If you want guaranteed sun, we have some great tips for you. Cycling destinations with almost 100% sun guarantee. Well, guarantee all the way to the door so to speak. In Europe, there are a number of destinations that are popular all year round. In winter an opportunity to just cycle with shorts, in summer you can exploit the edges of the day and take a siesta in between. So you don't have to come home shivering and soaking wet like in Netherlands. We just grab five destinations that would be perfect. So herewith 5 destinations for a perfect cycling holiday. Of course, you can go here for a longer time, but short is better!
Girona
This top location should not be missing from our list of 5 destinations for a perfect cycling holidayGirona is known to everyone for its climate, proximity to the mountains and the huge cycling culture that has developed there (in recent years). Pros use it as a training and base (Robert Gesink lived there for quite some time) and you can find great cycling routes literally everywhere. If you want to gain altimeters, the Pyrenees are at your feet. There are also plenty of cycling routes that are just a bit hilly. Girona is also a gravel bike hotspot these days, with many kilometres of unpaved roads. An added advantage: bike in the mountains in the morning and you can go to the beach in the afternoon (because it's not far away at all). Book a trip to this region with our partner Catalonia Bike Tours.
Bolzano
The city of Bolzano (or Bozen in German) in the Sudtirol-Alto Adige region is perfect for an autumn break. Temperatures in the city are still just right into late October, the roads are good and you are right in the Dolomites or you can still drive in a beautiful autumn sunshine past the vineyards of the 'Strada del Vino'. In the region itself, autumn is also a special time, as it is the time of 'Törggelen'. In short, lots of delicious food centred around chestnuts. The locals consider this a really important time. You can do well on a road bike here (we wrote that previously already) but it is also stunning here on a gravel bike. Hidden gem: Stoarnerne Mandl. The photos speak for themselves
Cote d'Azur
Not for nothing do the pros plop down here to train and live during their careers. Good climate, good roads, challenging climbs, both on and off-road and with the sea so close by... You can really indulge yourself here and the climate is good. Soak up the sun. Go cycling along the coast or dive into the hinterland to explore the mountains there. You have so many options that a long weekend should last two weeks. The Col de Turini is highly recommended.
Puglia
Italy's pearl of the south. Underestimated by many but a wonderful place to stay. You can cycle magnificently in the Gargano on the northern side of this Italian province. Follow the green coastline there and enjoy the scenery. Further inland, you can go to Alberobello or Locorotondo, for example, to see the 'Trulli' houses, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the coast itself, a lovely sea breeze makes for good mileage. The only drawback of this province is the sometimes poor condition of the roads. That in turn offers opportunities for the real adventurers on gravel bikes. There is plenty of choice there too, as Puglia is big. It runs from Foggia, all the way to Brindisi and Lecce.Big advantage: it's still fairly undiscovered, so you won't meet many other cyclists. Good tip for a bike hire: The Bikes in Fasano. Mimo is a good guest and his clients include John de Mol.
Mallorca
Earlier we called Mallorca the cycling paradise. And for good reason. Good weather, good roads, plenty of variety and the advantage: it is less crowded in autumn than in, say, summer, when the island is overrun with mostly young Germans, English and also Dutch. Eye-catchers on this island are the climb to Puig Major, the route to Cap Formentor and the descent (and then climb) of Sa Calobra. Meanwhile, you can also get away well with the gravel bike. Inland, there are enough dirt roads to have a fun adventure. And in the end, you also have the advantage of all the island's good facilities. Also check Bike Villas Travel for trips and villas to this beautiful island.
