Top Destinations: Cycling Holiday

Amsterdam

Amsterdam cycling holidays are hugely popular and it is easy to see why. The Dutch capital and its surrounding landscape is very flat and therefore perfect for those on cycling holidays in Amsterdam. The city has more bikes than people and cycling is very much the order of the day. It is very easy to explore on two wheels but keep in mind that Amsterdam cyclists have little patience for anyone getting in their way.

Renting a bike for a cycling holiday in Amsterdam is relatively cheap although bike theft is a serious problem with approximately 80,000 bikes stolen every year in Amsterdam. No one wears helmets which can sometimes be surprising for tourists visiting from countries where rules on this kind of safety are much more strict. If you are planning a cycling holiday in Amsterdam make sure you save time for a ride through the beautiful Vondelpark.

South of France

The South of France offers one of the best areas for a cycling holiday in the world – why else would the famous tour de France cycle through this area. Cycling holidays in the South of France can be as gentle or as demanding as you require. Opt for a cycling route along one of the many rivers in the South of France for a more sedate holiday experience, or a torturous climb up one of the many hills towards a welcoming drink in a traditional South of France hilltop village. Many specialist companies offer cycling holidays to the South of France which is ideal as you can cycle all day and leave them to take your luggage on to your hotel for that evening.

Austria

Increasingly popular amongst Austrians, mountain biking is now a top sport in the country. With a mountain path to suit every ability, there is no better way to see so much of the beautiful countryside than on a cycling holiday in Austria. The variety of routes is enormous; perhaps you are after a peaceful ride by the winding blue Danube, or maybe the deep green enchanting forestland is more appealing, or maybe you are an adventurist, keen to explore what’s round the next secluded mountain bend. Popular biking trails include the ‘Danube Bicycle Path’, the ‘Salzburg Lakes Bike Tour’ and the ‘Tauern Bike Path’.

Just remember a few safety tips when mountain biking – wear your helmet, even if it’s hot and sweaty! Wear sensible clothing that isn’t loose and won’t get stuck in any spokes, plan your route in advance – getting lost on an Austrian mountain can ruin your holiday! A basic first aid kit with suntan lotion, antiseptic wash and some plasters can come in very useful.

If you want a worry-free biking holiday in Austria we recommend you take a tour package; a week’s biking, tailored to your sightseeing interests, will cost you around 550 Euros, and this includes accommodation, luggage transfers and the bike rental.

Corsica

Cycling is not an easy option in Corsica because of its mountainous terrain. However, if you love cycling and you’re an experienced cyclists you will find the challenging climbs and winding routes enjoyable. For those with determination and stamina, the views from some of the coastal roads and mountain tracks are breathtaking and well worth the hard work. Because of the rough terrain, mountain bikes are preferable over other types of bicycles Bikes can be hired in Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Porto and Propriano. The best time for cycling is between May and June and September and October, when the weather is slightly cooler and the roads quieter. To escape the traffic completely there are numerous footpaths and woodland trails. There are also 1,900 kilometres of bridleways which will allow you to discover the island's natural beauty. The best of the bridleways are near Forêt de l'Ospédale, Bavella and the Coscione Plateau in the south. There is also a coastal path between St Florent and L'Ile Rousse which provides cyclists with views of some of the island's most outstanding scenery. The Mare e Monti Sud hiking path which runs between Propriano and Porticcio is one of the island's best opportunities for cycling as are the tracks of coastal Sartenais. To hire a bike you will be looking to pay anywhere between 50 to 150 Euros depending on the bike you require. Children’s bikes are usually around 30 to 40 Euros.

Italy

Italy is truly a paradise for cycling. Cycling in this beautiful country is a near national sport where many locals cycle for pleasure and leisure as well as exercise. The terrain and scenery here are simply unmatched: from flats to rolling hills to steep climbs, Italy has it all. With courteous drivers and plenty of choice for all terrain levels of cycling expertise, a cycling holiday in Italy is an excellent choice. We also recommend cycling holiday’s in Sardinia.

When to go?
Cycling routes in Italy can be cycled all year round, but the ideal seasons to try are spring and autumn. Try and avoid the central summer period, when the weather is generally quite hot, and the winter, which can be relatively wet and cold. In terms of standard time zones, Italy is one hour ahead of UK and the Summer time in Italy comes into effect each year from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.

