Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences life has to offer, but the way you choose to travel is just as important as the destination. While going by bike may not seem like the most comfortable option, it is actually an incredibly rewarding way to make your way through a new country, as it gives you more freedom of movement and allows you to access lesser-known areas that many tourists are not even aware of. This way, you get a better feeling of the area you’re visiting and can learn more about your surroundings.
With autumn just around the corner, you might have already started planning a trip. Daylight hours might be shorter, and it may be getting chillier, but that can be a good thing since biking in the sweltering summer heat is definitely not something you want to deal with during a trip when the aim is to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for some ideas of the most picturesque locations you should add to your itinerary, here are some of the places you should consider.
French Riviera
All you need to visit the French Riviera is a trusty and affordable electric bike and plenty of energy because you’ll have a great deal of exploring to do. Known in French as the Côte d’Azur, this Mediterranean coastline lies in the southeastern part of France, and while no official boundaries exist, the general consensus is that it is the coastal area of the Alpes-Maritimes. The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located within the region, and the area is naturally filled with seaside resorts such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Theoule-sur-Mer, Cap-d’Ail and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The French Riviera is a popular tourist destination owing to its sunny weather, large coastline expanses, ski resorts, restaurants and golf courses. As autumn rolls in, the beaches will be much less crowded, providing you with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the coastal landscapes in a calmer and more relaxed setting. The weather will still be pleasant, and you can take in the beauty of the changing scenery. If the sea is still warm enough, you can have a nice swim as well; it’s just the thing you need to freshen up after spending several hours pedaling.
Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago located in the western Mediterranean that forms an autonomous community in Spain. Palma de Mallorca is the region’s largest city and capital, known for historical landmarks such as Bellver Castle, the Palma Cathedral, and the Old City in the southeast, a veritable maze of streets and narrow walkways surrounded by stunning architecture. Mallorca has become a popular cycling spot over the last few years, as it boasts 300 days of sunshine a year.
The weather is perfect in the autumn, and there are several mountain roads in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which are free of traffic and can provide you with incredibly scenic views. Cap de Formentor is one of Mallorca’s most well-known cycling routes, with Port de Pollença, a small town in the north, being the starting point of a 20-km winding road that finishes at the lighthouse. The entire Mallorca is very bike-friendly, and the infrastructure is designed with bicycle riders in mind and caters to all levels, making this a perfect destination for both beginners and those who have been biking for years.
Tenerife
If you’re a fan of balmy, mild weather and don’t feel like waving summer goodbye just yet, there’s no better place to visit than Tenerife. It is still very warm, and sea temperatures remain fairly elevated as well. The people vacationing here during the summer have left by this point, and it is still too early for the winter sun crowd, making autumn the best time for leisurely travel. Get an electric mountain bike that can boost the pace of your adventure and which can see you finish even the more difficult paths in due time so that you can keep up with your schedule and see all the landmarks on your itinerary before you have to return home.
Mount Teide, the highest point in Span, is located on the island, and cyclists often challenge themselves to ascend its slopes. The descent is just as thrilling and rewarding, so not a minute will feel wasted while you’re on this trip. You can then move on to the mountain village of Masca, originally an Indigenous settlement belonging to the Guanche people until 1496. The village is surrounded by cypress and palm tree forests, and the hiking routes around here are known as strenuous and demanding, so they’re not a good idea for those who don’t have a reasonably elevated fitness level.
Tuscany
Those who want to be surrounded by spectacular vistas and relax with some good food and high-quality wine at the end of a day spent on the road should look no further than Tuscany. The region offers countless itineraries and paths, with most routes being signposted and a plethora of premium-quality services readily available that ensure better accessibility. You can see all parts of Tuscany on your bicycle, from the beaches to the rolling hills, with a stop in the countryside, a charming and rustic place with a welcoming atmosphere.
There are well over 200 routes you can take, depending on your biking proficiency. The simplest roads include the loop of the Orbetello Lagoon and the Piazza Mascagni, and Livorno’s waterfront. Those who enjoy a challenge and are accustomed to something more demanding can try the ring of Mount Amiata, a tour of the Metalliferous Hills, or the Olive gravel, one of the lesser-known parts of the Amiata that takes you through breathtaking natural landscapes.
Cycling is a great pastime because it combines physical exercise with places of cultural interest. When you travel by bike, you’ll feel more in control of your travels, and you will have more time to do the things you want to do. If you’re ready to embark on a cycling journey this autumn, the above regions might just be what you’re looking for.
