Whether you ride a café racer, cruiser, or street scrambler, the time has come to saddle-up for the 10 Most Scenic Motorcycle Rides in Europe.
From Sierra Nevada's scorching desert to the Swiss Alps' snow-covered peaks, discover the very best that Europe can offer for your next motorcycle adventure.
1. Croatia
The Adriatic coast of Croatia features some stunning scenery. Here, the Velebit Mountains run down to crystal blue seas, and the E65, which stretches for over 600-km, was built for motorcycles! One of the best sections runs from the seaside town of Karlobag to the village of Maslenica.
The ride is curvy without being overly technical, so kick-back and cruise around those bends. It's the best way to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Better yet, take time out to chill and visit one of the many small villages along the way or watch the bungee jumpers at the Maslenica Bridge.
2. France
Normandy and Brittany's two-lane country roads are not only a biker's paradise but are also ideal for anyone interested in history. Begin your journey in Le Havre. From there, explore Caen, see the tapestry at Bayeux, and visit the Normandy Beach landing sites.
Head south to Rennes, then West to Quimper. After a bowl of Moules-Frites, follow the Atlantic coast South-East to La Rochelle and take in the Loire Valley's picturesque vineyards. Ride North-East towards Le Mans, through the national parks at Alencon before finally riding north to Le Havre and relaxing with a well-earned French cider.
Depending on the route you chose, the trip is approximately 650- km.
3. Greece
The northern mainland of Greece offers the motorcyclist some incredible rides. One of the most rewarding for endless sweeping bends and stunning scenery runs from the precarious cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, North-East through the Mt. Olympus National Park, to Thessaloniki. The city of Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece.
This route is around 350-km and passes through mountain gorges, alpine passes, and picturesque villages. The roads are narrow but well kept. Yet, if you feel like off-roading, the majestic mountains are littered with tracks and trails.
4. Italy
Italy is well-loved for its stunning rides. However, one stretch of road in the shadow of the Swiss Alps contorts like a stuck snake. It draws bikers from all over Europe and beyond just for the bragging rights of saying they've ridden the Stelvio.
From Bormio, take the SS38 north through the Stelvio National Park. Head out early to avoid being bogged down by cyclists, Porsche drivers, and tour buses.
Alternatively, head south out of Genoa on the SS1 heading for Sestri Levanta and ride South-East until you reach the small medieval town of Porto Venere. Here, you can sample local seafood overlooking the Bay of Poets. It's well worth the ride.
5. Northern Ireland
For great roads and fantastic scenery, try the Game of Thrones loop around the North-East. Saddle-up in Belfast, head north to the Giant's Causeway, then south to Enniskillen. When cruising through ancient forests, deserted beaches, and rolling hills, it's easy to see why GoT location scouts chose over 12 locations on this route to bring Westeros to life.
6. Norway
The Fv17 from Steinkjer to Bodo is well kept. This two-lane road offers endless jaw-dropping scenery as it winds around the West coast for over 600-km. Look out for the Torghatten, the Seven Sisters mountain range (De syv søstre), and the Saltsraumen Maelstrom, home to one of the world's strongest tidal currents.
If leaving some footrest rubber on the bends is more your style, ride the 55-km Trollstigen or Trolls Ladder. Known locally as Country Road 63, it climbs 830-mt through 11 hairpin bends of peg-scraping nirvana.
7. Romania
The Transfagarasan may be more picturesque, but the TransAlpina (National Road 67C) is the new kid on the block. A hidden gem of unspoiled well-kept tarmac, the road snakes over the Carpathian Mountains from Sebes, south to Novaci. This 100-km blacktop is the highest road in Transylvania.
Referred to by locals as the King's Road, it has virtually no safety barriers or gas stations until you descend into the villages. At 2200-mt, you'll feel like you're riding on top of the world.
A short ride to the East lies Bran Castle, reputed home of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.
8. Spain
Spain is a country of cool contradiction. Where in less than one hour can you ride from a ski resort to a Blue Flag beach. If you want to experience both, head for the East coast. Begin your ride in the port city of Tarragona and take in the Roman amphitheater before heading southWest towards the beautiful historic town of Granada.
Follow the longer route along the coast (approx. 800-km). Ride through Castellon de la Plana, Valencia, Cartagena, and Almeria, famous throughout Spain for its unspoiled beaches.
From here, you can head northWest through the Sierra Nevada National Park and Spain's highest peak, to Granada with its ornate Moorish Palace.
If you are short on time, take the N20 inland route. It's a little shorter and will give you a taste of rural Spain.
9. The Netherlands
Begin your road trip at The Hague, head north, bypass Amsterdam, and ride towards the coastal town of Hoorn. You'll need to take the A7 towards Sneek. Once there, head south on any of the 'N' roads, which are motorway-free and perfect for taking in the sights.
Ride south, visiting the Roman town of Zutphen before turning West through the national parks and horse ranches around Apeldoorn. Continue riding West via Utrecht and back to The Hague for a lazy, laid-back 300-km cruise of north-central Netherlands.
10. The United Kingdom
Scotland: The NC500 is a 500-m (800-km) loop of the Scottish Highlands. Start your adventure in Inverness, and for a wild and wooly ride, head north to John o' Groats.
Wales: The road north from St David's hugs the coast, passing along cliff tops, national parks, tiny villages, and ancient castles. Around 220-km later, the ride ends in the surreal Italianesque village of Portmeirion, once the location for the 60's cult classic The Prisoner TV Show.
England: The Cat and Fiddle is one of England's most famous motorcycle riding routes. It runs from Macclesfield to Buxton and is a technically challenging road across the moors. Keep riding north through Whaley Bridge to Glossop, then enjoy the Snake Pass, south.
Europe has some of the coolest roads in the world, and the best way to experience them is on two wheels. So Saddle-Up for the 10 Most Scenic Motorcycle Rides In Europe.