Though there are many spectacular trails<\/a> here in the UK, sometimes the itch for a cycling trip to Europe has to be scratched.<\/p>\n As cyclists, we\u2019re always on the lookout for our next route or challenge\u2014and you\u2019ll find plenty of them throughout the four million square miles of mainland Europe.<\/p>\n Europe offers vast potential for cyclists all year round. Whether it be to make the most of the summer sun or escape the UK\u2019s winter cold for some warm weather off-season training, there are many reasons why we love to flock to the continent.<\/p>\n Better still\u2014some of the best cycling holidays in Europe are only a mere two or three-hour flight away from the UK. What more of a reason do you need to explore?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning a trip, you\u2019ve come to the right place. In no particular order, here are our top picks for the best trips and cycling holidays in Europe.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Nestled away in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain is Girona, often described as the \u2018Playground of the Pros\u2019 when it comes to cycling.<\/p>\n Cycling in Girona feels different. Not only are you blessed with great weather and roads, but you\u2019re in esteemed company, too. Many pro cyclists choose to live in and around the region, and various pro cycling teams have a permanent base here, so it must be doing something right.<\/p>\n Girona\u2019s cycling culture has grown massively over the past few decades\u2014since Lance Armstrong trained here in the 90s and moved over permanently in 2000.<\/p>\n Girona is easy to get to and from, with direct flights available from several UK airports. Its proximity to the Pyrenean border with France, famousfor its iconic Tour de France stages, makes it a true cyclist\u2019s paradise and an absolute must-visit.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling Girona: Your ultimate guide<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you like a challenge, there are few better cycling holidays in Europe than the French Alps. In many ways, the French Alps feel like the \u2018hub\u2019 of European cycling\u2014some of the world\u2019s most famous climbs can be found in this region, and of course, the Tour de France<\/a><\/span> needs zero introduction.<\/p>\n The likes of Alpe d\u2019Huez and the Col du Galibier are among the most popular sections in Tour de France history, but such is the vastness of the French Alps, every cyclist\u2019s taste is catered for\u2014from the mountains themselves to the peaceful valleys and Alpine towns in between.<\/p>\n The Col d\u2019Izoard mountain pass (pictured above) has featured in the Tour numerous times over the years and is a very popular route among local and tourist cyclists. At just under 2,400m, it sits in the highest category of the Tour.<\/p>\n Typical cycling season in the Alps runs from mid-April to mid-October for areas up to 1,500m and from mid-May to the end of September for higher areas.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Best places to cycle in the French Alps<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Our tour of the best cycling trips in Europe is staying in the Alps for now, but heading eastward from France and over to Slovenia, where lie the Julian Alps, a challenging but highly rewarding destination for ambitious cyclists.<\/p>\n While Slovenia might not necessarily be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to cycling holidays in Europe (it\u2019s far more renowned for its beautiful lakes and ski resorts), this small and somewhat unassuming central European nation is \u00a0a hidden gem for cyclists.<\/p>\n The Julian Alps region is about 40 miles northwest of Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, towards the Italian and Austrian borders. The highest point is Mount Triglav, at a mighty 2,864m, and though far from the most famous stretch of the Alps, the scenery here is no less impressive.<\/p>\n Most international flights to Slovenia will take you to Ljubljana, but popular places for cyclists to stay when touring the Julian Alps include Kranjska Gora, Lake Bled, and So\u010da Valley.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling Julian Alps, Slovenia: Your ultimate guide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n We know what you\u2019re thinking. And yes, the Spanish island of Lanzarote probably is more widely known for its beaches and busy nightlife. However, there\u2019s far more to it than that.<\/p>\n Lanzarote\u2019s super dry weather (it only rains about 16 days a year here, on average), gorgeous sea views, and mix of coastal and inland routes make it one of the best cycling holidays in Europe, too.<\/p>\n Lanzarote is arguably the best of all the Canary Islands for cyclists. That\u2019s because, despite the island\u2019s many volcanoes and hills, there\u2019s a surprising numberof flat routes. So, you don\u2019t necessarily need to be a climbing expert to come cycling here\u2014but of course, the hillier routes are still an option should that be your thing.<\/p>\n The island\u2019s three major resorts are Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, and Playa Blanca\u2014all of which can be good for cyclists. You can pretty much bank on the weather all year round in Lanzarote, too, which makes it a popular destination in the typically colder UK months.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling Lanzarote: Your ultimate guide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Though somewhat similar to Lanzarote in its fame for beaches and family resorts, the Algarve might also surprise you when it comes to cycling. Despite being relatively small, this region in southern Portugal boasts several intriguing cycle routes.<\/p>\n Cycling is a great way to explore this part of Portugal. And once you leave the bustle of the larger towns and cities, you\u2019ll find that most of the countryside roads and trails here are virtually car-free, giving you complete freedom to explore.