Southern Europe
At a glance
Sunny environs and warm weather make this part of the world a true delight.
This region of Europe, also known as Mediterranean Europe, include the countries of the Iberian peninsula, the Italian peninsula, and southern France and Greece. Its warm climate and diverse landscapes are perfect for exploring by bike.
Why cyclists love it
- Mild-to-warm climate
- Diverse and beautiful terrain
- A wide range of cultures and peoples
- A quiet region of Europe perfect for laidback exploration
- Easy-to-reach locations
- Charming villages and modern cities
Top tours, by country
Italy
Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany
Enjoy fantastic bike routes with cooking lessons in Italy’s famous Tuscany region. Explore the area, passing Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico, just to name a few.
Tour details >Florence to Rome: Calm, Mystical and Unexplored Countryside
In the 180 miles (290 km) between Florence and Rome, you’ll pedal through the beautiful Umbria region visiting the cities of Assisi, Perugia, and Spoleto.
Tour details >Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This tour lets you enjoy the countryside by bike while staying each night on a boat. Beginning in Venice, travel on cycle paths and small roads along canals and rivers, ending in Mantua.
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Spain
Medieval Villages of Catalonia Bike Tour
Traveling through the quiet region of Catalonia, this tour starts in Girona city, winding its way along quiet country roads part of the Baix Emporda Cycle Network, finishing in the small village of Monelis.
Tour details >Majorca: a Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island
This tour takes cyclists off the beaten track on Majorca island cycling through the coast and inner regions, to dreamy bays and clear blue-green water, to dragon caves and small villages. Known as “La Luminosa—The Enlightened,” Majorca will never fail to amaze visitors.
Tour details >Camino de Santiago: a Pilgrim’s Route From Astorga to Santiago
Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route traveled for more than 1,000 years. Beginning in the city of Astorga, the tour follows the route through the Galicia region of Spain. The cycling is a combination of roads, with mountain passes and some off-roads, ending in Santiago with the famous Cathedral of Santiago in the distance.
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Portugal
Algarve Coastal Route: From the Spanish Border West Along the Sea
This tour features Portugal’s “Ecovia do Litoral,” a bike route linking Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border with Cabo de Saifo Vicente (Sagres) in the west. The Algarve is often called Europe’s sunniest spot and is a great destination any time of the year for travelers seeking a warm Mediterranean breeze. The 133-mile/214km route combines trails in nature preserves with stretches on low-traffic roads and car-free paths. The tour winds along the coastline between fishing villages with Moorish architecture, cobbled lanes, and Roman ruins. Beaches, lagoons, and inlets offer the perfect spot for rest breaks and a snack.
Tour details >Castles and Wines of Portugal
This cycling tour, which is available as guided or self-guided, combines cycling with regional discovery, allowing visitors to feel that they’ve left with a much richer knowledge of the area. Along the route, travelers will visit castles, churches, artisans, wine producers and typical family owned cafes. The landscape changes from olive groves to vineyards and cork oaks, from granite to schist and to marble.
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Provence and Southern France
Provence by Bike and Boat
Among the wilderness of Camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Van Gogh, you will cycle through delightful Provençal villages, vineyards and lavender. You’ll stay on a boat for the duration of this journey, sailing to new cycling locations each day.
Tour details >Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
Be surprised by the quality of the Roman sites, the theatre in Orange, and the amazing aqueduct at the Pont du Gard. Explore interesting wine regions including Chateauneuf du Pap, and Les Baux de Provence, one of France’s newest Appellations. Spend time in the Lubéron National Park, made famous in Peter Mayle’s ‘Year In Provence.’
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Greece
Greece: The Peloponnese Peninsula
This is a fascinating bike trip for admirers of Greek archaeology and culture. Start cycling high in the mountains and you end up next to the sea. Experience the magnificent fir trees of Mainalon mountain and the marvelous endless beaches lying along the Argolic Gulf.
Tour details >Ionian Islands by Bike and Boat
Come travel the Ionian Islands off the western coast of Greece! This tour visits Corfu Island, Cephalonia Island and the island of Lefkas.
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Montenegro
National Parks, Lakes, and Canyons of Montenegro
On this bike tour, you’ll ride on panoramic roads amidst mighty mountain peaks, follow the blue waters of River Tara, and finally arrive at the magically beautiful bay of Kotor. Montenegro has been between the East and the West since the days of the Roman Empire and has been influenced by their respective histories for the last two thousand years. The food offers the best of the Balkan kitchen matched with delicious local wines.
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Croatia
National Parks of Dalmatia by Bike and Boat
Traveling by boat, this tour visits the national parks of Krka-Waterfalls and Kornati Islands, as well as the islands of Central Dalmatia. Highlights include the old town of Trogir, Zadar and Sibenik’s famous cathedral.
Tour details >Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria
Explore the magic of Istria on this self-guided tour through hidden medieval towns whose charm will leave you breathless. Passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves, you’ll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies and experience all the charms of Istria, this exciting Croatian wine region.
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Albania
Albania’s UNESCO Sites with Rivers, Valleys, and Gorges
This tour started as a BikeTours.com 2016 “Founder’s Tour.” Even more so than Romania, visiting Albania is like traveling back in time. Until 1991, when the People’s Republic of Albania was dissolved, borders were closed to all foreigners. Even 25 years later, people in many isolated areas welcome visitors with excitement and curiosity — and warm hospitality. Albania has remained undiscovered by mass tourism, but that will change.
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