Reviews
Bike & Boat • Guided
Leisurely
For years, Mallorca and Girona have been the go-to names in European cycling. Their perfect tarmac, Mediterranean climate, and cyclist-friendly cafés built reputations as the ultimate two-wheeled playgrounds for both amateurs and professionals. But the tide is turning.
More and more UK cyclists are looking beyond the traditional training hubs — craving quieter roads, new cultures, and destinations that feel more authentic while still offering safety, accessibility, and well-designed routes. The result? A growing wave of interest in Slovenia, Portugal’s Alentejo, Italy’s Puglia, and inland Andalusia — places that deliver the beauty and challenge of Europe’s classics, without the crowds.
Let’s explore why these regions are fast becoming Europe’s next great cycling escapes — and the Pedal Ventures tours that take you there.
The past few years have changed how people travel and how they cycle. The rise of wellbeing-focused travel, coupled with the desire for open space and meaningful connection, means cyclists are seeking holidays that blend fitness with discovery.
While Mallorca and Girona remain excellent destinations, their popularity has brought the inevitable: busier roads, higher prices, and less of that “hidden gem” feeling. For many UK riders, the joy of cycling lies not only in smooth gradients but in connection with local people, unspoiled nature, and the quiet satisfaction of a road less travelled.
That’s where these new destinations come in: regions that promise great riding and a sense of exploration, without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Tucked between Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia is quietly building a reputation as one of Europe’s most enchanting — and eco-conscious — cycling destinations.
With its compact size and pristine landscapes, Slovenia lets you cycle from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic coast in a single journey. Routes often follow tranquil river valleys and scenic lake roads, where the air feels Alpine but the welcome is distinctly Mediterranean.
Cyclists can explore Lake Bled’s mirror-like waters, the emerald Soča Valley, and the rolling vineyards of Goriška Brda. Pedal Ventures’ Slovenia: From the Alps to the Adriatic tour is a stunning way to experience this transition — combining mountain air, coastal sunshine, and picture-perfect villages in one unforgettable ride.
Why it’s trending:
If the Algarve is Portugal’s sun-soaked playground, the Alentejo is its poetic heart. Vast plains, cork forests, and timeless whitewashed villages define this gentle landscape — and increasingly, it’s drawing cyclists who want to slow down and savour the ride.
Cycling in Alentejo is all about unhurried exploration. Quiet backroads wind past olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hill towns like Évora and Monsaraz. The terrain is rolling but forgiving, and the traffic is minimal — ideal for leisure cyclists or those who prefer e-bikes.
Pedal Ventures’ Alentejo Coast tour combines serene countryside cycling with a touch of coastal drama. You’ll pass through UNESCO towns, rural farmlands, and the wild beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic edge, the perfect mix of peace and discovery.
Why it’s trending:
Southern Italy’s Puglia region has become a byword for laid-back sophistication — and it’s now emerging as a cyclist’s dream. Think sun-bleached coastal roads, ancient olive groves, and quiet country lanes lined with stone trulli houses.
Unlike Tuscany’s sometimes punishing climbs or the Dolomites’ alpine challenges, Puglia’s terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, making it perfect for recreational riders. You can cycle between the baroque splendour of Lecce, the coastal charm of Polignano a Mare, and the timeless landscapes of the Itria Valley, with its olive-dotted hills and whitewashed villages like Alberobello and Ostuni.
Pedal Ventures’ Puglia’s Secrets by Bike tour captures the region’s charm perfectly — offering a balance of cultural discovery, gentle riding, and culinary indulgence. Every stop feels like a postcard come to life.
Why it’s trending:
While Spain’s Costa del Sol and Girona grab the headlines, inland Andalusia remains largely undiscovered by the international cycling crowd. Here, the roads wind through olive-tree hills, Moorish villages, and mountain passes, offering stunning diversity with far fewer cars.
Cyclists can explore the Sierras Subbéticas, the white villages (pueblos blancos) of Cádiz, or the historic cities of Ronda, Córdoba, and Granada. The riding is varied — from challenging climbs to easy rolling valleys — and the region’s network of via verdes (greenways) repurposed from old railway lines makes for safe, scenic riding.
Pedal Ventures’ Andalusia: White Villages & Olive Groves tour invites you to pedal through this very heartland — exploring authentic Spain through its quiet backroads, olive valleys, and sunlit ridges. It’s one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Andalusian life.
Why it’s trending:
Across these destinations, a clear theme emerges. Today’s cyclists — especially from the UK — want authentic experiences, not just great gradients. They value quiet roads, local culture, and the chance to discover places that haven’t yet been “Instagrammed to death.”
Safety remains a priority, and these newer destinations deliver that with welcoming local communities, well-developed cycling infrastructure, and support from experienced providers like Pedal Ventures. Add in lower costs for accommodation and dining, and it’s easy to see why riders are branching out.
This shift isn’t about rejecting the classics — Mallorca, Girona, and the Dolomites still hold their magic — but about diversifying. For many, the perfect cycling holiday in 2025 and beyond is one that feels personal, sustainable, and quietly adventurous.
Cycling travel is evolving fast. E-bikes are opening routes to more people. Post-pandemic, travellers value flexibility and space more than ever. And as climate awareness grows, many are seeking lower-impact holidays that still feel immersive.
Destinations like Slovenia, Puglia, Alentejo, and inland Andalusia fit perfectly into this new mindset — offering the freedom of the open road with the depth of genuine discovery.
Whether you’re a seasoned road cyclist or someone looking to combine leisure and exploration, the message is clear: it’s time to look beyond the old favourites. Europe is vast, varied, and waiting — and the most rewarding roads might just be the ones you haven’t ridden yet.
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