Southern Europe reveals a striking array of landscapes and experiences to discover freely by bike. Between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and imposing mountain ranges, this region stands out as a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and cycling hikers seeking authentic regional discoveries. These cycling routes unfold sometimes along peaceful greenways, sometimes along spectacular coastal roads, allowing you to fully feel the vibrant soul of the territories crossed. Taking these routes invites you to immerse yourself in lush nature, to observe the subtleties of local cultures, and to escape the daily hustle in a setting of breathtaking landscapes. This bike exploration resonates with a form of sustainable tourism, where every pedal stroke is accompanied by a respectful immersion in environments and local populations.
In 2025, Southern Europe continues to strengthen its cycling offer, a testament to strong commitments made by local authorities to promote bike tourism. The growing success of these initiatives reflects a general enthusiasm for soft mobility and human-scale travel, allowing everyone to shape their own pace and stages, from seasoned cyclists to families eager to share a moment in nature. Discovering these itineraries is a way to unfold a natural and historical heritage at every turn, making this bike trip as enriching as it is invigorating.
- 1 The greenways of Southern Europe: havens of peace for cycle tourism
- 2 EuroVelo: the European network transforming the South into a cycling paradise
- 3 The hidden gems of Portuguese cycle tourism: between wild Atlantic and age-old traditions
- 4 From the Via Rhôna to the Amalfi Coast: cycling hikes between mountains and Mediterranean Sea
The greenways of Southern Europe: havens of peace for cycle tourism
At the heart of Southern Europe, greenways embody a true invitation to safe and accessible bike travel. These routes, often developed on former railway tracks or towpaths, combine gentleness and serenity by offering mostly flat or slightly rolling terrain. The simplicity of the elevation changes allows all audiences, from novices to families with children, to fully enjoy their cycling trip without the pressure of extreme physical conditions.
An emblematic example is the Vía Verde de la Sierra in Andalusia, a route that runs alongside varied landscapes where Mediterranean forests meet picturesque villages and impressive rock formations. This type of greenway is designed to ensure optimal comfort: markings are clear and regular, rest areas are numerous and well equipped. On these routes, travelers can stop near water points, picnic tables, and enjoy establishments certified “bike welcome,” guaranteeing a warm welcome and adapted services, ranging from equipment rental to bike repair.
These facilities facilitate regional discovery while highlighting the commitment of local authorities to sustainable tourism respectful of biodiversity. The very concept of these greenways reflects a deep desire to offer a soothing alternative, away from busy and dangerous roads, to explore both nature and cultural heritage. Their integration into larger networks, notably EuroVelo, reflects the growing role that bicycles play in soft mobility strategies and tourist attractiveness in Southern Europe.
These green corridors are not just simple paths; they are a bridge between past and present: by using abandoned old railway infrastructures, they embody the transformation of transportation modes and represent a transition towards more ecological practices. Over the kilometers, cyclists can tell a story where nature reclaims its rights, where tranquility is fully savored, far from urban frenzy and noise pollution.
Accessible and diverse, the greenway network offers a variety of experiences throughout Southern Europe. Whether crossing protected natural parks, traditional agricultural zones, or charming villages, each stage promises rich discoveries and encounters. For example, the Ciclovia del Sole in Italy combines Tuscan landscapes with lunar ones, providing a visual spectacle of great timeless richness.
EuroVelo: the European network transforming the South into a cycling paradise
In partnership with local and national authorities, the EuroVelo network works to connect Southern Europe to a vast set of cycling routes crossing the entire continent. With its 17 main routes, this ambitious project aims to build a network of nearly 91,500 km, of which nearly half is already accessible. In 2025, about 45,000 km of EuroVelo routes are usable, offering a modern and coherent infrastructure for bike tourism lovers.
Within this network, certain bike routes particularly showcase the South and its exceptional panoramas. EuroVelo 8, known as “The Mediterranean by bike,” is a major route stretching nearly 7,500 km from the Spanish beaches to Cyprus. This coastal road honors the charms of the Mediterranean Sea through historic cities, protected natural areas, and authentic villages. Similarly, EuroVelo 1 or “Vélodyssée” explores the Atlantic coast of Portugal with sublime maritime panoramas, perfect for adventures mixing sport and relaxation.
Strong in its unifying role, EuroVelo adapts to a wide diversity of profiles: from cycling enthusiasts who want to cover long distances to families looking for calmer escapes. This network features uniform signage, clear indicators, and adapted tourist infrastructures, making travel logistics easier to prepare. It is also a powerful vector of cultural and environmental promotion, as it facilitates access to major historic sites and stimulates the local economy.
