This is a great choice for off-road motorcyclists who want to experience the beauty of the French Alps. The Alpes-Maritime region in the French Alps is a very pretty location with a variety of off-road trails, but you’d actually be starting the fun in Colle Delle Finestre in Italy. From there you’ll head down south, and use some old military roads before crossing the border to some motorcycling in France after 300 km. After 475 km you’ll see Monaco, before turning west into France and ending on a spectacular piece of Alpine beauty.

The legendary Black Forest is a mountainous region with a network of off-road trails, and a great choice for off-road motorcyclists who want to explore the German countryside. We say the B500 is the perfect way to explore this area. You’ll start in Baden-Baden in the north and might be tempted to stop many times due to the unique, beautiful landscape. If you take any roads, be especially vigilant to speed limits, and try to avoid weekends and bank holidays when it’s busiest. Highlights include the many rolling hills and awesome forests, plus locations such as Heidelberg.

Portugal motorcycle tours don’t get better than this, especially off-road. The Serra da Estrela is a challenging but fun mountain route featuring some dirt and paved roads. Start and finish in the city of Covilhã, avoiding the tricky top of the mountains. If you need to recharge your batteries along the way, don’t forget to try the famous Serra da Estrela cheese. Or, if you want even more adventure, you could paraglide over Linhares da Beira.

Motorcycle tours in Spain often start and end with the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain range in the southern Andalusia region. The routes around here can be pretty challenging, featuring tight, narrow and bumpy terrain. But they’re worth it for the sense of adventure, as well as Granada itself, featuring Renaissance palaces and natural beauty in abundance.

This is another great motorcycle tour that begins in France and ends in the historic Catalan city of Barcelona, Spain. This lengthy, fascinating route takes you through Europe’s only desert – Bardenas Reales. You’ll then go down through the Rocha region before climbing the iconic Pyrenees mountain range. When you’ve stopped staring at all the beauty that surrounds you, you’ll find yourself close to Andorra, then tackling the Pic Negre, before finishing up in Barcelona.

The toughest, longest but most rewarding motorcycling touring adventure. The Trans European Trail is a long-distance off-road route that stretches across Europe. It is a great choice for off-road motorcyclists who want to experience the most remote and diverse European landscapes. Most of the trail is dirt, with only minor and scenic tarmac roads – although they are useful detours if it all gets too much.

How far you wish to travel, and how challenging you want to make it, is up to you. It could take months to complete the trail in one go, so many choose to ride different sections over several years. Depending on how much of the trail you tackle, you’ll experience the Baltic states, Greece, Italy, Denmark, France and so much more.

We can’t let you go without pointing out some top safety tips while you’re making your plans. It’s worth bearing in mind that although off-roading is considered more dangerous than using public roads, there’s less congestion and fewer vehicles around. Make sure you read the below tips to prepare for your journey.

It's important to expect the unexpected when it comes to off-road riding— rough terrain, blind corners, and inclement weather could impact your trip. So, make sure you pack accordingly for the route you’re planning.

Off-road riding can be challenging, so it's important to ride within your limits. Don't try to ride trails that are too difficult for your skill level. It makes more sense to avoid injury now and try a tempting but tough route when you’re more up to the task. Start out slow, and practice plenty. Stay on the trail if there is one, and consider riding with a friend, so you’re not alone.

When off-road riding, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the terrain, other riders, and wildlife. It may be really tempting to let your head be turned by the fantastic sights all around you as you traverse European off-road routes – but you’re risking an accident if you do. Do your research beforehand to help you know of any obvious dangers and keep track of your location to avoid getting lost.