Make your next cycling tour in Europe on an unspoilt island. Europe has incredible islands to explore by bike. Here we explore 8 of the best European islands for a cycling holiday. Whether it's a self guided or small group tour, these trips will get you happily pedalling.

 

 

 

Pedal amongst the ancient ruins of Rhodes
 

A cycling circuit of the northern half of Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese, which showcases that there is more to the popular Greek destination besides the busy beach resorts. From the medieval Old Town, stops include the Butterfly Valley, the excavated Kamiros town, the Embonas wine village, the eucalyptus avenue at Kolimbia and the recently restored baths of Kalithea. The visit to picturesque Lindos, nestling at the foot of a steep rock and beautifully surrounded by the glistening Aegean Sea, is always a highlight of any trip to Rhodes.

 

 

 

 

Napoleon’s birthplace is a land of geographical contrasts: the 1,000km long coastline has more than 200 beaches, surrounding a mountainous interior (86%) with 21 summits of over 2,000m. The trip’s circuit explores both the coast and Corsica’s interior – whether you are in search of a personal challenge or simply looking for an excuse to have a frozen ‘Pietra’ chestnut beer. Each day you will have several route options, so you can choose a more demanding or relaxed route.

 

View the Corsica Cycle self guided tour.

 

 

 

Slovenia encompasses a wealth of stunning natural features from the high peaks of the Julian Alps to the incredible limestone caves, mountain lakes and traditional countryside. This cycling journey has been carefully designed to take in all of the highlights and more, with time to appreciate the unique culture and culinary delights. From Lake Bohinj and the delightful lakeside town of Bled, the cycle continues around the Julian Alps, with a white water rafting experience on the vivid blue waters of the Soca River.

 

 

 

 

Go island hopping in Finland – on two wheels
 

In the southwest part of the country, the Turku archipelago is one of Finland’s most stunning natural phenomena, with 20,000 islands stretching out into the sea. Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy by a system of local (and free!) ferry services which act like bridges. Here you will experience the peaceful nature of meandering by bike around rural Finland, passing picturesque harbour villages and enjoying wholesome Finnish cooking.

 

 

 

Zealand, Denmark’s largest island, offers an abundance of beautiful beaches, thick forests and coastal panoramas. This new cycle, suitable for active families with children from 3 years old upwards, will take you from the nation’s capital on an anticlockwise exploration of northern Zealand’s natural landscapes, as well as the many Stone Age and Viking relics. Experience a medieval market square, relax under the iconic Arne Jacobsen-designed lifeguard towers on Bellevue Beach and try local delicacies such as freshly smoked fish from a local smokehouse.

 

 

 

Take to the water to explore the sensational coastline of southern Dalmatia, with overnights in scenic ports and quiet bays, including the island of Vis, where the Mamma Mia sequel was filmed. With further highlights such as the famous narrow white pebble beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), each day brings a new island to discover by bike, on foot or even by raft. 

 

 

 

7. ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND | Isle of Wight Cycle

Circumnavigate the whole beautiful island

 

Pick up your hire bike at the traditional seaside resort of Ryde, the largest town on the island, and let your holiday begin! Ideal for anyone looking for a short town-and-country cycling break, the circular route is undulating and distances are kept fairly short, giving you time to stop and explore. Highlights include sophisticated Cowes, world famous for its regatta; the astonishing brick-built Quarr Abbey; taking the cycle path to Freshwater Bay, which follows an old railway line; the tidal estuary at Newport, known for its chain ferry; and Chale, the shipwreck capital of the island.

View the Isle of Wight Cycle tour.

 

 

8. SICILY, ITALY | Cycle Sicily

Explore the ancient city of Syracuse with its incredible Greek Theatre

A stunning cycle that concentrates on southeast Sicily. Starting at the hilltop town of Caltagirone, where you can climb its celebrated 142-step decorated ceramic staircase, over a week you will immerse in Sicily’s history, culture and unspoilt coastline, before the trip concludes in Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes. Previously under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Angevin and Spanish rule, the city is now home to a fascinating mix of people and outstanding monuments, some of which remain still in use, such as the Greek Theatre.

 

 

 

 

Which European island is next on your list to explore by bike? Let us know in the comments below!