Top 10 Destinations for A Cycling Vacation
Cycling is the best fuel for the Mind and Body
When it comes to travelling, the typical method of transportation is either car rental or hailing a taxi to get around town. However, have you ever considered tagging your bicycle on your next trip?
The benefits of riding your bike compared to your vehicle are obvious and endless. By simply getting around by bike, you'll leave zero carbon footprint on our environment, and it’s a fantastic way to experience a new destination.
Whether you’re new to the exercise travel scene or a seasoned veteran, cycling holidays are a trend that’s here to stay.
From road cycling to leisure cycling or mountain biking, we’ve found tons of destinations for when you’re ready to plan your next two-wheel vacation. Here is our list of the 10 best destinations for a cycling holiday.
1) Tuscany, Italy
With Tuscany at the top of our list, the decision is your on how you would like to your our #1 Cycling Vacation Spot. Regardless of a guided or unguided leisure cycling holiday through Tuscany. No doubt, It will be a journey that you will forever remember.
Travel through famous towns, taste Italian delicacies, and experience Italian culture, all while cycling.
Cruise through serene landscapes, steep valleys, rivers, wide open fields and vineyards. Saddle Skedaddle offers an incredible cycling holiday called “A Taste of Tuscany,” check it out here.
2) Friendship Highway, China to Nepal
A ride you'll never forget. Cruise down the 800-kilometer scenic trail that connects the capital of Tibet with the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge.
The Friendship Highway is one of the highest roads in the world, crosses over three passes above 5,000 meters, and is the most traveled road in Tibet.
While riding through, You’ll see beautiful Lake Yamdrok, the Kyichu River, Kamba La Pass, Samding Monastery, and more.
Journey through Asia’s incredible rolling hills as you gaze at the gorgeous turquoise waters of lakes and rivers.
We recommend you hop on the 22 Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Bike Tour with Tibet Travel.
3) Big Sur, California, U.S.
California is commonly known for surfing and sunshine, but let's not forget about the dozens of biking trails and adventures in the Big Sur and other parts of the state as well.
The rugged terrain will keep you on your toes as you cruise down the paths next to the ocean, on top of cliffs where waves crash just below you!
Sounds like a cyclist's fantasy turned reality.
As you ride the paths, you'll eventually make your way to the beautiful Hearst Castle, dating back to the 1800s, located in San Simeon, California.
Bike from Monterey to Santa Barbara on a guided multi-day tour with Central Coast Outdoors Bike Tours.
4) The Balkans
If you’re more of the cyclist who enjoys beautiful countrysides, cities, and historic towns, then the Balkans are your next cycling destination.
The Balkans include Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and the European part of Turkey.
Exodus Travels offers a 13-day cycling tour around the Balkans that includes a stop in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ohrid, 4 countries, all accommodation, all breakfasts, transfers, and bike hires.
5) The Faroe Islands
One of the main highlights in and around the Faroe Islands is all of the islands are accessible either by sub-sea tunnels, bridges, or ferries.
Don't get us wrong, bike paths are a rare commodity in the Faroe Islands. However, due to the low volume traffic on most roads the destination is popular for cycling.
According to the Faroe Islands tourism website, “Your bike must have a bell, a white reflector visible from the front, yellow reflectors on the pedals and wheels and a red reflector at the back.” This is in the event that you must go through a tunnel, which can be very dark.
Cycle through beautiful villages and peaceful lakes on Excursions’ Guided Bike Trip to Sandoy.
6) Jordan
Jordan makes the top 10 of our list because it’s a cycling destination you'll never forget.
On a bike tour of Jordan, you’ll be venturing through valleys and hills as you make visits to special stops.
On the Explore! Cycle Jordan Tour, you’ll see the city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Sea, and beautiful mosaics.
7) Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Shimanami Kaido is a cycling route across the Seto Island Sea in Japan. The 60-kilometer road connects Japan’s main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, also known as the Nishiseto Expressway.
Cruising down the expressway, cyclists can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea and each of the six islands towns. The Bridges were engineered with small inclines and cyclists in mind, so all cyclists can ride this path and complete the route within the day, whether pro or beginner .
Check out Shimanami Kaido Cyclonoie for tips and tricks about your next cycling adventure, booking accommodation, and more.
8) Cambodia
Are you a fan of pit stops? Then you should consider a cycling tour through Cambodia, where you can rest and relax in between multiple scenic pit stops.
Explore backroads, small villages, and take in the beauty of the Cardamom Mountains. Ride through national parks and jungle trails, take your cycling to a whole new level. Step inside an incredible temple on the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Cambodia Bike Tours.
9) Boulder, Colorado, U.S.
Boulder, Colorado’s options for cycling is one of our favourties.
It's one of those Cycling destinations with so many paths and different levels to choose from, you simply cannot go wrong in Valmont Bike Park. The paths vary from track for the kiddos, a terrain park with dirt jumps, a slope style portion, and a double slalom race course.
There are options for both beginners and pro cyclists. Ride through the Glades in this completely free, public park.
Choose from several kinds of tours with Boulder Bike Tours.
10) Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
The longest trail of its kind in the whole wide world (known to man kind of course), The Munda Biddi Trail runs over 1,000 kilometers from Mundaring to Albany in Western Australia.
The trail runs through a natural corridor, untouched forests, and bushland with gentle terrain.
The trail has stages for every ability, age, and pace. The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation offers events and organized rides to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Now that you’ve seen our list of the top 10 best cycling vacation destinations around the globe, where do you plan on vacationing next?
Did we miss any?
Leave us a comment below!