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Cycling Adventures: Best Bike Routes and Tours Around the World

  • TopTravelIndex
  • Mar 14
  • 5 min read

Six Cyclers on a mountain road

Cycling offers a unique way to explore new destinations while staying active and connected with nature. Whether you prefer urban bike paths, challenging mountain trails, or leisurely countryside rides, there’s a cycling adventure for every type of rider. This guide covers the best bike routes and tours around the world — perfect for fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.



1. Danube Cycle Path, Europe

The Danube Cycle Path stretches from Germany to Hungary, following the path of the Danube River through historic towns, vineyards, and rolling countryside. It’s one of Europe’s most popular cycling routes, known for its flat terrain and well-maintained paths.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Mostly flat and easy to navigate

✅ Plenty of bike-friendly accommodations along the route

✅ Passes through historic cities like Vienna and Budapest


Highlights:

  • Passau, Germany – Start your journey in this charming riverside town

  • Vienna, Austria – Stop for coffee and pastries in a traditional café

  • Budapest, Hungary – Relax in thermal baths after a long ride


Best Time to Ride:

  • May to September for mild weather and open facilities



2. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA and Canada

This epic route runs from Banff, Canada, to the US-Mexico border, spanning over 2,700 miles. It’s a challenging ride through rugged mountain terrain, offering breathtaking views and a true test of endurance.


Biker on the Great Divide

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Demands strength and endurance — ideal for experienced riders

✅ Stunning views of the Rocky Mountains

✅ Mix of paved and dirt trails for variety


Highlights:

  • Banff, Canada – Start your journey in this scenic mountain town

  • Yellowstone National Park – Watch for bison and other wildlife

  • Colorado Rockies – High-altitude passes with incredible views


Best Time to Ride:

  • June to September for warmer weather and clearer trails



3. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand

This 93-mile trail follows an old railway line through New Zealand’s South Island, winding through rolling hills, farmland, and historic gold mining towns. It’s perfect for a relaxed multi-day trip.

Otago Central Rail Trail

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Well-marked and easy to follow✅ Wide, gravel paths ideal for all skill levels✅ Scenic countryside and charming small towns


Highlights:

  • Middlemarch – Start your ride with breathtaking mountain views

  • Alexandra – Known for its orchards and local wines

  • Clyde – A historic town with cozy lodges and cafés


Best Time to Ride:

  • October to April for mild weather and fewer crowds



4. Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is famous for its vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. The cycling routes here are flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for a relaxed yet scenic ride.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Flat terrain — suitable for beginners and casual riders

✅ Plenty of wine and food stops along the way

✅ Beautiful river views and historic architecture


Highlights:

  • Château de Chambord – One of the most beautiful castles in France

  • Tours – A lively city with excellent food markets

  • Saumur – Known for sparkling wines and troglodyte caves


Best Time to Ride:

  • May to October for warm weather and grape harvest season



5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Cycling along the Amalfi Coast is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The steep climbs are balanced by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful cliffside towns, and delicious Italian cuisine.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Demands strength and climbing ability — ideal for advanced riders

✅ Spectacular coastal views

✅ Authentic Italian food and culture along the route


Highlights:

  • Positano – Famous for its colorful cliffside houses

  • Amalfi – Try the local limoncello after your ride

  • Ravello – Known for its stunning gardens and panoramic views


Best Time to Ride:

  • April to June and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer tourists



6. Cape Town to Cape Point, South Africa

This coastal route offers dramatic ocean views and diverse terrain, passing through vineyards, mountains, and national parks. The ride is physically demanding but well worth the effort.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Coastal views and varied landscapes

✅ Opportunities for wine tasting and wildlife encounters

✅ Mix of paved roads and challenging climbs


Highlights:

  • Chapman’s Peak Drive – One of the most scenic roads in the world

  • Cape of Good Hope – The southernmost tip of Africa

  • Simon's Town – Home to a colony of African penguins


Best Time to Ride:

  • March to May and September to November for mild weather and clear skies



7. The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

The Shimanami Kaido is a 37-mile cycling route connecting Japan’s Honshu and Shikoku islands via six bridges. Riders can enjoy ocean views, coastal towns, and traditional Japanese culture along the way.


Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Well-marked and easy to navigate

✅ Opportunity to explore small fishing villages

✅ Mix of flat and moderately hilly terrain


Highlights:

  • Onomichi – Start your journey with views of historic temples

  • Ikuchijima Island – Known for lemon groves and sea views

  • Imabari – Famous for its towel industry and delicious seafood


Best Time to Ride:

  • March to May and September to November for mild weather and fewer crowds



8. The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds offer a network of quiet country lanes, rolling hills, and charming villages. This area is ideal for cyclists looking for a relaxing ride through the English countryside.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Gentle terrain and well-marked paths

✅ Plenty of historic villages and pubs

✅ Beautiful countryside scenery


Highlights:

  • Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds"

  • Stow-on-the-Wold – Charming market town with antique shops

  • Bibury – Famous for its row of historic stone cottages


Best Time to Ride:

  • May to September for mild weather and blooming countryside



9. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

The Pacific Coast Highway runs from California to Washington, offering breathtaking ocean views and a variety of terrain. It’s a long-distance ride that requires both strength and endurance.


Pacific Coast Highway

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Coastal views and diverse landscapes

✅ Mix of challenging climbs and flat stretches

✅ Opportunities to stop at beaches, towns, and vineyards


Highlights:

  • Big Sur – Known for its rugged cliffs and ocean views

  • San Francisco – Iconic city views and cultural stops

  • Oregon Coast – Dramatic sea stacks and sandy beaches


Best Time to Ride:

  • May to October for warmer weather and less rain



10. Ruta Austral, Chile

The Ruta Austral is a remote and scenic cycling route through Patagonia. It’s a demanding ride with rugged terrain, but the reward is breathtaking natural beauty.


Why It’s Great for Cyclists:

✅ Rugged and challenging — ideal for experienced riders

✅ Remote and unspoiled natural scenery

✅ Variety of terrain — gravel, dirt, and paved roads


Highlights:

  • Carretera Austral – Remote roads through Patagonia

  • Queulat National Park – Stunning glaciers and waterfalls

  • Puerto Rio Tranquilo – Marble caves and crystal-clear lakes


Best Time to Ride:

  • December to March for warmer weather and less rain



Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer coastal rides, mountain climbs, or countryside tours, these cycling routes offer a perfect mix of physical challenge and scenic reward. Gear up, hit the road, and experience the world on two wheels!

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