The 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes In The World

Cycling is one of the best ways to see the world. This year, make the journey part of the adventure as you see the wonders of the world from two wheels with these 10 breathtaking cycling routes all around the globe.

The Great Ocean Road — Australia

Known around the world for its fabulous views, the Great Ocean Road is located in southeastern Australia, where it reaches from Torquay to Allansford. The road is for moderate to advanced cyclists and it is possible to traverse over a long weekend. For those looking for an extra challenge, find the mountain biking trails hidden just off the main road.

Carretera Austral — Chile

Udaipur to Taj Mahal — Rajasthan, India

Along the pathway from Udaipur to the Taj Mahal through Rajasthan, riders will get to view a mosaic of the color and beauty of India. Udaipur has been called the Venice of the East or the City of Lakes because of its network of lakes, rivers, and streams, but it is also filled with ancient forts, temples, and palaces.

La Farola — Cuba

La Farola is a Cuban highway that travels from the peak of the Baracoa Mountains down to the country’s south coast. The vibrant 35-mile ride passes through tropical areas against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and stretches of open ocean. The mountainous terrain means it won’t be an easy ride; the route includes winding cliff-side roads, steep inclines, and equally steep descents.

Otago Peninsula — New Zealand

The scenery along the Otago Peninsula cycling route is stunning. Starting with some city riding in Dunedin, a university town, the path leads to an open, winding road along the coast. The first half of the ride is gentle, but you’ll need to conserve your strength for the second half of wild, steep roads.

Cabot Trail — Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is world-renowned as one of the most scenic bike trails. The 190-mile route is set against a wonderful coastal view of rocky shores, rolling hills and high peaks. Pass through quaint fishing villages with French-Scottish roots and see some of the local wildlife. This paved route has some challenging spots, but it is suitable for average cyclists.

North Sea Cycle Route — Europe

The North Sea Cycle Route, is one of many cycling routes that cross various European countries. This one in particular circles around the North Sea, passing through eight countries. At nearly 4000 miles long, this route is not easy to do in one go. Road and weather conditions vary from mountainous regions in Norway to below-sea-level sections in The Netherlands, but overall the route is easiest to traverse in the summer.

Salzach Valley — Austria

Take in gorgeous views of Grossglockner Mountain, the Hohe Tauern National Park, and Europe’s highest waterfall from your two wheels when you ride the 150-mile Salzach Valley trail. The route, which starts at Gerlos Pass and ends in Salzburg, covers thousands of feet in altitude.

The San Juan Islands — Washington, USA

Hop a ferry from Seattle or Anacortes with your bike in tow to discover the beautiful forests, coves, and beachy views from the charming San Juan Islands roads. The islands, located just off the shore of Washington state, offer green, rolling hills, panoramic Pacific Ocean views, and plenty of chances to spot some of the local wildlife.

Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path — Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Created in honor of the 125th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s death, the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path is a stunning attribute to the famous work Starry Night. This almost one-mile-lond path, charged by solar power during the day, illuminates at night and serves as a connection between two other van Gogh heritage points in the city.

Daan Roosegaarde on the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.