Think cycling’s just good for your joints and cardiovascular fitness? Sure – but it’s also the most adventurous way to find yourself exploring towering dunes, Baltic forests and cliff-hugging coastal paths you’d never see from the window of a tour bus. We’ve rounded up seven epic cycling routes in Europe that dial up the scenery and the satisfaction.
From ascending the Barmash Pass in Albania and gliding through the São Jacinto dunes in Portugal to following smugglers’ trails along the Cami de Ronda in Catalonia, these are the kind of cycling moments that make you forget your legs and remember the view.
1. Lead the Way Through Lahemaa National Park, Estonia
Established in 1971, Lahemaa is one of the last unspoiled regions on the Baltic Coast – the name means ‘land of bays’, which suits its position on the Gulf of Finland. At 747.84 sq km, it’s not only the largest national park in Estonia but also one of the biggest in Europe. Home to moose, wild boars, brown bears, lynxes, foxes and more than 200 bird species, it’s a haven for wildlife and two-wheeled travellers alike.
On our Cycle the Baltics adventure, you explore Lahemaa on Days 2 and 3. Starting at Palmse Hotel, a former distillery turned baroque mansion, you ride past Sagadi Manor and its flower gardens, through the 400-year-old village of Altja, and to the seaside resort Võsu and Käsmu, before looping back through hushed Estonian forests and meadows. It’s the kind of epic route where the only thing chasing you is the scent of pine.
2. Bike from the Barmash Pass to Vlorë, Albania
Why not plot your next cycling holiday in Albania? A country many others miss. Tucked between better-known neighbours and only recently stepping into the tourist spotlight, it’s Europe’s best-kept cycling secret (but not for long).
During our Cycling in Albania adventure, you get an exhilaratingly varied ride from mountain plateaux to the bustling Albanian Riviera. Along the way, you visit thermal springs near Benje, the waterfalls of Tepelene, Ottoman houses in Gjirokastra and the ancient ruins of Butrint.
But for many cyclists, the standout comes on Day 2: a challenging climb through the heart of the Grammoz Mountains, where you pass wildflowers, rocky passes and cols before summiting Barmash Pass (3,802ft/1,159m). From there, it’s all downhill (in the best way possible) to the tranquil valley village of Gërmenj – the kind of place where the loudest sound is your freewheel clicking.
3. Glide past Towering Golden Dunes, Portugal
Skip the crowds of the Algarve and head north to Portugal’s lesser-known cycling gem: the Silver Coast. On our Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride, one of the most unforgettable stretches happens on Day 3, when your expert local guide takes you gliding through the towering dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve – a peaceful, pine-fringed escape where sand sneaks into your spokes – and every turn reveals another postcard view.
The adventure continues with rides through the Leiria Pine Forest and the medieval town of Óbidos, with a stop in Nazaré, famed for its Guinness World Record-breaking waves.
Aside from the epic rides, this trip is bookended with cultural gems. The adventure kicks off with a wine tasting in a historic port cellar in Porto and wraps up in Lisbon, where you can freewheel through the ‘City of Seven Hills’ or simply toast your two-wheeled triumph at Miradouro de Graça at sunset.
4. Take on Tara Canyon, Montenegro
Interested in exploring lesser-visited destinations on two wheels? Then our 15-day Cycle the Balkans trip, which covers key cycling routes across Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia, won’t disappoint.
Starting in Tirana, Albania’s capital city, you make the transfer to Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, before crossing the border into North Macedonia. Here, you ride through Galicica National Park to Ohrid town.
On Day 6, you climb through Kodra e Diellit forest and visit the historic city of Pizren, known for traditional handicrafts, wine and Byzantine architecture. Next, it’s onto Montenegro, where you cycle to Rozaji to bask in the beauty of the Hajla and Turjak mountain peaks.
But one of the most memorable parts of this trip is the section where you ride through Tara Canyon on Day 10. With a maximum depth of 4,265ft (1,300m), the Tara River Canyon is the deepest in Europe, boasting more than 80 large caves dotted along its 51mi (82km) stretch. It’s epic, remote, and dramatic enough to make your handlebars tremble. We’d recommend bringing a reusable bottle – as nature’s best refreshment is on tap.
5. Pedal the Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia
There’s no denying that Croatia cycling holidays are a dream. With a mild climate and cycle paths that weave around pine-clad islets, fortified medieval towns and traditional fishing ports, it’s arguably one of the most idyllic spots in Europe. And our Cycling the Dalmatian Coast trip ensures you hit the best central Dalmatian islands, while also enjoy a relaxing ride across the Pelješac Peninsula.
Beginning in Split, you take the ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar Island. The following day, you explore the old Roman roads to Vrbovska and ride along coastal roads to the village of Jelsa. On Day 3, you transfer to Korcula, known for its seafaring history and alleged links to adventurer, Marco Polo.
After two days exploring the island of Korcula, make the transfer to the Pelješac Peninsula. Around 30mi (48km) northwest of Dubrovnik, this narrow piece of land is only 40mi (64km) long and stretches from the town of Ston to the cape of Lovišta, which makes for a perfect morning ride off the beaten track.
6. Ride Fishermen’s Paths along the Catalan Coast, Spain
Discover why cycling in Girona is a rite of passage for those keen on the sport, on our Cycling Girona & the Catalan Coast adventure. This week-long journey blends cultural discovery with coastal rides, taking you through quiet lanes, rolling farmlands, and Mediterranean nature reserves.
One epic highlight is the ride from Calella de Palafrugell to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Following the Cami de Ronda, a clifftop path once used by fishermen and smugglers, you pedal above hidden coves and pine-fringed headlands, pausing for sea views and a dip in the sea.
The route through the Castell-Cap Roig Natural Area and along the beach promenade of Platja d’Aro delivers a mix of rugged beauty and relaxed seaside charm. It’s easy to see why this part of Catalonia has long inspired great artists, like Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.
Off the saddle, enjoy stays in locally owned hotels and explore the cobbled streets of Girona, famed for its Roman history, medieval architecture, Game of Thrones filming locations, and status as a training base for elite cyclists worldwide.
7. Follow the Shells to Pontevedra, Portugal
From fresh Atlantic breezes to centuries-old pilgrim paths, our Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino trip blends history, scenery and saddle time in all the right ways.
Starting in Porto and ending in Santiago de Compostela, you trace the Atlantic coast north, pedalling through fishing towns, estuaries and seaside boardwalks. A standout ride comes on Day 4, as you cycle from Oia to Pontevedra. It’s a day of contrasts, quaint seaside lanes give way to pine-scented forests and granite-built villages, before you roll into Pontevedra’s atmospheric old town, where cars are banned and tapas are encouraged.
Along the way, you follow the Camino’s scallop shell markers past coves, chapels and vineyards – earning your stripes as a modern-day pilgrim (albeit with better gear and hotel stays). This is Camino de Santiago cycling, done the Exodus way – small groups, immersive experiences and with an expert tour leader guiding the way.
For more extraordinary cycling routes, check out our worldwide cycling holidays.
