The Best Cycling in Europe

European Cycling Holidays - The Ultimate Guide

The best European Cycling Holidays are those that take in Europe's best cycling routes and climbs. At Love Velo, we are the experts when it comes to European road cycling holidays, as well as a variety of other flatbar biking routes.

We provide the best cycling holidays in Spain, from the Canaries to Mallorca and from the Costa Brava to the Costa Blanca as well as other amazing destinations in France, Italy and beyond. If you are researching the best cycling holidays in Europe, we have put together a guide below ordered by destination as well as the best cycling climbs in Europe. Check out each destination guide which will provide you with a variety of information including the best cycling routes, top cycling climbs as well as hints, tips and a wealth of other information.

Our Guide To The Best European Climbs

We have picked some of the best cycling climbs in Europe.

European cycling climbs are revered worldwide, whether its the high Alps, short punchy climbs, or long roads up volcanoes. For those that climb, the challenge that the climbs represent and the opportunity to ride in the tyre tracks of legends are incredibly alluring. Then there are the mythical climbs like Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez which sits among the pantheon of the best cycling routes in Europe.

Whatever the reason you love cycling in the mountains, let us inspire you. We have put together our top 20 European cycling climbs and to give you a flavour of what these are, check out our top 5 below.

Mont Ventoux

Nothing quite matches the myth and magic of Mont Ventoux. This ‘Giant of Provence’ is as brutal as it is breathtaking. You’ll take on 21.5km of tough gradients from Bedoin, wind-blasted moonscapes and the emotional Tom Simpson memorial. Prefer a longer warm-up? The gentler Sault route offers 26km of steady climbing, while the climb from Malaucène gives you shelter and grit in equal measure. Ride all three in a day and earn your place in the Cingles Club. Ride this on our Mont Ventoux Cycling Holiday.

The Stelvio

Few climbs have the pull of the Stelvio. From Bormio, it’s 22km to the summit with Swiss-border views and switchbacks that seem to reach the sky. Flip around and descend into Switzerland before attacking the legendary Prato side – all 48 hairpins of it. At 2,758m, this is as high as it gets, and the feeling at the top is unbeatable. Ride this on our Stelvio Cycling Holiday.

Alpe d’Huez

This is the climb everyone wants to tick off. 21 hairpins, 13.8km, and history on every bend. The ride starts steep and doesn’t let up until you crest the top where champions have triumphed. Head up from Bourg or take the quieter route through Allemond and France’s famed balcony roads. Join the timed summer climb on Wednesdays and feel the buzz. Ride this on our Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holiday.

Mount Teide

Welcome to 50km of pure, uninterrupted climbing. Teide rises from the sea to the sky through lava fields, green forests and otherworldly views. You’ll climb from Vilaflor, Tenerife’s highest village, and ride through a volcanic landscape to the crater’s edge. With smooth tarmac and a rapid descent to follow, this is one for your winter training dreams. Ride this on our Tenerife Cycling Holiday.

Col du Tourmalet

The Tourmalet is the beating heart of the Pyrenees. A 17.2km climb from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan with punchy ramps and unpredictable weather. Pass through La Mongie and fight your way up to the silver statue of Lapize. It’s steeped in Tour history and every switchback is a story. Pack for all conditions – and watch for wandering cows. Ride this on our Pyrenees Cycling Holiday.

Mallorca's Best Rides

If you’re planning a cycling holiday to Mallorca, you will probably be researching the best Mallorca cycling routes will be.

From cycling out to the Cap Formentor lighthouse or taking on the famous Tramuntana climbs including Sa Calobra, Puig Major or the Coll de Soller, you can find out below what we consider to be the best routes and rides on the island. Make sure to check out the less well known climbs too, such as Port de Valldemossa, the Coll de Randa or Sobremunt, where you will find a lot less cyclists and a lot less congestion in the summer months.

