The Best Bike Tours for Warm Weather and Sea Swimming

The golden combination for a cycling holiday is following a beautiful route, plenty of sunshine and cooling off in the shimmering waters you’ve been pedalling next to all day.

After many unforgettable journeys across Europe (including stints living in the capitals of Italy, France and Spain), I’ve put together my top three tour recommendations featuring beautiful coastal routes, warm weather and pleasant sea swimming that every level of cyclist can enjoy.

For more information on any of these tours, or for personal advice from our team, enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

Starting near the pretty town of Trieste and winding south, our Istrian Coast - Trieste to Pula Bike Tour takes you through three beautiful countries - Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia - while rolling along scenic coastal routes that hug the glistening Adriatic Sea the entire way. The conditions in the late summer are outstanding, with a high likelihood of plenty of sunshine, comfortable temperatures for riding and pleasant waters for swimming. If you are interested in a shorter version of this tour, take a look at our Istrian Coast - Trieste to Porec Short Break tour.

Best of all, the mileage is perfectly manageable for most cyclists with daily rides averaging 42 km (26 miles). There is an optional rest day on day 5, giving time to relax and sunbathe in between exploring historic towns and Roman relics.

The real joy of this route is stumbling across tranquil beaches with warm waters. I particularly love the optional detour on day 6 to the beautiful Zlatni Rat peninsula, where you can dive into the clear blue water from idyllic, pine-fringed coves. It's worth noting that there isn’t much sand along this stretch of the Istrian coast, but you’ll find plenty of spacious concrete platforms right at the water’s edge, complete with steps and ladders for easy sea access, plus handy showers, loungers, cafés and bars. And while it may not always be the classic sandy-beach scene, you do benefit from one big perk - no sand between your toes on your post-swim stroll or cycle!

The final reward in Pula - after seeing the fascinating Roman history - is knowing you’ve spent a week mixing satisfying cycling with endless opportunities to cool off in some of the Adriatic's most beautiful and pleasant swimming spots.

Freedom Treks Chairman Richard took his family on this tour and discovered the captivating culture and beautiful beaches along the Istrian Coast firsthand in July 2024.

“The perfect holiday for me. I like to be active, but I also like visiting interesting places. The morning cycle through the amazing countryside set the day up perfectly. We arrived in the next town or city around lunchtime - just in time for a refreshing drink and snack before taking the opportunity to visit some of the spectacular historic sites. We ended most days relaxing with a sundowner looking out over the water and marvelling over all that the Istrian Peninsula has to offer.” - Helen Keeler

View tour: Istrian Coast - Trieste to Pula Bike Tour

For a tour that combines rewarding cycling with relaxation and luxury, our Turkey's Lycian Coast Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour more than delivers on both counts. Confident cyclists will love weaving through the rugged terrain of the Turkish ‘Turquoise Coast’ on secondary roads and tackling challenging ascents - like the rewarding 450m climb on the Datça peninsula.

The sunny weather during the summer months can add to the challenge, but the views you earn at every turn make it all worthwhile. And because e-bikes are now the norm for this tour, soaking up the impressive scenery has never been easier- as Head of Freedom Treks Catherine discovered in October 2023.

What elevates this tour into the luxury category is your floating home: the deluxe Turkish gulet called the Admiral. At 42m long, she is incredibly spacious and allows you to recover in total comfort while cruising to the next picturesque cove. After a day in the saddle under the sun, there is nothing better than returning to a beautiful, air-conditioned cabin complete with a private shower - before heading to the expansive top deck, lying down on one of the many sun loungers and feeling the cooling sea breeze. Or if you fancy a refreshing dip, the swimming ladder provides direct access to the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.

“The routes were delightful, going through different areas and visiting points of interest on the way. Mostly quiet roads and lots of hills with magnificent views from the top. This was a superb tour and everyone on it would highly recommend this one. The boat was beautiful and the overnight moorings stunning. The cycling team went over and above to look after us and were delightful people as well.” - Alison Roelich

View tour: Turkey's Lycian Coast Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour

Our Catalan Coast and Villages Tour earned its place on my list because, on top of the pleasant Mediterranean climate and spectacular seaside scenery, the route takes you through Spain, but not as you know it. This tour showcases the best of a unique region where the language and landscape stand apart.

Over the 6 days spent on your bike, you’ll navigate everything from sandy stretches and rocky coastlines to green mountains and quiet forests, discovering the lesser-known heart of Spain. The sunny climate creates beautiful riding days, which finish in charming medieval towns where you can reward yourself with a glass of local wine, and the regional staple, which I love - beautifully toasted bread rubbed with tomato, salt, and olive oil, enjoyed outside in a pretty plaza. Plus, your downtime will be spent in a boutique family-run hotel and a 17th-century farmhouse with a saltwater swimming pool!

The cycling terrain on this tour features farm tracks, off-road trails and quiet country lanes. This variety is perfect for setting your own pace and leisurely soaking up the scenery along the way. Day 2 is the epitome of why I love cycling tours that combine swimming and warm weather - after riding through olive groves, you can cool off with a swim in the seaside town of Roses before exploring the citadel.

Throughout your ride, you will find endless opportunities to discover rural Spain. Pedal past vineyards, stop to spot some wildlife in the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve, and best of all, the golden beaches are always nearby. Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear this tour also has an optional rest day to explore Salvador Dalí's birthplace!

“Our Catalan Coast & Villages Bike Tour was outstanding. We stayed in very attractive and unique accommodation run by knowledgeable and friendly owners who went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. The cycling was excellent, each route using attractive off-road routes. The local organisation was brilliant. We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone seeking an area providing great cycling in interesting countryside.” - Keith Schooling

View tour: Catalan Coast & Villages Bike Tour

If one of these three tours sounds like your next cycling adventure, you can book your spot online right away. Alternatively, if you would like some advice from our friendly team? Enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more cycling snaps, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and advice from our team.