5 destination dupes for cyclists in 2025

5 destination dupes in Europe

Mountains: Thinking of the French Alps? Try Verbier, Switzerland

Taking a breather on the Verbier sign

Every July, France is abuzz with Tour de France mania.

As the pro peloton sweeps its way through a plethora of iconic French towns and regions, the routes in each stage become packed with thousands of locals and cycling enthusiasts.

Even the most remote mountain stages can’t escape these spectators.

So, where can you bag equally challenging cols without the big crowds?

Hopping over the border into Switzerland is a good bet. This destination is home to many peaceful mountain passes that will really put your road cycling skills to the test.

The Verbier region is a great option. Cyclists based in Verbier can take their pick of inspiring routes, from the famous Croix de Coeur climb, to dramatic gorges and high-altitude dams.

More information

Take a look at this guide to cycling Verbier.

Beach: Thinking of Mallorca? Try Puglia

View of the old town in Monopoli, Puglia (photo credit: Puglia Cycle Tours)

Mallorca’s beaches attract millions of beach lovers each year. This sunny Spanish island is also one of Europe’s biggest cycling meccas, with one of the most famous annual sportives held here every April, the iconic Mallorca 312.

But with anti-tourism protests in 2024 highlighting the increasing pressure visitors are placing on locals, perhaps it is time to consider swapping your annual Mallorca cycling trip for an alternative European destination…

Cue Italy’s Southeast region of Puglia; this sun-kissed Italian destination boasts some of mainland Italy’s best beaches. It also produces some of the best olive oil you can find in Europe.

Cyclists can expect picture-perfect white sandy beaches and clear, beautifully blue waters. As well as sections of more rugged coast, home to sea caves and sea cliffs. Pretty coastal towns like Monopoli and Gallipoli also make great overnight stops.

Puglia also has an impressive cultural heritage with UNESCO cave dwellings and Baroque cities to explore. As for cycling, the region has a large network of quiet, low-traffic paved country roads which are perfect for peaceful cycling adventures.

More information

Take a look at our guide to Puglia.

City breaks: Thinking of Amsterdam? Try Amersfoort

A pretty canal in Amersfoort

A city break is a great introduction to cycling abroad.

Europe’s cycling capital, Amsterdam, may feel like a great option for a city break on two wheels. But millions of tourists descend upon this popular city every year. Combine this with locals for whom cycling is their preferred way to get to work and riding a bike here can feel quite overwhelming, especially during rush hour.

Instead of basing yourself in the capital city, why not sample one of the Netherlands’ lesser-visited cities? Places like Utrecht and Amersfoort are well connected to Amsterdam by both cycle paths and regular trains.

These cities are home to many of the same characteristics that make Amsterdam so beloved. Highlights include winding canals, arched bridges, tall canal houses with photogenic, gabled facades and extensive bike infrastructure

Amersfoort’s Koppelpoort medieval gate is particularly impressive to behold! Just outside of Amersfoort there is also a vast network of fantastically fun woodland trails that are perfect for cyclists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while.

Family-friendly trails: Thinking of the Camel Trail, UK? Try the Tarka Trail

The “iron bridge” – traffic free cycle paths on the Tarka Trail

For cyclists seeking a bike ride in some of the UK’s most idyllic landscapes, we bet Cornwall’s ever-popular Camel Trail may be high on your list.

However, having sampled both the Camel Trail and neighbouring Tarka Trail in Devon during the same week of school summer holidays, we’d argue the latter route has more to shout about.

Just like the Camel Trail, the Tarka Trail cycle route is on a traffic-free, well-signposted cycle path. In contrast to the buzzing Camel Trail, the Tarka Trail feels far less busy.

Highlights include the beautiful estuary landscapes of the River Taw and River Torridge, peaceful woodland and a backdrop of green rolling hills. As a bonus, you’ll also get a fascinating insight into the route’s rich railway heritage.

More information

See this guide to cycling the Tarka Trail cycle route and don’t miss these Tarka Trail FAQs.

Wine buffs who love to cycle: Thinking of France? Try Romania

Gravel cycling through vineyards in Romania (photo credit: Bike in Time)

Did you know Romania is home to the Dealu Mare wine region? It sits at roughly the same latitude and altitude as the famous wine regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany!

This premier wine region in Romania produces high-quality red grapes and is a must-visit for wine and foodie lovers.

Visiting vineyards and wine tasting are all possible as part of an organised bike ride in the region. The Dealu Mare region is also only about an hour’s drive from the capital Bucharest.

The Dobrogea in the Danube River Delta is another important wine region in Romania. This can be experienced on the popular EuroVelo 6, a fantastic option for cycle tourers looking for a lengthy place-to-place adventure in Europe.

More information

Take a look at this guide to cycling in Romania and what you need to know about cycling holidays in Romania.

What’s next?

What do you think of our list of destination dupes? Perhaps you have some other options to for us to consider – let us know in the comments below!

Looking for international destinations? Try Québec City for an alternative European city break option, Uruguay for a hidden gem in South America, or Sarawak for an underrated cycling option in Southeast Asia.

Looking for more authentic experiences by bike in 2025?

Don’t miss these articles:

• Portugal’s Atlantic Ring Route, for rural landscapes in Portugal’s central region
• 7 best bikepacking routes in the UK for an adventure off the beaten track
• Why Alentejo is a must-visit for cyclists looking to escape crowds
• Cycling holidays in Northern Italy, for well-known hotspots and lesser-known gems

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.