too. The Julian Alps also tick the challenging ascents box that’s so important to some riders.

Other cycling highlights of Slovenia include the undulating hills and flat terrain of the Alpine foothills, the eastern plains and vineyards, and the gravel tracks of Mediterranean Slovenia.

If it’s cycling family holidays you want and other aspects of Slovenia such as lush green valleys, clear blue lakes and the Mediterranean coastline appeal as much as the Alpine climbs, then cycling holidays in Slovenia could be the ideal choice.

More information

Explore the basics of cycling in Slovenia in this guide and read more about the Julian Alps and Vipava Valley in our in-depth guides.

Tunnel on the Mangarts SaddleSlovenia’s beautiful Mangat Saddle Pass
Hike Bike SloveniaWe loved our Slovenia cycling holiday!

6. Romania

Best for hidden gem lovers

Another option for those looking beyond UK cycling holidays or the usual destinations is Romania. Some of the best cycling in Europe can be found here, and it’s a welcoming and very affordable place to spend time in (as long as you’re happy with the risk from bears and dogs).

Epic cycle rides found in Romania include the Transfagarasan Highway, an uncommonly switchback filled route. Those who make the climb on the northern side are rewarded with heart-stopping views from various parts of the uppermost sections. To the south, you can take on the challenging climb that commences from Vidraru Dam and passes the magnificent lake of the same name.

The TransAlpina Highway is Romania’s other hidden gem. Set out from Tau Bistra to experience a legendary ascent to a summit more than 2,000 metres above sea level. En route you can also encounter emerald forests, vast swathes of meadow and even enjoy authentic Romanian hospitality while taking a refreshment stop.

Other hot tips for those taking self-guided cycling holidays in Romania include the Drumul Vinului Race and the Sultanu climb. Due to more favourable weather conditions, summer is the best time to take these bike riding trips in Romania.

If you do go, just make sure you’re ready with the bear spray – it could come in useful for Romania’s notorious dogs too!

More information

Find our cycling destination guide to Romania here.

Peloton of road cyclists in RomaniaCycling group in Romana (credit: Costin Davidescu)
Road leading to the top of the Transalpina highway, romaniaRoad leading to the top of the Transalpina Highway

Where’s your favourite place to cycle in summer?

There is so much more to summer bike rides in Europe than cycling holidays in Mallorca – though of course they are also one of the top options around!

Don’t forget to check out some of our other posts while you’re here, such as our pick of the best French Alps cycle tours, the top Italian cycling destinations and the finest routes in the UK and Ireland.

If you liked this guide or would like to share one of your own summer cycling secrets with us, please do let us know via the comments section below.

Please support Epic Road Rides

A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!

If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.

It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.

Leave us a tip here!

Looking for an organised cycling trip?

If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to Clare and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.







Clare Dewey

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.

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.

Leave your comment

  • (will not be published)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.