“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
If this year you promised to travel more, to do it in an eco-friendly way, if you’ve promised to yourself to enjoy freedom, to experience nature, and to discover new countries, there is no better way than to get on the bike and start pedaling. Europe has much to offer and the bike allows you to discover the lesser-known places, the secret and enchanted places. But what are the best bike tours in Europe? Let’s find out together!
From Manciano to Saturnia by bike
We start from Italy, in the heart of the beautiful Maremma. This itinerary starts from Manciano, a charming village and then you ride through a succession of hills and aromas of the grapes, through the medieval village of Montemerano finally reach the famous Saturnia’s hotsprings, an oasis of peace where you can relax in the beautiful natural pools.
Why we like it: because the Maremma is one of the most beautiful places in Italy where you can easily move from the sea to the mountains, to beautiful historic towns to the lagoon.
Where to stay: A Manciano the organic farm Podere Santa Croce, which combines the flavor of the old with modern comforts, awaits you.
Along the Walensee Lake
We move to Switzerland for this incredible tour around the Walensee, reminiscent of a fjord. Between beautiful waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, and picturesque harbors of the villages, it is a perfect trip for the family.
Why we like it: along the lake there are amazing sights such as Seerenbach waterfalls or the town of Weesen.
Where to stay: through the cable car you can reach a unique refuge, embedded in rock.
To the discovery of Porquerolles by bike
Caribbean beaches, the smell of salt air, uncontaminated nature, and lavender fields: all this and more await you in Porquerolles, a small island of France, along this beautiful cycle route between land and sea.
Why we like it: because of the lighthouse surrounded by the sea and by an incredible wilderness.
Where to stay: On a nearby island you will find the beautiful Hotel Le Provencal, with the typical atmosphere of Provence, a private beach, and two acre garden.
Lake Faak
Here we are in Carinthia, one of the most beautiful regions of Austria. This circular route will take you to the discovery of one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, a real paradise.
Why we like it: because you can discover the beautiful castle of Frankenstein and its arena and nearby you can try climbing!
Where to stay: Near the lake you will find the Naturhotel FaakerSee, an oasis of tranquility offering beautiful rooms and an excellent restaurant featuring organic products.
The cycle path of Valsugana
Back to Italy, this time to the north. The route is still little known, but with emotions and views that you cannot miss this year. The Valsugana is a rich territory and bike tours are the best way to discover its forests, apple orchards, and villages.
Why we like it: because of the river Brenta that takes us all the way to the end, the plain of Marcesina, the “Finland of Italy” reached by a small deviation and Bassano del Grappa, the final destination of the route and the charming city where you will find the bridge designed by Palladio.
Where to stay: Not far from the cycle path, in Paderno del Grappa, there’s the eco-friendly hotel San Giacomo Sport & Relax.
Cycle-path Lake Constance
This time the journey is long. For an active holiday of a week, there is nothing better than Lake Constance, a pearl set among three states (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Despite the length of the route, it is suitable for everyone and completely customizable thanks to the boats that connect the shores of the lake.
Why we like it: along the 260km route you will discover unforgettable corners of the world as the lively Constance, the island paradise of flowers Mainau or the picturesque Lindau.
Where to stay: A few kilometers from Constanta, there’s Jugendherberge Kreuzlingen, an eco-friendly hostel, in a beautiful historic home.
National Park of Tara MTB Tour
Serbia, so far away from mass tourism is incredible. The National Park of Tara, in western Serbia, offers travelers an exciting itinerary with considerable altitudes.
Why we like it: For the rich flora of Mount Tara and its surroundings and the breathtaking views that will be presented to you during the ride.
Where to stay: Near the National Park Tara you’ll find many sustainable and cheap accommodations including the characteristic apartment Zaovljanska Lakes Tara.
From Trieste to Porec, the Route of Health and Friendship
For an unforgettable weekend, we propose a trip to Istria in this truly special itinerary. It starts from Trieste and continues following an old disused railway line reborn as a cycle path. It continues through Slovenia and its picturesque villages until arriving in Croatia, between the Maquis shrubland, salt fields, and the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Why we like it: This path is a beautiful and exciting cycle path, to do at least once in life, to find out in a matter of few kilometers three amazing countries.
Where to stay: before leaving from Trieste you can stay at the Alla Casetta, while along the way (with a small detour) the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic awaits you for a holiday even more special!
The Aare cycle path, from Interlaken to Bern
Now it’s time to leave for a stretch of a Swiss long path where there are some of the most beautiful places of the country. The cycle route follows the river Aare between mountain chalets, turquoise lakes, and magical towns.
Why we like it: for the high pavements of Thun, unique in Europe, for Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for the views of the Aare valley.
Where to stay: In Spiez, a must-stop on the itinerary, you’ll find an eco-friendly hotel with 100% renewable energy, the Gästehaus Seeblick.
Around the island of Poel
Here’s our final destination, a little-known corner of Germany. Away from the cities, here is the island of Poel. The itinerary allows you to discover the villages and great beaches with beautiful cliffs. The Baltic Sea is waiting for you!
Why we like it: because of the many birds flying over the sea; do not forget your binoculars!
Where to stay: Not far from the island, a 100% organic breakfast and beautiful rooms decorated with wood awaits you at Gutshaus Parin.
Did you know any of these itineraries? Do you want to suggest other bike tours around Europe? Leave us a comment 🙂
