Moto Getaway Smart Motorcycle Touring and Travel
Mountain passes, beautiful coasts, vivid towns… Avid motorcyclists in search of breathtaking scenic roads and towns in Europe should not miss these top 10 destinations that will leave you craving more. Europe has some of the best motorcycling roads in the world; be sure to check them all out.
1. European Alps
Stretching from Slovenia and Austria in the east, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein and France in the west, and Italy in the south, these hundreds of millions of years old mountains formed as the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. They will brush your mountain carving skills and make you plan your route in detail, as there are more than one hundred mountain passes to see and conquer. Be sure to visit them in the summer as most of the breathtaking passes are closed for traffic in the colder parts of the year. The European Alps may be the most attractive motorcycling region in the world. If you love mountains, you will fall in love with the Alps.
2. Norway
Norway is located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula between the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. With spectacular fjords and lakes, thousands of islands and unforgettable mountains, Norway will give you something to talk to your grandchildren about. Climates and temperatures vary widely between the regions. Be sure to visit it around July since it’s nice and warm during the day and mild during the night. Wild and untamed countryside awaits you on this amazing Viking adventure. For the more adventurous, North Cape (the northernmost point of Europe) will bring quite the challenge. Be sure to bring a good digital camera as dramatic scenery will follow you throughout your journey.
3. Pyrenees
This natural border between France and Spain located in southwest Europe extends for more than 490 km from the Bay of Biscay (Cap Higuer) to the Mediterranean Sea (Cap de Creus). Small glaciers, lakes, rivers and a huge number of valleys and canyons, the Pyrenees mountain range has it all. Be sure to check the small principality of Andorra in the eastern portion of the mountain range between the Spanish Pyrenees and French Pyrenees. On the French side, there are medieval cities, monasteries and castles, and on the Spanish side the beautiful city of Barcelona and Pamplona. When planning your next motorcycle journey keep all of this in mind and don’t miss this breathtaking motorcycle experience.
4. Corsica and Sardinia
These two beautiful islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, will take your breath away. Corsica is one of the 27 regions of France. For many travelers, Corsica is a unique experience with its beautiful coast composed of 200 beaches with crystal clear sea, mixed with a mountainous region with the highest peak at 2,706m (8,878 ft.). The two islands are separated by 11 km (6.8 m) that can be crossed from the town of Bonifacio, perched on sand stone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy. Be prepared to have a hard time keeping your eyes on the road; with its wild natural beauty, Sardinia’s coasts (1,849 km (1,149 m)) and its mountain ranges will amaze you. Both of these islands are great to visit during spring time—when prices are lower and bendy roads are empty, it’s a biker’s dream.
5. Croatian Coast
Croatia is a small European country on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea. The magical Croatian coast is well known for its winding roads, beautiful scenery, more than 1000 islands and Mediterranean cuisine. There is much to see in the rest of Croatia as it offers beautiful places such as Plitvice Lakes National Park and monument cities like Split and Dubrovnik. This is one of those adventures that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
6. Italy (Tuscany, Rome, Sicily)
Located in Southern Europe, Italy, with its well known moto-centric culture, beautiful renaissance cities, ancient volcanic lakes, great food and wine and romance filling the air, is one of those must see countries. From the eye appealing Tuscany to ancient Rome, traveling down to Sicily are among the best scenic roads in the world, be sure not to miss them.
7. Côte d’Azur, Provence (French Riviera)
From the world renowned Circuit de Monaco to the beaches of Saint-Tropez, the scenic French Riviera offers eye appealing cities, such as Monte Carlo and Cannes, a hot Mediterranean climate, some of the best wines in the world and great bendy roads for ultimate motorcycling pleasure. Provence, a region in the south of France, with its green landscapes will test your focus on the road with its sunny scenic back roads.
8. UK, Ireland
History, heritage and fantastic riding roads are a few words to describe this destination.
With the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, scenic Lake District in North West England and the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, the UK boasts not-to-be-missed motorcycle touring routes.
As if that is not enough, be sure to visit the world’s cultural capital—London.
Ireland is a beautiful historic island that will help you escape the norm and discover your adventurous side in its unspoiled, rugged, wild and beautiful scenery guaranteeing a memorable ride.
Be sure to pack a rain suit on this journey as variable weather can surprise you at any moment. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the world renowned Isle of Man Island, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, where the famous motorcycle race “Isle of Man Tourist Trophy” is annually held.
9. Greece
Lose yourself in the ancient history of Greece, located in Southern Europe. Visit Olympia and Sparta in Peloponnese, a large peninsula and geographic region in southern Greece, and explore its breathtaking temples and attractions. Central Greece offers beautiful mountains and lakes that, together with its curvy roads, make this motorcycle tour a paradise. Greece is the country of history and will surely give you an experience to talk about. Be sure to visit the ancient city of Athens and some of Greece’s numerous islands.
10. Spain, Portugal
Sunny and beautiful Spain and Portugal, located in the Iberian Peninsula (extreme south-west of Europe), offer stunning scenic roads and rich history to explore. The beauty of these diverse countries will unleash your adventurous spirit and leave you craving more. All adventure seekers must be sure not to miss this great ride and a historic experience spiced with delicious food and wine, old castles, churches and monasteries.
Depending on your available time and budget, you can combine some of these unforgettable journeys together, also don’t forget to bring a good camera with additional memory and batteries, every one of these destinations is something you will want to remember for the rest of your life.
So there you go, I hope I gave you something to think about or at least to plan about.
Do you think I missed a great motorcycle touring destination in Europe? Find anything better than to what I have to offer? Please share in the comments below.
Image: Anna-Mari West/Bigstock.com
