8 best cycling holiday destinations in the world 2025

Best worldwide cycling destinations

Take a look at the map below to see these destinations at a glance! Hover over the map pins to see the names of the destinations.

Canada

Great for an alternative European city break destination

Our view

Have you always had Canada on your cycling bucket list? This vast destination boasts some truly spectacular scenery. It really is a nature lovers paradise!

But did you know that Canada’s cities are increasingly seeing improvements made to their cycling infrastructure? Many major cities now have a good network of cycling paths and bike hire available, making them more accessible than ever before.

Cyclists keen to combine nature, culture and time on bikes in 2025 will find a lot to get excited about in Canada.

Le Château Frontenac from Champlain Street (photo credit: Geneviève Healey)

Where to go

Situated in Eastern Canada, Québec City is often regarded as one of the most European cities in North America. With its unique mix of European flair and North American spirit, Québec City offers cyclists an unforgettable city break.

The city’s rich history is found in its well-preserved Old Town architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Primarily French-speaking residents amongst these picturesque old streets contribute to its distinct allure.

Beyond the urban charm, the city boasts some extensive, scenic cycle paths along the St. Lawrence River. Cyclists can also quickly reach quieter countryside just outside of the city, home to peaceful rural landscapes including large lakes, impressive waterfalls and quiet county roads.

Looking for a wilder Canadian cycling experience? Take a look at these itineraries in the far west, from Calgary to Vancouver and Vancouver to Prince Rupert (Via Vancouver Island).

When to go

Extremely cold, harsh winters mean Canada is not a great destination during the winter months or early spring!

But, from June and throughout summer the conditions are warm and bright, ideal for cycling. Autumn is also a particularly lovely time to experience Québec City and its surrounding landscapes, with beautiful colourful foliage to admire.

More information

Discover this guide to cycling in Québec City

Boulder, Colorado

Great for bucket list riding

Our view

Boulder barely needs any introduction – it’s long belonged on every keen road cyclist’s hit list. There’s no doubt about it – this part of Colorado offers some of the best cycling holidays in the world. A rich pro racing past and a strong amateur scene has seen to that.

Boulder, Colorado is seen by many as the number one destination for road bike cycling holidays in the entire US. The cycle paths crisscrossing the city and the heady climbs outside it are in the sights of so many cyclists. Capping them all is Mount Evans, a peak that’s well over four kilometres above sea level.

Cycling fans also recommend exploring Boulder itself via the many bike paths. This way you can see the most cycle-friendly city in the US from the ground up. If you want to hire a bike, the 50 hire kiosks around town make life super simple.

Panoramic view of Boulder, Colorado from the top of a Mountain

Where to go

As well as within the city of Boulder and the epic Mount Evans, recommended routes include the Peak to Peak Highway.

Peak to Peak Highway

You can access the Peak to Peak Highway by car or bike, so it’s good for cyclists of all levels. Ascend for over 1,500 metres by bike, or access the peaks and charming mountain towns by combining driving with cycling.

Boulder cycling events

In such a cyclist-friendly part of the world, there are some great events to be part of. Take the Triple Bypass or Ride the Rockies for challenging climbs. You could also try Elephant Rock, the Copper Triangle, the Denver Century, or even the Boulder Ironman 70.3.

When to go

This part of Colorado is good for the vast majority of the year. The ski resorts are of course snow-capped in winter, however. For flatter roads, this is a good year-round destination. Summer here is lovely, but it can get very hot at times.

More information

Check out our complete Boulder cycling guide here.

Uruguay

Great for an under-the-radar cycling destination in South America

Our view

When Epic Road Rides reader Louisa Woolf reached out to us to tell us about her nine-month cycling trip in South America, we were surprised when she told us that her favourite destination was the tiny country of Uruguay.

With more than 600 kilometres of stunning coastline to explore, cyclists can cycle alongside many beautiful and unspoiled beaches.

The roads that carry you up the coast are also paved and in good condition, many of which are quiet with low traffic and pleasantly flat.

This combination of nature and adventure makes cycling in Uruguay a truly special experience. It’s also not one you are likely to encounter many other cyclists talking about…

Approaching the lighthouse at La Paloma (photo credit: Louisa Woolf)

Where to go

The further north you travel in Uruguay the wilder the country becomes; the most northern region of Rocha borders southern Brazil and is a particular hidden gem.

Over 95% of Uruguayans live in the southern half of the country. Not many tourists venture this far from the bustling cities and beach resorts of Montevideo and Punta del Este. The result? Beautiful, quiet roads for cycling!

When to go

Uruguay’s summer extends from October to March, peaking in January and February. March offers warm seas, sunny days, and quieter beaches. Accommodation is cheaper and readily available, though some galleries may close by then.

More information

See Louisa’s guide to cycling in Uruguay and guide to cycling Rocha

Chile

Great for breathtaking natural beauty

Our view

Chile is a cyclist’s paradise.

