The five best cycling holidays for summer 2018

Cyclists, check out our top hotel picks for your next two-wheeled adventure.

Are you after a bike holiday? We’ve put together our top five destinations where the sights look especially stunning from the saddle – whether you’re a hardcore mountain pass enthusiast, or you’re more of the gentle tootle type.

1. FOR A REVIVING RIDE

Stay at Kriti Hotel, Crete

Crete’s lovely waterfront city, Chania, is famed for the lively nightlife at its Venetian Old Harbour. But if you find yourself craving something refreshing after one too many late nights, try a bike ride in the Greek island town’s surrounding countryside.

You won’t need an electric bike to help you on these routes, because leisure cycling is this place’s forté – there are plenty of easy cycle paths through peaceful vineyards and olive groves. The views are top-notch, too, because these paths wind around the foot of the White Mountains, so-called because their limestone peaks still shine white even when the snow melts away. All the mountain scenery, without the need for a mountain bike – perfect.

2. FOR SEASIDE CYCLING

Explore Split

Do all your Split sightseeing from the saddle and end with a bev at the beach by taking a cycling tour. This Croatian city is a gorgeous spot, perched on the brochure-blue Adriatic with a backdrop of green-cloaked mountains. Pedal your way through the scenic old town and along the sparkling seafront, before exploring neighbouring pine forests and beautiful beaches. After all that work, you can reward yourself with a swim in the sea or a drink at the bar. And, if you stay in nearby Podstrana you’ll be just 20 minutes’ drive away.

3. FOR BACK-ROAD BIKING

Stay at Hotel Riu Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the new ‘it’ destination for travellers in search of an exotic escape, and is guaranteed to wow with its surf towns, temples and tea plantations. But if you want to explore more of this colourful island nation, one of the best ways to do it is on two wheels. Guided cycling tours can take you to untouched rural villages, bright-green rice fields and secret backwaters around Galle, which is an easy day trip from teeny coastal paradise Ahungalla, where you’ll find the Riu Sri Lanka.

4. FOR A PEDAL IN PARADISE

Stay at Hotel Riu Palace Aruba

Aruba features a growing cycling scene, which includes a fancy cycle lane in the capital, Oranjestad, and a selection of challenging trails in the island’s national park, Arikok.

All right, so it might not quite be Amsterdam, but as Arikok accounts for 18% of this 34 square-kilometre island, it’s worth exploring to get a feel for the place beyond beaches. Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve earned your piña colada in paradise afterwards. Seeing as it’s so small, there’s no hotel too far from Oranjestad or Arikok, though we’d recommend the Hotel Riu Palace Aruba for its prime place on Palm Beach and in-room Jacuzzis®.

5. FOR HIGH-INTENSITY TRAINING

Stay at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora

The Canary Islands are tried and tested ‘sun and sea’ destinations, but their volcanic landscapes also make them top training grounds for professional riders – Bradley Wiggins honed his cycling game in Tenerife, after all. The island sits in the shadow of Mount Teide, UNESCO-listed volcano. This is the place to test your mettle - then treat yourself to some well-deserved luxury at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora.

Ready to get cycling?

Take a look at our best deals. Or, find out why running on the beach is better for you.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Last updated: 04.05.2018