The Best Places to Cycle in Europe
- Moloko
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Europe is a cycling playground, offering year-round stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and rich local culture.
Whether you’re drawn to coastal rides, mountain climbs, or picturesque wine regions, there’s a perfect destination for every time of the year! So here’s a month-by-month guide to cycling in Europe, ensuring ideal weather, routes, and even chances to witness iconic cycling events.
January: Nice
Why? Say hello to Nice: an all-year-round cycling destination. While most of Europe is frozen solid, the Côte d’Azur will offer plenty of dry, sunny days. It will still be long sleeves weather but the light will make you feel alive and most importantly, it's blissfully free of summer traffic.
Highlights:
Ride straight out of the city into classic climbs like Col d’Èze and Col de la Madone (and don't forget to ride the track in Monaco).
Enjoy the coastal roads toward Antibes and Cannes for relaxing coffee rides.
Head inland to the Vésubie Valley and Col de Turini for longer climbs and low-traffic routes.
February: Tenerife, Spain (🌶️🌶️Spice level)
Why? Tenerife in February offers warm weather and world-class cycling routes. Its volcanic terrain and coastal roads provide the perfect mix of challenge and scenery: where else do you get to climb a volcano?
Highlights:
Climb Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and admire volcanic landscapes.
Enjoy quiet, scenic rides along the island’s southern coast and the National Parks (Anaga has our heart!)
Experience Tenerife’s unique architecture & gastronomy.
March: Madeira, Portugal (🌶️🌶️ spice level)
Why? March offers stable weather and lighter tourist traffic before the main spring season. The terrain is tough, but with epic views that need to be deserved and that’s why cyclists love it! Madeira is ideal for building early-season climbing strength.
Highlights: Choose between long climbs from sea level, or coastal routes with consistent gradients and ocean views, or even inland roads through forested areas that stay quiet year-round.
April: Mallorca, Spain
Why? Warm spring weather and stunning Mediterranean landscapes make Mallorca one of Europe’s top cycling destinations. The island’s smooth roads and challenging climbs attract amateurs and pros alike.
Highlights:
Iconic routes such as Sa Calobra & Cap de Formentor,
Exploring the countryside around Randa (middle of the island)
Riding the MA10 all the way to Andratx
May: Slovenia
Why? May hits the balance between open mountain roads and manageable temperatures (15–25°C). Spring brings green landscapes and long daylight hours, while traffic remains low before the summer crowds.
Highlights: You get the advantage of fresh spring weather without the intense heat of summer, especially for riding in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, or Trenta Valley.
June: Dolomites, Italy
Why? June is perfect for cycling the Dolomites, with snow-free mountain passes and moderate temperatures (15-22°C). The dramatic peaks and world-class climbs make this a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts, and in June you'll beat the crowds!
Highlights:
The iconic Sella Ronda tour (50 or 100km)
The infamous Passo Giau
Passo Stelvio is worth the detour
Bring your hiking boots for your rest day because the lakes are UNREAL!
July / August: Pyrenees, France
Why? The Pyrenees are renowned for their challenging climbs, stunning mountain sceneries, and warm summer temperatures (20-25°C). Even more exciting? July offers the chance to witness the Tour de France & Tour des Femmes in action! Pro cyclists tackle iconic climbs here, giving fans an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
Cheer on the peloton on famous ascents
Climb Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, and Port de Balès
Enjoy fresh pastries in all the quaint villages
Take time to stop for bib dips in milky blue rivers
September: Alps, France
Why? September in the French Alps is unbeatable, with cooler mountain temperatures and vibrant golden light. The roads are quieter post-summer, offering perfect riding conditions.
Highlights:
Tackle the col des Aravis, get up to Cormet de Roselend and cross the Swiss border to climb all the way up to Emosson dam.
Explore the Chamonix Valley for panoramic views (some awesome hikes on your rest days here too!)
Experience the charm of alpine villages and delicious mountain cuisine.
Ride the loop around Lake Annecy and enjoy a dip with a view on the mountains.
October: Girona, Spain
Why? October is one of the very best months to ride in Girona. Autumn brings mild, stable temperatures, quieter roads after peak summer tourism, and long, comfortable days for big riding without the heat stress. The landscape is still lush from late summer, with softer light and a calmer, more relaxed feel across the region.
Highlights:
Ride the legendary climbs of Els Àngels & Rocacorba, and if you have the legs venture on a Vallter 2000 loop.
Explore quiet, winding roads through medieval villages such as Pals & Peratallada, and extend your rides to the Costa Brava for stunning Mediterranean coastal views.
Discover Girona’s vibrant cycling culture, from rider-friendly cafes to local bike shops.
November: Andalusia, Spain (Malaga, Granada & Sierra Nevada)
Why? Andalusia’s weather, its stunning landscapes and rich heritage make it the perfect Autumn escape! Ride through rolling hills, olive groves, and of course the iconic Sierra Nevada and it's pueblos blancos.
Highlights:
Take on the iconic ascent to Pico Veleta in the Sierra Nevada—one of Europe’s highest paved roads, with views that feel almost alpine.
Ride through postcard-perfect white villages like Ronda, linked by quiet roads winding through olive groves and rolling hills.
Base rides around cities like Granada, where post-ride wandering leads to tapas, flamenco, and the unforgettable Alhambra.
December: Gran Canaria, Spain
Why? December is prime time in Gran Canaria. While mainland Europe settles into winter, the island delivers reliable sunshine and mild temperatures: perfect for consistent training without battling cold, rain or traffic. It’s one of the world’s go-to winter bases for pro teams, and for good reason.
Highlights:
Big climbs: Ride from sea level straight into the mountains, tackling long, steady ascents like Pico de las Nieves—a true winter training classic.
Volcanic landscapes: Dramatic terrain, sweeping calderas and lunar-like roads make every ride feel wild and memorable.
Coastal flow: Balance the climbing with fast, rolling coastal routes and uninterrupted ocean views.
Quiet, well-maintained roads: Cycling is woven into daily life here, meaning smooth tarmac, respectful drivers and stress-free riding all winter long.
We hope that you've enjoyed reading this article, and if you need more help feel free to get in touch to start planning your next adventure!
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