Motorcycling is a great way to explore the world, and Europe is up there on the list of top places to visit! With its winding roads, stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that motorcycle tours in Europe are so popular.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled tour of the Alps or a leisurely ride along the coast of southern Spain, there are plenty of routes to choose from. Here are some of the top routes in Europe for motorcycle tours.
Corsica & Sardinia
Corsica and Sardinia offer some of the most beautiful motorcycle routes in Europe. Both islands boast stunning coastal roads, winding mountain passes, lush valleys and picturesque villages.
In Corsica, you can explore incredible mountain routes which take you on a breathtaking journey through peaks and lakes. In addition to its marvellous landscape, the island has much to offer to those who like more adventure – from beachfront camping to rock climbing.
Sardinia is famous for its panoramic views of rugged coastlines, deep gorges and crystal-clear waters. Ride iconic roads like the SP85 from Narcao and Iglesias, and discover hidden gems across the island, like Gennargentu National Park or Baunei’s amazing inland canyons.
Try these:
- D80, Northern coast, Corsica
- D84 from Porto to Francado, Corsica
- D81 Calanques de Piana balcony road, Corsica
- Porto Vecchio to Calvi, Corsica
- Ajaccio to Propriano Coast Road, Corsica
- Monte Acuto – Talana, Corsica
- SP85, Sardinia
- SS49/105 from Bosa to Alghero, Sardinia
- SP17 from Cagliari to Villasimius, Sardinia
- SP71 (Chia coastal road), Sardinia
- SS392 from Oschiri to Tempio Pausania, Sardinia
- Cagliari to Oristano, Sardinia
- Loop around Gennargentu National Park, Sardinia
Portugal
Portugal provides some of the best motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, it is renowned for its picturesque coastal roads, historic villages and charming culture.
Explore a variety of scenic roads, such as the Atlantic Road, which takes visitors along one of the most stunning cliffside routes in Portugal. Riders can also enjoy Monsanto or Faia Brava, and explore enchanting cities like Lisbon or Porto.
Try these:
- Atlantic Road
- Monsanto
- Faia Brava
- Porto – Braga – Guimarães
- Troviscais to Reguengos de Monsaraz
- Algarve Coastline
- Sintra to Fátima
- Douro Valley
- Minho Vineyards
Norway
Norway provides some of the most picturesque motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in northern Europe, the country is renowned for its stunning fjords, towering mountains, and frozen glaciers.
Getting to Norway is a mission. But once there, you’ll have a variety of incredible roads in front of you, such as Trollstigen, which takes visitors over one of the most iconic mountain passes in the region. Riders can also take on some of the most exciting roads in Norway, like Gaularfjellet or Lom, and explore quaint villages like Geiranger and Flåm.
Try these:
- Atlantic Road
- Geiranger-Trollstigen
- Loop around Rondane range
- A trip to Hardangervidda national park
- Sognefjellet (Road 55)
- Lofoten
- Senja
- Nordkapp
- The E6 and E10 offer an easy way to see Norway
Slovenian Alps
The Slovenian Alps offer some of the most thrilling and beautiful motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in the heart of southern Europe, the region is renowned for its lush valleys, pristine rivers, and breathtaking mountain views.
The roads of Slovenia are perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning landscape. Bikers can take on some of the toughest roads in the region, such as Vršič Pass or Logarska Dolina – both renowned for their spectacular views and challenging terrain.
Those looking for a more leisurely ride should check out Lake Bled or Triglav National Park. You can also visit nearby towns such as Bovec and Kranjska Gora to experience some of Slovenia’s delicious traditional cuisine and charming culture.
Try these:
- The Vršič Pass
- Trenta Valley
- Bled to Lake Bohinj
- Road 206 from Kranjska Gora
- Bovec and Tolmin
Related: Off-Bike Gems: Motorcycle Touring In Bohinj, Slovenia
French Alps
Motorcycle touring in the French Alps is an unforgettable experience for any biker, offering stunning scenery, thrilling roads, and charming towns. Located in Western Europe, the region is renowned for its picturesque mountain ranges, beautiful lakes and rivers, and delicious traditional cuisine.
The famous Route des Grandes Alpes takes riders over some of the highest mountain passes in the Alps, offering plenty of opportunities to take in breathtaking views.
Bikers can also explore iconic destinations such as Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, Lac d’Annecy, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, and the thrilling Col de la Bonette, one of the highest roads in Europe.
Try these:
- Route Napoleon
- Route des Grandes Alpes
- Col de la Bonette
- Col du Galibier
- Lac d’Annecy
- Col de l’Iseran
Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps provide some of the most thrilling and scenic routes for motorcycle touring. Located in central Europe, the region is renowned for its majestic mountains, valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
Explore a variety of incredible roads, including Grossglockner High Alpine Road which takes visitors over Austria’s highest mountain pass. Or take on some of the most exhilarating roads in Europe, such as Felbertauern Strasse or Hahntennjoch.
