Discover these cycling trends for a big dose of travel inspiration in 2025.
According to the Hilton’s Annual Trends Report, ‘7 in 10 global travellers enjoy being active when they travel, with 1 in 5 leisure travellers planning outdoor adventures in 2025’ (2025, Hilton Annual Trends Report).
The appetite for active travel is clearly on the rise and cycling is one of the most popular active travel activities. Not only does it have great health benefits, but it’s also a great way to travel more sustainably.
Here at Epic Road Rides we have been seeking out the very best cycling routes across the globe for years now and handle daily enquiries from cyclists looking for expert insights and tips.
Our unique position in the cycling industry means we have a wide range of knowledge and experience. So, we’ve gathered together predictions for the destinations, trips and trends we think will be popular with cyclists in 2025.
1. Cycling breaks away from the crowds
The ruins of ancient Kourion in the Limassol District, Cyprus
We say
The lure of popular European hotspots like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands remains strong, with millions of tourists flocking to these destinations each year.
However, 2024 saw significant backlash and increased local pressure, with calls for governments to take greater action to combat over tourism.
We think there are plenty of quieter alternatives for cyclists that provide unique cycling experiences that take them far from the crowds. Don’t miss these destination dupes…
Options to consider
Cyprus
The Mediterranean Island of Cyprus is a fantastic alternative to Mallorca for cyclists seeking sunny cycling routes that can be enjoyed in both spring and autumn.
Head inland into the Troodos Mountains and you’ll experience quiet roads while never being too far from the alluring, azure colours of the Med.
Angers, France
Angers is a beautiful, historic city located in the legendary Loire Valley in France. This city sits at the crossroads of three of the country’s most popular long-distance cycling routes, including the Loire à Velo.
There’s also a handy train that operates during the summer, enabling cyclists ease of access to many cities in the Loire Valley.
If that wasn’t enough of a lure, in June the city also hosts an amazing gravel cycling event, Nature is Bike.
Via Francigena, Italy
Admiring the Tuscan landscapes on the Via Francigena…
The Via Francigena cycle route in Italy is a historical journey by bike that’s lesser known than the well-trodden paths of the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.
What this route lacks in notoriety, it makes up for in spellbinding scenery; the white roads snaking their way through Tuscany’s rolling hills are truly breathtaking and an utter joy to experience by bike.
2. Gravel bike adventures
Iceland is home to some of Europe’s most dramatic natural landscapes
We say
Gravel cycling, bikepacking, gravel touring… whatever you call it, it’s the cycling trend that shows no signs of slowing down!
According to Strava’s 2023 global trends report, there was a 55% increase in gravel rides recorded year on year. Google search trend data comparing bikepacking with bike touring searches also documents this rise, which has continued throughout 2024.
This form of cycling essentially takes cyclists off the road in search of quieter trails, immersing cyclists in natural surroundings. To many, it’s the ultimate form of adventure. We’re inclined to agree!
We know a lot of the thrill of gravel riding is about exploring beautifully remote landscapes that feel blissfully cut off from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. In short, gravel riding offers cyclists the chance to really reconnect with nature and see what you’re made of ‘in the wild’.
Options to consider
Westfjords, Iceland
Iceland’s Westfjords offers remote cycling in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, home to towering mountains, waterfalls and hot springs!
This dramatic corner of Iceland also hosts the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge in June; your chance to ride on gravel roads, beneath the midnight sun.
The Pirinixus Route, Spain and France
The Pirinixus route showcases some of the best gravel riding in Spain and France on an epic 340-kilometre loop ride through the Pyrenees mountains. Impressive wildlife, national parks and vineyards all await en route.
Romania
Did you know approximately 50% of the road network is still unpaved in Romania? This makes it an incredible destination for gravel riders!
The wild landscapes and rich heritage of Romania also have much to offer the more adventurous riders out there.
3. Travelling to cycling destinations by train
The picture-perfect Bideford train station (now disused and on a cycling trail)
We say
Did you know that in 2025 the British Railway will celebrate its 200th anniversary?
We think this occasion provides the perfect opportunity to embrace train travel on your next UK cycling trip!
Not only is it a more sustainable way to reach your destination, it’s also free of charge to take your bike on a train in the UK.
From our own experience, to avoid any issues on the day of travel, it is always best to look at any cycling-specific information ahead of booking your tickets. In particular, don’t forget to check whether you need to book a space for your bike in advance!
Outside of the UK, places like the Netherlands, Italy and Spain make travelling on trains with your bike relatively easy and trains typically come with dedicated bike storage space (but check the bike rules for the route you’re taking ahead of any travel).
High-speed train travel is also seeing big improvements across the continent with many new routes and tracks planned in coming years. In 2023, a high-speed overnight train called the Salento Espresso was launched, connecting Rome to Puglia (including stops in Bari, Lecce and Ostuni).
Portugal also recently announced plans to launch a new monthly Green Rail Pass that could cost as little as 20 euros!
Options to consider
The Tarka Trail, Cornwall
The Tarka cycle trail is one of Devon’s most popular cycling routes.
This gentle route takes in gorgeous coastal landscapes and quiet disused rail tracks; it’s the ultimate cycle trip for anyone looking to explore the UK’s rich railway heritage.
The route can easily be reached by train in Barnstaple, which is well connected to Exeter and London.
NC500, Scotland
Always fancied conquering the iconic NC500 cycle route in Scotland? This is one of the UK’s best long-distance cycling routes. It’s a bucket list bike ride for many!
The challenging cycling journey typically starts and finishes in the city of Inverness, which is connected by trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
The Celtic Trail, Wales
The Celtic Trail is a 575-kilometre cycle route in southern England and Wales, featuring two sections: the Coastal Celtic Trail from Chepstow to Fishguard along Sustrans Route 4, and the Inland Celtic Trail from Fishguard to Swansea on Sustrans Route 47, showcasing stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
This varied and culturally rich route passes through several towns home to train stations, including Fishguard, Pembroke, Saundersfoot and Tenby.
Following the Sustrans number 4 route past St Davids Cathedral
What next? Looking for more cycling inspiration for 2025?
We have plenty more options to consider. Don’t miss:
- 6 destination dupes for cyclists in 2025
- Take a look at these bike-friendly hotel articles for accommodation with bike facilities
- The best cycling holiday destinations in the world in 2025
- The world’s best long-distance cycling routes, for the ultimate place to place adventure
- The world’s most beautiful cycling routes
- The best climbs in Europe, for col bagging road cyclists
- 15 best cycling challenges in Europe in 2025, the best UK sportives, or these ultimate cycling challenges
- Prefer to cycle seasonally? Check out our guides to cycling in winter, spring, summer and autumn
- The best bikepacking routes in the UK and the best gravel bike adventures in Europe, for anyone looking for an off road adventure
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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.
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