If you’re interested in exploring a new destination on two wheels but have never been on a cycling holiday before, you may be wondering if it’s the right choice for you.
Whether you’re jetting off solo, with friends, or with your partner and kids, cycling holidays are a great way to soak up the stunning scenery and culture of your chosen destination.
Here, I take a look at cycling holidays in more detail so you can decide whether to head off on an active adventure.
The benefits of cycling holidays
Firstly, you can venture much further on two wheels than you can on foot, allowing you to cover more ground and see more sights. It also means you’ll enjoy a different perspective of the surrounding area.
You can hit popular cycling routes and enjoy the natural beauty of the area as you go, stopping whenever you like to relax with a drink, take photos or soak up the scenery.
It also gives you the flexibility to plan your holiday itinerary exactly as you please. If you’re a morning person, you can get up early and head out to explore. If you’re a late riser, enjoy a relaxing breakfast before getting on the saddle.
Whether you want a gentle ride to the nearest café or to explore far and wide – you’re in control of where you go, and when.
What can you do during cycling holidays?
There are plenty of great activities to enjoy during cycling holidays. The cycling itself is obviously one of the biggest draws to this type of active holiday, but there are plenty of other things to enjoy along the way.
You could cycle to a beautiful beach for a spot of sun, sea, and sand. You could enjoy a meandering ride to a well-rated restaurant to sample some of the local cuisine. Or, you could challenge yourself to a trek up a mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the area from the top.
Do you need to take your own bike?
While you may choose to take your bike with you, this isn’t always necessary. Many cycling holiday providers give you the option to book a hire bike – saving you the hassle of transporting yours from home. This is especially useful if you’re going abroad!
When you get there, make sure you choose a bike that’s best suited to you and the routes you’re planning to cycle. For example, think about whether you’ll need a road or mountain bike, and if you need to take your own cycling shoes or pedals.
Where are the best holiday destinations for cycling?
There are plenty of great destinations to choose from – the key is to do your research and pick a location that suits your cycling ability. Beginners or families should opt for a destination with plenty of easy to moderate routes available – such as flat coastal roads or gentle forest paths.
Great options include the flat canal routes near Toulouse in southwest France or the Black Forest in Germany. More advanced cyclists may want to choose somewhere with more challenging terrain, such as the mountainous regions of Sicily, the Canary Islands, or Greece.
Now that you’ve got to grips with cycling holidays – will you choose to head off on two wheels?