Tours and Destinations / December 21, 2021

Top 10 European cycling destinations (and the tours to take!) for 2022

There will always be the typical perennial tour favorites: travelers take Tuscany and the Danube River by storm every year.

But if you’re the kind of person who loves to travel by bike, you’re anything but typical. Keep Italy and the Danube on your bucket list, and add a few more special spots that have all the beauty, but don’t always get the glory.

Check out BikeTours.com top ten picks for European cycling destinations in 2022 (and some tours to take for each!).

1. The Greek Islands

Greece is a colorful land, bursting with culture and beauty. Bordered by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas, its uniquely rich history is etched in every corner, including archaeological remnants of ancient Greek civilization. Cyclists enjoy the sunny weather and low humidity for comfortable riding. An unspoiled landscape and centuries of Venetian influence characterize this still fairly unknown group of islands. The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea glittering in all shades of blue, the mountainous landscape of Cephalonia and the bird-sanctuary island of Lefkas, the small island of Paxos densely covered in olive groves – all guarantee a wonderfully relaxing tour.

2. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic boasts more than 2,000 castles and chateaus, the largest concentration per square mile in Europe. Beyond its impressive history and architecture, you’ll find the Czech Republic is known for its peaceful scenery and lively cities. With such diversity—from medieval architecture to modern cities—this country may be small, but encompasses it all. Cyclists will enjoy the well-marked and extensive network of cycling greenways (many converted from highways after the fall of Communism) that have minimal to often no traffic, allowing citizens and travelers alike to explore the country’s scenery by bike.

3. Croatia

Though technically eastern Europe, you’ll get a strong Mediterranean vibe when visiting Croatia. Miles of beaches and seafood make for the unbeatable combo to partner with the country’s diverse Roman and Byzantine history. As a whole, Croatia has enough going for it to be on this list, but when you add in the beauty of Istria, you’ll want to book today. This heart-shaped (yes– heart-shaped!) peninsula shared by Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia is known for its mix of beautiful blue coastlines (Blue Istria) and rural inlands (Green Istria). The villages of Istria are full of charming shops, wineries, and olive groves.

Bonus: Join us on our 20th Anniversary Bike and Boat Tour along the Dalmatian Coast.

4. Transylvania, Romania

Romania is known for its forested region of Transylvania, medieval towns, and gorgeous natural landscapes. Rides through Transylvania come complete with views of notable cliffs, fortified churches, and castles. Transylvania is also one of the most historic and romantic areas of the country. Cycling in Romania is a constant adventure with its ever-changing scenery. Find unexpected ecological diversity on your journey—swamps, prairies, lagoons, and lakes are home to various wildlife and provide varied scenery.

5. Salzburg, Austria

The city of Mozart is a culturally-rich destination with seemingly-endless scenic highlights of varied landscapes, like the snow-covered mountains with a height of 3,000 meters + the largest waterfall in Europe. The region is known as a cycling paradise thanks to the extensive network of well-marked, well-maintained routes (some are rail-trails).

6. Umbria, Italy

Umbria is a land of beauty, full of stunning scenery, where a single fresco can capture a thousand different facets and moods. You will encounter paths set between rolling hills rich with vineyards and olive groves; watercourses immersed in greenery and big lakes of an intense blue; medieval villages; necropolis + other Roman and Etruscan remains of incomparable value.

7. Scotland

Scotland is a magical place, full of vibrant greenery and deep valleys. Scotland’s lakes, known as “lochs” are popular sites, particularly the famous Loch Ness and its alleged sea monster. The rolling hills and dramatic moors of the countryside make this country a top destination for cycling tours—Scotland’s small villages and rural landscapes are best seen by the seat of a bicycle. For experienced cyclists, rugged wilderness creates natural, challenging mountain biking tracks. For families, Scotland lends itself to themed tours that include guided rides through its castles, pagan monuments, churches, and memorials.

8. Dolomites, Italy

One of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, the Dolomites are made up of 2,700 square miles of rocky crags in northeastern Italy. The region is home to a mix of cultures and languages (including Italian and German) which can be seen in the architecture and the local cuisine. The German and Italian influences combine to make some of the best pasta and pastries in Europe. Medieval towns, historic castles, and churches dot the mountainsides, and the region is considered home to some of the grandest cycling in all of Italy, full of many dedicated, well-marked bicycle routes.

9. Southern France

With its charming villages, sunny beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine, Southern France is a must for any cyclist. The region boasts a healthy mix of glamour and hotspots alongside more traditional and cultural sites.

10. Albania

A visit to Albania can feel like traveling back in time. Albania’s diverse landscapes—from its snow-capped mountains to deep forests and inviting beaches—and the astounding culture entices cyclists from all over the world. With the country’s untouched, centuries-old traditions, Albania remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, setting it apart from other destinations.

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Dawn
4 years ago

Hi there,
Do you offer 12 days Danube-bike from Passau to Budapest instead?

What is the cost for twin share and the inclusion?

Thank you

BikeTours.com Staff
4 years ago

Hi Dawn,
Thanks for asking! We do have a 13-night tour from Passau to Budapest. The price is about $1,300 for 3-star lodging (about $225 higher for primarily 4-star) and includes:

13 nights accommodation in chosen category, with breakfast buffet
Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
One set of detailed maps, route description and tour information per room
7-day service hotline
Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
Train ticket from Mosonmagyar to Gyor (including transfer of bikes)
Boat ticket from Esztergom to Visegrad or from Szentendre to Budapest (including transfer of bikes)
Voucher for a drink in a special coffee shop in Bratislava

Don't hesitate to contact our tour advisor team with any questions: info@biketours.com.

Ridetheducks
4 years ago

All of these destinations are ideal for cycling. I enjoy cycling in a peaceful and close to nature place. That's why I want to visit all the destinations you listed. I'm a newbie. May I ask which ones are best suited for a beginner? But due to covid 19, I don't know when I will be able to go there.

BikeTours.com Staff
4 years ago

Thanks for the question! We have a collection of beginner-friendly tours at https://www.biketours.com/find-my-tour/popular-categories/first-timers. Also, whenever you do a search, you can select "1" as your level of difficulty. We also recommend that you look at "Surface and terrain," located under the "Daily program" tab.

Our number 1 client favorite for first-timers is the Danube Bike Path: https://www.biketours.com/austria/danube-bike-path-7-nights.

Of course, never hesitate to drop us an email with questions: info@biketours.com.

BikeTours.com Staff
6 years ago

Mickey, of the tours above, the easiest for a beginner would be either of the Lake Constance tours. In addition, here's a listing of tours we feel are great for beginners: https://www.biketours.com/find-my-tour/popular-categories/first-timers.

BikeTours.com Staff
6 years ago

Thank you for catching that! We've updated the post with a photo from our Beautiful Mallorca: Coast to Coast on the Balearic Island tour.

Mickey
6 years ago

What would the easiest ride be for a beginner

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