Best motorcycle destinations in Europe
Best motorcycle destinations in Europe
Alpine mountain pass roads and historic scenic coastal routes in Europe
Europe is a great place for a motorcycle trip, with short distances between countries, good roads almost everywhere and a new landscape around nearly every bend.
The Alps are the classic choice, and passes like the Stelvio in Italy and the Grossglockner in Austria have dozens of hairpins and amazing views from the top. In Norway, the Atlantic Road and the Trollstigen are short but spectacular, and the long summer days mean you can ride late into the evening. Scotland's North Coast 500 is a favorite for riders who like quiet roads, sea views and small pubs at the end of the day. If you prefer sunshine, the mountain roads of Andalusia and the coastal routes of Sardinia and Corsica have warm weather from spring to autumn.
Many high passes in the Alps are only open from around June to October, so check the opening dates before you plan your route.
Lists by region
Valley in Austria
Ötztal
Majestic alpine valley with crystal lakes
One long valley runs deep into the Tyrol Alps and ends at glaciers above 3,000 metres. The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road climbs from the valley to 2,509 metres on the border with Italy. A toll applies. The road is open from about June to October.
Mountain Range in Italy
Dolomites
Majestic peaks echoing alpine serenity
Pale limestone towers glow pink at sunset in these Italian mountains, which are a World Heritage Site. The Sella Ronda loop circles one huge rock massif over four passes in about 40 kilometres. Pordoi and Gardena passes have wide, smooth bends. Village cafes make easy stops.
Region in Switzerland
Graubünden
Alpine wonderland with pristine lakes and trails
Switzerland's largest canton has more than a hundred valleys and a steady string of high passes. Riders cross the Bernina Pass at 2,328 metres or the Albula Pass at 2,315 metres. Roads here are smooth and well signed. The mountain scenery changes around nearly every bend.
Country
Isle of Man
Temperate island with varied landscapes
Every year in late May and June, riders from across the world race here on closed public roads. The Isle of Man TT has run since 1907 on the 60 kilometre Snaefell Mountain Course. On other days visitors ride the same road, where the mountain section has no speed limit.
Country
Montenegro
Adriatic gem with diverse climates
Few countries this small fit in so many mountains, canyons and coastal bays. The Kotor Serpentine climbs 25 hairpin bends from the bay up towards Mount Lovćen. In the north, roads near Durmitor National Park cross the deep Tara River canyon. Bikers share the road with sheep and little traffic.
Mountain
Pyrenees
Where France meets Spain majestically
The Spanish and French sides of this long range feel like two worlds with different food and village styles. Riders tackle the Col du Tourmalet at 2,115 metres, a famous Tour de France climb. Spanish roads near Ordesa Park have fewer cars. Many passes close by late October.
Region in Italy
Amalfi Coast
Italy's Coastal Gem
Local builders carved a narrow shelf road into steep cliffs here in the 1800s. It still links the towns today. The SS163 winds about 50 kilometres between Sorrento and Salerno past Positano and Ravello. Ride in spring or autumn when traffic is lighter and the sea views stay clear.
Island in France
Corsica
Island of Beauty and Contrast
This mountain island is small but its roads twist so much that short trips take hours. The D81 hugs the west coast past the red granite cliffs of Les Calanches near Piana. Ferries from Marseille, Nice and Genoa carry motorbikes across. Riders then face mountain passes and almost no straight roads.
Region in Germany
Black Forest
Dark woods, lakes and hilltop villages
Dark fir trees cover the hills while the air smells of resin on cool mornings. The Black Forest High Road, known as the B500, runs about 60 kilometres from Baden Baden to Freudenstadt. Riders stop at Mummelsee lake or at roadside inns serving cherry cake. Surfaces are smooth all the way.
Town in Austria
Zell am See
Lakes, Mountains and Alpine Charm
Alpine peaks rise above a blue lake in this Austrian resort town where riders gather each summer. Nearby, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road opened in 1935 and climbs 48 kilometres to 2,504 metres. A toll applies. The road usually stays open from May to early November.
Region in Austria
Tyrol
Alpine paradise in all seasons
Valleys cut deep into the Austrian Alps here. Each one leads to a pass with its own character. The Kühtai road tops out at 2,020 metres and the Hahntennjoch reaches 1,894 metres. Innsbruck makes a handy base. Mountain inns serve hearty dumplings after a long day on the bike.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
On the far southwest tip of Portugal, this coast has warm weather and quiet roads for much of the year. The N125 runs past cliffs and fishing towns towards Sagres and Cape St. Vincent. Inland, curves climb through cork forests to Fóia, the high point of the Monchique hills.
Road in United Kingdom
North Coast 500
Scenic cliffs and rugged coastlines
Scotland launched this route in 2015 to link the far north of the country into one loop. It covers about 830 kilometres from Inverness past empty beaches and sea lochs. The Bealach na Ba pass climbs to 626 metres on a steep single track road. Riders pass crofts and highland cattle.
Lake in Italy
Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake of wonders
Warm air off Italy's largest lake gives the shoreline a mild feel from spring through autumn. The Gardesana road runs along the western shore through tunnels cut into the cliffs. Riders pass lemon groves and lakeside villages such as Limone and Malcesine. Then they turn up into the hills for cooler air.
Town in Ireland
Killarney
Ireland’s Adventure Gateway Town
Lakes, woods and mountains sit close together around this Irish town, so each ride feels short and scenic. The Ring of Kerry loop is about 179 kilometres and passes Ladies View and Moll's Gap. Quiet lanes through the Gap of Dunloe suit slower riding, but buses use the main loop.
Landmark in Sibiu
Transfăgărășan Highway
Scenic mountain route through Romania's heart
Romania built this road in the 1970s as a military route across the Fagaras Mountains. It runs about 90 kilometres and climbs to 2,042 metres near glacial Lake Balea. Hairpins and tunnels give it a wild, remote feel. Snow keeps it closed until around July.
Island in Norway
Lofoten
Dramatic Peaks and Northern Lights
Sharp peaks rise straight from the sea on these islands north of the Arctic Circle. The E10 road crosses bridges and runs through red fishing cabins at Reine and Å. In summer the midnight sun lights the roads from late May to mid July. Traffic is light.
Mountain in Bolzano
Passo dello Stelvio
Majestic alpine vistas and historic passes
Engineers finished this road in the 1820s to link Austria's lands with Lombardy. The Stelvio Pass rises to 2,758 metres and has 48 hairpin bends on its northern side. Bikes crowd the road on summer weekends so riders often start early. The pass is usually open from June to October.
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