Shipping Your Bike to Europe's Best Cycling Destinations

Planning a cycling holiday in Europe? We've selected 9 incredible destinations where having your own bike makes all the difference. Instead of dealing with airline fees and luggage hassles, shipping your bike directly to your destination lets you focus on what matters, enjoying Europe's most spectacular cycling routes.

For cycling enthusiasts planning European adventures, we've compiled the most breathtaking destinations where shipping your bike ahead makes perfect sense. From Mallorca's mountain climbs to Norway's Arctic landscapes, these cycling paradises are best experienced on the bike you know and trust.

Mallorca, Spain

Known as Europe's winter training ground for professional cyclists, Mallorca offers the perfect blend of challenging mountain routes and scenic coastal roads. The island's crown jewel for cyclists is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site with winding roads that climb through picturesque villages and offer stunning Mediterranean vistas.

Why ship your bike here: While Mallorca has rental options, the demanding climbs of Sa Calobra and Puig Major are best tackled on your own precisely fitted bike. Having your equipment waiting at your accommodation means you can start exploring immediately upon arrival, rather than wasting precious holiday time sorting out rentals.

Girona, Spain

There's a reason why hundreds of professional cyclists have made Girona their training base, this Catalan city offers the perfect blend of year-round good weather, varied terrain, and cycling-friendly culture. From the rolling countryside routes to challenging coastal climbs along the Costa Brava, Girona provides endless cycling possibilities within a relatively compact area.

Why ship your bike here: Girona's cycling community means you'll be in good company, but it also means you'll want your own trusted steed to keep up with the locals on those group rides. While rentals are available, nothing beats the performance and comfort of your own bike for exploring the countless routes that radiate from this cycling hub.

The Dolomites, Italy

For those seeking truly epic mountain scenery, the Dolomites deliver breathtaking beauty with every pedal stroke. This cycling mecca in northern Italy offers legendary climbs featured in the Giro d'Italia, including the Passo dello Stelvio, Passo Giau, and Sella Ronda circuit. The combination of jagged limestone peaks, verdant valleys, and charming Alpine villages creates an unforgettable backdrop for cycling adventures.

Why ship your bike here: The technical descents and challenging gradients of the Dolomites demand a bike you're completely comfortable with. Local rental options can be limited outside major towns, and having your personal bike shipped directly to your accommodation ensures you're ready to tackle those bucket-list climbs without compromise.

Tuscany, Italy

With its cypress-lined roads, rolling hills, and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany represents cycling at its most romantic. The iconic 'strade bianche' (white gravel roads) offer a unique riding experience through vineyards and olive groves, while the challenging climbs of Chianti provide spectacular views that reward your efforts. All this combined with world-class cuisine and wine makes for an unbeatable cycling holiday.

Why ship your bike here: Tuscany's varied surfaces, from smooth tarmac to the distinctive white gravel roads, call for a bike you're completely comfortable handling. If you're planning to tackle sections of the famous L'Eroica route, having your own bike with suitable tyres is particularly valuable. Additionally, rural Tuscan accommodations may be far from rental facilities, making pre-shipping your bike the most convenient option.

Loire Valley, France

For those who prefer gentle pedalling punctuated by cultural experiences, the Loire Valley's flat riverside paths and quiet country roads are ideal. This UNESCO World Heritage region is famous for its magnificent châteaux, picturesque villages, and vineyard-draped landscapes, all easily accessible by bike. The Loire à Vélo route stretches over 900 kilometres, allowing cyclists to explore at their own pace.

Why ship your bike here: While the terrain may not be as demanding as mountain regions, comfort is key when cycling long distances daily. Having your own bike fitted to your precise measurements makes those daily 50+ kilometre rides a pleasure rather than a pain. Plus, with many small villages along the route, quality rental options can be scarce.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal's southern coast offers some of Europe's most reliable winter sunshine, making it perfect for off-season cycling holidays. The diverse landscape includes coastal paths with Atlantic views, challenging climbs in the Monchique mountains, and quiet countryside roads winding through orange groves and whitewashed villages.

