The Best Family-Friendly Destinations for Biking Holidays in Europe

With its diverse landscapes and well-maintained cycling routes, Europe is a fantastic destination for biking holidays. Regardless of your preferences, there will be a cycling route to suit your interests. You can cycle along scenic coasts, historic cities, or picturesque countryside. Moreover, Europe offers extensive bike-friendly infrastructure, and the continent’s compact geography allows for easy cross-border cycling adventures.

Here are the best family-friendly destinations for biking holidays in Europe.

Douro Valley, Portugal

Portugal’s Douro Valley is incredibly scenic, so it’s no surprise that it has become a favorite destination for biking holidays. And if you’re a family who loves to explore scenic landscapes together, a biking holiday in the Douro Valley is perfect. The region’s gentle terrain, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages make it a fun place to explore on a bike.

One family-friendly cycling route in the Douro Valley is the “Douro River Trail,” which follows the tranquil banks of the river, passing through vineyards and olive groves. This route offers easy cycling paths and stunning views of the valley, providing a leisurely and enjoyable experience.

Another option is the Coa Valley Cycling Route, which takes you through the rugged terrain of the Coa Valley, known for its prehistoric rock art sites. Explore ancient history while cycling along well-marked trails, discovering archaeological treasures and scenic landscapes to delight your kids.

For a more adventurous experience, embark on the “Douro International Cycling Route,” which crosses the border between Portugal and Spain, passing along diverse terrain and charming local villages. This route provides opportunities for longer rides and exploration of historic towns and natural wonders.

Zermatt, Switzerland 

Anyone who has ever been to Zermatt can agree that it’s one of the world’s most beautiful places. So, if you want to take your family on a cycling holiday in Europe, head to Zermatt. Aside from its stunning alpine scenery, it has numerous family-friendly cycling routes to cater to bikers of all skill levels. 

The “Zermatt to Tasch” route, which follows a scenic path along Matterhorn mountain, is an ideal trail to tackle with the kids, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This gentle route is suitable for families with young kids, with opportunities for picnics and leisurely rides.

Another family-friendly route is the “Gornergrat Railway Cycling Trail,” which combines a scenic train ride with a downhill bike ride from Gornergrat to Zermatt. Families can enjoy spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks while cruising down well-maintained trails.

For the more adventurous families, the “Sunnegga Flow Trail” offers exciting downhill mountain biking with jumps, berms, and obstacles suitable for older kids and teenagers. This thrilling route provides an adrenaline-filled experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

For an even better experience, get involved in summer camps for kids while in Europe, with Zermatt being an ideal destination. Zermatt’s summer camps offer outdoor programs for kids, providing opportunities for young ones to learn new skills, make international friends, and explore the Swiss Alps in a safe and supervised environment. 

The Loire Valley, France

For families who are big fans of the Tour de France, choosing France for your biking holiday is a no-brainer. Of all the beautiful regions in France, the Loire Valley stands out. With gentle terrains, picturesque landscapes, stunning chateaux, charming villages, and scenic riverside paths, the Loire Valley is an excellent destination for family-friendly biking holidays.

Cycle the famous Loire à Vélo” trail, which stretches over 800 kilometres but offers many manageable sections for families, including those with kids. For instance, the route from Amboise to Tours is worth considering. It features flat, well-marked paths that pass through vineyards, sunflower fields, and historic towns. Along the way, you can stop by the Chateau d’Amboise and the bustling markets of Tours.

Another great option is the “Chateau de Chambord Loop,” a shorter route that takes cyclists through the enchanting forested areas surrounding the Chateau de Chambord. This route provides opportunities for picnics and leisurely rides while enjoying the impressive architecture of one of the Loire Valley’s most famous castles.

For families with younger kids, the route from Blois to Chaumont-sur-Loire offers a manageable path with plenty of attractions, including the Chateau de Blois and the stunning gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire.

Read more: Best Destinations for Cycling Holidays in France

Ibiza, Spain 

When some people hear of Ibiza, they immediately think of the rowdy nightlife scene. While it is indeed known as the “party capital of the world”, it’s a fantastic destination to consider for families embarking on a cycling adventure in Spain. The island’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to beautiful coastlines, provide a perfect backdrop for family-friendly biking holidays.

One of Ibiza’s most popular cycling routes is the “Es Canar to Cala Nova” trail, which features easy, flat paths ideal for families with young kids. It takes you along the picturesque eastern coastline, with stunning sea views and opportunities to stop at sandy beaches and charming seaside cafes.

Another excellent option for families is the “Santa Gertrudis Loop,” a gentle ride through the heart of Ibiza, passing through the quaint village of Santa Gertrudis. It is perfect for families who want to immerse in the island’s rural beauty, with plenty of shaded areas to stop for a picnic.

You will find plenty of family-friendly villas in Ibiza to stay during a cycling break on the island. Enjoy comfort and convenience in luxury villas with private pools, spacious gardens, and fully equipped kitchens.

Lake Garda, Italy

With stunning natural scenery, mild climate, and well-maintained cycling paths, Lake Garda has everything you need for a family-friendly biking holiday in Europe. The region’s diverse landscapes, from gentle lakeside trails to rolling hills, make it perfect for a family of cyclists.

Cycle along the “Riva del Garda to Torbole” path, an easy, flat trail running along the lake’s northern shore, providing breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains. It’s ideal for families with young children, offering safe and enjoyable riding conditions.

Another family-friendly option is the “Sirmione Loop,” a gentle route that takes you around the southern peninsula of the lake. What’s great about this trail is you can stop to explore the historic town of Sirmione, visit its famous castle, and enjoy a leisurely ride through picturesque streets and the waterfront.

Read more: Best Entry-Level Road Bikes for Beginners