/ Girolibero / to cycle family travel by bike
Family cycling holidays: why it’s the perfect choice for kids and parents
A family cycling holiday is more than just a holiday — it’s an adventure in the open air, a chance to slow down and experience the world at a child’s pace. Pedalling through nature, discovering new villages and local traditions, children learn that every destination is worth the journey, one kilometre at a time.
The best part? No experience needed. Our itineraries are specially designed for families with young children: short, easy stages on dedicated cycle paths, with bikes and accessories for every age — from baby seats and child trailers to tandems and follow-me bikes.
Why cycling is good for the whole family
A cycling holiday does something that few other holidays can: it gets everyone moving, together. Children stay active, discover something new every day, and still have plenty of time to play and explore, while parents get to slow down and actually enjoy the journey. Along the way there are historic villages to visit, lakes to swim in, and plenty of ice cream stops to look forward to!
Common worries — and why you shouldn’t have them!
We can assure you that the hard part won’t be motivating your children — it’ll be keeping up with them! With an average of 30 km a day on flat, traffic-free cycle paths, the stages are designed to be manageable and enjoyable for young riders.
We make cycling holidays easier, even for families. Luggage is transferred for you each day, so all you carry in your panniers is a change of clothes, a snack and the essentials. Choose a guided group tour and you’ll also have a tour leader to show the way — and other families to share the experience with.
We have the right solution for evety age, from rental bikes in the right size to trailers, tag-alongs and child seats.
Where to go: our best family cycling destinations
Not sure where to start? The Loire Valley is a classic for a reason: flat cycle paths winding through vineyards, châteaux and charming French villages, with just enough history to keep curious minds engaged.
If you are considering Italy, Lake Garda offers stunning Italian scenery and easy lakeside riding, while the River Adige Cycle Route follows a gentle, mostly downhill path through South Tyrol and the Veneto, with spectacular Alpine views all the way. For something quieter and off the beaten track, the Euganean Hills are a lovely choice — a more intimate corner of northern Italy that families often discover and fall in love with.
And if you’re looking for something truly memorable, our bike and boat tours in Greece and Croatia take family cycling to another level entirely: sail between islands, swim in crystal-clear waters, and discover a new destination every day — all without unpacking your bags.
A few practical tips from Girolibero
1. Don’t rush
You only have to ride a few miles a day, and you don’t have to do them all at once: stop wherever you like, have a few snacks, visit a few historic centers, and as soon as you come across a swimmable lake… take a dip!
2. Leave safety worries at home
You will be pedaling away from traffic, and if your child is also passing you on a bike, you can afford to keep an eye on him or her from a distance. In fact, remember that kids and teens have no problem passing us!
3. Food is never a problem
Many families worry that they won’t be able to make snacks, heat up baby food for the little ones, find a place to stop for lunch… Actually, it’s very simple: the side panniers of the bikes can hold a snack; along the way you’ll find grocery stores and supermarkets to refuel; for a hot meal you’ll find cafes and small restaurants, also available to warm up baby food.
4. Pack for all weather
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment: a light rain jacket and a change of clothes in the pannier will cover most eventualities. Check out our suggestions on what to pack for a cycling holiday
Ready to go? Browse our family cycling holidays and find the perfect tour for your family — whether it’s your first time on a bike holiday or you’re already seasoned pedallers!
Loire Valley for families Cycling self-guided girolibero.com Lake Garda for families Cycling self-guided girolibero.com South Tyrol for families Cycling self-guided girolibero.com Veneto region for families Cycling self-guided girolibero.com Ionian Islands for families Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com Dalmatian Islands for families Bike and Barge guided girolibero.com6 Travel tips
