The answer to the question in the title is not simple. The right area for your cycling holiday depends of many factors, at least for us. Of course, if you want to cycle Alpe d’Huez, you have a lot of variables to take into account. But still. Which period, where you stay, how long you want to be there, with whom and so on are just a few things to mention. Below is a list of tips to prepare for it. A disclaimer: nothing is as changeable as the weather and results in the past… well, you get the idea.
Mountains or no mountains
This is perhaps the most important consideration before you start. Do you want to climb, or do you not want to climb? And if you do want to climb, should it be in the high mountains, or would you rather do more short climbs? Of course, this also depends on the purpose of your holiday, which we will come back to later. It also depends somewhat on how fit you are, who you are with, how long you are going for, and whether you have ever been to the mountains before. A first introduction to the Stelvio You don't really enjoy doing it without first having climbed a longer mountain. The same applies to Mont Ventoux or any other mountain. classic. General tip: Go with a group of like-minded people, with a relatively similar level of fitness and similar goals. That will make your cycling holiday a success.
Vacation or training camp
If you are aiming to achieve a goal, for example conquering the Stelvio or cycling like the Maratona or the Marmotte, it pays to train specifically for that. If you are away on a week-long or long weekend on a cycling vacation, you want to make as many elevation gains as possible, preferably at higher altitudes. Then you will immediately face a limit. These mountains are only open late in the season, and many mountains that also have high peaks are the same way.
If you just want to ride your bike, that doesn't matter much. That also increases the number of options, such as less well-known areas like Northern Ireland, Sweden of Slovakia. There is also the factor of ’time period’ involved here.
It is therefore also important to go on a trip with a group with roughly the same goal. If you go on vacation with the idea of ‘coffee rides & beer’ while the rest of the group is training to get better, then you won’t have any fun time.
Time period
Timing is of the essence is a well-known saying. There are, of course, some general rules, such as Summer in the Mountains, Winter in the Sun. Then we don’t have to explain what that means, do we? Of course, the northern-southern hemisphere factor applies here.
Simply put, if you live in Europe, go to Southern Europe in the fall and spring. Mallorca, Tuscany, Puglia, Andalucia, Portugal, But also Greece Then there are good options. In the winter the options become less extensive, also because hotels close. Then you can best go to the Canary Islands of Sicily. Morocco is also a great option on a gravel bike. Or Turkey, Although it can also snow heavily there!
Further away?
Are you going further away? So please bear in mind that in high altitude (above 1000-1500m) it can snow in summer or there can be extremely bad weather. From my own experience in Switzerland and Italy: both in mid-July (!) and at the end of August we had snow and heavy weather at 1500 meters. Both times so bad that the most important passes were closed, even for cars (!) On our Basic packing list It is not for nothing that the right clothing is also suitable for summer. .
Distance
This is a point worth mentioning. It also depends on the time you have available. If you only have a weekend, flying can quickly become cumbersome. Especially if you also want to bring your own bike (tip: rent or buy a sturdy suitcase!) If you’re doing a long weekend (4 days), flying can quickly become an option. If you want to drive, that quickly becomes a limitation. Driving reduces your range to about 1000-1200 kilometers one way. Then the limit is the Dolomites, Southern France., Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic/Slovakia and for the daredevils Slovenia of Croatia.
If you have more time, you can choose to take a flight. The USA or other distant destinations are then within reach. If you don’t bring your own bike, always check if there are any good rental options available.
Check the surroundings using Google Maps or Komoot, for example
If you have no idea where to go and you can’t figure it out in the maze of offers and hotels? Then check out a route app. Pin a place you want to go and plan a random route. With Google Maps and the streetview option you can see how the pavement looks like, whether you have to go straight from the door or if you can warm up first. With Komoot You can get inspiration by looking at routes nearby or by checking collections of famous destinations. Via the ‘tab’inspiration‘You’re already a long way ahead in Komoot.
Check out an influencer
Instagram is useful, especially for finding inspiration. We like to work with influencers and there are plenty of them who can help you get started. You can also look on the website of other Dutch people, for example:, Bicycle legs or well-known former professionals such as Robert Gesink and Laurens ten Dam. Would you rather follow a female influencer who is on the way a lot? Check out the page of Annemiek van Vleuten. For oily professional content: ‘The Grubers’. Ashley and Jered.
Guide or do it yourself
After inspiration comes planning. But then comes the question: what is a nice route? You have already seen a lot on Komoot, but there is still doubt. You can always arrange for a local guide for a day. Sometimes you have accommodations where they offer routes including a guide. You can also often join the local rental company for a group ride or hire the owner to provide guides. In Switzerland We always work with Alain Rumpf. But we also have great tips in other places. Send us a message and we’ll help you get started.
Another tip: the local tourism agency. It might sound a bit boring, but here you can get a good idea of the area. The information is sometimes presented in a somewhat clumsy way, in the form of all sorts of paper leaflets, but that doesn’t make the information offered any less interesting. You can often find some information via Insta too. One is better at it than the other, of course.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.