Top 10 easy cycling vacations in Europe

Top 10 easy cycling vacations in Europe

Our easy cycling vacations in Europe emphasise the ‘vacation’ part as much as they do the ‘cycling’. That’s not to say you won’t encounter the odd hill climb, or that a windy day won’t make the going tougher, or that you won’t have stiff legs one morning. But they are trips designed for the casual cyclist, not those who rush out the door at 6am every Saturday morning to join their friends in the peloton.

So, if the gradient is getting you down, get off and walk for a bit. No-one’s judging. If it’s a windy day, same applies. Stiff legs? Set off a bit later. It’s all good. Easy cycling means daily distances that are nice and doable, usually no more than 60km in a day, so you can idle along and pause for a swim, a rest, or a glass of vino whenever the mood takes you.

Learn more with our top 10 easy cycling vacations in Europe…

See all our Europe cycling Vacations

Give us a call

1. Porto to Lisbon, along the coast

Portugal’s Atlantic Coast lends itself perfectly to easy cycling. It can get breezy, but the terrain is generally flat and typical distances average out between 40km and 60km each day. Highlights include several dune areas – your route notes explain their importance as sea defences and how to avoid damaging them; and forests where you can spread seeds to help regeneration efforts.

Best time to go: All year-round, but July and August get very hot
Our top trip: Porto to Lisbon cycling vacation, self-guided
See all our trips: Portugal cycling vacations
Read more: Portugal cycling travel guide

2. Easygoing Ancient Greece

Roam archaeological sites around Poros, Ermioni and Spetses on a laidback cycling tour with achievable distances. When you’re not poking around the ruins there are many opportunities to take a break, be it for a dip in the sea, a visit to a traditional local winery or olive oil factory, or a nap on the beach. As for fuel, our Greece vacations always offer great local restaurant recommendations.

Best time to go: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October)
Our top trip: Peoloponnese cycling vacation
See all our trips: Greece cycling vacations
Read more: Greece cycling travel guide

3. Valencia’s ‘Green Pathway’

This laidback self-guided cycling tour explores the countryside around one of Europe’s ‘greenest’ cities, following a cycle trail that winds its way from the mountains to the sea via vineyards, orange groves, marshland, and market gardens. Detailed route notes contain useful tips on where to stop in these areas to sample local, seasonal produce, bringing valuable income to rural communities.

Best time to go: All year-round (except August)
Our top trip: Cycling vacation in Valencia region, Spain
See all our trips: Spain cycling vacations
Read more: Spain cycling travel guide

4. Italian idylls from the saddle

Explore Italy’s southern heel with a delightful week-long cycling tour of Basilicata and Puglia, where the generally flat terrain makes the trip suitable for families as well as casual cyclists. Distances can be adjusted, but expect to cover 40-60km each day as you wend your way north to south. Highlights include an olive oil tasting at an Apulian farm run by a local family. Electric bikes are available.

Best time to go: All year-round, but July and August get very hot
Our top trip: Matera to Puglia cycle in Italy
See all our trips: Italy cycling vacations
Read more: Italy cycling travel guide

5. Croatian coastal rides

Join a guided small group of riders for a pleasant week of pedalling between Split and Dubrovnik on Croatia’s magnificent Dalmatian Coast. Expect to ride around 30km per day, with a few ascents and descents involved, but the pace is nice and relaxed as you pause at ancient sites, ferry-hop over to islands such as Hvar and Korcula, and visit small, family-run vineyards off the main tourist route.

Best time to go: All year-round, but July and August are hot, and expensive
Our top trip: Cycle the Dalmatian coast in Croatia
See all our trips: Croatia cycling vacations
Read more: Croatia cycling travel guide

6. Catalonian charms

The only traffic jams you’ll meet on this self-guided cycling tour of Catalonia are herds of sheep on the move. Begin in the Pyrenean foothills and continue to the coast and the fishing town of Palamos by following Vias Verdas, car-free converted railway lines that roam off-the-beaten-track natural landscapes. By bringing riders closer to nature, these routes champion conservation.

Best time to go: April to November
Our top trip: Self-guided cycling vacation, Catalonia, Spain
See all our trips: Catalonia vacations
Read more: Catalonia cycling guide

7. Sociable cycling in France

Enjoy a week of relaxed self-guided cycling as you make your way from Bayeux to Honfleur by way of Caen and Cabourg. With a tailor made itinerary there will be plenty of time to take in points of historic interest like the Normandy landing beaches, Pegasus Bridge, and the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry. Easygoing routes ensure you’re immerse in picturesque seaside scenery, while there will be many opportunities to try the delectable regional cuisine.

Best time to go: April to October
Our top trip: Normandy cycling vacation, Bayeux and beaches
See all our trips: France cycling vacations
Read more: France cycling travel guide

8. Welcoming wilderness in Ireland

Wander Ireland’s wild and wonderful west coast with an easy cycling tour of roads less travelled in Connemara. Routes can be tailored depending on how far you want to travel in a day, as you roam peaceful bays, ancient villages, and coastal communities. Our vacations support Galway greenway projects that promote the conversion of old railway lines into cycling and walking trails.

Best time to go: April to October, but always prepare for rain
Our top trip: Connemara Express cycling tour in Ireland
See all our trips: Ireland cycling vacations
Read more: Ireland cycling travel guide

9. Steady as you go in Sweden

This short break (four days) small group tour is an inviting way to discover the Swedish countryside. Sail along tranquil country lanes between luxurious hotels chosen for the welcoming atmosphere and exceptional cuisine they offer their guests. Expect plenty of traditional cuisine from the Sormland region, with fresh and seasonal ingredients, and clear efforts to reduce single-use plastics.

Best time to go: May to September
Our top trip: Luxury cycling vacation in Sweden
See all our trips: Sweden vacations
Read more: Sweden cycling travel guide

10. Sailing & cycling in the Cyclades

Easy does it: wheel your bike carefully down the passerelle and climb on board: your home for the week is a sailing yacht – there's no better way to travel between Greece's Cyclades Islands. Our private sailing and island hopping vacation has you waking up to sail to a new island each morning. The bike comes to hand when you step ashore, and you can enjoy 30km rides everywhere from Kea to Kythnos.

Best time to go: April to October
Our top trip: Private sailing and cycling vacation in Greece
See all our trips: Greece cycling vacations
Read more: Greece cycling travel guide

So there you go – ten of our finest easy cycling vacations in Europe. But certainly not all of them. From the Loire Valley and Provence to England’s lovely South Downs National Park, and Portugal’s divine Douro Valley, we have a lot more inspiration for those who like to pedal, just not too fast if you don’t mind thank you very much.