A honeymoon spent getting hot, sweaty and out of breath with your new partner for life? Whilst that sounds fairly conventional, even in this day and age, we’re actually talking about cycling here. Honestly…
Are you seeking a romantic getaway that goes beyond beach relaxation? Then why not consider celebrating tying the knot with a European cycling honeymoon that perfectly blends activity with relaxation? Allowing you to pedal at your own pace through beautiful landscapes and experience extraordinary cultural hotspots while wining and dining along the way, this is one honeymoon holiday idea that’s sure to get the pulse racing.
Whether you favour coastal scenery and lively cities or intimate rural countryside, choose one of these 7 destinations in Europe for a cycling honeymoon that you’re sure to cherish forever.
Italy – Tuscany
Embark on a journey through the heart of Italy with a cycling honeymoon in Tuscany. This region is a tapestry of olive groves, vineyards, and medieval hilltop towns, offering a quintessential Italian experience. Start your adventure in the enchanting city of Florence, known for its Renaissance art and architecture. From there, pedal through the Tuscan countryside, where the roads meander through the Chianti wine region, offering opportunities for intimate wine tastings and gourmet dining with a view of the rolling hills.
As you cycle through Tuscany, you’ll encounter historic towns like Siena, with its famous Piazza del Campo and stunning cathedral, and Pienza, known for its Pecorino cheese and Renaissance architecture. The routes can be leisurely or challenging, depending on your preference, but each will provide breathtaking views and the chance to immerse yourselves in the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
In the evenings, retreat to a romantic agriturismo (farm stay) where you can enjoy the local cuisine made with fresh, regional ingredients. Tuscany’s combination of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and culinary excellence creates a honeymoon experience that is both romantic and invigorating.
Further afield, you’ll discover a range of choices when you browse options for Italy cycling tours, from relaxed routes along the Adriatic and down through the Dolomites to more challenging trails through Tuscany. Whichever destination you choose, it’s sure to inspire romance at every turn.
France – Loire Valley
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairy-tale châteaux, sprawling vineyards, and fertile landscapes. Couples can cycle along the Loire River, enjoying the flat terrain that makes for easy and relaxed biking.
The region is famous for its wine, so you can indulge in wine tastings and gourmet French cuisine as you stop in charming towns like Amboise and Blois. The Loire Valley offers a quintessentially romantic French experience, with opportunities to explore renaissance architecture and the natural beauty of the French countryside.
Read: 5 of the best cycling holidays in France
Belgium – Flanders
Flanders is a region with a rich history, known for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture. Cycling in Flanders can be a delightful experience for couples who appreciate art, history, and Belgian chocolate. The region has an extensive network of cycling paths that connect iconic cities like Bruges and Ghent.
In Bruges, known as the Venice of the North, you can enjoy picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. Ghent offers a vibrant cultural scene with its well-preserved medieval architecture. Along the way, you can sample Belgium’s famous beers and chocolates, making for a sweet and indulgent honeymoon.
Netherlands – Dutch Countryside
The Netherlands is one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world, with an extensive network of cycling paths. For a serene and idyllic honeymoon, couples can bike through the Dutch countryside, exploring the iconic windmills, tulip fields (in spring), and charming fishing villages. Routes along the coast offer the chance to see the North Sea and enjoy the fresh, salty air.
Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht provide a cultural and historical backdrop, with their canals, museums, and bustling café culture. The flat terrain of the Netherlands makes for an easy and stress-free cycling experience, ideal for couples looking for a mix of activity and relaxation.
Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of scenery, culture, and cycling routes, ensuring that your honeymoon will be filled with memorable experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re sipping wine in the Loire Valley, tasting chocolates in Flanders, or admiring tulip fields in the Netherlands, these European cycling destinations are sure to make your honeymoon unforgettable.
Austria – Salzkammergut
Salzkammergut – the Austrian Lakes – is one of Europe’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Surrounded by the Alps, wildflower meadows, woodland and quaint villages with timber houses, these azure glacial lakes shine in the summer sun and offer flat pathways for pleasant peddling.
There’s plenty of history for couples to explore during their honeymoon too. Enjoy a stay in Bad Ischl, a spa town with an imperial legacy, and start or end your trip in the stunning city of Salzburg. Catch an outdoor classic music concert here, Mozart’s birthplace, to ramp up the romance.
Portugal – The Algarve
Are you more drawn to the sea and sand than inland countryside? Portugal has blissful locations for a coastal cycling honeymoon, from quiet rural regions to colourful port cities with a rich heritage.
Portugal’s southernmost coastline, the Algarve, is renowned for its unspoiled beaches, pretty villages, and peaceful atmosphere that attracts a wealth of birds. Peddle the network of paths that cover the clifftops and stop off for cooling sea baths in the heat of the day.
You’ll find a different kind of captivating energy in Porto. Portugal’s north-western city has a UNESCO-recognised old town with soaring architecture and a thriving modern food scene. Ride out along the River Douro and you’ll soon encounter attractive grape-growing vineyards dedicated to making port.
Spain – Valencia
Last but not least is Spain. Like Italy, Spain is bursting with diverse locations each with a unique energy and character, so you can tailor your honeymoon to your exact interests and preferences.
One of the most popular routes is around Valencia which takes you from the historic city out to lush inland valleys and wildlife-filled nature reserves and finally to the beautiful beaches of Peniscola. There’s also a route running from Valencia to the lively artistic city of Barcelona.
Cycling is rewarding in the Spanish territories away from the mainland, too. Discover the dramatic volcanic scenery of the Canary Islands on challenging mountain and valley biking trails or go coast to coast in Majorca, the largest of the stunning Balearic Islands.
Closer to home (and yes, we know it’s still in Europe), why not check out our guide to some of Scotland’s best cycling holidays next? Don’t forget to wear a helmet!