Looking for the world’s most beautiful cycling routes? You’re in the right place…
For us, what sets a bike ride apart from the everyday are stunning landscapes that stop us in our tyre tracks; cycling routes that fill us full of awe and wonder for the world, and have us (often) shouting ‘wow’ from the saddle!
This list of multi day rides all explore some of the world’s most naturally spectacular destinations and includes rides that could be completed in a couple of days as well as multi-week adventures. Starting in the UK and Europe, we then work our way further afield to find some of the most beautiful locations to cycle across the globe.
Sound good? Get ready to be blown away by these breathtakingly scenic bike rides…
Want more? This article shares our pick of the world’s best long distance routes (that are also stunning)! And this shares beautiful long distance routes in Europe
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!
All metrics in this article are approximate.
Our pick of the most scenic bike rides
1. Hebridean Way Cycle Route, UK
Best for unspoilt coastal beauty
Stunning landscapes on the isle of Harris
What to expect
From the stunning white beaches of Vatersay to the lush machair grasses of South Uist, the rugged mountains of Harris, and the dramatic cliffs of Lewis; cycling through the Western Isles of Scotland offers a unique opportunity to experience some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
We’d argue that one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland can be found on the Hebridean Way cycle route. The spectacular views of the picture-postcard Luskentyre beach will totally blow you away and could even rival the best coastal roads in Europe…
This 300-kilometre island hopping adventure takes place mainly on paved roads. Each island has its own distinct character, adding to the charm of this scenic cycling adventure.
More info
Guide to cycling the Hebridean Way
Also consider
The NC500 is another classic Scottish cycling challenge and takes in the country’s varied highland scenery.
2. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Best for Ireland’s most epic cycling challenge
Malin Head, Ireland (photo credit: Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours)
What to expect
This long distance cycling route takes in over 2,343 kilometres of Ireland’s spellbinding western coastline, on one of the longest coastal routes on the planet!
En route cyclists will experience the wild beauty of Ireland from paved roads that take in a variety of stunning scenery, including many beaches and bays, the majesty of the Cork and Kerry mountains, the otherworldly terrain of the Burren, and the impressive mountain ranges that dominate the horizon of Connemara National Park.
More information
Guide to the Wild Atlantic cycle route
Also consider
- For another epic UK challenge, take a look at the iconic 1,000 kilometre LEJOG
- For a shorter challenge, the beautiful Coast to Coast Devon cycle route is also worth a look. The Tarka Trail section is particularly lovely.
3. Route des Grandes Alpes, France
Best for a breathtaking views and big mountain passes
View from Col du Galibier, one of the impressive mountain passes on the Routes des Grandes Alpes
What to expect
This challenging road cycling route crosses the French Alps from north to south, connecting lake shores to the Mediterranean coast. We’d argue it’s one of the world’s best bike rides!
Depending on your route, you’ll take in over 17,000 metres of climbing: a great challenge for road cyclists looking to push their limits with a beautiful backdrop for motivation…
The breathtaking scenery offers magnificent views of diverse Alpine landscapes, from Mont Blanc to the Southern Alps to Nice. Cyclists can tackle iconic Tour de France climbs and some of Europe’s highest paved roads!
More information
Guide to cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes
Also consider
Looking for another inspiring point to point challenge in the mountains? Don’t miss the Raid Pyrenees which enables cyclists to ride from the Atlantic to the Med, traversing the scenic Pyrenees mountains.
4. Via Francigena, Italy
Best for cycling through the idyllic landscapes of Tuscany
Admiring the stunning Tuscan landscapes on the Via Francigena
What to expect
The section of the Via Francigena route from Siena to Rome is arguably one of the best cycling routes in Italy, if not one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe!
From Siena, the Francigena cycle route meanders through some of Tuscany’s most picturesque landscapes on the region’s white roads. These iconic gravel paths certainly make beautiful bike trails.
The highlight for many is cycling the Val d’Orcia, a protected world heritage site that provides panoramic views of gorgeous green rolling landscapes, home to endless cypress trees, olive groves and pretty historic towns and hill top hamlets.
At times the scenery is so perfect, it feels like you could be cycling in a painting. Bellissima!
More information
A guide to cycling the Via Francigena
Also consider
- For another historically rich adventure by bike the Camino de Santiago snakes its way through a variety of impressive scenery, including the gorgeous green landscapes of Galicia and vineyards of Rioja.
- The Loire Valley in France is a popular route exploring one of the world’s most legendary river valleys. This valley is famed for its countless impressive fairytale castles! Take a look at our guide to cycling the Loire to find out more.
