If 2026 is the year you explore the world by bike, you’re in very good company. Self-guided biking continues to surge in popularity, with travelers seeking slower, more immersive ways to experience landscapes, culture, and cuisine - all at their own pace.
From sunlit coastlines to vineyard-lined rivers and storybook villages, these are the biking routes topping wish lists for 2026. Each offers something distinctive, whether that’s gentle terrain, cultural depth, or show-stopping scenery.
Portugal
Algarve
The Algarve remains one of Europe’s most loved cycling regions - and for good reason. Ride quiet coastal lanes, pass through whitewashed villages, and soak up sweeping views of dramatic cliffs and golden beaches. The terrain is friendly, the climate is reliably warm, and seafood lunches by the sea come as standard.
This region is ideal for riders looking for relaxed cycling days balanced with plenty of time to explore historic towns like Silves, sample local cuisine in Tavira, or cruise beside the tranquil Ria Formosa lagoon.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Mild climate
- Coastal scenery and quiet backroads
- Great choice for first-time biking trips
Explore our Algarve biking adventure >
Camino Portuguese Coastal Way by Bike
Cycling the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way blends oceanfront riding with the rich heritage of one of Europe’s most iconic pilgrimage routes. Follow the Atlantic coastline from Portugal into Spain, passing sandy beaches, fishing villages, wooden boardwalks, and historic towns along the way.
This route offers a unique mix of peaceful coastal cycling and lively cultural stops, with plenty of cafés, seafood restaurants, and pilgrimage landmarks to break up the ride. It’s social, scenic, and deeply atmospheric - without requiring long or challenging cycling days.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Coastal scenery with mostly gentle terrain
- A fresh take on a classic Camino route
- Ideal for riders seeking culture, community, and sea views
Explore our Camino Portuguese Coastal Way trip >
France
Canal du Midi
One of Europe’s most iconic cycling routes, the Canal du Midi continues to grow in popularity, with interest up 40% year on year. This UNESCO-listed waterway winds from Toulouse to the Mediterranean, offering flat, traffic-free cycling beneath plane trees and past historic locks, vineyards, and canal-side villages.
Days here are unhurried: pedal, pause for lunch, wander into a village square, repeat. It’s perfect for cyclists who value scenery and simplicity over speed.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Completely flat, beginner-friendly route
- Waterside cycling with minimal traffic
- Ideal for e-bikes and relaxed riders
Explore our Canal du Midi biking trip >
Loire Valley
Cycling through the Loire Valley feels like pedaling through a storybook. This refined route pairs peaceful riverside paths with grand châteaux, elegant towns, and world-renowned vineyards.
Our “Loire In Style” has been particularly popular for 2026. This route focuses on elevated comfort and cultural immersion, blending gentle cycling with standout accommodations and unforgettable scenery. It’s ideal for travelers who want their biking vacation to feel indulgent as well as active.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Scenic, well-marked cycling paths
- Rich history and wine culture
- Premium stays
Cycling Slovenia: Ljubljana to the Adriatic
Slovenia is making waves in the biking community as one of the most rewarding biking destinations. In a single trip, you can cycle past alpine lakes, emerald rivers, vineyard-covered hills, and charming medieval towns - all without long transfers.
Its compact size makes routes feel varied but manageable, while well-maintained paths and quiet country roads suit cyclists of all experience levels. Slovenia remains refreshingly uncrowded, offering a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Diverse landscapes in short distances
- Excellent infrastructure for cyclists
- A true hidden gem with wow-factor scenery
Explore our Slovenia Ljubljana to the Adriatic biking trip >
Venice to Porec
This unforgettable route takes you from the romance of Venice across Italy, Slovenia, and into Croatia, following a network of converted railway lines and scenic cycling paths. Pedal through vineyard-covered hills, quiet valleys, and historic towns before finishing on the Adriatic coast in Poreč.
The Venice to Poreč ride is wonderfully varied, combining smooth, traffic-free cycling with rich cultural contrasts - from Italian piazzas to Slovenian countryside and Croatian coastal charm.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Multi-country adventure in one seamless trip
- Excellent car-free cycling paths
- A rewarding mix of scenery, history, and cuisine
Explore our Venice to Porec biking trip >
Italy
Puglia
Puglia continues to capture cyclists’ imaginations with its laid-back pace and sun-soaked landscapes. Expect flat, easy riding through endless olive groves, white-stone towns, and along sparkling stretches of coastline.
Cycling here is as much about food and culture as the ride itself — think fresh burrata, long lunches, and evenings wandering historic piazzas. The gentle terrain makes it accessible, while the scenery keeps every day rewarding.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Mostly flat, relaxed cycling
- Exceptional food and hospitality
- A slower, more authentic Italian experience
Sicily
Cycling in Sicily is a feast for the senses. Ride along dramatic coastlines, and through historic towns shaped by Greek, Roman, and Norman influences. The island’s varied terrain offers everything from gentle coastal routes to more adventurous inland rides.
Sicily is perfect for cyclists who want big scenery paired with unforgettable food - think fresh seafood, citrus groves, and, of course, post-ride gelato. It’s bold, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding.
Why it’s popular for 2026:
- Striking landscapes, unlike anywhere else in Europe
- Rich history and vibrant local culture
- Ideal for experienced riders seeking something different
Explore our Sicily biking trip >
Why Choose a Self-Guided Biking Trip with Macs Adventure?
Once you’ve chosen your destination, we take care of the rest. With over 20 years of experience designing self-guided biking trips, we make exploring by bike seamless and stress-free.
What’s included:
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Luggage transfers so you can ride light
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Expertly planned routes that prioritize scenery and safety
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Hand-picked accommodations to relax in each night
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Easy-to-use navigation app to keep you confidently on track
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Total flexibility - no groups, no guides, no rush
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Certified B Corp travel, focused on responsible and positive impact
Start Planning Your 2026 Biking Adventure
From the calm waters of the Canal du Midi to the sunlit coastlines of the Algarve, these routes represent the very best of biking travel in 2026. Demand is already building, and availability won’t last forever.
If you’re ready to slow down, see more, and experience Europe from the saddle, we’re here to help you plan every pedal stroke.
Explore our self-guided biking tours and start your 2026 adventure today.
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