Top 3 Places for Cycling Holidays in Europe 2025
Europe offers a wealth of captivating destinations to explore on two wheels. From breathtaking landscapes to well-paved cycling paths, Europe caters to all levels of cyclists, promising unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning a cycling holiday and seeking inspiration, here are our top 3 places for cycling holidays. Read about each below!
1. Italy
Italy is a country that needs no introduction when it comes to its cycling offerings. One of the most popular regions for cycling holidays in Italy is Tuscany. With its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, Tuscany offers an ideal blend of challenging climbs and scenic routes.
As you pedal through the enchanting countryside, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at renowned vineyards for wine tasting or explore historic gems like Siena and San Gimignano. The stunning landscapes of Tuscany have inspired countless artists, and you’ll understand why as you immerse yourself in this picturesque region.
Another notable destination for cycling in Italy is Bormio. Situated in northern Italy and close to the border with Switzerland, Bormio is known for its reputation as a downhill skiing destination. However, during the late spring and summer months, it transforms into a mecca for cyclists.
One of the highlights of cycling in Bormio is taking on the legendary Passo dello Stelvio, which sits on the edge of the town. This iconic climb is often described as a “serpent of asphalt” with its five tunnels, 21.5 kilometres of distance, and 1541 meters of climbing. Within cycling distance of Bormio, you’ll also find the famous climbs of the Passo Gavia and the super hard Passo del Mortirolo, both steeped in Giro d’Italia folklore.
2. Portugal
While it may not be the most popular road cycling location in Europe yet, the Algarve region in Portugal offers some of the best cycling holidays on the continent. Thanks to its diverse terrain, warm climate, and quiet roads, the Algarve is a cyclist’s paradise. This region borders Spain in the east and lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, providing a temperate climate all year round.
Inland, you’ll find decent-sized mountains to challenge your climbing skills, while rolling hills and coastal routes offer a variety of options. If you prefer flatter routes, staying near the coast is recommended. Explore the Algarve’s scenic beauty as you pedal through its charming towns and picturesque landscapes.
3. Austria
Innsbruck, the home of one of our offices, is a testament to how amazing Austria is for cycling. Since hosting the Innsbruck Road World Championships in 2018, Austria has gained increased interest as a destination for road bike holidays in Europe. The Austrian Alps offer a combination of testing gradients and breathtaking scenic views, making it a paradise for cyclists.
Head west towards the mountains, where you’ll find cols that rival those in France and Italy. Alternatively, venture east for flatter terrain, particularly around Vienna. The growing popularity of cycling in Austria means it won’t remain a hidden gem for much longer, so now is the perfect time to explore its cycling wonders.
Is your bike throughly covered for your Cycling Holidays?
Many home insurance policies will not cover theft and accidental damage away from home, and there’s often a low maximum bike value limit on your policy (check yours!)
Concentrate on the planning, packing and excitement of your next cycling adventure to Europe – while we take care of covering your ride.
At Bikmo, we offer hassle-free, award-winning policies to cover you worldwide, 24/7. Plus, we offer Triathlon Ireland members an exclusive 7.5%* discount, as well as up to a 50%^ saving when insuring multiple bikes. Our policies cover against theft and accidental damage of your bike(s), event cover options, as well as kit and accessories including Tri Suits and GPS devices.
Our policy benefits include:
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*Minimum premium €5/mo and policy wording applies. ^Discount applies to lowest value bike(s). This promotion is provided by Bikmo GmbH is authorised/licensed by the Industrie- und Handelskammer München in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