To better understand the scale and diversity of EuroVelo, here is a summary table of key data:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of routes | 17 |
| Total planned length | Approximately 91,500 km |
| Operational kilometers in 2025 | Approximately 45,000 km |
| Target year for completion | 2030 |
EuroVelo routes, especially in their southern part, represent a true call to discovery and adventure, mixing breathtaking landscapes made of majestic mountains, sunny beaches, and authentic small fishing ports. These routes reflect the cultural and geographical richness of Southern Europe, where cycling experiences combine with deep immersion in unique terroirs.
In Portugal, cycle tourism has gained popularity thanks to varied and well-marked routes stretching between seas and mountains. The link between Lisbon and Porto, largely running along the Atlantic, is an adventure rich in varied landscapes, alternating cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. This route also allows an approach to the region’s cultural heritage, with must-see sites such as the Monastery of Batalha or the fortified town of Óbidos, carriers of a deeply rooted history.
This part of Southern Europe subtly combines physical effort and culinary pleasures. The route is dotted with small restaurants where freshly caught seafood is savored, paired with local wines such as the famous vinho verde. The experience is thus a harmonious fusion of sporting activity and sensory pleasures, where regional discovery happens as much through the taste buds as through the eyes.
For cyclists seeking sunnier climates and postcard landscapes, the Algarve seduces with its rugged coasts and crystalline turquoise waters. The Ecovia do Litoral, a cycling route of over 200 km, stretches along this maritime front, connecting the Spanish border to the famous Cape Saint Vincent. It crosses varied environments, from protected lagoons to secret coves, not forgetting dynamic seaside resorts. Inland, the Alentejo offers a different, more rural and peaceful atmosphere, where cycling trips become contemplative in the heart of bright landscapes dotted with perched white villages.
- Discovery of coastal culinary specialties: tasting grilled fish and seafood dishes
- Observation of protected fauna and flora: notably in the wetlands and lagoons of the Ecovia do Litoral
- Cultural immersion in historic villages: guided tours of fortified towns and exchanges with locals
- Complementary activities: possibility to combine cycling and kayaking in certain coastal areas
- Varied accommodation options: from wild camping to small hotels certified “bike welcome”
These Portuguese experiences perfectly embody the spirit of adventure and discovery that shapes bike tourism in Southern Europe, combining natural and cultural exploration for a complete and memorable journey.
From the Via Rhôna to the Amalfi Coast: cycling hikes between mountains and Mediterranean Sea
The Via Rhôna is a major route connecting Lake Geneva to the wild beaches of the Camargue, offering an exceptional course combining mountains and Mediterranean seaside. This more than 800-kilometer bike route crosses a wide variety of landscapes, from Alpine summits to the vast wet plains of the Rhône delta. The path is mainly flat or gently undulating, making the cycling trip accessible to a broad spectrum of cyclists.
Along the Via Rhôna, stops are rich in cultural and gastronomic discoveries. Lyon, recognized as the world capital of gastronomy, represents a must-stop, offering cyclists the chance to savor regional specialties in an urban and friendly setting. Further south, Provence unveils its prestigious vineyards, notably those of Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous for the exceptional quality of their wines. The route also passes through UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the arenas of Vienne or the ancient theater of Orange. Soon, the path opens to the wild and preserved nature of the Camargue, known for its flamingos and famous white horses, a sensory stop between land and sea.
The Via Rhôna, thanks to its clear signage and modern infrastructures, is a favored choice for bike tourism combining comfort, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It offers both Mediterranean softness and wild immensity, revealing the unique art of living characteristic of the South.
Opposite the tranquility of the Via Rhôna, the Amalfi Coast offers a more sporty and spectacular experience. The famous “Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana” invites seasoned cyclists to a physical challenge, with its winding roads cut into cliffs above crystalline waters. Every turn offers a fascinating panorama of villages suspended between sky and sea such as Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello. The demanding route requires good physical condition and heightened vigilance, but the beauty of the sites richly rewards the efforts.
This bike trip along the Amalfi Coast combines the thrill of sport with the serenity of gourmet breaks in local establishments, where tasting the famous limoncello, made from lemons grown on the surrounding terraces, extends the wonder. The use of an electric-assist bike is often recommended to fully enjoy this unique circuit, softening the climbs while preserving the pleasure of discovery.