5. Venice to Corfu, Italy to Greece
Best for a multi-country journey exploring alluring Mediterranean gems
Lake Skadar, Montenegro (photo credit: Andrew Norris)
What to expect
This scenic cycling route was designed by Epic Road Rides reader Andrew Norris, and loosely follows the EuroVelo 8 cycle route. Andrew developed his own version of the route to take in paved roads and big climbs, making it suitable for road cyclists.
The journey showcases some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coastal scenery, with particularly stunning views of the sea encountered in Croatia and Bosnia. Another stand-out section is the journey around the lesser known Lake Skadar in Montenegro and Albania.
The national parks surrounding Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia are also particularly beautiful.
More information
Guide to cycling Venice to Corfu
6. Calgary to Vancouver, Canada
Best for some of North America’s most epic landscapes
The dramatic landscapes of Canada’s Rocky Mountains (photo credit: Isobel Duxfield)
What to expect
Wild and rugged nature awaits in this western corner of Canada!
Utilising the vast network of highways, Epic Road Rides reader Isobel Duxfield designed this cycle route to intentionally take in some of the best scenery in the country, including the mighty Rocky Mountains which are home to beautiful lakes, glaciers and snow-capped peaks…
One of the big highlights of this journey is cycling the Icefields Parkway. According to Isobel, an experienced cycle tourer who has previously ridden in many areas of Europe, this is the most breathtaking landscape she’s ever encountered! High praise indeed…
More information
- Guide to cycling Calgary to Vancouver
- Looking for more beautiful scenery in Canada? Take a look at Isobel’s route to Prince Rupert (via Whistler and Vancouver Island).
Also consider
Want to experience more of North America’s diverse scenery? Biking across America is an epic journey; this article describes one reader’s journey from Florida to California.
7. Carretera Austral, Chile
Best for natural landscapes on a grand scale
The spectacular landscapes of the General Carrera Lake
What to expect
The Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway (Chile’s Route 7), is a 1,208-kilometre road built to connect remote communities in Chilean Patagonia.
Stretching through stunning remote wilderness, this cycling journey showcases smoking volcanoes, fjords, ancient rainforest, waterfalls, vast lakes and grazing guanacos (similar to llamas). Roughly 50% of the route is on paved roads, but the rest is rough gravel terrain – so this is certainly a route for the more adventurous cyclist looking to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in scenic cycling.
More information
Also consider
- For a gravel bike adventure a little closer to home, take a look at cycling in the Westfjords in Iceland. This remote region of Iceland is the chance to explore one of Europe’s last great wildernesses!
- Our gravel cycling adventures article might also be useful.
8. Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Best for Japan’s most famous cycling route
Shimanami Kaido cycle route next to Seto Bridge in Japan (photo credit: Bike Tour Japan)
What to expect
The 280 kilometre Shimanami Cycle Route connects the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in western Japan. It is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, with sweeping views of the teal waters and the iconic suspension bridges that link the islands.
As you cycle along the route, you’re surrounded by the serene beauty of coastal Japan. The combination of the amazing sea views, dramatic bridges, and the many beautiful temples encountered along the way makes cycling the Shimanami Kaido a truly unique and memorable experience.
More information
Also consider
For another stunning long distance coastal route overseas, take a look at Taiwan’s cycling route 1 which circumnavigates the island in a huge 960 kilometre loop.
9. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Best for Australia’s most scenic coastal road
Lighthouse Aireys Inlet (photo credit: Chris Grabyn)
What to expect
Considered one of the most picturesque roads in the whole of Australia, cycling the spectacular Great Ocean Road enables you to experience some of the country’s best coastal vistas.
Following a road that closely hugs the coastline, cyclists savour panoramic sea views as they journey towards the picturesque town of Lorne. There are many beautiful beaches found along the way, as well as dramatic sea cliffs and the iconic lighthouse of Airyes Inlet, that featured on the 90s children’s TV program Around the Twist.
More information
- Guide to cycling Geelong and the Surf Coast
- Guide to cycling Australia
Looking for more scenic cycling adventures?
If scenic attractiveness of a cycling route ranks highly on your wish list, we think the above will satisfy your needs!
Still not found what you’re looking for? Don’t miss these…
- For more popular cycling routes, get inspired by the best bike rides in the world in this article. Or discover more of the best European cycling routes here.
- For a selection of some of the most beautiful bike paths take a look at our best EuroVelo routes article, which includes the popular Rhine Cycle Route.
- For a beautiful cycling trip off the beaten track, don’t miss our round up of the best gravel bike adventures.
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Fran is a North East based cyclist with a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe’s best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
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Liked your routes
Thanks Peter!