Key European Mountain Biking Holiday Destinations
Mountain bike holidays are available across Europe from a variety of specialist cycling companies. Choose a cycling destination according to preferred style of riding.
In Europe’s most popular mountain bike destinations, riders of all skill levels are accommodated. Downhill enthusiasts usually head for alpine regions while keen cross-country riders and novice off-road cyclists have the pick of a vast range of terrain and scenery across the continent.
French Alps Downhill Mountain Biking
Morzine and Les Gets are the two most popular mountain bike resorts in the French Alps.
Mountain bikers seeking downhill thrills are attracted by cheap flights, cheap alpine chalet accommodation and the luxury of ski lifts to take the pain out of earning exhilarating single-track descents.
There are over 50 small specialist companies offering MTB Les Gets and MTB Morzine biking holidays yet it is often difficult to find last minute accommodation in these highly popular resorts. Good alternatives to try are Les Arcs, Chamonix and the home of the world’s craziest downhill mountain bike race, Alpe D’Huez.
Mountain Biking Destinations in Spain
Spain has a wealth of off-road cycling options but the most popular region for MTB’ers is the Sierra Nevada park in the southern Andalucía region. Hard-core riders looking for testing rocky downhill trails with plenty of jumps will love the mountainous area whilst there are also many opportunities for intermediate and beginner riders on easy to moderate switch-back trails leading from mountain to coast.
A variety of mountain bike companies operate from the region capitalizing on cheap flights to Almeria and the mild climate in southern Spain means that mountain biking can be enjoyed pretty much all year round.
In northern Spain, the Picos de Europa range is also popular for all levels of ability although not so accessible in the winter months.
Mountain Biking in Italy
Italy also provides a good range of options for mountain biking. Lake Garda is heavily frequented by all European nationalities in the summer months where hundreds of riders can often be seen riding simultaneously over the mountains above the lake.
The Garfagnana region of Tuscany is lesser known but has some stunning mountain trails with steep climbs and exhilarating single-track descents, perfect for experienced cross-country riders looking to test their skills.
All Year Round MTB Destinations in Europe
While alpine regions for cycling in France are out of bounds in winter due to snowfall, Greece and Cyprus offer year-round mountain biking with their mild winter climates. Greece and Cyprus are less popular with hard-core riders as trails tend to be geared to cross-country riding on remote donkey tracks and rocky coastal paths. Nevertheless, riders of all abilities are lured by the favorable weather in spring for pre-season training and many people opt for day rides while holidaying with family in the summer months.
Lesser Known Cycling Holiday Destinations in Europe
Slovenia, specifically the Julian Alps region, is now gaining a reputation with intermediate level riders looking for more of a wilderness experience. Several large UK specialist MTB companies like Saddle Skedaddle now run trips in the region describing it as a “must-ride” mountain bike destination.
Bulgaria and Croatia are also worth a look as cross-country biking destinations with good value food and drink adding to the lure of exploring a more hidden aspect of Europe.
Cycling Holidays in Europe
Downhill specialists who hate climbing should look to the French Alps or mountain areas of Spain for an off-road cycling holiday. Cross-country riders of all abilities have the pick of just about any country with Italy offering some great climbs and descents and less well-known countries like Slovenia some awesome scenery. If good weather in low season is a priority, then choose Greece or Cyprus.
Europe offers some great destinations to just get out and ride.