The Best Climbs In The Canaries

Cycling in The Canary Islands is dominated by climbing but the amount of climbing will vary according to which island you want to explore.

The cycling climbs in Tenerife tends to be about Mt Teide. You can ride close to 50km of ascent from sea level to the top of the Volcano, and that is why so many professional teams base themselves in Tenerife. The island also offers some incredible climbs to the north of the island, and towards the sheer cliffs at Masca. Ride down to the Punta de Teno lighthouse and back up towards Santiago del Teide for more epic riding. Check out our favourite climbs on the island below.

If you want to enjoy the best climbs in Lanzarote, you will ride smaller, punchier climbs, such as Tabayesco Valley, or the lava fields in the Timanfaya National Park. We also recommend riding up to the Mirador del Rio, an incredible viewpoint in the very north of the island.

Finally, read all about the best cycling routes in Gran Canaria.

While iconic climbs like Mont Ventoux or the Stelvio are always thrilling, there’s something incredibly special about those hidden gems that only a few cyclists get to experience. Here are a few lesser-known gems that will make you feel like you've discovered a secret corner of Europe.

Rocacorba

Rocacorba was one of the lesser known hidden gems of cycling routes until about 2006. Radio masts are perched at the top, so other than a few engineers and hangliders, a handful of people had climbed the dirt path up to what is undoubtedly one of the best cycling climbs in Europe.

The destination became known as a great cycling route when Girona resident David Millar formed the Velo Club Rocacorba and the influx of professional teams to Girona began. The popularity of Rocacorba as a cycling holiday grew and there was even a rumour that Lance Armstrong had arranged for the once dirt road to be paved! The climb starts at the low stone bridge which is 10.1km to the top (although there is a 3.8km drag before that). From there, it is a grind to the top, averaging 6.5% but with ramps of up to 15%. The white painted line marks the end of the climb, at which point you can hop onto Strava to check out how you compare to the who’s who of cycling!

Valley Of The Tears

As its name suggests, this is the most revered and one of the best cycling climbs in Gran Canaria. The Valley of the Tears continues for 12.5km at an average gradient of 11.1%.

You would be forgiven for having tears of your own as you climb up the steepest 100m at a gradient of 25%. For those hardcore cyclists, the challenge is not solely the relentless gradient but the scorching heat. However, if you are tough enough to take on the Valley of the Tears, then there are great photo opportunities everywhere, which are good excuses for stopping and having a quick break. Our top tip is not to attack the bottom too hard – you will need to conserve your energy for later on!

Col Du Spandelles

The Col du Spandelles may not be as well known as many other climbs in the High Pyrenees region but it is one of our favourite climbs for its complete serenity.

Climb out of Argeles-Gazost and you will find yourself on a single (tarmac) winding track through huge pine and fir forests. Enjoy the peace and tranquility on one the best hidden cycling routes in the region, as you climb to reach the summit after 16kms. Take in the incredible views from the top before you descend to the bottom of the Soulor.

The Wall At Masca

Many flock to Tenerife to climb the famous ‘Teide’, but if you are a looking for one of the best hidden but challenging climbs, take on Masca.

The climb is constant, with 4km of the route between 13% and 20% gradients. However, Masca is well worth the ride and it is undoubtedly one of the best cycling routes in Tenerife, as you will be rewarded with spectacular views of ravines and plunging cliff faces. Masca has been dubbed the last town in Tenerife due to its remote positioning. This means that the roads leading to it are incredibly narrow, with winding roads and hairpin turns, so our top tip it to simply take this ride with caution.

Road Of The Goat

Travel back in time and cycle the Road of the Goat, which is the same route merchants used to haul mules carrying fresh fish inland to Granada from the coast. Whilst it will only take you a few hours to complete 37km of climbing up one of the best cycling routes in the area, merchants and their mules took several days.