This South American destination features some of the planet’s most untamed and epic landscapes. From the Atacama Desert in the north to wild and rugged Patagonia in the south; the Pacific Ocean borders the west, while the mighty Andes Mountains rise in the east.

For adventurous cyclists the opportunities in Chile are vast. The varied terrain provides plenty of challenges that will appeal to road cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers alike.

The spectacular landscapes of the General Carrera Lake

Where to go

As for famous cycling routes, The Carretera Austral, is probably the best known in Chile. This beautiful 1,200-kilometres ride connects Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins; the journey is mind-blowingly beautiful and takes in glaciers, vast lakes, fjords and forests.

For those with a little less time on their hands, many shorter rides can be completed in a day, depending on where you choose to base yourself.

The capital of Santiago and the Lake District region are popular areas; the regions of Valparaíso and Antofagasta in central and Northern Chile are also good options to look at.

When to go

Chile’s southern hemisphere location makes it an excellent winter cycling option! The best time for cyclists to visit is from October to March.

More information

Take a look at our guide to cycling in Chile, which includes an exclusive 15% discount on local cycling services with Chile Rides.

Japan

Great for cycling culture

Our view

Japan is a must on many a cyclist’s list. Head here to explore on two wheels and so much awaits. It’s a country quite unlike any other, with cutting-edge cities, traditional villages, unique architecture and a wealth of natural wonders. If your idea of the best cycling holiday is discovering something completely new, then this could be your ideal destination.

In Japan, you can sample some of the yummiest food in the world. You can also soak in natural hot springs, wind your way through the forests and tackle mountainous terrain. In fact Japan’s mountains are breathtaking in every sense of the word, and around 80% of the country is uninhabited.

But that’s not all. Japan’s polite, careful drivers help to make this one of the safer cycling destinations in the world. Add to that smooth roads in the centre of the country offering challenging climbs, paths through the river valleys and a cycling culture, and it won’t come as a surprise we think it is one of the best countries for cycling.

Matsumoto Castle in Autumn, Nagano prefecture, Japan

Where to go

The best places for a biking holiday in Japan are the sunny Kinto Kanto region around Tokyo, the peak-spotted Nagano Highlands area and the Setouchi inland sea. At the latter you’ll find hot springs, the Shimanami Kaido bikeway and fabulous seafood.

Kinto Kanto

As well as Tokyo, the Kinto Kanto area is also home to the Japanese cities of Ashikaga, Kiryu, and Nikko. This area is also ideally set up for the best cycling trips. The climate also makes this a top choice, as the region is known as Japan’s sunbelt.

Highlights here include Nikko National Park, Kiryu’s historic silk mills, fresh local produce, a couple of Japan’s biggest rivers and a pair of stratovolcanoes.

Nagano Highlands

If what you want from cycling holidays abroad is challenging ascents and thrilling descents, then head for the area often known as the Japanese Alps. The Mount Norikura climb here is epic and the last eight miles (or 13 kilometres) is car-free.

This is just one of the Nagano region’s climbs: other options include the Venus Line or the Utsukushigahara Highlands.

Setouchi inland sea

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route has placed the Setouchi area among those offering the best cycling vacations in Japan. Shimmering turquoise waters and steaming hot springs await those who love the water as much as they enjoy exploring by bike.

This is one of the best places in Japan to see the cherry blossom or the colourful leaves in autumn. Matsuyama City castle and the seafood restaurants of this area are also impressive.

When to go

Where you decide to take your road bike holiday determines when’s best to visit.

• Tokyo and the Kinto Kanto region are at their finest between March and the middle of June, or from September to the first part of December.
• The Nagano Highlands are at their least humid in September and October.
• Setouchi inland sea is good in March, April and May, or between November and mid-December later in the year.

More information

Find out much more about the best cycling tours Japan has to offer by reading our guide.

Taiwan

Great for a subtropical climate

Our view

The year of cycling tourism in Taiwan in 2021 put this part of Asia into the spotlight. It’s been one of the best countries to bike tour for far longer than that, though. Not everyone knows a lot about Taiwan – but if you’d like to find out more, then continue reading!

Lapped by both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan offers an incredible coastline. It’s also a mountainous island, and thus one of the best places to bike in the world when you have a head for heights.

Slick cities, cloud forests and a wide variety of terrain mean this island east of mainland China is not one to miss. If you needed another reason to go there right now, how does a semi-tropical climate sound?

Ba Gua Tea garden in central Taiwan

Where to go

As you might expect, central Taiwan is the most mountainous part of the island, and is ideal for those seeking a challenging climb or two. In the east, expect interesting history and fresh ocean air, while in the south you can explore a National Park or follow a gently undulating route through the valley.

Central Taiwan

Towns like Nantou in the interior are ideal for those who love steep ascents, and the routes to be found here can rival those of the Pyrenees or Alps. You can also take multi-day tours in this area, such as among Yilan county’s mountains in the northeast or heading towards Sun Moon Lake in the south.

