These are the 10 Best Cycling Destinations in the World, According to Travel Experts

Cycling lets you get to know a place at a pace that doesn’t rush you. You start to feel the landscape in a way you’d never notice from a car or train, and those small details end up being the parts you remember.

Sérgio Marques, founder and CEO of Top Bike Tours Portugal, says, “For those craving an active, adventure-filled holiday, there’s nowhere better than a destination that truly welcomes cyclists.”

With that in mind, his team highlighted ten locations that riders tend to fall in love with for completely different reasons. Some are defined by big climbs, others by culture or coastline, but they all offer a kind of travel that feels personal the moment you start pedaling.

10. Chile’s Wine Country

Chile’s wine valleys are ideal if you want a relaxed cycling trip with gorgeous scenery the entire way. The routes move through vineyards, quiet towns, and open stretches that take their time. Many riders lean into the slower pace and plan their days around tastings or long lunches. (Mendoza, Argentina is also a great place to do this, in my opinion.)

Best for: Leisure cyclists who want scenery and good food.
Best time to visit: October to April.

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9. Bhutan

Bhutan demands effort, but the reward is massive. The mountain roads carve through quiet villages, forests, and high viewpoints that feel untouched. Getting anywhere near Tiger’s Nest on a bike is an accomplishment riders talk about for years.

“In Bhutan, the landscapes humble you,” says Sérgio. “It’s not a place for the faint of heart, but every climb rewards you with a view you’ll never forget.”

Best for: Riders comfortable with altitude and steep climbs.
Best time to visit: March–May or September–November.

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8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam makes cycling feel natural. The lanes, the pace, the attitude toward bikes — it all works seamlessly. If you head outside the city, you end up in long, peaceful stretches of countryside, small towns, and landscapes that look exactly like you’d expect the Netherlands to look.

“The Dutch cycling network is unrivaled,” Sérgio says. “You can ride for hours without ever feeling rushed or unsafe.”

Best for: Beginners, casual riders, and families.
Best time to visit: April to October.

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7. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch is a great choice if you like variety. One moment you’re coasting between vineyards, then you’re on gravel roads or climbing rolling hills. The scenery shifts constantly, and many cyclists wrap up their rides with a winery visit nearby.

Best for: Gravel and endurance riders.
Best time to visit: November to February.

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6. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira offers a thoughtful, scenic cycling experience, especially along the Portuguese Coastal Way. Starting in Porto and working your way toward Spain gives you quiet seaside towns, historic districts, and stretches of coastline that feel timeless.

“The Portuguese Camino by bike is special because it’s accessible to most riders,” Sérgio says. “You get the spiritual side of the pilgrimage combined with stunning Atlantic views and authentic Portuguese hospitality.”

Best for: Leisure and intermediate cyclists.
Best time to visit: April to October.

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5. Vancouver & Whistler, Canada

Vancouver is an easy place to warm up your legs thanks to its waterfront paths and mountain views. Whistler, on the other hand, is a full summer playground for mountain bikers. The lift system opens up huge sections of terrain, and the trails range from gentle to “absolutely not my skill level.”

“Whistler has mastered the art of mountain biking,” Sérgio says. “The trails are world-class, and the community vibe makes every rider feel like part of the fun.”

Best for: Mountain bikers of all levels.
Best time to visit: June to October.

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4. The French Alps

The French Alps are a rite of passage for cyclists. This is where riders come specifically for climbs they’ve seen on TV and want to test in real life. The region also turns into a hub for downhill and enduro riding once summer arrives.

Best for: Riders who want big, iconic climbs.
Best time to visit: June to September.

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3. Japan’s Pacific Cycling Road

Japan’s Pacific Cycling Road runs nearly 1,400 kilometers and gives you a mix of coastal scenery, mountain backdrops, and towns where you can wind down in an onsen after a long day. The routes near Mount Fuji tend to be favorites.

Best for: Long-distance riders who love cultural immersion.
Best time to visit: Spring or autumn.

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2. The Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites feel incredibly dramatic from the moment you start climbing. Road cyclists head for the Sella Ronda loop, and mountain bikers fan out across panoramic trails. Everywhere you look, the mountains seem to shift and tower in new ways.

“The Dolomites are a test of endurance and spirit, but the scenery pays you back tenfold,” Sérgio says. “Every summit is like a personal victory.”

Best for: Riders who love climbing.
Best time to visit: June to September.

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1. Girona, Spain

Girona has earned its reputation as the unofficial home base for cyclists. You can ride straight out of the city and hit legendary routes like Rocacorba, Els Àngels, and Mare de Déu del Mont. Then you roll back into town and join the café scene that feels like a second home for cyclists.

“Girona is a cyclist’s dream,” Sérgio says. “Great weather, quiet roads, and a tight-knit community that welcomes riders from all over the world.”

Best for: Road cyclists who want variety and a strong cycling community.
Best time to visit: Spring through autumn.

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Before You Go

Sérgio stresses that preparation matters. Look up your routes so you know what you’re signing up for. Confirm that your travel insurance covers cycling. If you’re renting a bike, choose shops known for proper maintenance. Rules vary widely from country to country, so give yourself a few minutes to understand the basics before you ride. A small repair kit, water, and a layer or two can save you from a rough day.

If this sparked ideas for future trips, there are a few other adventures readers have been asking me about lately. The slow, easy cycling route along the Göta Canal in Sweden is a great example of how peaceful bike travel can be when the scenery does most of the work. I also spent time in Småland exploring Sweden’s wellbeing approach, and it’s still one of the calmest travel experiences I’ve had.

And if you’re looking for something stateside, my roundup of the hiking trails Americans actually love the most — the ones that consistently rank above spots like Angels Landing — might be a good place to start planning your next leg-powered trip.

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