Christmas Bike Holidays: Is It Possible?
Absolutely! Winter doesn’t mean you have to stop cycling or give up on planning an unforgettable bike vacation. Many destinations await, requiring only a bit of organization, curiosity, and awareness of your preferred conditions. Here are 10 ideas for spending the upcoming Christmas holidays on two wheels, both in Italy and abroad, tailored to your desired temperatures.
#summerlovers
Sun, warmth, and maybe even the sea—these are the essential ingredients for a winter holiday if you belong to the summer lovers’ team. Let’s start from the closest destinations and move further away.
1. Morocco
Morocco offers postcard-worthy routes through its diverse landscapes. Whether cycling in cities or across the Atlas Mountains, the experience is thrilling. Near Agadir and Marrakech, national parks like Talassemtane attract mountain bikers seeking exhilarating challenges.
For a seaside escape, explore the Mediterranean coast between Tangier and Melilla, with a stop in the blue-painted alleys of Chefchaouen. Alternatively, head west along the Atlantic coast, visiting cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Agadir, combining historic charm with surfing adventures.
2. Canary Islands
A perennial favorite for “endless summer” cycling, the Canary Islands offer routes for all levels.
In Tenerife, mountain biking enthusiasts can explore approximately 200 kilometers of trails that wind through the island’s diverse landscapes, including mountain areas like the Corona Forestal. The network of paths offers numerous combinations, easily accessible by both public transport and car. For road cycling enthusiasts, the island boasts a well-maintained, extensive, and uncrowded cycling network, with winding roads perfect for those seeking challenges and excitement. Tenerife is also a key training destination for professional cyclists, who often choose the island to prepare for events like the Tour de France, World Championships, and the Olympics, making it possible to encounter them along the routes.
Gran Canaria, on the other hand, in addition to its iconic landscapes, offers a truly enticing combination: wine routes and cycling routes. With over forty different grape varieties, the island’s unique terrain and climate provide an extraordinary viticultural richness, featuring evocative names such as Listán Negro, Marmajuelo, Breval, Moscatel de Alejandría, and Malvasía Volcánica, which are already part of a globally unique wine heritage.
3. AlUla, Saudi Arabia
AlUla is a historic oasis located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, renowned for its breathtaking desert landscapes and archaeological sites, including Hegra, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Inter-Urban Cycling Track in AlUla, a 45-kilometer route recently inaugurated as part of Saudi Arabia’s outdoor sports initiative, offers a unique experience for cyclists of all skill levels. Starting at the AlFareed roundabout and ending at the Camel Cup area, this safe path, separated from vehicular traffic, allows cyclists to fully immerse themselves in the region’s stunning scenery. Along the way, riders can admire historical sites and natural landscapes, bearing witness to AlUla’s ancient heritage and historical significance.
At the end of the track lies the Camel Cup grounds, where the annual camel race takes place, celebrating Saudi culture.
4. Rwanda
Rwanda will host the Road Cycling World Championships 2025 – first time for Africa – and is emerging as a new destination to explore by bike.
You may not know this, but Rwanda is the Land of a Thousand Hills. It’s a fantastic destination for off-the-beaten-path cycling, with a seemingly endless network of trails and roads crisscrossing the country. Exploring the Rwandan countryside by bike is an authentic and rewarding way to connect with the local people and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
The most renowned route is probably the Congo Nile Trail, a 227km itinerary that runs almost parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the entire journey takes about five days, but it’s possible to complete individual stages for those with less time or who prefer a shorter excursion. It’s advisable to rely on specialized operators for personalized itineraries along this trail and in other locations, such as Kigali and Musanze
5. Australia
For those who want to experience winter on the other side of the planet, Australia is the perfect destination. While there are countless possibilities across the continent, we suggest two: one for city lovers and another for nature enthusiasts.
Melbourne To explore the beauty of Melbourne, you can follow the Capital City Trail along the Yarra River from Southbank. This route takes you through the city and the neighborhoods of Richmond, Burnley, and Collingwood, then along the Merri Creek through Clifton Hill and the old railway loop of the city, Royal Park, and Moonee Ponds Creek, returning to the Yarra at Southbank. Along the way, you can stop at numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants or visit attractions like the Polly Woodside, the Melbourne Star, and other attractions in the city center and nearby areas.
Royal National Park If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature, encounter animals, and admire the lush vegetation of the country, we recommend exploring the trails of Royal National Park. Located in New South Wales, Australia, 32 km south of Sydney, it offers experienced cyclists about 70 km of trails.
