There’s something about a sea view that makes everything better – even when it takes a steep ascent or a long day in the saddle to get there. From Italy’s lemon-scented cliffs to Portugal’s dune-backed boardwalks, these five coastal adventures in Europe deliver scenic coastal views the Exodus way: on foot, by bike, and always with an expert local guide who knows exactly when to pause for the best panoramas and a well-timed gelato.
1. Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
If you’re looking to trade traffic-laden rides for quiet roads that hug turquoise coastlines, our Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast trip is the ideal adventure.
Starting in lively Split, you ferry-hop to Hvar, where peaceful coastal paths wind past olive groves, vineyards and secluded coves – perfect for a mid-ride dip. You also take a break at the port in Stari Grad for an incredible local lunch. On Korčula, known for its picturesque medieval walled town and Marco Polo connections, you ride past ancient olive groves and hilltop villages before cycling the breathtaking coastal route from Pupnat to Lumbarda, where the shimmering glint of the Adriatic is never far from sight.
Your cycling route peaks – quite literally – on the Pelješac Peninsula, where a scenic coastal climb rewards you with panoramic views and a swooping descent to Trstenik Bay below. But it’s not all about your time on the saddle, as our expert local guide knows exactly where to pause for the best photo, or a crisp glass of Pošip wine.
Near the end of the journey, an optional loop ride close to Ston, reveals ancient salt pans and some of the longest city walls in Europe. The tour finishes in Dubrovnik, a showstopper of a finale with its marble streets, sea views and cinematic flair.
2. Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
On our Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino trip, your base is the laid-back seaside town of Moneglia – perfectly placed for accessing the region’s coastal trails by train.
Walking the best of the Cinque Terre’s pastel-hued villages, your route climbs above Corniglia’s vineyards, descends into the harbour at Vernazza, and pauses in Monterosso for a well-earned gelato (or two).
You take a boat ride to Portovenere, then follow a panoramic ridge trail past Byron’s Grotto and castle-topped cliffs, with sweeping views over the Ligurian Sea. But it’s not all action-packed. There’s a free day built in on Day 5 to relax or sample the region’s holy trinity: pesto, focaccia and wine.
The trip ends on a high note: a pine-scented coastal walk from Camogli to the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso, before continuing along the headland to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo in elegant Portofino. This is the Ligurian coast at its finest – a standout among walking holidays in Europe, no filters required.
3. Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Wave-washed boardwalks, quaint fishing villages and fresh Atlantic air set the tone for our Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride. Following the curve of the Atlantic southward, this route swaps chaotic city traffic for sea breezes and coastal paths as you cycle between charming medieval towns, sleepy fishing villages and dramatic stretches of shoreline.
You begin in Porto, pedalling out of the city’s azulejo-tiled streets and onto quiet paths that wind through fishing villages, pine forests, and past the breathtaking dunes in the São Jacinto Nature Reserve.
On Day 3, the route follows quiet coastal paths alongside the Aveiro Lagoon, where traditional fishing boats dot the water and seabirds sweep across the salt flats. The following days lead you past the record-breaking waves of Nazaré, through the medieval alleyways of Óbidos and along the peaceful shores of Óbidos Lagoon, with the Atlantic shimmering to your left.
One of the most scenic coastal stretches runs from São Pedro de Moel to the lagoon itself – a rolling ride of salty air, sea views and shady eucalyptus groves before finishing in the stylish seaside town of Cascais.
4. Walking on the Greek Islands
Our Walking on the Greek Islands adventure allows you to explore three Cycladic beauties – Santorini, Naxos and Paros – with sun-drenched trails, ancient sites, and knockout coastal views at every turn.
In Santorini, the crescent-shaped caldera steals the show – a picture-perfect postcard view you’ll see splashed over every travel magazine – and for good reason. Here, you hike one of the most scenic coastal trails in Europe, skirting the edge of the volcanic rim from Fira to Oia with views that plunge from clifftop villages to the cobalt sea below.
After hopping off the ferry in Naxos, you walk through the lush Tragea Valley. Here, you pass olive groves, centuries-old Byzantine chapels and the colossal Kouros statue, abandoned mid-carve in a marble quarry. A day trip to Paros on Day 6 takes you along a 1,000-year-old Byzantine path from hilltop Lefkes to the east coast. There’s time built in for you to explore the town and visit the Byzantine cathedral of Ekatontapyliani.
Back in Naxos, you spend your final full day discovering Hora, where narrow alleys wind past chapels, artisan craft shops, and rustic tavernas, all tucked within the fortified walls of a Venetian castle. A short walk leads to the islet of Palatia, where the marble Portara – the towering gateway to Apollo’s unfinished temple stands proudly above the Aegean, offering a fitting last coastal view before the journey home.
5. Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy
Craggy cliffs, wide-open beaches and cider-fuelled cycling – this region in France serves up coastal charm with a Breton twist.
If you’re looking for a unique cycling holiday in Europe, our Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy trip delivers. The adventure begins in the fortified port town of Saint-Malo, where ramparts overlook windswept beaches and the salty Atlantic breeze sets the pace. From here, you ride along the Rance Estuary, following quiet country lanes through riverside hamlets to the medieval town of Dinan.
The journey continues to the coastal village of Cancale – famed for its shucked oysters and wide bay views – before hugging the shoreline en route to Mont-Saint-Michel. Arguably one of Europe’s most iconic coastal views, seeing this fairytale abbey rise from the tidal flats as you approach on two wheels is nothing short of magical.
From there, you and your group will head inland and pedal through the Normandy countryside, passing lush green fields and half-timbered villages before rolling into the historic town of Bayeux. Led by an expert local guide, this ride serves up oyster villages, medieval hill towns, and one striking island that delivers the kind of view you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends.
So, are you ready to swap city noise for sea breeze? Whether you’re walking clifftop paths or cycling coast-hugging roads, these iconic European coastlines are best explored with our expert local guides. Check out our coastal adventures in Europe.