More remote parts of central Taiwan also offer visitors the chance to get up close to local life, meeting people and exploring areas that are relatively untouched by tourism.

South Taiwan

Southern Taiwan’s cycling scene is dominated by Kenting National Park. This area provides some of the best road cycling destinations for those who prefer relatively flat terrain. Kenting on the Hengchun Peninsula also offers a tropical climate, beaches and coral reefs.

Jewels in the crown of south Taiwan include traditional fishing villages and farmland, coastal roads with spectacular views, and a landscape dotted with rice paddies. It’s also worth riding to Ruisui to be rewarded with a soak in the hot springs.

East Taiwan

Rolling hills, compact liveable cities and a variety of interesting towns can all be discovered in eastern Taiwan. Here you can visit former gold mining areas, or explore old Japanese settlements. The popular Huadong or East Rift Valley can also be found here, sandwiched between the Central and Coastal Mountain ranges.

This can be among the best cycling trips in the world for those who love to feel a fresh ocean breeze while skimming over a coastal plain. Plus, of course, sea views. Dulan on the east coast is also a popular hangout and holiday destination, but do avoid the hectic Suhua Highway at all costs.

Route 1

Sometimes you’re looking for a lengthy multi-day challenge. Another option in Taiwan is Route 1, which spans over 950 kilometres and generally takes ten days or so to complete. Though the official start is at Taipei Songshan Station, you can join it wherever you like for a loop around the island.

When to go

As Taiwan has a subtropical climate, expect hot summers. The island has minimal rain, and to avoid extreme heat spring, autumn and winter are a good bet. There can be snowy or icy roads in the mountains during winter.

More information

Read all about cycling in Taiwan in our comprehensive guide. This article shares information on the infamous Taiwan KOM Challenge. This article goes in-depth on Taiwan’s cycling route 1.

Looking for more Asia inspiration? How about a cycling trip to Borneo?

Borneo

Great for an extraordinary cycling adventure in Asia

Our view

Borneo’s renowned wildlife and lush rainforests provide a dramatic lure for cyclists seeking a unique cycling adventure in Asia in 2025.

While already well known for its famous orangutan residents and Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in Borneo), exploring the country on two wheels allows you to connect with more of Borneo’s vibrant biodiversity, hidden gems and communities.

The unusual village of Palau Salak on the banks of the Batang Salak river

Where to go

Tours like those offered by Paradesa Borneo offer family friendly itineraries jam-packed with adventure; cycling is combined with kayaking, hiking, and immersive cultural activities, ensuring you see the best the region has to offer.

Starting in Kuching, you can pedal through picturesque coastal roads, vibrant local markets, and serene villages. You benefit from the guidance of knowledgeable local experts and will not be short of thrilling daily encounters, from waterfalls and wildlife sightings to engaging with locals.

When to go

Like much of Asia, Borneo experiences some extremely wet months that are best avoided when exploring by bike. For the driest conditions, the best time to visit is between May to September.

However, Borneo’s jungle landscapes can experience heavy downpours even during these months. So don’t forget your waterproof!

More information

• Take a look at our Sarawak destination guide
• Discover our cycling itinerary in Borneo

Iceland

Great for dramatic landscapes and wilderness

Our view

Venturing into Iceland for a cycling holiday is like stepping into an otherworldly scene. With its volcanoes, glaciers and vast fjords, Iceland offers an unrivalled backdrop for cyclists seeking both adventure and tranquility. It’s a place for those that love nature and exploring the world’s special places.

It’s not one for beginners though; the landscapes are bold but they’re also harsh, with towns and amenities few and far between. This is a cycling holiday destination where you’ll want to be pretty handy with your own bike repairs or at least have some good back up on hand from someone in the know!

Where to go

For cyclists looking to escape well-trodden paths, the Westfjords offer some of the most isolated and stunning routes in Iceland. The region’s dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and rugged coastlines make for an unforgettable experience. Roads here meander through remote villages and past ancient cliffs, often with the Atlantic Ocean as your companion. Highlights include the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, abandoned gravel trails and cliff-side roads that boast panoramic views.

When to go

The best time for cycling in Iceland is from late June to early September, when the weather is mildest and the days are longest. During these months, you can experience up to 24 hours of daylight, allowing more time to explore. Weather can still be unpredictable, however, so it’s wise to prepare for all conditions, even in summer.

More information

Read our in-depth guide to cycling Iceland here. You can also discover more about cycling Iceland’s Westfjords region (including some amazing photos!).

Best European cycling destinations

Europe is home to some of the top cycling destinations worldwide. On our destinations page, you’ll find in-depth region guides and inspiration articles sharing the best cycling holidays in Europe and introducing you to all the places you need to know about.

More information

Discover the best cycling places in Europe with our destination guides or our popular article, best cycling destinations in Europe.

What next?!

Or should we say, where next?

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration regarding the best holiday destinations outside Europe for cyclists. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please do let us know in the comments below!

For more future travel planning take a look at these cycling trends for 2025.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.