Top 10 Best Cycling Routes and Destinations in the World
Taking a bicycle tour can give you a fresh perspective on your destination. Cycling allows you to enjoy the small details like the road’s curvature—the sparkle of the sun on the lake, and the scent of an olive grove. When you join a bike tour, you’ll find that many of them offer accommodations, meals, and equipment.
Cycling trips have become increasingly popular, and tour operators will provide support vehicles to assist riders of all skill levels. Cycling enthusiasts worldwide are constantly seeking new routes to discover. Many stunning cycling routes are available that can satisfy both beginners and professionals.
Just Ride!
Are you a traveller who loves cycling? Combine your passions and embark on an unforgettable adventure. To help, we’ve enlisted the top 10 cycling routes & destinations worldwide.
Girona, Spain
Professional cyclists visit Girona for its ideal location, 60 miles northeast of Barcelona. Girona boasts an exceptional climate, beautiful roads, picturesque country lanes, and challenging mountains. Additionally, Girona offers a diverse culinary scene, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an undiscovered gem near and far from Barcelona. Cyclists will find Girona, a cycling paradise between the sea and the Pyrenees mountain range in the Costa Brava region. The unique topography of Girona provides the perfect cycling experience with a combination of long, flat highways and rolling hills, which will test your biking talents. Top cycling routes in Girona include Els Angels, Mare de Deu del Mont, Rococorba Climb, and the coast road.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, located in the shadows of Table Mountain, is well-known for its scenic roads that weave through the city’s coastal areas. The Bicycle Cape Town organization, established to improve and promote bicycle infrastructure, services, and routes, exemplifies the city’s commitment to healthy lifestyle choices. Every year, the town celebrates “LifeCycle Week” from March 3-12, which includes various activities and competitive racing events to honour two-wheeled transportation. Cape Town and its beautiful surroundings offer a variety of roads and trails suitable for all levels of riders. These include the coastal roads of the peninsula and scenic views of False Bay from the top of a challenging climb. Explore Chapman’s Peak, Misty Cliffs, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Himalaya, Nepal
Explore the stunning country of Nepal on an exhilarating cross-country bike trip with KE Adventure Travel. Renowned as one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations, this trip offers a unique opportunity to cycle along popular routes like the Kali Horseshoe, which boasts breathtaking views of the Annapurna Massif. Moving eastward along the Marshyangdi River, you’ll reach the charming village of Gorkha. Beginning your journey in Pokhara, prepare for a challenging mile-high climb to the Kathmandu Valley’s rim, followed by a thrilling downhill ride to bustling Kathmandu. With friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and diverse terrain, this trip will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Great silk road route, Kazakhstan
Join KE Adventure Travels on a mountain biking trip through Kazakhstan’s southeast, where you can experience the beauty of Central Asia and follow the ancient Silk Road. You’ll cycle on a combination of paved and gravel roads that go through scenic valleys surrounded by open grasslands or “steppe”. For a week, you’ll explore the northern foothills of the Tian Shan, where you’ll see remote farming communities and nomadic Kazakh shepherd camps. During summer, these camps migrate to the upland valleys with their horses and sheep. Your journey will take you from the stunning Charyn Canyon to the Kegen Plateau and Lake Tuzkol along the Silk Road. It ends in the desert landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park, where you’ll bike through colourful sandstone formations and hike to the top of the 120m high ‘Singing Sand Dune’.
Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia offers some of the best biking experiences in the world. With its warm climate and stunning scenery, it boasts the Pyrenees mountains in the north and the beautiful Mediterranean to the east. The region has quiet, bike-friendly roads passing through historic communities, forests, and the shore. Catalonia is home to two top-tier cycling competitions, the Tour de Catalonia and the Vuelta an Espaa, which attract world-class cyclists. Visitors can take advantage of bicycle tours and packages to explore the area on two wheels. Cycling in Catalonia offers a chance to experience the region’s beauty, from charming villages and medieval towns to challenging mountain routes and sandy beaches. It’s a year-round destination for cyclists seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Pyrenees, France & Spain
The Tour de France climbs some well-known mountains in the Pyrenees. Between Spain and France, the mountain range runs for more than 430 kilometres. The Pyrenees offer the ideal opportunity for elite cyclists who want to take on Tour-style routes and inexperienced cyclists who wish to ride on the mountains for the first time. There are over 500 mountain passes to select, along with countless trails to explore. Cycling routes like Tourmalet, Aubisque, and Peyresourde have become quite well-known recently and are perfect for any biker. Beautiful scenery! The Pyrenees offer cyclists a variety of terrain, from gentle hills to challenging mountain passes. The Col du Tourmalet, a 19-kilometre slope that has frequently appeared in the Tour de France, is one of the most well-renowned mountains in the area. The Col d’Aubisque, Col du Soulor, and the Port de Balès are other noteworthy ascents.
Peak District, UK
Looking for a fantastic cycling getaway that doesn’t require a long journey? Look no further than the Peak District, one of the most stunning UK biking locations. The wild and gorgeous landscape will accompany you on your adventure, and even the unpredictable British weather will encourage you to return to this ideal cycling destination. You’ll be gifted with breathtaking views at every turn when you cycle along the routes that wind through tunnels and viaducts. The Peak District owns an array of off-road cycling trails, including the Tissington and High Peak trails, charming villages, fascinating historic sites, peaceful roads, and car-free paths. Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker, a novice rider, or anything in between, for bikers of all experience levels, the Peak District is the ideal location.
Patagonia, Chile
Experienced cyclists will enjoy the famous routes of Chile’s Carretera Austral and Argentina’s Ruta 40, while the Seven Lakes circuit is known for its exceptional beauty. On this unique ride, you’ll pass snow-capped peaks, green forests, and even volcanoes, taking in all the breathtaking views of nature. Cycling in Patagonia is challenging but incredibly rewarding, with every route promising unforgettable vistas, from the towering heights of Torres del Paine National Park to the turquoise waters of the Futaleufú River. Cyclists can choose between self-guided tours or join guided groups, which offer support and expertise to navigate the challenging terrain. The cycling season runs from October to April. The most popular period of the year is from November to February. Patagonia is a popular destination for cyclists, and it’s easy to see why.
Tasmania, Australia
In Tasmania, cyclists can explore the picturesque towns of Bicheno, Swansea, and St. Helens, as well as the beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines. One popular cycling destination in Tasmania is the Tamar Valley, with many cycling trails and routes, ranging from leisurely rides along the river to challenging mountain climbs. The most famous challenging ride is the climb up to Mount Wellington, which overlooks the state capital of Hobart. The climb is a challenging 21 kilometres, but it’s well worth it because of the breathtaking views. Tasmania also has some long-distance cycling routes, including the Tasmanian Trail (over 480 kilometres from Devonport). The route takes cyclists through some of Tasmania’s most spectacular scenery, including forests, rivers, and mountains.
South Island, Zealand
Looking for the ultimate cycling adventure? Look no further than New Zealand’s South Island! Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and delectable wine, this cycling tour offers the perfect experience. Starting in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the country, you’ll embark on a journey along the Central Otago Rail Trail, passing through charming gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn, and Hyde. Pedal through picturesque plains and crystal-clear rivers and enjoy the warm hospitality of local taverns. It will be the best cycling experience you won’t want to miss!
Epilogue
Exploring new places and experiencing nature up close can be achieved through cycling, a sustainable transportation form that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Cycling tourism is becoming increasingly popular in destinations like Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Ride the world differently!!