Whether you race the wind, prefer easy family rides, or love multi-day bike packing adventures, these ten places deliver scenery, culture, and unforgettable two-wheeled memories. This list pulls together from my own experience as well as recommendations from travelers, cycling guides and local route pages. So you can pick the style of trip you love: road, gravel, e-bike, or leisurely sightseeing.
Girona & Costa Brava, Spain – road riding heaven
I’ll never forget pedaling the quiet lanes outside Girona at dawn, the sky pale, and a bakery door opening just as my legs warmed up. I paused for the best croissant of the trip, then climbed Rocacorba with amazing views surrounding me.
Girona’s sun, quiet roads and pro-rider culture make it a favorite training base (close to mountains and the coast). Day rides loop into the Pyrenees or along coastal roads with cafés and bakeries at the ready.
Quick tip: Rent a road bike locally and do a coastal loop + a Rocacorba or Els Àngels climb for a classic Girona day.
Mallorca, Spain – Mediterranean climbs & coastal lanes
The reason this location was added to the list is due it it’s World-class ascents, coastal descents and island weather that keeps riders coming back each spring. Mallorca’s mix of flat coastal rides and steep interior cols suits all levels, even young cycling enthusiastic that have not yet gained a lot of experience can enjoy this amazing rout.
Quick tip: Avoid the main holiday weekends if you want quiet roads; explore Serra de Tramuntana for the best views.
La Loire à Vélo, France – châteaux, vineyards and family-friendly routes
On the Loire ride, our kids loved the castle scavenger hunt we invented, every chateau brought a new game and a new picnic stop. Cycling turned into the perfect family treasure hunt
A long, mostly flat, well-signposted route that passes UNESCO châteaux and family-friendly towns, this ride is ideal for relaxed multi-day touring. Official Loire à Vélo info and stage maps make planning easy.
Quick tip: Book one or two château visits ahead (Villandry, Amboise) and combine short daily distances with local wine tastings.
Shimanami Kaido, Japan – island bridges & sea views
A compact, extremely scenic 60–80 km route across islands in the Seto Inland Sea with dedicated bike paths, rental hubs and iconic bridge crossings, easy to access and gorgeous at sunrise. Official local guides show the blue route markings that keep you on track.
Quick tip: Rent an “orange” rental bike in Onomichi and plan stops on the islands—cafés and foot baths make great rest breaks.
Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand – gentle rail-trail through Central Otago
During my 2 months New Zealand trip in 2027 i came to know this beautiful trail. A classic rail-trail (152 km) with gentle grades, historic stations and dramatic landscapes, great for families or riders who want relaxed multi-day cycling with B&B stops. Official trail pages include suggested itineraries. Don’t miss one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and i can assure you this trail will be the peak of your vacation.
Quick tip: Spread the trail over 3–4 days to enjoy local food and photography stops; pack layers (Central Otago weather changes fast).
Carretera Austral, Chile (Patagonia) – raw, remote bike packing
This location is here for one reason- Epic gravel roads through fjords, glaciers and temperate rainforest. Not as the rest of the locations on the list, this one is more challenging and remote, recommended for more experienced cyclists with high quality bike so be sure you are geared up and always remember safety first. Expect changing weather and long stretches between services.
Quick tip: Prepare for mixed surfaces, carry waterproofs and plan resupply points carefully—or join a supported tour.
Danube Cycle Path (EuroVelo 6) through Hungary and Slovakia
This scenic route takes you along the mighty Danube River, passing through charming medieval towns like Esztergom, rolling vineyards, and peaceful countryside, with the dramatic backdrop of castles and the Carpathian foothills. What makes it special is the mix of nature and history, you can pedal past UNESCO World Heritage sites, stop at rustic cafés along the river, and enjoy well-marked, mostly flat paths perfect for both casual riders and long-distance cyclists. It’s an ideal way to see authentic Eastern Europe at a slower, more immersive pace.
The Dolomites & Italian Alps – hairpins, vistas and legendary climbs
Classic alpine passes, dramatic landscapes and routes made famous by pro races. Perfect for climbers and road riders seeking breathtaking descents. (See guides and ride lists for suggested cols and safety notes.)
Quick tip: Train for altitude and plan for variable mountain weather; summer mornings are usually best for big climbs.
Blue Ridge Parkway & USA mountain routes – scenic mixed riding
Sweeping mountain roads, fall color and long alpine climbs, great for US-based riders wanting scenic road rides with good roadside services. National and travel outlets regularly include these routes on “best rides” lists.
Quick tip: Time trips for shoulder season or autumn to avoid highway tourist peaks.
Shimanami Kaido, Loire, Girona, Mallorca – a mixed collection to suit every rider
If you want variety combine a city break in Girona, island cycling in Japan, châteaux in France, and Mediterranean climbs in Mallorca across separate trips. Guides and travel sites list these as recurring top picks for 2024–25.
BEFORE YOU GO
We have some practical travel & packing tips for you
- Bike rental vs. bring your own: Rent locally if you’re flying, it’s easier and saves checked-bike hassles. For specialized setups (gravel or TT), bring your own.
- Best season to go: Islands and Mediterranean: spring/early autumn. Alps & Dolomites: summer (Jul–Sep). Patagonia/Carretera Austral: Oct–Mar. Rail trails (NZ): summer/shoulder seasons.
- Documents & insurance: Check local bike laws, carry ID and buy travel + bike insurance (covering theft and cycle-specific medical evacuation if doing remote routes).
- Packing: multi-tool, spare tube/patch kit, lightweight waterproof backpack, padded shorts, energy snacks, compact first-aid, phone with offline maps and GPX files.
- E-bikes: Growing infrastructure in Europe and Japan supports e-bikes, this will be perfect for families or riders wanting longer daily ranges.