From Almunecar, the route travels steadily upwards past the towns of Jute and Oliver for 37km, then back down the same way. The scenery is so incredible that riding the route a second time will not disappoint. Lining the roads are lush, densely dotted vegetation, sleepy traditional towns and views that extend beyond to the jagged mountains in the distance. The climb itself averages at 5-7%, with picturesque hairpins winding all the way.

Europe is not just about the climbs. There are some absolutely stunning routes along rivers, canals and epic coutnryside. Some of our favourites are here:

Loire Valley

Behold, an 800km flat, traffic-free cycle path extending from Nevers in Central France, to Mindin on the Western Coast. The cycle paths follow the Loire River, making for scenic, peaceful cycling through traditional French villages and towns. Absolutely perfect for families or less experienced cyclists. Our favourite route along the Loire Valley is from Beaugency to Amboise over 4 nights, however due to the vast length there are no restrictions!

The Loire Valley is Chateaux country, and a highlight of this route is the Chateau Chambord. A grand Renaissance architectural masterpiece, the Chateau Chambord has been favoured by royalty since 1519 when it was built. For those who like fun trivia, it took 15 years to be built, and 3.5 million was spent on the gardens alone! Make sure to visit the Chateau Chambord on your way from Beaugency to Blois and discover why we think the Loire Valley is one of the best cycle routes in Europe.

Holland – The Green Heart

Intricately woven into Holland’s lifestyle is a 32,000km network of traffic free cycle paths. Unlike many countries, cyclists can ride their bikes without worrying for their safety in cities, the countryside and national parks. Perfect for families and less experienced cyclists! Because in Holland cycling is more popular than driving, and the cycle paths are so interconnected, you are free to cycle anywhere.

To explore Hollands culture, we’d recommend looping from Amsterdam down to Harleem, Leiden and Delft. There are an abundance of museums in Amsterdam, and you’ll experience the tulips and iconic windmills as you cycle into the countryside. Alternatively, base yourself at the beaches where your routes will lead you on an adventure past sand dunes and delta works. If you’d like to learn more about Holland’s diverse cycle routes, check out our blog here.

Cycle the Danube – Vienna to Budapest

Following the flow of Europe’s most iconic river, the Danube cycle path offers an unforgettable journey through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. This relaxed and scenic route is one of the most popular in Europe for good reason – it's almost entirely traffic-free, flat, and packed with charm.

You’ll begin in Vienna, with its grand imperial palaces and coffee houses, before pedalling into vine-covered hillsides, fairy-tale villages and the baroque beauty of Bratislava. The journey finishes in Budapest, where thermal baths and the buzz of the city greet your arrival. It’s perfect for couples, families or anyone seeking a cultural adventure on two wheels. Looking for a ride that’s big on scenery but easy on the legs? This is your sign.

Ride Portugal – Porto to Lisbon

From the colourful riverside charm of Porto to the golden beaches near Lisbon, this coastal ride is Portugal at its most captivating – a journey packed with Atlantic views, historic fishing villages and laid-back charm.

You’ll roll past windswept cliffs, through pine-scented forests and sleepy surf towns, stopping off for fresh seafood and pastel de nata along the way. It’s a route where every day ends with a sea view and a sunset, and every mile feels like a discovery. The ride into Lisbon finishes with a ferry across the Tagus River – the perfect end to a journey that’s all about freedom, flavour and the joy of riding somewhere new. Ideal for leisure riders, e-bikers and anyone chasing sun-soaked adventure.

Cycle Istria – Croatia’s Coastal Secret

Tucked between the Adriatic and rolling green hills, the Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe’s best-kept cycling secrets – think Tuscany vibes with a coastal twist, but without the crowds.

You’ll ride through olive groves and vineyards, hop between medieval hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, and cruise along the stunning coastline from Rovinj to Pula. The terrain is varied but rewarding, and every day is fuelled by truffle-infused dishes, local wines and a salty sea breeze. This ride is made for lovers of food, culture and quiet roads – perfect for relaxed explorers and e-bike adventurers looking to soak up the good life on two wheels.