Some say it’s impossible to choose the best destination for a motorcycle journey. There are lots of variables – some prefer roads that are all curves, some the most far-flung destination, some unspoiled landscapes, still others villages full of history. And if you have been riding motorcycles for a long time, you’ll probably already know the destinations we want to suggest (you may have already been there). These are our five unmissable destinations for motorcycle tourism lovers, all in Europe (so within your motorcycle range). If you like motorcycle touring, you really can’t miss them!
How could we fail to start from the ultra-Italian Dolomites? A mountain range in the eastern Alps, they fall almost entirely within Veneto, Trentino and Friuli. Why should you go? First of all because they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that should be enough to end the discussion. If we have to add more, we could tell you that many consider them one of the most beautiful and fascinating natural locations in the world. An example? The three peaks of Lavaredo, simply spectacular. Not only are they a popular destination for motorcycle riders, but every year they attract thousands (if not millions) of visitors. The facilities are very well organized – there’s a plethora of restaurants, hotels and places equipped to receive motorcycle riders. If you’ve never been, you should make up for it by organizing a vacation in the Dolomites. You won’t regret it.
Some argue that it’s still spiritually Italian, and in some ways that’s not far from the truth. Geographical issues aside, Corsica is an unmissable destination for any motorcycle touring lover. Its wilderness charm is something you’re sure to remember. The French call it the Île de Beauté, isle of beauty, because of its incredible natural views. From the extreme north of Cap Corse to Bonifacio looking onto Sardinia, passing through the wild Balagne, the beautiful Calvi, the spectacular Calanques de Piana, the beaches to the west that seem straight out of a postcard, and then back inland on the mountains up to Corte, the historic capital of independent Corsica. If the landscapes weren’t enough, the mountain roads seem designed and maintained specifically to attract us motorcycle enthusiasts. It’s an island ripe for discovery and that every motorcycle rider should visit at least once in their life.
Waterproof, perforated or four-season: the perfect touring equipment
Motorcycle riders are well aware of Spain because of the Pyrenees, a mountain range on the border with France, but another destination that demands a visit is Galicia. It’s an autonomous community that extends for about ten thousand kilometers and is well known in Europe because it contains one of the ways of the Camino de Santiago. It’s the far corner of Europe looking out where the sun sets and from which Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama set off to reveal what lay beyond the Pillars of Hercules to the world. In the past, this was the end of known lands. The Finisterre lighthouse stands out on the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Castles and medieval villages mix with landscapes made up of vineyards, woods and desolate lands. It’s a highly recommended destination, above all if you love “end of the world” landscapes; in this case, you have to call at the Costa de la Muerte.
If you don’t want to stray too far from Italy, Croatia can hold unexpected surprises, with spectacular white beaches, an exceptional sea and prices that remain affordable, despite the country’s growing popularity. Overlooking the Adriatic, astonishing curves and asphalts, UNESCO World Heritage Cities and beaches with tropical colors, there is so much to discover in this commonly underestimated land. There’s Zagreb and the whole Balkan hinterland, the coast, Istria and all the islets, each more beautiful than the last, and if you want you can go as far as the border with Montenegro, and explore the most authentic part of this wonderful country. Croatia is also a paradise for adventure lovers – its wonderful coniferous forests are home to miles and miles of fantastic dirt roads.
Three-layer waterproof adventure touring jacket. Optimized for four-season use. Level 2 Pro Armor soft protectors on shoulders and elbows.
One of the most popular destinations for all motorcycle touring lovers is definitely North Cape, Nordkapp in Norwegian. It’s a very distant destination, the northernmost point of Europe. Starting from Milan, for example, it means taking on a journey of about 4,000 km. It’s a journey to discover a remote land, which can be tackled by riding many different itineraries according to tastes and preferences, but an adventure that requires some experience as well as a lot of time. At an average of 400 km per day, it will take you about 20 days, there and back. Of course, before setting off on such a demanding journey that crosses many countries, we recommend that you check your motorcycle meticulously. Everything has to be in order, first of all the tires (best to fit new ones, before leaving; make sure they’re suited to long-range touring). You might consider tackling it in summer, to witness the spectacular midnight sun, a phenomenon that occurs due to the inclination of the earth’s axis with respect to the sun.
These were our five must-see European destinations in Europe for every motorcycle touring lover. That’s our selection, of course. There are many others equally spectacular, but we’re sure that these ones, each for their own reasons, is a good representation of the spirit of motorcycle touring. If you are planning a vacation, choose one of them – you won’t regret it.
