Cycling tourism, an especially environmentally friendly and sustainable category, is becoming more and more popular among traveler groups like young adults, elderly people, and even families because it provides many opportunities, including engaging with the locals and uniquely experiencing the outdoors, to say nothing of the possibilities that come along with e-bikes. There’s a choice of cycling routes – each with many variations. Europe lends itself to cycling tourism since towns are close together, the infrastructure is great, there are more than enough cycle routes, and drivers are cautious and well-mannered. All that makes for an excellent holiday.
A cycling tourist is a person of any nationality who, at one point or another during their holiday, uses the bike as a way of traveling, spending every day out in the fresh air and taking in stunning vistas. Short trips to the corner shop aren’t included. If you’ve been seriously thinking about joining a cycling holiday but are still dragging your feet, here’s a great reason to banish your doubts: you learn something new with every turn of the pedals. An electric bike offers more flexibility when it comes to distance and terrain capability. Economic and ecological, riding a pre-owned electric bike is trending, so embrace the environmental approach.
If you’re planning a trip away, these are the best options:
Puglia, Italy
Beyond its exquisite food and rich cultural heritage, Italy draws in tourists from all corners of the globe with a profound connection to cycling and a focus on health, well-being, and, of course, adventure. Puglia is a fantastic place to explore on two wheels because it has a mild climate and flat terrain, so if you’re looking to channel your inner pro rider, follow the tire tracks. There are countless dedicated bike routes that allow travelers to relish the rolling hills, delve into the charming villages, and explore the ancient olive groves. You can embark on a trail adventure from Matera to Lecce, the Florence of the South.
Girona, Spain
Traveling in your 40s is the perfect time to explore niche destinations (or revisit some of your favorite ones), so go at it alone or join a group – it’s the best way to find the best cycling routes, bike shops, and cafés. Spain is a top destination for the pros and you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with them on the roads of Girona, renowned for its stunning medieval scenery. David Millar, who won four stages of the Tour de France, has a house here, but so does Christian Meier, whose career began in mountain biking before switching to the road.
If you’re tempted to go on a cycling holiday, a trip to Girona is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a never-ending playground with quiet roads to explore and challenging climbs to tackle, so you’ll need to be in your best form to conquer the beasts. Rocacorba, close to Banyoles, is so popular that a food truck was set up so that no one runs out of coffee. The first kilometer is quite calm, with few bumps along the way – things get tricky from the 7th kilometer, that is, from Collet de Pujarnol, when the gradient gets steeper.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia is undoubtedly a paradise for avid cycling enthusiasts who are eager to be (alone) in nature – in the middle of the woods, on top of a hill, or in the corner of a field. There’s always a beautiful place to camp that captures the feeling of freedom, so get away from the world you live on a day-to-day basis and take the plunge away from the beaten track. Notwithstanding the reputation of some Estonian drivers, cycling in Tallinn, where red-tiled roofs sit in close proximity to dream-like spires, is perfectly safe. Don’t waste any more time and organize a two-wheeled adventure.
This is your very first cycling holiday. An electric bike will make the distances easier to manage as it’s equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery that can cover between 30 and 60 kilometers per charge; some high-end models can exceed this range. Make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. Check out Upway electric deals whether you want a bike for yourself or someone else. Ride your bike at a moderate pace and go from the Old City Harbor to Kadriorg, then push on to the Song Festival Grounds. Don’t miss out on Otepää Lakeland, commonly referred to as Estonian Switzerland.
Split, Croatia
And finally, cycling gives you the liberty to explore Dalmatia at your own pace and really connect with the destination. You can take the 6-day trail from Split in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, stopping at Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet island; you’ll take a step back in time because there are no hotels or modern buildings…just traditional life. Around Split, there are numerous options for road and mountain biking. Even within the city limits, there are excellent places to cycle, such as Marjan, a green forest oasis – it’s not very challenging, but beautiful nonetheless.
Concluding Thoughts
Travel slowly rather than jumping from one hotspot to the other, assume rain showers are always a possibility, and bring extra batteries and media cards. Above all, if you bring your own bike, it must be in good shape. Suppose it’s been a while since you last used it. In that case, make sure the bike still fits you: when you’re standing over it with your feet flat on the ground, there should be clearance between your crotch and the bar. A rear carrier provides a stable framework to accommodate your snacks, rain gear, extra clothing, and so on.
Accommodation can be pre-booked, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re just starting out with long-distance cycling, seek the conventional routes and ride at your preferred speed; once you become more experienced, you can go to places that are undiscovered by mass tourism. Most importantly, a cycling holiday is more than just a break, it’s a chance to discover a new version of yourself, so enjoy! Life is too short to be miserable.