Ideal for a fun and freeing holiday…
Easter and the joy of spring cycling holidays go hand in hand (hey, keep those hands on the damn handlebars!). That said, even just a few years ago the idea of a cycling holiday may have felt daunting to many.
E-bikes have changed all that, offering accessibility and range to those without the calves of Chris Hoy, making them perfect companions for discovering new destinations on two wheels without the constraints of traditional cycling.
According to The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), more and more tour operators worldwide are finding that customers are asking for e-bike activities. With Britons set to buy 2.1 million bikes in 2024, could this be the year of E-bike escapades? We think so.
And while purists will argue that E-biking is not “real” cycling, if it gets you out and about on a bike and allows you to explore the great outdoors – who cares?
With warmer weather on the way, now is the perfect time to start planning for an e-biking holiday. So, with the help of the UK’s leading e-bike engineers Swytch Technology, here are 5 of the best E-bike destinations for 2024 that are sure to add an electrifying twist to your Easter holidays.
Majorca, Spain
Ideal for perfect roads, great food, sun and cycling…
Amongst professional cyclists, Majorca is the place to be in the cooler months. The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, providing year-round cycling opportunities. Mallorca offers a variety of landscapes, from flat plains to rolling hills and challenging mountainous regions, particularly the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This diversity makes it an ideal place for e-bikers of all skill levels.
“With a variety of routes, from mountains to flat coastal roads, Mallorca really is a cyclist’s paradise, and as such, there’s plenty of infrastructure to help along the way. There are specialist cycling tours and, should you need it, bike shops for any technical gremlins you may encounter”, says Swytch Technology.
Read: 7 of Europe’s best cycling routes for an adventure holiday with a difference
Boulder, Colorado
Ideal for legendary hills, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, and a bike-friendly culture…
Yep, we know it’s not as easy to get to as sunny Spain, but if you want to experience cycling on the other side of the pond, there’s no better place than Boulder, Colorado.
“It’s often touted as the heartland of cycling in the United States and it’s easy to see why. Plenty of sunshine, legendary hills and the scenery of the iconic Rocky Mountains make it a cyclist’s dream, and as such, it’s been home to many of the US’s top professional cyclists for years”, says Swytch Technology.
Indeed, Boulder is known for its bike-friendly culture. The city has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, meaning plenty of bike lanes and dedicated paths. Boulder enjoys a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities, including e-biking, almost year-round.
Oh, and if you don’t want to travel with a bike, worry not, as there are numerous bike shops and rental services that cater to e-bikers, offering rentals, tours, and equipment, making it easy for visitors to get set up for an e-biking holiday – not to mention enough cafes to satisfy any cyclist’s coffee stop demands!
Crete, Greece
Ideal for riding through history…
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is an idyllic destination for a cycling holiday. Indeed, the island’s topography is a cyclist’s paradise, with its coastal paths providing gentle rides along the shimmering Mediterranean, while the interior offers challenging mountainous terrain that rewards with breathtaking views. The varied scenery includes olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages, which all add to its charm.
The island’s rich history adds another layer of interest to a cycling holiday. Crete is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, which dates back to the Minoan civilization. Cyclists can ride through history, stopping to explore ancient ruins and learn about the island’s storied past.
“Greece has long been underestimated as a cycling destination. With flatter routes along the scenic coast, and temples that come straight from the ancient world, Crete’s rolling hills and stunning scenery should not be overlooked”, says our pals at Swytch Technology.
Crete’s climate is another draw for cycling enthusiasts. With mild winters and warm, sunny summers, the island boasts an extended cycling season. Oh and since this is an article about easter e-biking destinations, we should mention that the spring months are particularly delightful, as the landscape bursts into a riot of wildflowers and the temperatures are pleasantly cool.
The traditional Cretan cuisine is yet another highlight that enhances the cycling experience. Refuel on fresh seafood, ripe fruits, and bread dipped in the world renowned Cretan olive oil – we would say keep some to oil your wheels too, but that would be a waste of this liquid gold.
Read: 6 IDEAL foodie tips for your next trip to Greece
Sicily, Italy
Ideal for a gastronomic e-biking adventure and avoiding hilly terrain….
“Sicily is iconic when it comes to the world of professional bike racing, and though the thought of steep climbs may seem daunting, they’re accessible at any level with the use of electric assistance, and once you reach the top of the mountains the views will definitely be worth it”, says Swytch Technology.
That said, “there are plenty of coastal routes which are flatter, should you wish to avoid hilly terrain altogether”. And it’s the flatter routes that appeal to us, because if we’re going to Sicily, we’re going to be eating a lot, seeing as this southerly island is a seriously exciting foodie destination.
Of course, stops mid-journey for gelato, espresso and the island’s sugary signature dish cannoli is compulsory, and Sicily is punctuated with picturesque towns and places to stop off for your fix. However it’s the destination that’s important here. Scicily is home to a plethora of dining options that are accessible by bicycle. Here are some of the best:
Palermo Coast: Osteria Mercede – Located in Palermo, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. It’s a great stop if you’re cycling along the northern coast.
Cefalù: Ristorante La Brace – In the charming town of Cefalù, this place is known for its pizza and pasta dishes. It’s a nice spot to rest after a ride along the northern coast.
Catania Coast Trattoria Il Mare – Located in Catania, this is a great spot for enjoying fresh seafood dishes right by the sea.
Syracuse: Osteria da Mariano – In the historic city of Syracuse, this osteria is known for its authentic local dishes and charming atmosphere.
Ragusa: Duomo di Ragusa – A bit inland but worth the detour, this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with innovative takes on Sicilian classics.
Agrigento Coast: Scala dei Turchi – Near the famous white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, there are several eateries where you can enjoy the local catch of the day.
Trapani: Cantina Siciliana – Trapani is known for its couscous and seafood, and this restaurant is a great place to sample these specialties.
Spring is also the ideal time to enjoy a cycling holiday in Sicily because, when the weather is at its hottest in high summer, let’s just say that riding in lycra is not fun.
Portugal
Ideal for a mix of city and country…
“With plenty of sunshine, good food and scenery, it’s a wonder why more cyclists don’t flock to the west-coast of the Iberian Peninsula every year, though this is fast changing. Every year more cycle paths are made, with dedicated cycling hotels popping up all over Portugal, too, and there are even cycling specific tours around the country”, says Swytch Technology.
Stay in the cities like Porto and within a few kilometres, you’ll be in the hills, soaking in the scenery. Indeed, 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.
Flying With An E-bike
Now, a word on taking your E-bike on a plane. The rules for taking an electric bike (E-bike) on a plane can be quite strict due to the lithium batteries they contain. Airlines and international regulations typically have specific guidelines for the transport of lithium batteries, which are considered dangerous goods because they pose a fire risk.
That said, The 90Wh Swytch Kit can be taken on airlines without pre-authorisation, making it perfect for international travel as it can be taken on airlines which allow batteries in the hold without prior authorisation.
You will likely need to contact the airline well in advance of your flight to get approval for transporting your E-bike. They may require specific information about the battery and the bike.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned e-bike adventurer or a curious first-timer, these destinations promise to deliver unforgettable memories and a fresh perspective on holiday travel. Now, are you ready to start riding?