In addition, the area offers plenty of opportunities to ride along breathtaking lakes, such as Lake Achensee or Lake Zell, and explore traditional villages like Innsbruck or Salzburg.
Try these:
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road
- Silvretta High Alpine Road
- Arlberg Pass
- Stelvio Pass
Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps (notoriously!) provide some of the most exhilarating and picturesque motorcycle touring routes in the world. Located in Western Europe, the region is renowned for its monster mountains, fabulous roads, and general riding nirvana.
Explore a variety of incredible roads, including some of the highest mountain passes in Europe. Riders can also take on some of the classic passes, such as Furka Pass or Stelvio Pass and explore traditional villages like Zermatt or Interlaken.
Try these:
- Furka Pass
- Grimsel Pass
- Susten Pass
- Oberalp Pass
- Gotthard Pass
- Any other pass you stumble across!
Pyrenees
The Pyrenees provide some of the most thrilling motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located between France and Spain, the mountain range is renowned for its steep slopes, winding roads, and stunning views.
Get ready to explore a variety of incredible roads, such as Col de Portalet, which takes visitors over one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. You can also enjoy popular Cols such as the Tourmalet or Peyresourde, and explore traditional towns like Bolquère or Font-Romeu.
Try these:
- The Roncesvalles Pass
- The N-260
- Col d’Aspin
- The Col de Tourmalet
- The N-152
Germany
Germany provides some of the most exciting motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in central Europe, the country is renowned for its smooth roads, breathtaking forests, and hospitable people.
Bikers can explore a variety of incredible routes, such as the Black Forest, which takes visitors over one of the most iconic mountain passes in the region. Riders can also take on some of Germany’s twisty rides, such as the Harz Mountains (B85 Kyffhäuserstrasseor) and explore charming towns like Rothenburg and Trier.
Try these:
- The Romantic Road
- The Black Forest High Road
- The Castle Road
- Route B500
- The German Alpine Road
Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa provides some of the most breathtaking motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in northern Spain, the region is renowned for its winding roads, stunning valleys and deep ravines.
Enjoy a variety of incredible roads which takes riders over the most majestic mountain regions in Europe. Riders can also enjoy the Picos to the fullest by exploring Urdón or Asón or quaint villages like Potes or Tama. And the best bit? The lack of traffic!
Try these:
- Ruta del Cares
- Lagos de Covadonga
- Sierra de Bejes
- Desfiladero de la Hermida
- Puerto de San Glorio and the N-621
Vosges
The Vosges Mountains provide some of the most incredible motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in Eastern France, the region is renowned for its picturesque roads, lush forests and quaint villages.
Take on some breathtaking roads, such as Grand Ballon, which takes visitors over one of the highest mountain passes in the region. Visit areas such as the Hautes-Vallées or La Bresse and explore charming towns like Gérardmer or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges.
Try these:
- Route des Crêtes
- Ballons des Vosges National Park
- Route des Vins d’Alsace
- Route des Cinq Châteaux (five castles road)
- Col du Grand Ballon
Dolomites
The Dolomites provide some of the best motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located in Northern Italy, the region is renowned for its winding roads, mesmerizing mountains and ancient villages.
There are plenty of spectacular roads for you to enjoy, such as the Valparola Pass, which takes you over one of the most iconic mountain passes in the area. Riders can also take on some of the Dolomites’ toughest asks, such as Gardena or Santa Cristina and explore charming towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Ortisei.
Try these:
- Sella Ronda Loop
- Stelvio Pass
- Great Dolomites Road
- Pordoi Pass
- Passo di Giau
Southern Spain & Andalusia
The region of Southern Spain and Andalusia provides some of the finest motorcycle touring routes in Europe. Located primarily in the southern part of the country, it is renowned for its stunning landscapes, colourful cities, and fascinating culture.
Explore a variety of breathtaking roads, such as the Sierra Nevada, which offers incredible views across the highest point in mainland Europe. Riders can also enjoy La Alpujarra or El Chorro and explore enchanting cities like Seville or Granada.
Try these:
- Sierra Nevada National Park
- Cabo de Gata – Níjar Natural Park
- Ronda Mountain Range
- Jaén Province
- Route of the White Towns of Andalusia (Malaga to Cadiz)
Top Motorcycle Routes in Europe: Conclusion
Europe is a continent full of incredible motorcycle routes. From the winding roads of the Swiss Alps to the picturesque Corsican coast, there are plenty of options for motorcyclists looking for an unforgettable adventure.
The Route des Crêtes in France, Trollstigen in Norway and Stelvio Pass in Italy are some of the most popular routes. But many lesser-known gems offer breathtaking views and thrilling rides across the continent.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic tour or an adrenaline-filled journey, Europe has something for everyone. And with so many spectacular routes, it’s no wonder Europe is one of the top destinations for motorcycle touring!
