7 of Europe’s Best Cycling Holidays for Families

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 1, 2024 17:00 PMNews
Share:
Carpathian’s Road, Yablunytsia, Ivano-Frankivs'ka oblast, Ukraine
Carpathian’s Road, Yablunytsia, Ivano-Frankivs'ka oblast, Ukraine. Source: unsplash

Cycling holidays in the UK and Europe are perfect for families, offering trails to suit every ability from tots to teens. Europe’s extensive cycling networks include child-friendly routes that transform a simple weekend activity into an exciting holiday. Whether exploring Alpine lakes, old railway lines, major rivers, or adventure centres, there’s a cycling trip for everyone.

1. Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales

Cycling level: BikePark Wales tracks cater for every level. Located just south of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, BikePark Wales features over 40 mountain bike trails across 1,200 acres of forested hillside. The park's new 'Ticket to Ride' package, launched this Easter, includes bike and kit hire plus four hours on beginner-level runs, making it perfect for families. Beyond the park, families can enjoy the Taff Trail, which runs from Brecon to Brynich Lock.

2. Lake Constance, Germany & Switzerland

Cycling level: Beginner — cycle as far as you like each day, with ferry hops for added fun. The Lake Constance Cycle Path is ideal for families, even those with toddlers in bike trailers. The route passes through picturesque lakeside towns with Alpine backdrops. Tour operator Freedom Treks offers itineraries from a single hotel base for added convenience.

3. Danube Cycle Path, Austria

Cycling level: Beginner — the dedicated cycle paths are flat and smooth. The Danube Cycle Path stretches across eight countries, but the Austrian segment from Linz to Vienna is perfect for families. The flat riverside path passes through ancient towns and castle ruins. Families can plot their journey independently, staying in hotels, guesthouses, or campsites along the way. A highlight is the Wachau wine region, perfect for an overnight stop.

4. Van Gogh Cycle Route, Netherlands

Cycling level: Beginner — quiet and gentle; a great introduction to cycling breaks. This new trail in Drenthe province follows the scenes that inspired Vincent van Gogh. The route consists of three loops, each around 30 miles, and is ideal for young cyclists, following flat country lanes and canal paths.

5. Atlantic Coast Route, Portugal

Cycling level: Intermediate — some hilly terrain requires stronger riders. Part of the EuroVelo network, the Atlantic Coast Route from Porto to Lisbon connects two family-friendly cities. The eight-day journey takes riders through sunny beaches, coves, and fishing villages. Tour operator Love Velo offers packages with stays in three-star hotels along the way.

6. Lake Garda to Venice, Italy

Cycling level: Intermediate — the longer daily distances may be challenging for younger riders. This tour from Lake Garda to Venice offers the allure of pizza and gelato at the end of each day, motivating youngsters to keep pedaling. The route follows the Adige River and passes through historic Verona. Riders cover around 30 miles per day, and organized tours with luggage transfers are recommended.

7. Ciro Trail, Balkans

Cycling level: Confident, with some gradients and off-road sections. The Ciro Trail follows an old railway from Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to Dubrovnik on the Croatian coast. Old station buildings along the 98-mile trail have been converted into bike-friendly guesthouses and cafes. The route includes Roman and medieval ruins and sparkling rivers for refreshing dips.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
TransPennine Express train at a platform

Late-night trains added after Sam Fender gigs in Newcastle

Jun 14, 2025 22:36 PM
Crowded transit hub with travellers and departure boards

Traffic Warning for Edinburgh Flyers During Highland Show

Jun 14, 2025 20:49 PM

Cathay Group Expands to 100 Destinations, Opening New Travel Opportunities for Passengers

Jun 14, 2025 18:33 PM

Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns

Jun 14, 2025 16:54 PM
Renovated hotel room with king-size bed and modern lighting

San Juan’s La Concha Returns with Major Changes After Long Closure

Jun 14, 2025 14:47 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land under cloudy sky

Scandinavian and Vietnam Airlines to Link Northern Europe with Southeast Asia via New Codeshare

Jun 14, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane in flight against a clear sky

SAS Expands Aalborg-Winter Routes, Opening Easier Access to Nordic Ski Destinations

Jun 13, 2025 23:23 PM
Railway signal showing red light on quiet train tracks near Verona

Verona Train Routes Suspended 15 June Amid WWII Bomb Removal

Jun 13, 2025 21:49 PM
Construction workers repairing railway tracks on a city street

Norfolk Rail Disruption: Buses Replace Trains Between Norwich and Ely This July

Jun 13, 2025 19:37 PM

New direct route from Amsterdam brings Cairo closer for travellers

Jun 13, 2025 17:51 PM

Krabi’s Natural Sites Gain Quiet Spotlight After Jurassic World Filming

Jun 13, 2025 15:44 PM
Air India aircraft parked on the ground with boarding platform nearby

Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead Shortly After Takeoff

Jun 13, 2025 13:39 PM
Modern hotel room interior with wooden accents and cozy bed

New Resort in Crete Blends Comfort with Nature and Local Traditions

Jun 12, 2025 23:28 PM
View of an SAS aircraft wing during flight above the clouds

SAS and WestJet to Launch Easier Canada–Scandinavia Connections from Summer 2025

Jun 12, 2025 21:42 PM
Rail workers using heavy machinery to install large pipe sections on train tracks

Train Disruptions Near Naples Affect Summer Travel Plans

Jun 12, 2025 19:34 PM

Virgin Australia Opens New Travel Opportunities to Europe and Africa via Doha

Jun 12, 2025 17:29 PM

One-Month Train Halt in Northern Italy Alters Summer Travel Routes

Jun 12, 2025 12:43 PM
Lufthansa plane taking off from runway

New Flight Links via Rome Simplify Travel Between Europe and Distant Cities

Jun 12, 2025 02:35 AM
Train showing "Caerdydd C" arrives at quiet station

Concert Crowds Prompt Rail Changes Across Cardiff This Summer

Jun 11, 2025 23:24 PM
Emirates aircraft approaching landing with cityscape below

Emirates and Bahamasair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes to The Bahamas Through Florida

Jun 11, 2025 21:49 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway surrounded by trees

Finnair Resumes Direct Flights from Helsinki to Toronto Starting in 2026 Expanding Travel Options

Jun 11, 2025 19:32 PM
Construction worker in safety gear at a railway maintenance site

Summer Train Closures in Northern Italy to Disrupt Access to Regional Destinations

Jun 11, 2025 17:26 PM

Air New Zealand Starts Domestic WiFi Trial on Selected Flights

Jun 11, 2025 16:48 PM

InterContinental Hotel to Open in Manchester Bringing New Options for Travellers

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM
Modern hotel room with large bed and warm lighting

Familiar Hotels in Unfamiliar Places: voco Reaches 100 Locations Worldwide

Jun 10, 2025 23:22 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Free Emirates Coach Now Available Between Manila and Clark

Jun 10, 2025 21:44 PM