Some of Europe’s very best riding is a short stone’s throw away from cities, and a hire car can help you reach these stress-free. Who’s going to say no to less time worrying about logistics and more time riding?
Traditional cycling holidays in places like Majorca have their place, but a city break with excellent riding a short drive away offers the best of both worlds – less training camp, more canapés, cafés and clubs, with a few climbs on the side.
Skyscanner can help you plan the perfect city break for cyclists, with its all-in-one trip planner, including car hire comparison, helping you easily reach unforgettable rides in iconic cycling destinations.
Skyscanner has outlined easy getaways from 10 European top cities by car, and we’ve picked the best for cyclists, including Girona’s favourite climbs, incredible gravel riding near Málaga, and classic lakeside trips near Milan.
Barcelona and Girona
It’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from Barcelona to Girona – home to many pro riders and one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling hubs.
Girona made its name as a road-riding paradise, with quiet climbs such as Els Àngels and Rocacorba drawing both pros and amateurs. Expect to share the road with dozens of other riders on these near-compulsory ascents.
The winding coast road to Tossa de Mar is another classic of the area, but Girona’s newfound identity as a gravel destination has made it the place to ride.
Home to two UCI-level gravel races, endless smooth gravel roads and fantastic singletrack, Girona is the perfect place for an all-in-one riding holiday.
Skyscanner can help plan your visit with local hotel, car hire and flight recommendations.
Girona has a small regional airport with regular flights to European destinations, and Skyscanner’s flight comparison tool makes finding the best option easy.
Curious to explore more? Discover Barcelona and Girona’s best off-the-beaten-track road trips.
Milan, Como and Lake Garda
Milan is served by multiple airports with flights from most major European cities, making it an easy starting point for a cycling break. It’s around an hour’s drive to Lake Como and two hours to Lake Garda – both offering world-class riding and scenery.
Como is home to the Madonna del Ghisallo climb – a pilgrimage for road cyclists thanks to its chapel, cycling museum and sweeping lake views.
The Garda Bike Festival draws riders from across Europe each spring, with closed-road, mountain bike and eMTB events taking place alongside the huge expo. The mountains fringing the shores of the beautiful lake offer incredible riding, while the gentle lakefront roads and bike paths are perfect for family rides.
Skyscanner’s CityBreak Road Trip Planner can line up flights, hire cars and hotels, making it easy to fit in multiple lakes and ride spots in a single trip.
Want to know more? Explore Milan, Como and Garda’s peaceful roads, breathtaking views and little-known riding spots.
Málaga and the Badlands
Well served by most European airports, Málaga’s sunny Andalusian location makes it a fantastic base for a cycling getaway, and a hire car opens up some of the region’s best riding – on and off road.
Head inland for around an hour and you’ll reach the dramatic Badlands, a gravel rider’s dream and one of Europe’s most incredible landscapes.
Home to the Badlands ultra-endurance race, the area’s dry, rugged, desert-like terrain is covered with dirt roads and singletrack – it’s a true bucket list destination for serious gravel riders.
Long a favourite training camp for teams in the off-season, back in Málaga, you can enjoy rubbing shoulders with pros on coastal spins.
Skyscanner’s CityBreak Road Trip Planner helps you line up flights, hire cars and local accommodation, so you can spend more time planning incredible rides and less time stressing over logistics.
Keen for more? Discover the thrill of gravel riding in Málaga and the Badlands.
These our are favourites, but use the City Break tool to plot even more rides and tick off more from your cycling bucket list.