<\/p>\n Most of the Algarve is suitable for road cycling, but some of the more popular areas include Faro, Tavira, Lagos, and Salgados\u2014the latter of which is close to the tourist hotspot of Albufeira.<\/p>\n Cycling season officially \u2018kicks off\u2019 here in February with the annual road bike race event, Volta ao Algarve<\/a>. However, the best times for cycling tourists to visit the Algarve are between April and June or September and November, when temperatures tend to be milder.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling Algarve: Your ultimate guide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Located on the French Riviera (or C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur) on the southeastern coast of France, Nice hosts some of the best cycling opportunities in the world, not just in Europe.<\/p>\n Cycling routes in Nice are hugely varied, owing to the city being both at the foot of the Alps and <\/em>on the Mediterranean coast. So, there\u2019s no need to choose between a mountainous or coastal trail\u2014you can do both during your trip here.<\/p>\n Nice\u2019s climate is generally mild but sunny, with most suitable cycle roads open all year round, even during the winter. With Monaco to the east, Cannes to the west, and the French Alps to the north, Nice is the perfect place to set up base if you want to see more of France\u2019s beautiful south.<\/p>\n We have to give a shoutout to Caf\u00e9 du Cycliste<\/a><\/span> too, a premium cycling clothing brand based in the centre of Nice. What more proof do you need that this is the place to be for cyclists?<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling Nice, C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur: Your ultimate guide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Dolomites, sometimes referred to as the Dolomite Alps (there\u2019s a common theme running through the best cycling trips in Europe, isn\u2019t there?), is a mountain range and UNESCO<\/a><\/span> World Heritage site in northeastern Italy.<\/p>\n From around May to October, the weather here is perfect for cycling, with June and July typically the hottest months. But be wary: cycling in the Dolomites can be extremely tough, and flat routes are few and far between. That said, the mountain scenery here is breathtaking, making the tough inclines all the more worth the effort.<\/p>\n The mountains are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and span across the Italian provinces of Belluno, Vicenza, Verona, South Tyrol, Trentino, Udine, and Pordenone\u2014so you\u2019re far from limited in terms of places to set up base when visiting this part of Italy.<\/p>\n However, some of the more famous climbs and mountain passes, can be found on the ski circuit of Sellaronda<\/a><\/span>. Gardena, Campolongo, and Pordoi passes have long been popular with cyclists here.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/strong>Cycling in the Dolomites: when to go, where to stay and ride<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Thousands of cyclists head off on cycling holidays in Europe and around the world every year, and it\u2019s not hard to see why.<\/p>\n However, as fun and exciting as cycling holidays can be, they\u2019re not without risk, which is why you may want to consider protecting yourself and your gear with specialist cycling insurance<\/a><\/span> before travelling anywhere.<\/p>\n Through Cycleplan<\/a><\/span>, you can get cover for theft, loss, and accidental damage up to \u00a330,000. You can also opt for Worldwide and European cycle insurance when you take out a policy to give you peace of mind when cycling abroad.<\/p>\n Learn more<\/a><\/span> about specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan or get a quote<\/a><\/span> online today.<\/p>\n Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Though there are many spectacular trails here in the UK, sometimes the itch for a cycling trip to Europe has to be scratched. As cyclists, we\u2019re always on the lookout for our next route or challenge\u2014and you\u2019ll find plenty of them throughout the four million square miles of mainland Europe. Europe offers vast potential for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":104389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[94],"tags":[3346,648,8787,3922,10998],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-104387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance","tag-cycle","tag-cycling","tag-europe","tag-holidays","tag-savvy"],"yoast_head":"\nCycling in Europe<\/h2>\n
Girona, Spain<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/iacbcsmt\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-1.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nFrench Alps<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/on4n0ydy\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-2.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nJulian Alps, Slovenia<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/5jabz02z\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-3.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nLanzarote<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/y0hnus0x\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-4.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nThe Algarve, Portugal<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/zakohq5m\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-5.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nNice, France<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/tpjfwpzx\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-6.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\nThe Dolomites, Italy\u00a0<\/h3>\n
![\"cycling](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/j5qjuuri\/cycling-holidays-in-europe-7.jpg?width=500&height=auto;)
<\/p>\n