7 Epic Bike Destinations in Europe and the UK for Vanlifers

🚐 Intro: Ride Europe, Store Smart

Europe is packed with world-class cycling destinations—and there’s no better way to explore them than by campervan. Whether you're into high-speed descents in the Alps or relaxed coastal loops in Portugal, your van is your basecamp—and Bike-Hook keeps your bikes secure and ready, mounted on the outside of your rear doors, no drilling needed.

Here are 7 of the best vanlife-accessible bike destinations in Europe and the UK, with ride details and gear tips to match.

🇫🇷 1. Les Gets & Morzine, France – MTB Paradise in the Alps

Part of the Portes du Soleil trail network, with dozens of lift-access trails and van-friendly parking. An absolute must for downhill and enduro riders.

• Ride Type: Downhill / Enduro

• Vanlife Perk: Huge camper parking areas at lift stations

• Storage Tip: Bike-Hook for Fiat Ducato keeps your rig clean after muddy descents

→ Trail Map & MTB Info

🇮🇹 2. Dolomites, Italy – Scenic Climbing & Gravel

One of the most beautiful riding regions in Europe. Famous for road climbs like Passo Sella and Gardena, plus incredible gravel routes and cycling tours.

• Ride Type: Road / Gravel

• Van Tip: Bike-Hook for Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Jumper is ideal for compact Euro vans

• Bonus: You’ll love easy access with your doors fully open while bikes stay mounted

→ Bike Routes & Road Climbs

🇬🇧 3. Peak District, UK – Trails & Quiet Roads

This national park offers quiet country lanes, reservoir loops, and a growing number of bridleway gravel trails. Ideal for UK-based vanlife getaways.

• Ride Type: Gravel / XC / Road

• Gear Tip: Use Bike-Hook for Ford Transit Custom to hang your bike vertically and preserve interior space

• Camp Idea: Try Bamford Edge car park (be discreet!)

→ Cycling in the Peak District

🇪🇸 4. Sierra Nevada, Spain – Endless Singletrack & Sunshine

Near Granada, this high-altitude region features rugged terrain, quiet mountain villages, and little-known MTB trails around Bubión and Trevélez.

• Ride Type: MTB

• Vanlife Bonus: Spain’s camper laws are liberal—wild camp with ease

• Hook Match: Bike-Hook for VW Crafter is great for longer vans navigating tight village parking

→ Andalucía MTB Info
→ Local Trails Overview (Komoot)

🇵🇹 5. Algarve Coast, Portugal – Coastal Rides + Chill Vibes

Ideal for road cyclists and tourers. Ride cliffs, beaches, and inland wine country. Great network of official cycling routes.

• Ride Type: Road / Light Gravel

• Storage Tip: Bike-Hook for VW Transporter T5 / T6 handles sandy, salty conditions

• Vanlife Win: Lots of oceanfront pull-outs and free overnight zones

→ Official Algarve Bike Network
→ EcoVia do Litoral Route

🇦🇹 6. Salzkammergut, Austria – Lake Loops & Smooth Gravel

A breathtaking blend of lakes, villages, and gravel-ready fire roads. Perfect for gravel bikes or light MTB.

• Ride Type: Gravel / Leisure Road

• Camper Perk: Safe, clean van park-ups near public beaches

• Tip: Bike-Hook for Ford Transit fits perfectly on Euro-style rear doors

→ Salzkammergut Bike Guide
→ Cycling Routes Around Hallstatt

🇳🇱 7. Friesland, Netherlands – Flatland Touring

Flat, scenic, and loaded with bike ferries and dike-side paths. Excellent for eBike or leisure riders.

• Ride Type: Touring / Leisure

• Vanlife Bonus: Amazing free campervan spots in every town

• eBike Storage: Bike-Hook for Mercedes Sprinter handles the extra weight from batteries + panniers

→ Friesland Bike Routes
→ LF Routes & National Bike Paths

www.bike-hook.com