On Your Bike! 5 Great Cycling Holiday Destinations

With the Tour De France now over for another year, the temptation to saddle up and head out on the open road on two wheels is a strong pull for many travellers.

Photo Credit: dsearls - Flickr

Cycling provides an excellent way to explore new destinations. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, helps you keep fit and ensures you don’t speed through the scenery too quickly on the way.

So for those feeling inspired by the efforts of the likes of Cadel Evans and Mark Cavendish, here are five great cycling holidays that let you follow in their tyre-tracks and experience life on the road.


1. The Dolomites to Venice, Italy

Europe is home to some beautiful cycling routes that combine lush, flat countryside with dramatic mountain peaks, and the route running from the Dolomite Mountains to Venice in Italy is no exception. Riders will enjoy terrific views as they peddle through lush country vineyards, beautiful rural villages and majestic mountain peaks, before reaching the unforgettable canals of Venice. After a descent through the mountains, the route is relatively flat and should not be too taxing for those with a reasonable level of fitness, making it a great introduction to the joys of cycling holidays.

2. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The Atlas Mountain Range stretches across North Africa, through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, and is home to a large Berber population, as well as a unique range of plant and animal species. The mountains are known for their dry, rugged terrain, so cycling can be a challenge, but this landscape also creates an amazing, other-worldly experience that is sure to enthral. Some tour operators offer adventure holidays that combine the use of bikes with off-road vehicles, so that the slower, energy sapping ascents and flats can be swapped for exhilarating downhill riding!

3. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia’s coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, with some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. With the islands of Korcula and Hvar just offshore, cyclists can easily ferry from one to the other and island-hop their way down the coast. These island trips mean travellers can enjoy a great variety of landscapes as they travel through Croatia, from leafy forests, to picturesque villages, to impressive mountain peaks. Visitors can also spend time in the amazing walled city of Dubrovnik and enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach after their exertions.

4. Cuba

Cuba may not immediately strike you as a great cycling destination, but it is becoming hugely popular with travellers, and travelling by bike is a great way to see the country’s many highlights. Cuba is a fascinating cultural destination, and travellers can fully take in the unique scenery that surrounds them, from the old colonial buildings of Havana, to the rolling tobacco plantations of the countryside, to the beautiful beaches on the coasts. The terrain in Cuba is generally quite flat, and shouldn’t pose too many problems for cyclists, and the Cuban people are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness. Plus, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a cool Mojito after a hard day’s cycling!

5. Pyrenees, France

No list of cycling destinations would be complete without a mention of the Pyrenees in France. A key section of the Tour De France, the Pyrenees takes cyclists through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Some climbs on the Pyrenees such as the Aspin and Portet d'Aspet can prove to be a challenge, but for the most part, a moderate level of fitness should be sufficient. The reward for the hard work of ascending these famous peaks is the amazing views on offer, and the exhilaration of speeding down the other side!

Samson Hardinger - experienced traveller with a passion for cycling holidays, extreme sports and pushing life to the limit.