Europe’s 10 Best Coastal Bike Rides

One of the best parts of exploring a region by bike is that you can experience incredible 360-degree views of the stunning countryside and coasts around you. And there’s truly nothing like cycling along the coast with the glittering sea beside you, the sun on your face, and an open road before you. Our professional cycling guides at Team DuVine have put together a list of some of the best coastal bike rides in Europe for your cycling pleasure.

BEST ROUTE: SP 51 between Monterosso and Riomaggiore | 32 km

This ride takes you through five fishing villages along the incredible Italian Riviera. Surrounded by hillsides that tumble toward the glittering waters of the Ligurian Sea, this is a ride you’ll never forget. Stop along the way for a hike or to wander around the charming and colorful villages built into rugged cliffs. Visit in the early spring, fall, or winter for quieter roads as the summer can become quite busy and heavily trafficked.

Check out the map or join DuVine’s Cinque Terre Bike + Adventure Tour to be guided along this amazing Ligurian Sea route.

BEST ROUTE: From Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols | 22 km

In Costa Brava, one of the most spectacular rides can be found just south of where we have our Costa Brava bike trip, between the towns of Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols. This is a favorite ride of the pro teams when they are training in the area before the race season begins. Ride through Massis de les Cadiretes mountain region with glittering views of the Brave Coast.

Check out the map or join us in Costa Brava and take in these stunning Mediterranean sea views.

BEST ROUTE: Salento Coast on SP 87 and SP 358 between Otranto and Leuca | 53 km

Cruise along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts from Otranto to Leuca, the southernmost point of Italy’s boot heel where the two seas meet.  Here you will ride past limestone cliffs with hidden caves and divers exploring the blue-green waters.  You might want to stop and explore the castle, cathedral, and old city of Otranto and finish at Santa Maria di Leuca’s lighthouse, built to commemorate St. Peter’s visit to the city from Rome.

Check out the map or cycle with DuVine in Puglia to experience this beautiful Adriatic coastal ride.

BEST ROUTE: Skellig Ring from Sneem to Portmagee | 45 km

Head to the stunning west coast of Ireland and ride the Skellig Ring. This route offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Skellig Islands in the distance, including Skellig Michael, Obi Wan Kenobi’s rural escape in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Coast along narrow country roads past green fields, black cliffs, beaches like Ballinskelligs and Glen’s beach, St.Finian’s Bay, and charming villages like Waterville. And of course there are some great pubs along the way.

Check out the map or ride with DuVine in Ireland and take in incredible Atlantic vistas.

BEST ROUTE: D80 around Cap Corse | 103 km

With more than 1,000 kilometers of coast, Corsica is a dream for any cyclist looking for expansive sea views and quiet roads. Our favorite ride is around Cap Corse—a peninsula at the northern tip of the island of Corsica. Do a loop ride along the coast of the Cap through charming little communities and fishing villages like Macinaggio and Centuri. Start early in Bastia for an amazing sunrise and end your ride with an incredible sunset from Saint-Florent. Or break the ride up over a few days and rest your head at one of the villages along the route.

Check out the map or coast along the Ligurian Sea when you join DuVine’s Corsica Bike Tour.

BEST ROUTE: Route des Cretes along D141 between La Ciotat and Cassis | 13 km

The famous Route des Cretes is famous for its incredible 360-degree views of some of Provence’s most amazing scenery. Cruise past Soubeyran’s coastal cliffs including Cap Canaille, an enormous red-ochre rock and the highest point in France. Cycle from La Ciotat to Cassis for an easier ride or take on a challenge and reverse it. Either way, enjoy views of Marseille’s Calanques, scattered islands, and the stunning Mediterranean Sea.

Check out the map or take another picturesque ride with DuVine in France.

BEST ROUTE: Almeria Coastline between San Jose and Vera along AL5107 | 79 km

With 300 days of sunshine a year, temperate conditions in winter, and refreshing sea breezes in summer, Andalucia is a year-round cycling destination. The Almeria Coast is little known but becoming increasingly popular among the established pro teams. Riders here can enjoy some of the most pristine coastline to be found anywhere in Spain, often forming the backdrop for movies such as Laurence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, and many more. The whole ride is situated in a natural park and cars are scarce.

Check out the map or let us show you this route on a bike tour of Andalucia.

BEST ROUTE: From Deia to Port D’Andratx | 53 km

Mallorca is a hot spot for cyclists training throughout the year, but it’s not just for pros. With varied terrain for riders of almost any ability and incredible views of both the sea and the Tramuntana Mountains, Mallorca is a paradise for any cyclist! Hop on a bike and ride from Deia to Port D’Andratx through lovely coastal villages such as Banyalbufar and Estellencs following the MA10 Carretera d’Estellencs. The road rocks and rolls along the northern coastline of the island with superb views out to sea.

Check out the map or experience stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea on our Mallorca Bike Tour.

BEST ROUTE: The Algarve from Troia to Sagres | 200 km

Cycle along the protected Atlantic coast of Portugal for amazing coastline views. The route hugs the coast and takes you through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The route begins just outside of Lisbon, in a place called Troia. Follow the route all the way to Sagres (the most Southwestern point in Europe) and enjoy almost 200 kilometers of pristine beaches along the way.

Check out the map or explore this amazing Algarve ride before or after your Alentejo Bike Tour with DuVine.

BEST ROUTE: Hvar Island | 22 km or 48 km

The best coastal views in Croatia can be found on the island of Hvar, one of our favorite towns on our Croatia Bike Tour. Head to the town of Hvar on the eastern end of the island and cycle to Stari Gra. You’ll cycle along a mountain ridge with stunning views of lavender fields and the sea on both sides of you. Take in views of mainland Croatia and the Dalmatian Archipelago in the distance, and on a clear day you can even see Italy. Extend your ride with a loop through the UNESCO Stari Grad plain, passing through charming inland villages like Pitve and Vrisnik and coastal settlements like Vrboska and Jelsa.

Check out the map or tackle this incredible route with views of the Adriatic Sea on your DuVine Croatia Bike Tour.