Cycling tours in October: why autumn is the best season for cyclists

29. 8. 2025

When most cyclists pack up their summer gear, the real insiders know: October is the best time for cycling tours if done in the right location. Warm days, quiet roads, and still-swimmable Adriatic sea make autumn the perfect season for a bike holiday.

In October, the Adriatic coast is still warm enough for a swim, the truffle harvest is in full swing, winemakers are opening their cellars, and local markets are overflowing with autumn flavors. It’s the perfect mix: cycling gets easier with cooler temperatures, taste buds get spoiled, and you get to roll into towns where the only “traffic jam” is a herd of sheep crossing the road.

And here’s the cherry on top: cycling tours in autumn aren’t just more pleasant, they’re also more authentic. Without the peak-season rush, you meet locals who actually have time to chat, discover hidden corners without queuing, and enjoy better value on everything from hotels to wine tastings.

At Visit GoodPlace, October is our favorite cycling month. Here’s why:

Perfect weather for cycling – temperatures in Croatia hover in the low 20s °C. That means long climbs without overheating and breezy descents without freezing.
Peaceful roads & trails – with summer tourists gone, you’ll ride quiet coastal roads, vineyards, and mountain paths with more freedom.
Harvest season – autumn cycling means truffle festivals, wine harvests, chestnuts, and fresh olive oil. October is a cyclist-foodie’s dream.
Still beach weather – the Adriatic Sea often stays warm enough for a refreshing post-ride swim.
Better value, less stress – off-season cycling means more affordable stays, fewer crowds, and a slower, authentic vibe.

But beyond the practical perks, cycling in October simply feels different. You’re not rushing to escape the midday heat or competing with caravans of rental cars. Instead, you settle into a slower rhythm—pausing at a vineyard for a glass of Malvazija, wandering through a seaside town that locals have reclaimed after summer, or cooling off in the Adriatic with only your riding buddies around. And that’s exactly the spirit behind our autumn tours.

Self-guided cycling tours in autumn

Want to explore at your own pace? Our self-guided cycling holidays let you follow GPX routes with all logistics sorted:

Let’s plan your autumn ride

October only comes once a year, and it’s the cycling season too many riders overlook. If you’re ready to trade the heat and the crowds for golden landscapes, harvest flavors, and roads you can actually hear your tires on, we’d love to help you plan it.

Get in touch with us and let’s make your ride unforgettable.