Cycling and Swimming

Sun, water, cycling – on the road between lakes and the sea

For many of our guests, cycling and swimming simply go hand in hand. Whether you’re cycling along the Adriatic coast, around the Carinthian lakes or along the Tuscan coast, the water is almost always within sight – and you can stop at any time, park your bike and take a dip. After all, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the sparkling waves whilst the sun is shining.

Children in particular love this combination: a quick dip in the salty sea or one of the crystal-clear Alpine lakes – and cycling never gets boring.

And some of our tours go one step further: on the swimming cruises in Croatia, you spend the night on board, cycle around the islands during the day – and jump straight from the motor sailboat into the turquoise-blue waves of the Adriatic. Whether it’s a land-based tour or a cruise, for families or couples: cycling holidays by the water have many facets.

Guests swimming in clear blue water near MS Mirabela sailing ship anchored in a bay. Green forested coastline visible in background. — MS Mirabela

MS Mirabela wooden sailing ship anchored in crystal-clear turquoise water with mountains in background. Swimmers visible near the vessel. — MS Mirabela

Aerial view of Portoferraio harbor with colorful buildings, terracotta roofs, ferries in the bay, and mountains in the background at sunset. — Portoferraio

Sandy beach with purple and yellow wildflowers in foreground, turquoise sea and blue sky. Coastal vegetation with grasses near Ugento. — Marina di Salve

Porec harbor with colorful Mediterranean buildings along the waterfront. Clear turquoise water in foreground, boats moored at the promenade. — Poreč Harbour

Two cyclists sitting on a stone wall by Lake Brienz with a white swan swimming nearby. Mountains and blue sky visible in the background. — Lake Brienz

Turquoise water cove at Grotta Zinzulusa near Castro with limestone cliffs, a boat crossing, and stone steps with metal railing. — Grotta Zinzulusa

Two cyclists sitting on a wooden pier in Velden harbor with their feet in turquoise water. A bicycle stands nearby, boats are moored behind them. — Port of Velden on Lake Wörthersee

Franciscan Monastery in Hvar with bell tower on the waterfront. Crystal-clear turquoise water with moored boats in the foreground. — Franciscan monastery in Hvar

Aerial view of Grado peninsula with sandy beach, colorful buildings, and calm turquoise waters under a pastel sunset sky. — Grado

Cycling and swimming

Cycle, swim, repeat – the rhythm that makes a holiday

A cycling holiday by the water follows its own rhythm. Get up in the morning, cycle along the coast, eventually spot a beach that’s too beautiful to cycle past – and simply stop. No set times for a swim, no set itinerary. Just sun, water and the decision to stay for another hour.

That’s exactly what makes these tours so special: a swim isn’t a bonus, but part of the journey. If you cycle around Lake Garda, you’ll ride through olive groves and cypress trees – with the turquoise-blue water always in view. If you explore the Tuscan coast, you can take a dip in the Mediterranean after a long stage. And if you’re cycling around the Carinthian lakes, it feels as though you’re switching between the saddle and the water every few kilometres.

Two cyclists sitting on a wooden pier in Velden harbor with a bicycle in foreground. Mountains and calm lake water visible in background. — Port of Velden on Lake Wörthersee

Lakes, coasts, islands – cycling and swimming in Europe

Cycling and swimming can be enjoyed in very different ways across Europe. The options range from tranquil Alpine lakes to long stretches of coastline. Those who prefer a more tranquil experience will find crystal-clear water, fairytale castles and stages ranging from 40 to 60 kilometres on the cycle tour around the Carinthian lakes. The cycle tour in Apulia, on the other hand, takes you along the rocky coasts and fine sandy beaches of the Salento peninsula – with stops for a swim right by the Mediterranean.

If you’d like to combine cycling with sailing, our swimming cruises in Croatia are just the thing: the family cruise in Croatia and the swimming cruise in Kvarner Bay combine short cycling stages on the islands with overnight stays on board – and the chance to take a dip straight into the sea off the Croatian coast.

Curved beach with turquoise water at Enfola peninsula in Portoferraio, Elba. A green forested hill rises from the sea, with a white building visible on the left. — Enfola in Portoferraio

Frequently asked questions about cycling and swimming

Search FAQs

MS Orkan, a traditional wooden ship with two masts, anchored in blue water near a forested coastline. Swimmers visible in the water.

When is the best time of year for a cycling holiday by the water?

That depends on your destination. The Carinthian lakes and Lake Garda are ideal from May to September; Croatia and the Adriatic are particularly good from June to September; and Puglia is even good right through to October. If you’d like to travel early in the year, you’ll also find tours available from March and April.

How much time is there actually left for swimming on these tours?

More than you might think. With stages ranging from 30 to 45 kilometres, you’ll usually reach your destination in the early afternoon – and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. On swimming cruises, swimming is an integral part of the daily programme.