#winterlovers: beyond the snow
For those who love classic winter experiences, with snow, cold, and a warm fire upon returning from an excursion, we have some ideas for you.
6. Lombardy: Valtellina Between Snow and Thermal Baths
For those seeking an alternative to skiing for a long weekend in the mountains, fat biking, even in its electric version, is a fun and original option. Santa Caterina Valfurva, nestled in the heart of the Alps, is the ideal destination for this type of adventure, thanks to the scenic trails of the Stelvio National Park. The well-groomed trails are suitable for various skill levels, from easier ones for beginners to challenging routes for experienced cyclists.
One of the most evocative excursions is the one in Val Viola, perfect for a relaxing, slow-paced excursion. The trail winds through snowy landscapes, enchanting lakes, and mountain refuges, offering a unique experience in a breathtaking natural setting. The valley, dotted with characteristic stone and wood huts, is also accessible to children and beginners thanks to its gentle slopes. Along the way, you can admire the imposing peaks like Cima Piazzi, Cima Viola, and Cima Dosdé, which exceed 3000 meters in height and frame this corner of alpine paradise.
And at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than a relaxing break at the Bormio Thermal Baths.
7. Veneto: Cortina for Christmas Markets
In winter, you can also go fat biking in Cortina and its beautiful surroundings. The routes wind along forest roads and mountain trails, prepared with snowcat or snowmobile tracks to ensure optimal conditions. The itineraries are designed by specialized local agencies to lead participants to the numerous alpine refuges in the area or to cozy mountain pastures, where you can stop for a break and enjoy typical dishes.
After the ride, participants can immerse themselves in the Christmas atmosphere by visiting the characteristic Cortina Christmas markets, where handicrafts, local flavors, and festive lights perfectly complement the day.
8. Friuli Venezia Giulia: Val Saisera
Val Saisera, bordering Austria and Slovenia, is characterized by an enchanting ancient forest. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can choose between fat biking or snowshoeing, following the trail marked by the Wild Track, a 11 km loop easily accessible even for those with little experience. The itinerary offers total immersion in nature, with the silence of the snowy forest broken only by natural sounds and the rays of the winter sun illuminating the peaks of the Montasio and Jof Fuart mountains.
The route is easy and takes about 4 hours, with a maximum elevation gain of 250 meters. The path crosses the evocative forest and intersects the Great War Theme Park “Abschnitt Saisera”. Along the way, there are refreshment points, and you can rent the necessary equipment for fat biking excursions.
A Springtime Alternative
We haven’t forgotten those who prefer warmer temperatures and closer destinations. Here are two more ideas for the next Christmas holidays on a bike.
9. Puglia: Winter Bikepacking
By train, you can reach Gioia del Colle and from there follow a loop through classic destinations and lesser-known places, largely following the Acquedotto Cycle Path to the extreme point of Santa Maria di Leuca, then ascending along the Adriatic coast.
The first stage leads to Grottaglie, passing through the trulli of Alberobello and the vineyards of Locorotondo, amidst landscapes characterized by typical dry stone walls and farmhouses. Continuing, you reach Nardò, a city known for its spectacular Piazza Salandra and Puglian gastronomic tradition.
From the Ionian coast, the journey continues towards Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy, and Otranto, to the bauxite quarry and the Alimini Lakes Nature Reserve, places that pay homage to the natural diversity of Salento. After at least one day dedicated to exploring Lecce, the Baroque city, you get back on the saddle for the final stretch towards Ostuni, passing through the picturesque towns of Cisternino and Martina Franca, until closing the circuit back in Gioia del Colle.
10. Sardinia: The Way of Santa Barbara
The Way of Santa Barbara is one of the most evocative cycle paths in Sardinia, extending for over 500 kilometers (more than 600 with variations) through the unique and fascinating landscapes of Sulcis Iglesiente. This itinerary is divided into 9 stages, each offering something special, from natural beauty to historical testimonies, allowing travelers to discover an authentic and little-known side of the island. One of the main attractions along the way is represented by the ancient mines, such as those of Montevecchio and Rosas.
The route also touches numerous archaeological sites, witnesses to the ancient history of Sardinia. Among these, the Necropolis of Montessu stands out, a complex of prehistoric tombs carved into the rock, and the evocative remains of Nuragic constructions, typical of the Nuragic civilization that inhabited the island millennia ago.
Last but not least, the path offers spectacular views of the coasts and beaches of Sardinia, with views of the crystal-clear sea and stops in places of extraordinary beauty. Among the most famous are the dunes of Piscinas and Porto Pino, with its turquoise waters.
