Looking for a fun, dynamic family activity holiday that ticks everyone’s boxes? A cycling holiday with family in Europe could be just the ticket.
Our summer beach resorts in Greece and Turkey are located in a perfect scenic backdrop to any ride. You can pedal along a gentle coastal path to nearby beaches and villages, or set yourself the challenge of getting to the top of the hills, with the reward of a stunning view (and a downhill ride back to the resort!).
In this article, we’ll give you the low-down on organising a fun-filled family holiday with cycling. Read our top tips for keeping everything rolling along perfectly. It really is just like riding a bike... Once you've done it on holiday, you'll never forget how much fun it was.
Choosing your destination for a family holiday with cycling
Europe offers a wealth of opportunity for scenic cycling, ranging from gentle excursions to challenging climbs. France and Switzerland may be more famous for cycling but Greece and Turkey are hidden gems for road cycling and mountain biking.
Our resorts offer a wide range of options, from gentle excursions to challenging climbs, all set against breathtaking scenery, fringed by lush hills and glistening seas. And you're never far from a historical site, or a charming taverna in a picturesque village. We think there's no better way to visit them than by bike. So whether you're a competitive rider or prefer to take a more leisurely approach, if you're a fan of road cycling or mountain biking - here's why we recommend Greece and Turkey for the ultimate family holiday with cycling.
Greece
Hopping on a bike is one of the best ways to explore the world-renowned history and culture of Greece.
Rhodes
Our Kamari Beach Resort in Rhodes is a top destination for road cycling and mountain biking. The multiple Greek cycling champion Eleni Tsavari is based at Kamari, and leads guided cycling tours, to suit all levels and abilities. Rhodes offers a wide range of routes from easy to more challenging options - our Kamari resort in Rhodes is the only destination, where we offer advanced road cycling tours.
For a gentle introduction to what Rhodes has to offer, there's the popular 15km route along the coast to Pefkas beach. Or you can take on the tougher challenge of the 50km ride to the mountain village of Profilia, and take in some of the most spectacular views on the island.
Guests staying at our Kamari Beach Resort have free use of our new Scott and Canondale bikes, but if you prefer, you can hire at an additional cost one of our premium carbon-frame Cervelo Caledonia road bikes.
Paleros, Ionian Coast
The Paleros Beach Resort is another great option.
Road cyclists can enjoy our popular planned routes, ranging in length from 13 to 65km, and mountain biking, on established tours between 6 and 30km long. A particular favourite among all guests is the beginner level 20km road cycling tour along the Ionian coast to the stunning village of Mytikas, just south of Paleros, where we've found our guests love to stop for coffee and a paddle in the sea before heading back to the resort.
A must for mountain bikers is the 30km-long trip to Monastiraki, through the hills to the beautiful village nestling among the natural springs.
And for the more experienced cyclists, we run a 65km road cycling tour, which offers the challenge of a climb which takes around an hour to complete - but which leads to the reward of spectacular vistas across the island of Lefkas, and the incredible view overlooking the main town of Lefkada.
Lesvos
Our Aeolian Village Beach Resort in Lesvos is an ideal base for road cycling and mountain biking. Lesvos is the third largest Greek island, so it offers a wide range of cycling trails, at easy, moderate and more challenging levels. Our entry-level tour runs for 13km to the picturesque Pithari Monastery, and for more experienced riders, the uphill route to the Ipsilou Monastery offers those who want to take on the challenging climbs a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island.
Lemnos
Lemnos Village Resort is a great base to branch out from and explore the scenic island of Lemnos also known as Limnos. The island’s rolling terrain offers a manageable challenge for all abilities both on and off road. The 30km road ride to the Portiano military cemetery that commemorates those lost in the Gallipoli Campaign is a fan favorite due to its undulating terrain and stop at a local Greek bakery. More demanding rides head up into the hills on the West side of the island for those looking to test their legs.
For those looking to go off-road the 12km ride to Thanos beach offers a perfect introduction to technical riding with a short section of single-track and steep concrete climbs. Later in the week we head to Kontias reservoir for a 35km loop and a stop at a bike themed café before rolling back down to resort.
Turkey
Phokaia Beach Resort in Foça, in the Izmir region, Turkey is known as ‘The 4 Hills’ for a reason. You’ll be challenged by the climbs, but well rewarded with a classic Turkish breakfast as you gaze out over the stunning Turkish Aegean coast. You can road bike or mountain bike, in a sociable group of up to 18 riders, with the chance to soak up the amazing panoramas of the Turkish Rivieria.
Deciding who will be cycling on holiday
Before you book your perfect cycling getaway, there are some logistics to work out—like who’ll be cycling.
Is it experienced cyclists or everyone in the group?
If it’s experienced cyclists that will be cycling on holiday, you’ll need to assess everyone’s ability to ensure you pick a route that suits your group or pairing. You may need to opt for easy routes if you’re going out as a family with older children or more leisurely cyclists, but it’s important to check everyone’s on board before arranging a ride. Please note that our bikes are only available to guests aged 13+. For children aged between 13 & 17 years, a parent or guardian must accompany them on any rides.
If you’re setting off on your own or joining a guided tour, rest assured that your other family members and little ones will have plenty of their own fun at our range of childcare clubs and activities.
But what if the other members of your party are keen to join in on the fun? Great! We have plenty of easy going routes on offer. However, remember to take some time considering how far the other family members will want to cycle, and what destination will inspire them to get pedalling.
