Plan your cycling year

Europe has always been one of the world’s most rewarding places to travel by bike — but 2026 is shaping up to be an especially exciting year for cycling holidays. 

New routes are gaining visibility, classic itineraries are being upgraded with better infrastructure, and major events are shining a spotlight on regions that are perfect to explore on two wheels.

From gentle, flat paths ideal for first-timers to more adventurous routes through mountains, coastlines, and historic landscapes, cycling in Europe offers an unmatched mix of freedom, culture, and scenery. 

Whether you’re planning your very first bike tour or looking for a new challenge in 2026, these are some of the best cycling routes in Europe to consider for the year ahead.

Cycle the Pieterpad: The Netherlands from North to South

If 2026 is the year you plan your first cycling holiday in Europe, the Netherlands remains the gold standard. With its famously flat terrain, excellent signage, and world-class cycling infrastructure, the country is designed for relaxed, stress-free travel by bike. Dedicated cycle paths connect villages, nature reserves, and historic towns, making navigation intuitive even for those new to multi-day cycling.

Routes like the Pieterpad, stretching from the northern coast down to the southern hills, offer a gentle introduction to long-distance cycling. Expect quiet countryside, canals, forests, and welcoming towns where cycling is simply part of daily life. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to focus on enjoyment rather than logistics — and a perfect way to build confidence for future cycling trips.

Click HERE for more information about this trip.

From the Alps to Lake Como: Cycling the Valtellina

For those who believe that great cycling holidays should also involve great food, Italy is hard to beat — and 2026 is a particularly good time to explore it by bike.

One standout route is the Valtellina cycle path, which takes you from the Alpine landscapes near Bormio down toward Lake Como. Riding here means pedaling through mountain valleys, vineyards, and historic villages, with the added excitement of starting in one of the towns that will host some of the 2026 Winter Olympics events. It’s a journey that combines fresh mountain air, Lake Como and some of northern Italy’s most satisfying cuisine.

Beyond the Alps, regions like Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and southern Italy continue to attract cyclists for good reason: rolling terrain, quiet secondary roads, and a food culture that rewards you at the end of every day. Cycling in Italy is never just about the ride — it’s about savoring the place, one meal at a time.

Click HERE for more information about this trip.

Cycling the Loire Valley: Châteaux, Rivers, and Vineyards

France offers some of the most balanced cycling experiences in Europe, blending a very rich cultural heritage with varied and beautiful landscapes.

The Loire Valley is one of Europe’s most rewarding regions to explore by bike, thanks to its extensive network of well-marked cycling paths crossing a gentle countryside dotted with fairytale-like castles you can visit.

At its heart lies the iconic Loire à Vélo, which follows the Loire River from inland France through the famous Pays des Châteaux and on toward the Atlantic coast. Along the way, you’ll cycle past Renaissance castles, vineyards, and historic towns, with scenery that changes subtly from day to day.

We offer several cycling trips along the Loire à Vélo, covering either the full route or selected sections, as well as alternative itineraries through nearby river valleys and classic French cycling routes. Further south, regions like Provence add a Mediterranean flavor to the experience, with warmer light, aromatic landscapes, and a slower pace of life.

Click HERE for more information about cycling the Loire Valley.

The Camino Primitivo by Bike: Northern Spain at Its Wildest

If you’re looking for a more adventurous cycling trip in 2026, Spain delivers variety, character, and challenge.

Cycling the Camino Primitivo offers a unique way to experience one of Europe’s most historic pilgrimage routes. The terrain is more demanding than other Camino routes, with hills, forests, and rural landscapes that reward effort with authenticity and solitude. It’s a journey that feels meaningful as well as physically engaging.

Elsewhere in Spain, regions like Andalusia and Mallorca continue to attract cyclists with their mix of dramatic scenery, quiet inland roads, and strong local identity. Spain is perfect for riders who want to push a little harder, explore lesser-known areas, and enjoy a sense of discovery along the way. Remember to make any trip easier, you can also ride an E-bike.

Click HERE for more information about this trip.

Cornwall by Bike: Riding Along England’s Atlantic Coast

For riders drawn to the sea, the UK offers some of Europe’s most atmospheric coastal cycling routes.

Cornwall, in particular, stands out for its rugged coastline, rolling countryside, and ever-changing views of the Atlantic. Cycling here means dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, and a landscape shaped by wind and water. Routes often combine quiet lanes with traffic-free paths, making the experience scenic without being overwhelming.

The Isle of Wight offers a gentler coastal alternative, with shorter distances and a relaxed rhythm. Coastal cycling in the UK is ideal for travelers who value scenery and character over speed — and who don’t mind stopping often to take in the view.

Click HERE for more information about this trip.

How to Choose the Right Cycling Route for You

With so many options, choosing the right cycling holiday for 2026 comes down to a few key factors.

Climate plays a big role: northern Europe is ideal in late spring and summer, while southern regions shine in spring and autumn. Difficulty and terrain matter just as much — flat routes suit first-timers, while hillier areas reward experience and fitness. Finally, consider flight access and logistics: starting and ending points, luggage transfers, and support services can make a big difference to how relaxed your trip feels.

The best cycling route is the one that matches your pace, interests, and expectations — not the most famous or the most challenging.

Whether you’re dreaming of canals in the Netherlands, mountain valleys in Italy, historic rivers in France, adventurous routes in Spain, or dramatic coastlines in the UK, 2026 is the perfect year to explore Europe by bike.

At European Bike Tours, we help you find the route that fits you — with carefully designed itineraries, reliable support, and the freedom to enjoy every ride.

Plan your perfect 2026 cycling holiday with European Bike Tours.