Cycling Around the World
The world's best cycling destinations, from the climbs of the Alps to island loops in Asia and the trails of New Zealand.
Few ways of travelling strike a better balance than the bicycle: fast enough to cover real ground, slow enough to feel every gradient, smell and sound of a place. Cycling turns a landscape into a lived experience, whether you are grinding up a legendary mountain pass, spinning along a flat riverside greenway, or bouncing down a rocky mountain-bike trail. The world offers rides for every ambition, from gentle family paths to epic multi-day expeditions.
The disciplines are as varied as the terrain. Road cyclists chase the famous climbs of the Tour de France and the smooth passes of the Alps and Dolomites; gravel and touring riders follow long-distance routes across countries and continents; and mountain bikers descend purpose-built trail centres and wild backcountry singletrack. Some destinations are car-free paradises of dedicated cycle paths, others demand a taste for adventure on remote roads.
Planning a cycling trip means matching route, distance and terrain to your fitness, and choosing a season when passes are open and the weather is kind. Whether you carry your own gear or travel light on a supported tour, the reward is a deep, physical connection to the country you cross. The rides below span the world’s greatest cycling landscapes, from alpine cols to desert plateaus and coastal greenways.
The World's Great Rides#
The Alpe d’Huez and the French Alps, France The mythic switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez and nearby giants like the Col du Galibier are a pilgrimage for road cyclists chasing the ghosts of the Tour de France. The climbs are long, steep and unforgettable, set amid glaciated peaks and flower meadows. Summer, June to September, is the season, once the high cols are clear of snow.
The Dolomites, Italy The pink-tinged towers of the Italian Dolomites frame some of the most beautiful road cycling on earth, with legendary passes like the Sella, Pordoi and Stelvio linking alpine villages. Car-free Sellaronda days and superb road surfaces make it a cyclist’s dream. Summer offers open passes and long days, with July and August busiest.
The Loire Valley, France For gentler riding, the Loire a Velo route follows France’s longest river past fairytale chateaux, vineyards and sleepy villages on flat, well-signed paths. It is ideal for relaxed multi-day touring with wine and food at every stop. Late spring and early autumn offer warm days and quieter trails.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, United States and Canada Running some 4,400 kilometres from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide, this is the ultimate off-road bikepacking odyssey, crossing high passes, deserts and vast wilderness. It demands self-sufficiency, fitness and weeks of time, but rewards with unmatched solitude and scale. Summer, June to September, is the window between snowmelt and autumn cold.
Taiwan’s Round-the-Island Route Circling the entire island, Taiwan’s Cycling Route No. 1 links coastal roads, mountains and cities on an increasingly cyclist-friendly network beloved by touring riders. The dramatic east coast and the climb over the central mountains are highlights of the roughly 1,000-kilometre loop. Autumn and spring avoid both typhoon season and summer heat.
The Danube Cycle Path, Central Europe One of Europe’s most popular long-distance routes, the Danube path follows the great river through Germany, Austria and beyond on flat, well-maintained trails past castles, vineyards and baroque cities like Vienna. It is perfect for easy, scenic touring accessible to all fitness levels. Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather and open guesthouses.
The Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand Following a former railway across New Zealand’s South Island, this gentle gravel trail rolls through gold-rush country, gorges and big-sky high country with no steep gradients. Its car-free ease and heritage towns make it a classic multi-day ride for all abilities. The southern spring and autumn bring stable weather and thinner crowds.
Mallorca, Spain The Mediterranean island of Mallorca is Europe’s winter road-cycling capital, with smooth roads, the spectacular Sa Calobra climb and the coastal Tramuntana mountains drawing pros and amateurs alike. Quiet lanes and reliable sunshine make it ideal for training and touring. The spring months of March to May are peak season before the summer heat.
The Karakoram and Pamir Highway, Central Asia For hardened adventure cyclists, the high-altitude Pamir Highway across Tajikistan and the Karakoram Highway offer some of the wildest, most remote riding on the planet, over 4,000-metre passes amid colossal mountains. These are committing expeditions demanding self-sufficiency and acclimatisation. The short summer, June to September, is the only realistic window.
Moab, United States The red-rock desert around Moab in Utah is a mountain-biking mecca, home to the slickrock trails and the epic Whole Enchilada descent from alpine forest to canyon floor. The surreal terrain and vast trail network suit confident off-road riders. Spring and autumn bring ideal temperatures, avoiding the searing desert summer.
Vietnam, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Cycling the length of Vietnam is a classic adventure tour, following coast roads, mountain passes like Hai Van and rural back-lanes through paddy fields and villages over a few weeks. Supported tours make the 1,600-kilometre journey accessible, immersing riders in daily Vietnamese life. The cooler, drier months vary by region, with spring and autumn best overall.
The Munda Biddi and the Australian outback trails, Australia Western Australia’s Munda Biddi is one of the world’s longest off-road cycling trails, winding over 1,000 kilometres through eucalyptus forest and bushland between purpose-built huts. It offers a true wilderness bikepacking experience with abundant wildlife. The cooler months from April to October are best for riding the trail.
The Cape Wine Route, South Africa The rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer beautiful road and gravel cycling between historic estates and mountain passes. It pairs scenic riding with wine tasting and superb food in a Mediterranean climate. The southern spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures.
Japan’s Shimanami Kaido This celebrated 70-kilometre cycling route hops across six islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea on a series of magnificent suspension bridges with dedicated cycle lanes. Gentle gradients, sea views and bike-friendly infrastructure make it a joy for riders of all levels. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and, in season, cherry blossom or maple colour.