For instance, at Paleros Resort in Greece, you could go for an easy ride to the village of Mytikas, where you can take in the vista of the Psili Koryfi mountain against the ocean and have a swim to cool off.
At every resort, there are easy-going, medium or challenging options for road and mountain biking, so you can plan out an itinerary that works for your crew.
How much cycling do you want to do?
The simple answer is - as much or as little as you want. For those looking for the ultimate challenge, take on the 81km road ride from Kolympia to the stunning Seven Springs in Rhodes. You'll ride through natural scenery and forests, and via Eleousa, a small village rich in Italian history and architecture, and onto Seven Springs, where our guided tour stops for refreshments.
For shorter rides, consider the relaxing 15km road tour from our resort in Kamari to the town of Lardos. Or, if you’re feeling energetic and looking for a challenge, why not try the 50km ride to the mountain village of Profilia in Rhodes.
What to expect on a Mark Warner family holiday with cycling
We've made it our mission to make cycling on a Mark Warner holiday as seamless as possible. Our mountain and road bikes are available to guests free of charge but if you would like to bring your own bike, please check with our Sales Team so that the Mark Warner resort and airline can be advised in advance. We recommend booking early as some airlines have limited space for bikes, and our resorts also have limited space for storing bikes.
We also provide helmets, puncture repair kits, and anything else you may need—so you can sit back and enjoy the cycling without worrying about anything going awry. And if you can't leave your competitive spirit at home - our Strava cycling club offers the chance to race against other guests, taking part in our organised challenges, to secure your place on our leaderboards.
Each of our beach resorts Kamari, Lemnos, Aeolian Village, Paleros and Phokaia offer a great choice of guided tours through our cycling programmes to suit all levels. Or, if you’d rather head off on your own, our friendly staff will advise you on where to go and provide you with a map, to make the best out of your day.
6 tips to enjoy cycling on family holidays in Europe
1. Choose the right destination
Select a location for your family holiday that caters to your cycling abilities and interests. Greece and Turkey offer scenic routes with varying levels of difficulty, ensuring there's something for everyone, from beginners to advanced cyclists.
2. Choose appropriate routes
Our friendly staff know all the local routes and are on hand to advise on where to to go. Haven’t cycled in a while? We’ll give you a choice of easier and shorter rides. Experienced riders who love nothing more than working up a sweat? You can find more challenging routes in the surrounding area.
3. Use quality equipment
It’s key that everyone uses a well-maintained bike that fits them properly. That’s why we provide a range of high quality mountain bikes and road bikes, along with helmets and repair kits.
4. Consider guided tours
Take advantage of guided tours, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Our cycle guides can provide local insights, safety tips, and ensure you see the best sights without getting lost. Each of our resorts Kamari, Lemnos, Aeolian Village, Paleros and Phokaia holidays are great for guided cycle tours.
5. Include rest days and other activities
Plan for rest days and sample some of our other fun activities. Our carefully hand-picked beach resorts offer a wide range of watersports, tennis, padel & pickleball, a fitness programme as well as stylish accommodation, free childcare and kids clubs and much more - meaning it doesn't only have to be about the bike!
6. Pack essentials for comfort and safety
Bring essential items like sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks to stay hydrated and energised. Make sure everyone wears appropriate clothing such as flat-soled shoes and protective gear, and always carry a first aid kit and a basic repair kit just in case any minor issues might arise. Rest easy knowing our resorts will also always provide basic repair kits for you to use. Check out our guide to the ultimate family holiday packing list to make sure you don’t miss anything!
FAQs for family holidays with cycling in Europe
Which European country is best for cycling?
While there are many European countries which are excellent for cycling, our resorts in Greece and Turkey are ideal destinations for family holidays. At Mark Warner’s Phokaia Beach Resort in Foca, Izmir, our cycling guide will take you over the hills and ensure you hit a cafe in a scenic spot with spectacular views of the Aegean coast on your way. Our resorts in Greece, Kamari, Paleros, Lesvos and Lemnos, offer a good range of cycling routes to suit all levels, from easy-going, moderate and challenging on road bikes and mountain bikes. Kamari offers the cherry-on-top for road cycling enthusiasts: guests can ride alongside our guide, Eleni Tsavari, a national Greek cycling champion.
How do I plan a cycling tour?
Planning a cycling tour starts with assessing your group’s needs. How far can each member of the family cycle? Will they want to mountain bike or stay on the roads? Our team of guides at each resort are on hand to offer advice and maps for the day.
It’s also crucial to make sure you’ve got the appropriate gear. We provide high quality bikes, so you can avoid the hassle of travelling with equipment, as well as helmets, tyre levers, spare inner tubes and anything else to keep you rolling safely.
Factoring in rest days is also important. It’s key to leave some flexibility in the itinerary, especially when you’re on holiday with children. Our activity holidays allow you to set your own pace, whether it is planning your own cycling route, joining a guided cycling tour, trying your hand at another sport or relaxing on a beach.
Book your next holiday with cycling to Europe with Mark Warner
Ready to book a cycling holiday in Europe? Our carefully chosen locations and range of high-quality equipment are the perfect recipe for an energising, active cycling programme on the beautiful Greek and Turkish coastlines.
With experienced guides and social group rides, the keenest cyclists can push themselves in challenging terrain. Meanwhile, our easy-going routes make sure everyone can get in on the fun together.
Book your next holiday with us and check out our cycling programmes. Or, if another sport is more up your street, explore the wide range of activities on offer at each of the resorts.
