Top Cycling Travel Trends for 2026

Portugal is no stranger to cycling enthusiasts. Routes along the west coast have been growing in popularity for years. With the increasing desire for authentic experiences, lesser-known regions are now coming into focus. One of these is the picturesque Douro Valley, famous for its vineyards and spectacular river landscapes. This northern region of Portugal stands out for its tranquility and unspoiled charm.

The terraced vineyards along the Douro provide perfect conditions for cycling. Narrow, lightly trafficked roads wind gently through the hills, offering a mix of panoramic views and cultural highlights along the way.

What makes the Douro Valley truly special is the combination of breathtaking scenery and rich culinary experiences. Small wineries, historic quintas, and quaint villages invite cyclists to take indulgent breaks. If you want to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Portugal, the Douro Valley should be at the top of your list for 2026.

Some classics always have a permanent place on the “bucket list.” Cycling across the Alps is one of them — and in 2026, it remains a dream for many.

There are many reasons why: breathtaking mountains, challenging climbs, epic descents, and the incomparable feeling of accomplishing it under your own power. Equally diverse are the possible routes across the Alps. Classic options include the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path from Salzburg to Grado or the Transalp from Munich to Lago di Garda. These routes are also achievable for leisure cyclists.

Thanks to improved infrastructure and ever-better e-bikes, this dream is now within reach for more and more cyclists.

Cycling is naturally an eco-friendly way to travel, but with its growing popularity come new challenges.

More and more travelers are seeking sustainable ways to reach their destinations, such as taking the train instead of flying, especially within Europe. Accommodations that embrace sustainable practices are also in high demand.

That’s why we’ve launched our new “Mindful Travel” product line. ours in this category are distinguished by carefully chosen accommodations and consistently high standards. But what does this really mean in practice?

When selecting hotels, our product managers look for the following criteria:

✔ Family-run establishments
✔ Use of regional and locally sourced foods
✔ Efforts to reduce plastic and waste
✔ A strong commitment to sustainability

From a product perspective, we also prioritize good accessibility by public transport, avoiding transfers between overnight stops, eco-friendly additional services, and routes that steer clear of crowded areas.