Bike tours by the sea
17 tours see all tours
IN BRIEF
A sea holiday... with a bike
A coastal cycling holiday doesn’t mean giving up the beach — it means earning it. Pedal along the Adriatic and Mediterranean coastlines, discover charming harbour towns, swim in crystal-clear bays, and soak up the sun on some of Europe’s most beautiful shores. Whether you prefer a self-guided cycling tour or a bike and barge holiday where your floating hotel follows you from island to island, we have an active seaside escape for every pace and every taste.
Coastal cycling and island hopping: Italy, Croatia, Greece
From the Adriatic coast of Puglia and Salento to the islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and the turquoise waters of the Greek Ionian Islands — the Mediterranean is made for exploring by bike and boat. Girolibero takes care of all the organisation: hotels or barge accommodation, luggage transfer, bike rental, maps and GPS tracks, and seven-day-a-week assistance. All you need to do is choose your coastline and start pedalling.
Tours
Italy (5 tours)
From the Venice Lagoon to the heel of the Italian boot, Italy’s coastline offers cycling experiences as varied as the country itself. Follow the northern Adriatic from Venice to Croatia through centuries of Venetian history, or head south to Puglia and Salento, where crystal-clear waters, whitewashed trulli and some of Italy’s finest beaches await. And for those who want to combine cycling with the Eternal City: our Rome tour follows the ancient Appian Way all the way to the Tyrrhenian coast.
Greece (5 tours)
Sun-drenched islands, ouzo, fresh fish and the deep blue of the Ionian and Aegean Seas — Greece is the ultimate bike and barge destination. Explore the Ionian Islands from Corfu to Cephalonia, island-hop through the Cyclades and Saronic Gulf, or follow the Gulf of Corinth from Athens northward. Your barge is your floating hotel: breakfast and dinner on board, a new island every morning.
Croatia (7 tours)
Croatia has it all: over a thousand islands, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, medieval harbour towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites at every turn. Our bike and barge tours explore the best of the Dalmatian coast and the Kvarner Bay, combining daily cycling stages with relaxed cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Discover more about bike and barge tours in Croatia
FAQ
How does a bike tour with Girolibero work?
Our promise to those who travel with us is this: cycle easy, travel light. These words capture the essence of what we do. Choose your favourite cycling holiday and leave the rest to us: itinerary, accommodation in hotels or barges, luggage transfer between stops and multilingual dedicated assistance. If you choose a self-guided cycling tour, you follow the stages at your own pace with route maps; if you join a group tour, just follow your guide.
Which coastal destinations does Girolibero cover?
Our seaside tours take you to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. In Italy: the Adriatic coast from Venice to Croatia, the Puglia and Salento coastline, and Rome’s Tyrrhenian shore via the Appian Way. Outside Italy: the Dalmatian coast and islands of Croatia, and the Ionian Islands of Greece. Each destination has its own character — history, food, terrain — so the hardest part is choosing just one.
Can I combine cycling with swimming and sightseeing?
Absolutely. Our coastal tours are designed to give you the best of both: active days in the saddle and plenty of time to explore harbour towns, stop for a swim, or linger over lunch with a glass of local white wine.
How do I follow the route?
On self-guided bike tours, we provide everything you need to find your way: detailed maps and route descriptions, in printed or digital format depending on the trip. Some trips also include the Ride with GPS app, with GPS tracks and route content, available offline too. On guided group tours, your guide takes care of everything — you just follow along.
Can I rent a bike or should I bring my own?
You can rent the bike that suits you best — it will be ready and waiting at your starting point. You can choose between an e-bike and a standard bike and, if you’re travelling with family, there are plenty of accessories for children of all ages, from child seats to bike trailers. On some trips you can also bring your own bicycle. Check the trip page for full details on available bikes.
Do you provide e-bikes?
Yes, on almost all our trips you can rent an electric bike — a great help when the stages are hilly or when the heat kicks in. If you want to find out more before deciding, our blog has everything you need to know about e-bikes: how they work and why you might want to choose one.
How does the luggage transfer work?
Every morning you leave your luggage at the reception desk and we take care of transporting it to your next accommodation. We will provide you with luggage labels and drop-off times. During the day, you can carry your essentials in the side bag provided with your rental bike. The service is always included in the price. Cycling light makes all the difference.
If you choose a bike and barge tour, your luggage stays on board.
What is included in the price of your bike tours?
Every bike tour includes: handpicked accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfer, route materials and multilingual assistance. Depending on the trip, you can add extra services to your quote, such as bike rental, meals, extra nights and transfers.
What kind of support do you provide during the trip?
From the moment you book until you’re back home, we’ve got you covered. On self-guided trips, it is good to be prepared for the small mechanical hiccups that come with cycling — that’s why we provide a full repair kit with everything you need to handle a flat tire on your own. For anything else, our support line is available 7 days a week, from 8 AM to 8 PM. If your trip is run in partnership with a local operator, we will give you their direct contact too, so you can sort things out on the ground without going through us.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it. A good policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and cycling-specific incidents. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently before your trip.
How can I book?
It is simple: choose your trip, get your quote, and book directly online by filling in the required details and paying a deposit by credit card or bank transfer. Within 3 working days we will send you a confirmation email or an update. If you have any questions or doubts, get in touch. We are available by phone or email.
Discover more
Cycling in Europe
Bicycle routes and bicycle touring routes are opened every year with dedicated services for cyclists, refreshment places, hotels for cyclists, easy-to-follow route directions
See all toursBike and barge tours
A holiday along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with bike days and overnight stays in a hotel-float that follows cyclists stage by stage
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