Top 10 best countries in Europe for a cycling vacation

You love to bicycle, and you want to travel in Europe. We can assure you that there are lots of options! Here are the top 10 best countries in Europe for a cycling vacation, plus some advice on how to choose!

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1. The Netherlands

Holland is truly a paradise for cyclists. It has a wide network of well-marked and well-maintained bicycle paths, and it’s almost entirely flat, making it a great place for relaxing cycling. There are picturesque villages and cities; colorful tulip fields; broad, green pasturelands crisscrossed by canals; and magnificent natural parks as well.

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2. Germany

From the fairytale setting of the Rhine Valley, with its castles looming over cute villages, to the spooky woods of the Black Forest, Germany offers a very diverse landscape for cyclists. There are venerable castles, picture-perfect vineyard landscapes, and lively city streets in places like Berlin and Munich.

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3. Belgium

Discover the rich history and scrumptious food in Belgium while you bicycle through charming villages and along meandering rivers. Cities like Bruges (Brugge), Ghent and Antwerp are so well-preserved you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a centuries-old painting – if you ignore the bicycles, of course!

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4. France

Cycle through picturesque vineyards, along quiet country roads and through historic towns in France. Take a break to stroll through a charming village or tour a magnificent chateau. The Loire Valley, Provence and the French Riviera are just some of the many beautiful cycling destinations in this country. And the food is amazing, from the baguette and croissant you can buy in any village to the excellent food served in restaurants and bistros.

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5. Italy

Discover the beauty of Italy by bike, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the enchanting coastline of Amalfi. Cycle through important historical cities such as Florence, Rome and Venice – but make sure to stop and visit some of the fascinating sights these cities offer. And Italy is another top destination for food: enjoy delicious Italian meals and wine along the way!

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6. Croatia

Croatia is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastal towns. Bike paths like the Parenzana Trail offer spectacular views of the sea and lead through charming villages and historic towns such as Poreč and Rovinj. A true insider tip for cycling enthusiasts.

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7. Sweden

Sweden’s untouched nature and the serene, vast landscapes are ideal for cyclists seeking tranquility. The archipelago coast near Stockholm or the Kattegattleden, Sweden’s first national bicycle route in the southwest of the country, are just some of the highlights. The route passes through some of Sweden’s most beautiful areas, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to discover the country’s cultural and historical treasures. Small, charming villages and vibrant cities along the way invite you to enjoy Swedish hospitality and the local cuisine.

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8. Greece

Discover Greece like never before. You’ll wake each morning aboard your comfortable vessel, then hop on your bike to wind through olive-lined country lanes, pedal past centuries-old ruins and delight in the beauty of hidden coves carved into the Aegean and Ionian shores. Taste freshly pressed olive oil straight from village presses, sample honey cultivated since antiquity and linger over local Assyrtiko as the sun dips below whitewashed cliff-side villages.

In the lush Ionian archipelago, you’ll cycle the Parenzana trail – once a railway line – through green valleys, before island-hopping between Corfu’s Venetian palaces, Kefalonia’s dramatic coast and Ithaca’s Homeric olive groves.

Whether you crave the Cyclades’ quintessential blue-and-white panoramas, the Sporades’ emerald bays immortalized by Mamma Mia, or the Dodecanese’s volcanic isles, each day balances invigorating rides with leisurely swims and authentic local feasts.

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9. Denmark

Denmark has a few more hills than the Netherlands but has the same well-organized cycling path network. There’s breathtaking coastal scenery and charming coastal towns. Copenhagen, with its outdoor cycling culture and infrastructure, is an absolute must-visit for cyclists.

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10. Hungary

Hungary might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of a cycling holiday, but you’ll be amazed at how much this country has to offer cyclists. The Balaton Bike Trail around the largest lake in Central Europe is particularly appealing, offering insights into Hungarian culture and hospitality. The absolute highlight is the Hungarian section of the Danube Bike Trail, which leads you directly into the metropolis of Budapest. A truly remarkable experience.

Each of these countries has its own unique features and charm, making it a distinctive destination for cyclists. So pack your bike and discover Europe in the best way possible – with the wind in your face and the freedom that only two wheels can offer. Happy cycling!

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How to pick your perfect cycling destination

Choosing the right destination for your cycling holiday in Europe is about more than just the terrain. It’s about finding the place that matches your pace, your interests, and the kind of experience you want to remember. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Choose a difficulty level that suits you

Our tours are graded from Level 1 (easy) to Level 3 (challenging), so there’s something for every type of rider.

• Level 1 – Leisurely & flat
  Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who prefers gentle rides with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
  Top picks: The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark
• Level 2 – Rolling hills & mixed terrain
  Ideal for cyclists who enjoy a bit of variety: a few climbs here and there, but nothing too extreme.
  Top picks: Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, Sweden
• Level 3 – Challenging
  These tours are made for experienced riders who love long days in the saddle, bigger elevation gains, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
  Top picks: Greece, Croatia

2. Think about the scenery that inspires you

Every landscape tells a story. What do you want to see while you’re pedaling?

• Urban exploration
  If you love cycling through historic streets, exploring museums, and sipping espresso at a local café, then a city-based route is your style.
  Go for: Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Paris in France or Venice in Italy
• Countryside & village charm
  For peaceful rides through rolling farmland, quaint villages and quiet country lanes, choose a more rural route.
  Try: Belgium’s Flanders region, Friesland in the Netherlands, the Seine Valley in France, or Istria in Croatia
• Coastal views & island-hopping
  If the idea of sea breezes, cliffside roads, and boat trips between sun-drenched islands excites you, the coast is calling.
  Best bets: The Cyclades in Greece, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Denmark and Sweden

3. Match the tour to your interests

It’s not just about where you go, but what you want to get out of your trip.

• History & culture lovers
  Cycle through lands where ancient myths were born and empires rose and fell. Every stop is steeped in stories.
  Top picks: Tuscany in Italy, the Peloponnese in Greece, the medieval towns of Croatia, the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands
• Nature & wildlife enthusiasts
  Love wide-open landscapes, quiet trails, and natural beauty? These regions offer some of Europe’s most serene and scenic rides.
  Explore: The Kattegattleden trail in Sweden, the tidal shores of the UNESCO-protected Wadden Sea in the Netherlands or Denmark’s Baltic coast
• Food & wine fans
  For those who ride to eat (and drink!), these routes combine beautiful cycling with rich culinary traditions, from vineyard tours to gourmet meals.
  Don’t miss: France’s Provence and Burgundy regions, Italy’s Tuscany and Sicily region, or the olive groves and seafood of Istria in Croatia

Whether you’re drawn to dramatic coastlines, cobbled city streets, or peaceful countryside, there’s a cycling trip in Europe that fits your dream perfectly. Take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you – pace, scenery, passions – and you’ll find the ride that was made for you.

Our travel experts would be happy to help you book your dream tour. Just contact us online or call us at +31 20 72 35 400 so that we can help you!

Plan your trip See our tours in Europe