The Best Countries for a Cycling Summer Holiday

Cycling holidays are one of the best ways to see a new destination and really soak up the atmosphere. There are no hot and stuffy vehicles to worry about, you can avoid the traffic and you can explore at your own pace, whether you’re stopping off to join a wine tasting or you want to enjoy the local cuisine. Whether you’re new to the sport or you’re a hardcore cycling enthusiast, these are some of the best countries to check out when planning your summer cycling getaway.

Italy

Italy has gorgeous scenery, dotted with coastal views, in-land vineyards and charming villages. The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily where you can ride the verdant green hills of Lipari, or you may prefer to explore the Dolomites – a mountain range in northern Italy with a varied terrain and unforgettable views. If you don’t mind going uphill, the village of Corvara is well worth a visit which offers up the Sellaronda loop and its selection of elevated passes.

Spain

Spain is incredibly popular for cycling holidays as the geography of the country lends itself well to a mix of long climbs and flat-riding for the in-between rest days. It’s a very varied country with several smaller islands to add to the list of possible locations, such as Girona, Calpe and Mallorca. The Costa Blanca and Alicante region is particularly great for cycling – it has a warm year-round climate and a range of lengths and gradients to suit all abilities. Why not look into car hire in Alicante airport to make navigating and exploring easier on your rest days between cycling?

South Africa

The stunning scenery in South Africa really sets it apart from many other locations and the roads that wind through it are well documented for being great for cycling. Not to mention, the weather makes for a great getaway during the summer months. There’s plenty of sightseeing to take in while you’re in Cape Town, from Table Mountain to the penguin colonies on the beach, as well as coastal cycle routes which offer up vineyards, fruit farms and breath-taking vistas.

Vietnam

A dream for end-to-end cyclists, Vietnam is a beautiful mix of palm-fringed beaches, rolling green landscapes, ancient imperial cities and fantastic cuisine. This is one for cyclists who are looking for a more of a challenge – heading from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is an experience you’ll never forget. From visiting the port town of Hoi An to taking in the spectacular views of the inimitable Halong Bay and Hanoi’s old quarter, Vietnam is a place that will ignite all the senses.

Portugal

Situated to the west of Spain, Portugal is becoming increasingly popular for cycling holidays thanks to the range of terrain, great climate and culture to be found here. Cycling through Portugal is the perfect way to get to know this interesting country, particularly the less built-up areas, so you’ll get to experience the vineyards, enchanting villages and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in all their glory.

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