I’m about to set off on my third Team on Tour adventure with Eurobike, sharing the journey with my boyfriend. For quite some time, riding from home all the way to the sea has been high on our bucket list. Now it’s finally time to turn this Alpine crossing into reality. So for us, it’s simple: hop on our gravel bikes and set off on the Sporty Alpe Adria Cycle Path Tour from Salzburg to Grado.
Six days, two countries, countless impressions: Our journey along the Alpe Adria Cycle Path is not only breathtaking in terms of scenery, but also wonderfully diverse in cuisine and climate. We begin in the Salzburg Alps, ride through Carinthia, savor our first taste of Italian lifestyle, and ultimately roll all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
To fully embrace the athletic challenge of this tour, we’re riding Eurobike’s gravel bikes for the very first time. The weather stays sunny and warm throughout, which means staying well hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and choosing a pace that leaves room to truly soak it all in. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, the route is easy to navigate, enjoyable to ride, and ideal for active explorers like us.
We set off from the City of Mozart on paved, well-marked cycle paths that make for a smooth exit from the city. The urban bustle quickly fades, replaced by lush green meadows, shaded forests, and the stunning panorama of the Northern Alps.
The route continues through the Gastein Valley, past small villages, grazing cows, and traditional farmhouses. Along the way, there are plenty of inviting spots to pause — whether on one of the many benches lining the path or with a drink and a packed lunch in hand, simply taking in the surrounding nature.
After the final climb of the day, which leads us up to Bad Gastein, we’re rewarded with an impressive mountain backdrop. At that moment, we know: every bit of effort was worth it. The town sits dramatically on a hillside, with a waterfall cascading right through its centre and grand historic buildings rising above the valley.
After our first long day in the saddle, we unwind with a cold drink and classic Austrian cuisine on a restaurant terrace overlooking the picturesque valley — already looking forward to the next stages heading south.
On day two, we faced a minor logistical hurdle: At the time of our travel, the Tauern Tunnel train shuttle was closed for maintenance. Fortunately, Eurobike had organized a seamless bus transfer for us from Bad Gastein to Spittal. (Great news for future travelers - the shuttle is now fully back in service!)
And just like that, we were off! After loading the bikes, we settled into the air-conditioned bus and watched the Alpine scenery glide by. Even though we weren’t pedaling this particular stretch, the views through the mountain pass were so spectacular that we enjoyed every minute of the ride.
Once we hit Spittal an der Drau, it was time to get back in the saddle. Our daily mileage officially started here, following a pleasantly flat route along the tranquil Drau River. The wide, paved cycle paths were a cyclist’s dream, with the sun peeking through the canopy as we pedaled. On our way to Villach, we cruised through charming hamlets, fragrant meadows, and serene, wooded groves.
We wound down the evening in Villach with a relaxed vibe - delicious food, gelato that tasted like it was straight from Italy, and a touch of summer-night magic. On the walk back to our hotel, we were even treated to a vibrant rainbow and a sunset that painted the entire sky.
After a hearty and leisurely breakfast on the hotel terrace, we began our third day of riding - one of the most scenic stretches of the tour. Today, we leave Carinthia behind and pedal across the border into Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Our route takes us through the Canal Valley and toward Trieste, with a stunning mountain backdrop accompanying us as we steadily descend toward sea level.
One of the highlights of this stretch is the Alpe Adria cycle path’s repurposed rail line. We stopped at one of the stylish bars along the old tracks - former railway stations that have been beautifully converted into popular rest stops for cyclists. The Italian flair here is undeniable, making it the perfect spot to linger and soak in the atmosphere.
As we continue, the landscape gradually shifts; the mountains soften, and the air grows warmer. In the villages, the influence of the south is everywhere, with vibrant flowers and palm trees decorating front yards and Italian courtyards. We eventually roll into the charming, quiet town of Venzone. With its pastel-colored houses, cozy trattorias, and cobblestone streets, the historic centre looks like something straight out of a postcard. From there, it’s just a final stretch to our destination for the night: Gemona del Friuli.
As we hopped back on our bikes for the final day, the excitement was palpable: we knew the ocean was finally within reach. The trail descends gently through the rolling hills of Friuli, where the air is thick with the scent of pine, lavender, and sun-dried grass. Passing fields of tomato plants, corn, and endless vineyards, it feels like "pure Italy".
Our route takes us through Udine and further south to the magnificent Piazza Grande in Palmanova. The charming sidewalk cafés and gelato shops here practically beg you to pull over for a quick break.
Just before reaching Grado, we catch our first glimpse of the sparkling sea. It’s an incredible feeling - after four days in the saddle and nearly 220 miles, we’ve reached our goal. For the final stretch, we pedal across the causeway with the sea stretching out on both sides, feeling almost like we’re riding a long bridge over the water.
Grado itself is a gem, with its Venetian flair, narrow winding alleys, and a beautiful harbor. Between the Mediterranean cuisine and the sandy beaches, it’s the perfect end to a tour that masterfully blends nature, activity, and indulgence. Of course, a celebratory dip in the ocean is a must! We more than earned our post-ride pizza and pasta, which we enjoyed to the fullest while overlooking the fishing harbor.
On the long, narrow causeway surrounded by the sea - suspended between the sky and the water - stands a lone tree, like a silent guide pointing toward the end of our journey. Here, a gentle sea breeze drifts by, seagulls circle overhead, and the Adriatic sun creates a magical shimmer across the water’s surface. A solitary bench sits right there, inviting you to pause, breathe, and reflect for a moment. We have arrived. We are in Grado - the grand finale of our journey to the sea.
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