Top 5 Popular Cycling Holidays

Cycling holidays are precisely targeted and specialized now. There are mountain bike holidays for those who want to cover rocky and rough terrain; road cycling holidays for riders who want to ride long distances; leisure holidays for people who ride hybrid bikes that are designed to work both on and off-road; and cycling can be mixed with other interesting activities.  Cycling and wildlife, bicycle and luxury, gastro-bike, wine and bike-the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some of the popular cycling holidays:

1. Calpe or Denia, Spain

Both Denia and Calpe are located on the Costa Blanca, along the coast of Spain. Both areas are great for cyclists, with anything you need readily available just in case you need servicing or replacement parts.  The area offers a wide range of terrains, with flatlands, notable climbs, as well as sandy beaches to savour. Denia is also quite popular with pro cycling teams and teams such as BMC Racing, Astana, and Team Sunweb have all made trips to Denia for pre-season training.

2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

This Spanish island is just 125 kilometres off the African Coast. The area is pretty warm and the only challenge Lanzarote presents is the wind which averages at about 15mp/h across the year. The volcanic landscape offers numerous undulating roads and some major climbs. Some of the climbs you can do include the Femes and Monte Corona. Lanzarote is also home to Ironman Lanzarote, which provides the unique opportunity to follow your ride with a run or precede it with a swim.

3. Belgium

Although Belgium is home to many high-profile bike races, it’s much better to wait until the spring classics period passes, and head over during summer when the weather is predictable. Belgium offers varying terrain of hills in the south and flat stretches in the north.   The cobbles present their own thrilling challenge, and some of the climbs you should look out for include Kwaremont and Koppenberg.

4. Morzine, French Alps

Morzine is popular for its mountain biking pedigree as well as road cycling. The resort towns of Avoriaz and Morzine are dotted with chalets and hotels which are set up for a wide range of outdoor sports including cycling and skiing. The terrain is varied, many flat stretches, and hairpin-laden climbs such as the Col de Jux Plane, Col de la Joux Vert, Col de la Ramaz and Avoriaz. There are also many rental chalets in Morzine, most of which you can book yourself.

5. Portugal

Though it’s not the most well documented cycling destination, cycling in Portugal is becoming increasingly popular with numerous tour agencies setting up especially in recent years. Portugal offers a wealth of rolling and long terrain well suited to beginners as well as seasoned riders.

Cycling can be an enjoyable and exhilarating component of any holiday; whether you are simply taking your bicycle as a means of transport, or going on a cycling vacation or holiday. Your bicycle can take you to many amazing places, from remote mountain passes to unexplored areas near home.

Read what Self Guided Cycling Tours are HERE!