Why ship your bike here: The Algarve's varied terrain makes having your own bike with familiar gearing especially valuable. Whether climbing the challenging Fóia mountain or cruising along coastal roads, your personal bike allows you to enjoy the region's diversity without compromise. Plus, shipping your bike means avoiding the logistical headache of transport connections to this somewhat remote region.

Scottish Highlands

For those seeking a more rugged adventure, Scotland's Highlands offer some of Europe's most dramatic landscapes and quietest roads. The North Coast 500 route has gained fame as Scotland's answer to Route 66, while purpose-built mountain biking trails in places like Fort William provide world-class off-road experiences. Expect misty mountains, ancient castles, and serene lochs as your cycling companions.

Why ship your bike here: Scotland's changeable weather and challenging terrain make having reliable, familiar equipment essential. Mountain bikers especially will appreciate having their own suspension settings dialled in for the technical trails. Additionally, shipping your bike removes the stress of transporting it on multiple trains or internal flights to reach these remote but rewarding destinations.

Lake District, England

England's largest national park offers a compact yet challenging cycling destination with incredible diversity. The Lake District combines mountain passes like Hardknott (one of the UK's steepest roads at 33% gradient), serene lakeside paths, and charming stone-built villages. Cyclists can enjoy routes that inspired literary giants like Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, with stunning vistas around every corner.

Why ship your bike here: The Lake District's notoriously steep passes demand perfect gearing and a bike you trust implicitly. Having your own machine shipped directly to your accommodation in Ambleside, Keswick or Windermere means you can focus on conquering those challenging ascents without worrying about unfamiliar equipment. Plus, the narrow, winding roads make transporting a bike box by car particularly cumbersome, another hassle eliminated by shipping ahead.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

For truly unique cycling experiences, Norway's breathtaking Lofoten archipelago offers otherworldly landscapes under the midnight sun. These islands feature dramatic mountain peaks plunging into fjords, pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages with red rorkbu cabins, and smooth, quiet roads. Cycling here between May and August means potential 24-hour daylight for extended adventures.

Why ship your bike here: The remote Arctic location of Lofoten makes quality bike rentals extremely limited. Having your personal bike shipped directly to these islands eliminates multiple transport connections (flights, ferries) where damage risk is high. Weather conditions can change rapidly, making familiar equipment crucial for safety and enjoyment. The unique light conditions and stunning scenery also make this a photographer's paradise, a journey worthy of your very best cycling equipment.

Getting Your Bike There

While these destinations offer amazing cycling experiences, travelling with a bike can be tricky. Airlines often charge significant fees for transporting bikes, and that's before factoring in the hassle of lugging a bulky bike box through airports and transit connections.

This is where Send My Bag's bike shipping service transforms your travel experience. By shipping your bike directly to your accommodation, you can:

• Avoid excessive airline bike fees

• Travel light and stress-free through airports

• Have your bike waiting upon arrival, ready to ride

• Enjoy peace of mind with full tracking and insurance options

• Return home the same way, without the post-holiday luggage struggle

Our service covers all the European destinations mentioned, with competitive rates that frequently beat airline charges. Simply pack your bike properly in a hard-shell bike box or sturdy cardboard box (following our comprehensive guide on how to ship a bike), and we'll handle the rest.

Planning Your Perfect Cycling Holiday

For the best experience, we recommend arranging for your bike to arrive at least 3 days before you do. This buffer ensures your equipment is waiting for you, even if unexpected delays occur. Most hotels and resorts are happy to store your bike box until your arrival.

Remember to check the specific customs requirements for your destination on our website, especially for Switzerland, Norway and other non-EU European countries where additional paperwork may be needed.

Whether you're dreaming of conquering iconic Tour de France climbs, meandering through vineyard-lined paths, or exploring rugged coastlines under the midnight sun, shipping your bike ahead transforms the logistics of your cycling holiday from challenging to effortless.

Ready to ship your bike to your dream European cycling destination? Get a quick quote now and discover how affordable and convenient bike shipping can be.