A guide to the best cycling destinations accessible by yacht

Like Drive to Survive, the Netflix docuseries Tour de France: Unchained has tapped into a new audience of sports fans. Capturing the imagination of more than just existing cycling enthusiasts and making what was once a niche sport appeal to a much wider audience. So much so, that cycling could be the new golf as it becomes more than a means of getting fit by biking to work or leisurely weekend jaunts in the country with the children.

Whether you would like to take the family on one of the famous stages of the Tour in the South of France and follow in the path of champions or plan on tackling the mountainous Spanish Mediterranean island of Mallorca, a superyacht charter provides the perfect platform for those looking to take to the open road on two wheels.  

The French Riviera

The hinterland of the French Riviera is always one of the most iconic sections of the Tour de France, and understandably so. Located between the south of the French Alps and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the area offers varied topography and levels to suit all cycling capabilities.  

For beginners, the roads between Hyères and Menton offer stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean and are quite level, while the more demanding Col de la Madone climb in the hills behind is far from easy. A testing ground for pros, it’s a near constant seven percent climb for over nine miles from the seaside town of Menton at sea level up to the summit at 916m.   

Whether you want to combine a leisurely few days cruising the coastline with just a couple of relaxed rides ashore or go for the hard nine-mile Col de la Madone climb, rest assured your crew will be ready to welcome you back on board with cool refreshments and rejuvenating treatments.  

The Amalfi Coast, Italy 

The mountainous region of Amalfi is almost limitless in its cycling possibilities. From routes that take in the colourful fishing ports that hug the dramatic coastline to inland roads dotted with ancient ruins, the roads here can take riders right along the beautiful coast and into the heartland of the hills.  

Take the winding coastal Strada Statal (or Amalfitana as it is also known), from Salerno all the way to Sorrento, passing through most of the coastal towns, including the famed Positano, Ravello and Amalfi itself. Its long, winding descents combined with the sea breeze make for a great cycle ride. There are plenty of opportunities to join your yacht at any point along the way should you choose to break up the 50-mile ride and take in the stunning towns from a different perspective.  

Alternatively, if cruising further south, why not take a detour from Salerno to visit Paestum’s temples. From here, you can cycle the scenic route from Paestum along the Amalfi Coast to Marina di Camerota, past pretty fishing villages and across the verdant Cilento National Park. This relatively easy cycle route hugs the coastline in parts, veering inland and passing picturesque vineyards and olive groves along the way.  

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands have long been a yachting paradise, attracting the waterborne with their steady easterly trade winds and an abundance of sheltered anchorages. Today, this archipelago of more than 50 islands and islets has also garnered a reputation as a destination for cycling enthusiasts from all over the world.  

Combine a superyacht charter around the main islands with some cycling activities ashore and discover all the islands have to offer. With the longest bike trail being just five miles long and an ascent of 209m, the BVI is not a cycling destination for pros or even those looking for a challenging cycling holiday. However, while cruising the BVI take the opportunity to test those pedals and see if a more active cycling yacht charter is for you.  

Almost every one of the 50 islands have hiking trails that lend themselves well to cycling, the longest being the five-mile, point-to-point trail that starts near Tortola’s Road Town and leads to Brandywine Bay Beach. This moderately challenging route takes a couple of hours and is the perfect introduction to the kind of topography and scenery you will encounter while in the BVI. Other popular cycling (and hiking) trails include the Halks Nest Walk on Guana Island, and the Beef Island Loop from Trellis to Little Mountain and back, taking riders along both dirt track roads and trails.  

Finale Ligure, Italy

The stretch of coastline between Monaco and Portofino has it all – shimmering light, southern heat and northern Italian elegance. While cruising from the French Riviera to the idyllic Portofino and the vertiginous Italian Riviera, why not spend a few days ashore exploring the area behind Finale Ligure. Home of the Enduro World Series, the town is right by the sea and has easy access to some of the world’s best mountain bike trails running through forests and along mountain ridges.  

Surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, the Finale Ligure trails range from dirt and cobbled roads to single file tracks and paths with a variety for all different levels. It is even possible to ride all the way down single tracks to the sea and then tender to your yacht at anchor without going near a road.  

La Ruta de los Conquistadores, Costa Rica

From zip-lining and horse riding in rainforests to scuba diving and surfing, Costa Rica is a natural playground for adventurous yacht charters. One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, whereas a superyacht charter allows you to discover a variety of cruising areas only accessible to the waterborne, a mountain bike also allows you to access areas of the jungle-clad interior that are otherwise inaccessible.  

The most famous cycling route in Costa Rica, La Ruta de los Conquistadores is known as one of the world’s toughest rides, and rightfully so. The 250-mile route traverses Costa Rica from the west coast to the Caribbean, with steep mountain climbs, valley descents, humidity, muddy trails and rivers to cross. Rather than taking part in the challenging, multi-stage race that takes place annually over three days, head ashore during a superyacht charter and ride part of the route for a glimpse of the real Costa Rica.  

Croatia

With its unspoiled nature, secret coves, thousands of islands, and one of the most indented coastlines in the world, Croatia is the perfect destination for a superyacht charter combined with a cycling tour. At first sight the coast appears to be nothing but scrub, rock and pine trees, but step ashore and the scrub becomes a carpet of cedar and cypress forests with hiking and cycling trails galore. 

While cruising along the Istrian coastline to the north, head to the coastal town of Rovinj (the Croatian Saint-Tropez) and the stunning Pula, home to the world’s sixth largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Further south, the Dalmatian coast is the eastern Mediterranean’s take on the French Riviera, with crystal clear waters and some of the most popular islands, including Brač, Hvar and Korčula. The mainland has some of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe that are ideal for cycling, with the stunning towns of Split and Dubrovnik, and plenty of villages and beaches in between to explore.  

Paros and Naxos have the most cycling routes throughout their interiors and circling the coastline. For those looking for a challenge, the entire island of Naxos can be looped with a 51-mile ride, while a loop of Paros is around 30 miles. During a cycling tour of the Cyclades, you can combine days on board at anchor in sheltered bays, with afternoons at the boho-chic beach clubs of Mykonos and Santorini (neither of which offer much in the way of cycling opportunities), interspersed with days discovering the islands of Syros, Naxos, Paros and Anti Paros by bike.  

Mallorca, Balearics  

The Balearic Island of Mallorca is not only one of the most popular cruising grounds for superyacht charters, it also one of the top destinations for cyclists thanks to its topography and perfect cycling climate before and after the peak summer months. To the north of the island, the roads that run between Soller and Pollença through the mountain range of Serra de Tramuntana are ideal for all cycling capabilities.  

For those looking for a challenge, the route from Pollença to the tip of the cape is a long, 22-mile, 1,000m climb, but the panoramic views along the way are well worth the effort. One of the most popular routes in the whole of the Mediterranean, this is a must do bucket list ride for any cycling enthusiast.