10 Best Islands to Explore by Bike
Written by James JungCycling scenery is synonymous with the alpine passes of the Tour de France, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or the cobbles of northern Belgium.
Islands, however, rarely get their due. To anyone who’s cruised on coastal roads or escaped into the rugged interior of a far-flung locale surrounded by shimmering blue water, that fact is an oversight.
Whether on the Atlantic, the Pacific, or the Mediterranean, cycling an island is one of the best ways to experience both the sport and the natural environment. That’s why we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite islands to see by bike.
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Corsica
Corsica is France’s enfant terrible—charmingly rebellious and fiercely independent. But the island’s untamed nature cements it as cycling’s next great destination. Mountains ripple across the alpine interior and craggy granite calanques barb the turquoise coastline, making the entire Île de Beauté—from the peninsular Cap Corse to the rollercoaster riding in the Patrimonio wine region—your cycling Shangri-la.
Discover it all on DuVine’s six-day Corsica Bike Tour, where you’ll enjoy speed boat rides to UNESCO-protected coasts, five-star sunset feasts, and post-ride swims at secluded beaches.
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Sardinia
Even by Mediterranean standards, Sardinia is photogenically blessed. We love the glamorous beaches of Costa Smeralda, where white sand and clear water lure Europe’s jet set to spend languid days lost in Dolce Vita dreams, but our hearts are drawn to the island’s rugged interior. Here, shepherds tend their flock, locals sip mid-day macchiatos, and twisty, traffic-free roads traverse farmland and forested mountains.
Ready to ride (and sip and taste) all Sardinia has to offer? Fall under the spell of Italy’s wild isle on one of our two Sardinian tours.
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Sicily
Sicily is so large and vibrant it’s easy to forget that it’s an island—the Mediterranean’s largest, in fact. Still, there’s a common culture, from western shores to the Strait of Messina. Tradition reigns supreme—be it the almond orchards that have been cultivated for generations or the man-made marvels of architecture. Spend time spinning from Baroque cities to family-run farms and you’re sure to feel the warmth and personality of the Old World.
Join our Sicily Bike Tour and pedal across contours shaped by millennia of seismic activity, sip the Nero d’Avolas and Marsalas of this mineral-rich terroir, and fuel up arancini and fresh swordfish.
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Azores
Ahhh, the Azores. Portugal’s nine volcanic islands provide a stunning backdrop to two-wheeled adventures. Picture verdant coastlines as emerald as anything Ireland has to offer, pastoral landscapes flecked by cows, lush subtropical forests, banana plantations, steaming hot springs, rampant wildflowers, and mighty volcanoes that have hewn this Atlantic archipelago into a vertiginous and otherworldly cycling playground.
Chase rainbows across São Miguel—the largest island in the Azores—during DuVine’s six-day tour. We’ll roll along coastal roads, climb to volcanic vistas, marvel at tropical waterfalls, take a Zodiac in search of whales and dolphins, and feast on grass-fed beef, grilled limpits, and cozido stew. The wines are equally sublime, as are the craft beers and locally grown coffee.
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Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is the stuff of cycling dreams—especially when it involves a little island-hopping. Here, where Central Europe meets the Bohemian Balkans, all with the blissful mood of the Mediterranean, you’ll discover a maritime paradise defined by timeless terracotta architecture. Ride through walled cities and atmospheric fishing villages, across limestone streets and past lavender fields seemingly plucked from Provence, while days end in timber and stone konobas slinging fresh seafood and the unique wines of the Pelješac peninsula.
Hop between the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula during our six-day Croatia Bike Tour. You’ll weave in and out of small coves by bike, sip standout pours from boutique wineries, tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visit the birthplace of Marco Polo. Or go private by booking our Croatian Isles Yacht + Bike Tour—unpack once, sail from Split to Hvar, and cycle through the dramatic scenery of the Southern Dalmatian islands.
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Greece
When we dream of the Greek islands, we picture whitewashed villages and the white sand beaches, smell the bougainvillea, and taste the pita, tzatziki, and feta-flecked salads. But few people imagine them as a flotilla of the world’s finest cycling destinations, and they’d be missing out on car-free roads with endless views of the Aegean, switchback climbs through olive groves, volcanic vistas, dips in turquoise water to revive weary legs, and spirited nights in friendly tavernas.
Embark on your own odyssey during our eight-day Greek Isles Yacht + Bike Tour, where you’ll begin in Bodrum—on the Turkish coast—and head to Kos, Symi, Nisiros, and more, all from the luxury of our private gulet.
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Mallorca
Professional riders have decamped to Mallorca for decades. The Balearic island provides the perfect winter training ground: balmy temperatures, circuitous roads, alpine-style climbs, and plenty of coffee shops slinging double ristrettos—the elixir for any Tour de France-bound bike racer.
Us? We’ll leave the winter months to the pros in training and pick the place in summer, when days are long and cyclists can rack up the miles without depriving themselves of any post-ride indulgences. Book our Mallorca tours and discover the island’s UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains, cruise along glassy roads, and tuck into plenty of paella while quaffing wines including Callet and Manto Negro.
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Maui
Maui’s cycling might rival its surfing. Known as the “Valley Isle” thanks to a unique topography carved out by two major volcanoes, the island lays claim to the lush and misty Upcountry and the sun-drenched beaches of South Maui. Circuitous roads and long climbs have attracted many of the world’s top pro riders (who come for winter training camps), but it’s the heavenly Road to Hana—with its jungle waterfalls, lava tubes, and golden-sand beaches—that’s sure to seduce any cyclist.
Explore all the Valley Isle has to offer—from tropical rides to mahi mahi dinners, local coffee to après-velo mai tais—on one of our two Maui tours.
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San Juan Islands, WA
Numbering 172 in total, Washington State’s San Juan Islands pepper Puget Sound, but it’s namesake San Juan, Whidbey, Lopez, Fidalgo, and Orcas Islands that truly stun. Ride along quiet roads through evergreen forests, stop in charming fishing villages, savor Pacific Northwest sunsets, shuck oysters, and ride to a mountaintop with views that stretch back to the Cascades and into Canada.
Fall in love with the San Juan Islands—as well as the briny bivalves, Belgian- and German-style craft brews, and local white wines—on DuVine’s six-day bike tour.
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Maine
Summer after summer, Maine offers up a Rockwellian slice of timeless Americana. On the islands, however, is where you can escape the crowds of “Vacationland.” Ride past stately mansions and quaint general stores on Islesboro, a popular summer retreat for artist, actors, and writers; spin through the farming and fishing community of North Haven—Maine’s best kept secret; and explore the coves and tidal basins of Vinalhaven by sea kayak.
DuVine’s six-day Maine Bike + Adventure Tour takes you to all three islands and more, plus serves up lobstering excursions, dips in the Atlantic and local quarries, and plenty of craft brews.
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