A Guide to Bikeable Islands

Life's greatest pleasure is a place where you can get around on wheels, by the sea, with the people you love 🚲

Nov 12, 2024

Through my extensive travels this year, I’ve realized my platonic ideal of a true vacation — one that leaves me feeling rested and recharged while also scratching the itch of exploration — is one on an island, where I can get around primarily by bike, enjoyed with the people I love.

I was lucky enough to experience this thrice this year, through a week-long trip to Fire Island, and through two quick, separate trips to Formentera. Both Formentera and Ibiza possess a rugged and simple beauty I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

the night sky during a moonrise in Fire Island (can't believe I took this on my phone); the azure waters of Formentera

Getting around primarily on bike allowed me to enjoy a deep connection with each island’s distinct landscapes, local charm, and effortless beauty in a way I don’t think I would’ve been able to otherwise. When you bike, you feel the salt in the air, the warm sea breeze enveloping your body, and you can stop whenever the view demands it. Naturally, biking forces you go slower, which gives you time to take everything in.

Fire Island, New York

Where it is and how to get there

Fire Island is a barrier island off the coast of Long Island, New York, and here’s a bonus right off the bat: no cars allowed! A true dream. You’ll take a ferry over from Long Island, which immediately sets the tone, as you’re officially off the beaten path. You can get from NYC to your accommodation in under three hours. There aren’t really hotels, only motels, but most opt for a week-long house rental (shorter rental periods aren’t allowed).

This is an island where nature dominates. Wild deer prance around, unbothered by the people they share the island with. It’s a place that feels so safe and family friendly that you’ll see gangs of small children running around, not enslaved to technology, purely enjoying themselves. It’s almost like going in a time machine back to the 80s — parents literally tell their kids to be back home by dinner, or to fend for themselves at friends’ houses. Fire Island has a deep community that is centered around caring for each other. This is not the Hamptons, as no one wears designer labels, and everyone is almost always barefoot.

Cycling Fire Island’s unique landscape

Fire Island is a perfect mix of sand, sea, and open skies. With dunes and the bay on one side and wild windswept beaches on the other, there’s always something thrilling and naturally beautiful to see, whether you’re cruising along a quiet path or pedaling through the glamorous, relaxed community of Saltaire. It’s worth noting that biking isn’t allowed in every neighborhood — it’s prohibited in the Pines and Cherry Grove, but you’re allowed to bike anywhere on the beach itself. All of the other neighborhoods allow it, and encourage it. Everyone here is friendly, and there’s a genuine small-town vibe where cyclists and pedestrians alike smile and greet each other with waves. Everyone that summers here knows their neighbor, and grocery stores have house accounts so kids can go buy snacks whenever and charge it to their parents, without needing a credit card.

What makes it special?

Don’t miss the Fire Island Lighthouse (for a bit of history and stunning views) and the mysterious Sunken Forest, a rare ecological treat where you can hop off your bike and take a peaceful, nature filled walk.

Although not bikeable, a visit to Cherry Grove is a must! It’s a lively, historic LGBTQ+ haven known for its vibrant nightlife and free-spirited community vibe. It's a special place where beachgoers and artists mingle, and where drag shows, dance parties, and sunlit boardwalks create a unique mix of relaxation and celebration.

When to go + tips for the ride

The best times to visit are late May and early September when the weather is warm but crowds are low. If you don’t mind dealing with tourists, August is delightful weather-wise. The island is basically closed to tourists November through April, as local businesses shutter for the winter and water taxi services stop their service. You can rent bikes on the island or bring your own on the ferry, but remember it’s mostly sandy terrain — think cruiser bikes rather than speed machines. Fat tires are highly encouraged.

I made a Google map of all of my favorite Fire Island spots, accessible here.

Formentera, Spain

Where it is and how to get there

Formentera sits just a short ferry ride from Ibiza, but it feels a world apart. Cycling is a natural way to explore this tiny island, with endless stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters that make it look like paradise found. Cars are allowed, and you’ll be competing with them on some of the major roads, but there are plenty of well-maintained bike paths too.

Cycling Formentera’s Green Routes

Formentera is a cyclist’s dream, with a network of “Green Routes” (Rutas Verdes) that connect nearly every corner of the island. Some of the most stunning rides include the beach-hopping route from Es Pujols to Illetes Beach, or, for those looking for a bit more of a challenge, take a spin to Calo Des Mort, my personal favorite.

What makes it special?

Formentera has this low-key, bohemian vibe that makes it feel wonderfully lost in time. Biking here feels like you’re stepping into a postcard, where beaches are pristine and life moves at a relaxed, Mediterranean pace. Be prepared to take several wrong turns and get lost a little — Google maps has no idea what is a bikeable path and what isn’t — but that adds to the magic and adventure of the entire experience. The first time we went to Formentera, we took a quick day trip and ended up spending more time there than we expected due to some poor direction following… but we had an absolute blast. We fell so in love with the island that we came back with friends a few months later.

When to go + tips for the ride

Spring and early/late summer are ideal for cycling Formentera, with warm days and clear skies before the peak summer crowds arrive. Avoid August if you want to skip the high season hustle and take in Formentera at its most tranquil. We went in May and September, and both times felt manageable/not too crowded.

Formentera is a trip that I’d recommend tacking on to either a trip to Ibiza or Mallorca/Menorca. You don’t need more than a few days here to really understand and appreciate the lay of the land, but it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after partying in Ibiza or huffing and puffing around Europe.

You’ll find bike rentals aplenty around the island, so it’s easy to grab one once you hop off the ferry from Ibiza, and there’s no need to reserve in advance. If you’re staying at a hotel, they can coordinate bike rentals for you.

We opted for electric bikes both times, as the island is pretty big and hilly, and you’d be exhausted otherwise. We had so much fun absolutely zooming at what felt like the speed of light! I will say we never rented helmets and I was sometimes scared that I was going to crack my skull open… so I’d highly recommend opting for helmets if possible.

I made a Google map of all of my favorite Formentera spots, accessible here.

I’m dying to add more bikeable islands (and bikeable places in general) to my travel list, so please do sound off in the comments to let me know your favorite spots! I’m dying to do a bike tour of Ireland — imagine flying down those verdant, rolling hills!

xx,

Bella Darden