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Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike is a unique experience that thousands of people live every year. But if you've already done it or are looking for other equally exciting and well-organised routes, here are five alternative cycling routes that have it all: incredible landscapes, charming villages, lively culture and the feeling of freedom that can only be found by travelling on two wheels.
These routes are designed for those who want to cycle without worrying about logistics, with selected accommodation, luggage transfer and roadside assistance.
Get ready to discover Europe by bike, at your own pace and with the security of travelling with those who organise everything with care. From the cliffs of southern Portugal to the placid Danube in Central Europe. From the canal through France to the islands of the Adriatic.
1. The most famous cycle route: Passau to Vienna
Germany and Austria : 8 days
This route is a true classic of European cycle touring, and that's no coincidence. The section between Passau and Vienna follows one of the continent's most iconic rivers, always on safe cycle paths, with gentle gradients and a setting that looks like something out of a fairytale.
You start from Passau, known as the "city of three rivers", where the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz meet. From there, the route takes you through forests, farmland and charming villages such as Linz and Melk. In the background, always the murmur of the river.
A must is the Wachau wine region, with its terraced vineyards, ruined castles and the opportunity to taste white wines directly from the producer.
Arriving in Vienna on a bicycle after a week of leisurely cycling is an experience hard to forget. And the contrast between the calm of the road and the imperial elegance of the Austrian capital makes it the perfect finale.
2. From Vienna to Budapest by bike
Austria, Slovakia and Hungary | 8 days
If you want to go one step further and connect three European capitals by pedal stroke, this route is for you. From Vienna via Bratislava to vibrant Budapest, you'll ride through varied landscapes and cross borders almost without realising it.
The route is mostly flat and follows the Danube, with many stops that invite you to rest and explore: medieval castles, nature parks and villages where time seems to have stood still. In Bratislava, you can stroll through the charming old town and enjoy the local cuisine. Then, the journey continues through Hungary's rural landscapes, where the roads become more solitary and authentic.
When you arrive in Budapest, the city welcomes you with its imposing Parliament, its famous spas and an atmosphere that blends history and modernity. It is a perfect route for those who want an active trip with a strong cultural component.
3. Canal du Midi: cycling among vineyards and canals
France : 7 days
The Canal du Midi is a masterpiece of 17th century engineering and an unbeatable backdrop for a cycling trip. This route takes you through the south of France, between Toulouse and Béziers, following the quiet canal-side towpaths flanked by centuries-old plane trees and vineyards.
There's no rush here. You cycle through one of the most beautiful regions of France, enjoying charming little villages, local markets, incredible cheeses and wines you won't find in the supermarkets. The scenery is gentle and the pace relaxed, ideal for those seeking a more contemplative and gastronomic experience.
In addition to the cultural and historical value of the canal - declared a World Heritage Site - what is so enchanting about this route is its atmosphere: there is something deeply comforting about pedalling along the water, between barges and stone bridges, with time standing still.
4. Costa Vicentina: the wild jewel of southern Portugal
Portugal : 7 days
The Costa Vicentina is probably one of the best preserved stretches of coastline in Europe. This route runs through southwest Portugal, from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Sagres, crossing the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. And it does so along paths adapted for trekking bikes, between vertiginous cliffs, lonely beaches and fields of crops that disappear into the horizon.
It is a more physical experience than others on this list, with some steep slopes that make the landscape even more valuable when you reach each summit. But it is also a route that feeds the soul: every day you discover a new wild corner, a hidden tavern, a lighthouse over the sea or a small village where time moves at a different pace.
The end in Sagres, with its fortress on the cliffs and the endless views of the Atlantic, is pure emotion.
5. Dalmatian coast by bike and boat
Croatia : 8 days
What if we told you that you don't have to choose between the sea and cycling? This unique route allows you to discover Croatia's spectacular coastline by combining cycling with sailing aboard a gulet. Each day you wake up on a different island, pedal through the scenery and return to the boat for dinner under the stars.
The Dalmatian islands are a cyclist's paradise: small roads with little traffic, gentle hills, white stone villages and viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Visit places like Hvar, Korčula or Mljet, combining sport, culture and relaxation in every day.
It's a perfect trip for those looking for something different, exclusive, yet accessible. And the feeling of pedalling in the morning and taking a dip in the afternoon in crystal clear waters is not easily forgotten.
Why choose Viando for your cycling trips?
At Viando we take care of everything: verified accommodation, luggage transport, assistance en route, information material and the option of renting bicycles with delivery at destination. So all you have to worry about is what's important: enjoying yourself.
These routes are proof that there are many ways to live a journey on two wheels, beyond the Camino de Santiago. If you liked the Camino, you'll love these experiences. And if it's your first big bike trip, get ready to get hooked.
Ready to pedal Europe with Viando?