A couple of starting points…

PIEDMONT
Land of tourism and legends, sport activities and history. Variety of landscapes, flora and fauna, architectures and cultural traditions. The Piedmont is an ideal destination for a bicycle tour, combining gastronomy and famous wines with scenic bicycling through rolling hills dotted with vineyards, castles, and Roman ruins. Barolo, Barbaresco, and Asti are not just the names of great wines: they are real towns that we will explore.

LIGURIA
The Riviera dei Fiori can offer many qualified solutions for open air and sport tourism. In particular, trekking and mountain bike lovers are increasingly attracted by the quiet itineraries and the breathtaking views of Imperia's hinterland, rich in natural and historical-cultural sites. The main protagonists are the Ligurian Alps with their precious botanical endemism and a rich fauna, distinguished by foxes, wild boars, er,nines, chamois, alpine hares, marmots and golden eagle. Discover this territory which is indeed comparable to more famous mountains areas: through the ancient tracks of transhumance, ex military roads, panoramic and adventurous.

LOMBARDY
Lombardy is one of the largest regions in Italy, rich in works of art, and the beauties of nature. The region can boast charming hilly areas, large lakes in the foothills of the Alps and a great variety of mountain scenery. The plain also presents natural habitats of considerable interest, the Valle del Ticino Park being ideal for pleasant walks or cycling excursions in the woods alongside the river. In such a limited space it is impossible to list all the monuments, churches and abbeys, the castles, palaces and villas in the cities of Lombardy and scattered all over the region.

VENETO
The Veneto is a land of generations-old cycling heritage and traditions. Soft green hills, dreamy lagoons, sleepy villages and pulsating cities and of course the splendid villas of the famous architect Palladio will accompany you in your discovery of the region around Venice. Furthermore, there is a vast network of cycle tracks that offer routes for all riding levels as well as ideal options for those looking to mountain bike. The hilly areas, where you can enjoy the pleasure of being in close contact with nature, also offer the possibility of long bike rides.

Portugal

Throughout Portugal you'll find opportunities for cycling. The best places being around the Algarve, where you'll find quiet mountain roads through country villages and hillsides towns with spectacular views. The south of Portugal is the best for cycling, though it can get a little too hot in the summer. There are plenty of cycle hire places throughout Portugal, as well as several companies offering guided cycling tours. Many of these companies also offer complete holiday packages, including airport and luggage transfers and accommodation, and cycle hire.

Sardinia

A cycling holiday in Sardinia can be a fantastic and economical way to discover the island but be warned – the island is full of mountainous and hilly landscape which could prove to be a challenge for long distances. Roads are narrow and winding and can be dangerous, especially at night. Because of the island’s long and mostly dry summers, a cycling holiday in Sardinia can be exhausting if you are not used to intense heat. To make the most out of a cycling holiday in Sardinia, be prepared and try to become as fit as possible before your endure the journey. Bikes are permitted on most trains and are kept in a separate cart but an additional €5 must be paid, regardless of how far you are going. Bikes can be carried free of charge on ferries. It is against the law to cycle on highways in Sardinia. Bike hire in Sardinia is available in most tourist hot spots and the main towns and cities. Prices range from €8 - €25 per day.

Spain

There are excellent conditions for road cycling and mountain biking in Spain, particulary in the Guadalest Valley and the surrounding area . Here you can tackle the challenging hills, exhilarating descents, or just take it easy along the nearby "Greenways" (converted railway lines). The Tour of Spain often passes through the area in Spetember, with many of the world's top cyclists battling it out on the region's most fearsome hills. A cycle tour of Spain enables you to see things which are often bypassed when inside a car, such as the stunning landscape, historic buildings or waterfalls. As it is Europe's second most mountainous country, Spain is a mecca for serious cyclists.

For those who are not keen to take on the highest peaks, the country is big enough to accommodate all levels of cycling ability so you should have no problem finding the correct terrain for your cycling holiday. More and more visitors are going to Spain seek something other than the traditional beach holiday, so a growing number are enjoying cycling holidays and experiencing "the real Spain".

When planning your cycling trip to Spain do bear in mind that it is important to research the expected climate before you book. The north of Spain tends to be very wet with a fairly constant temperature all year round. The main tourist destinations in the south of the country experience hot summers and mild winters, making them attractive locations for winter breaks but not ideal for cycling in the peak of summer due to the soaring temperatures.
 

Switzerland

What better way to discover Switzerland in all its beauty than on your bicycle? With some 8,300 km of cycle routes, stunning scenery and beautiful nature, Switzerland is a cyclist's paradise.

Switzerland is covered with a multitude of special cycling routes, some of which are local, while others are designed to span the whole of Switzerland. Some of the longer cycling routes in Switzerland are approximately 3000km in length. Whether you are looking for a short cycle tour with steep climbs or a long-distance tour lasting several days, Switzerland offers cycle enthusiasts of all fitness levels hundreds of options.

The best place to get up to date information on cycling routes in Switzerland is from any Swiss tourist office where you can obtain free maps of various cycling routes available in Switzerland.
 

Tuscany

Tuscany’s landscape lends itself to the perfect cycling holiday. From amateur to professional, you will find a cycle tour for your fitness level. Cyclists in Tuscany stick together, and if you do find yourself in trouble on the side of the road, someone will stop and help you. The best months for cycling or touring Tuscany on bike are from March to June and from September to October. July and August are hot months and outdoor sports are limited to early mornings or late afternoons or mainly for mountain bike outings at night. Other months can be cold or rainy, and during winter it is best to avoid mountain passes when cycling in Tuscany. Many villages have water fountains, so take advantage and fill up your water bottle when you can.

Mountain biking in Tuscany

The nature trails in Tuscany offer a wonderful setting outdoors, with many mountain bike trails. You can chooses to join a group or go at your own pace, soaking up the beautiful Tuscan landscape as you go. Bikes are available to rent in Tuscany, often your accommodation owners will have bikes you can hire.
 

Sweden

Sweden is a fantastic place to plan a cycling holiday, as it is both beautiful and cycle-friendly with good way marked cycle routes spread throughout the country. There are not many large mountains when compared to other popular cycling holiday destinations like Norway, but it is by no means flat. This makes it ideal for beginners as well as experienced riders. Stockholm is also extremely bicycle-friendly if you are planning to spend of your Swedish holiday some time in the capital city.

Sweden has quite a few National Cycle Routes, which include cycle paths and quiet roads. There are also good local routes in the more suburban areas but these are not as well marked as they are in Holland and Denmark. Keep your wits about you though as cycle rout markers occasionally disappear and then reappear, a good map of the local area is advisable at times. The routes in the town and cities are marked with black signs with the local destinations marked whereas the national signs merely give you the name of the route and no information of the destination.
 

Greece

Greece may not seem the perfect cycling destination owing to its rugged terrain and mountains, but on the contrary, this very terrain makes for a challenging cycling holiday in Greece. Long distance cycling tours have become the rage in Greece with tours taking bike riders to the various regions of Greece. Greece has a varied cycling terrain, from flat roads along sea coasts to steep ascents on mountainous terrain that accounts for a major part of Greece. Most day excursions include traveling to Greek countryside treasures like olive groves, vineyards, orchards, gorges and caves among natural sites and bridges, castles and ruins dating back 2000 years! Perhaps the best way to explore the Greek countryside is on a cycle where you can soak in natural environment at your own pace, stop where you like, take breaks at your own leisure, etc. For avid cyclists a cycling holiday in Greece presents thrills and adventure of the highest levels, and is worth traveling to the country for. Greece scores 6 on 10 as a destination for a cycling holiday.

Lanzarote

Cycling is a popular mode of transport for the more active holidaymaker on Lanzarote and although the terrain is far from flat and rather challenging, the cycle routes are very scenic and visually appealing. Do ensure that you are fairly fit though and that you have a bottle of water with you as the temperatures can soar pretty quickly all throughout the year, even in December. A cycling holiday in Lanzarote won’t be too pricey because you can hire bikes from about ten euros per day and should you need any assistance there are repair shops dotted around the resorts and they don’t charge a fortune should you get a puncture.

Turkey

Turkey is an interesting country to enjoy a cycling holiday in. surrounded with natural beauty and ancient archaeological relics and monuments, there is lots to discover and explore on a cycling holiday in Turkey. With the sparkling clear blue Aegean Sea as company, tourists get a chance to appreciate the drama of the views with every turn of the road throughout, on a cycling holiday in Turkey. A cycling holiday in Turkey offers exciting riding and caters to all abilities. The easier off road rides follow tracks lined with citrus groves to quaint old villages. Venturing further inland, cycling in Turkey opens up challenging climbs into pine forests which lead to traditional Turkish villages and tremendous views over the Greek islands of the Aegean. Excellent off road descents lead back to Ortakent. A cycling holiday in Turkey takes travelers to Teos and Ortakent, especially popular with novice cyclists. Cappadocia is another popular destination for a cycling holiday in Turkey. With an architecture, culture and history unmatched, cycling in this city is a true pleasure. Turkey scores 7 on 10 as a cycling holiday destination.

British Columbia

British Columbia has an impressive cycling network. Cycling between regions is a great way to see British Columbia's countryside and accommodation is often found nearby. The most popular cycling areas include the Gulf Islands, the Kootenays and BC Rockies. The roads are often secluded country bike paths surrounded by dense forest, mountains, lakes and orchards. BC is also known for its cycle paths in the Golden Triangle, a strenuous cycle circuit in the Rockies between Golden and Radium Hot Springs. Cyclists in Vancouver can explore Stanley Park and travel as far as False Creek. There are several bike rental outlets available around the Denman St and Georgia intersection. Bike tours around Vancouver can also be booked. Try Cycle BC which has offices in both Victoria and Vancouver.

Laos

Contrary to popular belief, the Lao government aren’t as harsh as to not allow you to bring a bicycle into the country, though if you didn’t you can easily buy one here for a very reasonable price of around 30 Euros. Bike hire in Laos is also particularly cheap and you can hire mountain bikes too for that more unforgiving terrain. If you don’t fancy walking it, Laos can be ideal for cycling holidays, whether you are literally just passing through the region or if this is your main destination. Cycling holidays in Laos are highly recommended.

South Africa

Cycling / Mountain biking Holiday in South Africa

With the cool breeze in your hair, the warm sun on your back and the open road in front of you - it’s easy to see why cycling is one of the best ways to explore the wonders of South Africa. With such an array of landscapes, from fertile mountain valleys to winding endless roads and flat farmland, South Africa has many fantastic trails that cater for all skill levels. If you prefer, why not choose from the wide variety of tailor made packages that’ll take you on some of the most spectacular cycling tours through one of the many national parks and game reserves. If you’re fit enough for the long haul, then why not try a group cycling ride along the magnificent Garden Route.

If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, then South Africa is mountain biking heaven! With so many fantastic trails that will blow you away, South Africa is a treasure trove of exciting routes, discovered and waiting to be uncovered, with weather allowing for cycling at any time of the year, all day and just about every day.

See Events – Cape Argus Cycle Tour, March 2009
 

Cambodia

Cambodia has some glorious scenery and cycling is a great way of exploring this beautiful country. However, riding a bicycle in Cambodia does have its drawbacks. There are not many cycling tour operators or bike rental shops so if you want to get the most out of a cycling holiday in Cambodia you are advised to take your own equipment with you. The roads are very dusty and poorly maintained so heavy duty bikes like mountain bikes are most suited. A racer is definitely out. Make sure your bike is in good condition before you begin your journey and because of the amount of dust it is advisable to wash it down at the end of each day to ensure it remains in stable working condition for the rest of the tour.

New Zealand

With its stunning scenery and beautiful varied landscape, New Zealand is one of the top destinations worldwide for cycling holiday, It has one of the largest selections of companies who provide visitors with guided and self guided/independent cycle tours, combined with a huge range of freedom bicycle rental options.

New Zealand cycling vacations are ideal for either road cycling or mountain biking and for cyclists of all levels and all budgets. You’ll also have the chance to challenge yourself a little… or a lot if that’s what you’re after – cycling holidays in New Zealand can be organised for biking enthusiasts with a reasonable level of fitness and an interest in outdoor activities, so you don’t need to be a tri-athlete to partake! If you plan your cycling holiday well in advance, you’ll experience New Zealand at its best, biking through the most beautiful scenery on earth.