Traveling is good for your soul, and it comes with plenty of benefits that have been proven scientifically, such as increasing happiness and helping you relax. But do you know what’s better than traveling? Exploring the world on your bike. If you love cycling, you can probably agree that it comes with an endless sense of freedom, allowing you to savor each moment you spend connecting with your surroundings.
When you choose to cycle during your travels, you’re doing a favor to your body – because you’re keeping it active and healthy – and also to the planet, as pedaling helps you reduce your carbon footprint dramatically. Now, that’s really a trip to feel good about, isn’t it? But here’s the thing: cycling destinations aren’t created equal, so you must take the time to decide where you will go to ensure you will have the time of your life. If you need inspiration, we’ve got you covered: in this blog, we list 5 unique destinations that will surprise you with their cycling potential. Read on!
Tenerife
Tenerife is located 113 km from the African coast, offering sunshine throughout the entire year and an impressive diversity of microclimates and landscapes. It has been a venue for many pro cycling races, such as the Vuelta a Mallorca, Volta ao Algarve, and the Vuelta a Espana, and it has its own bicycle race, known as the Gran Premio de Tenerife. So, unsurprisingly, it stands out among the destinations with cycling potential.
The island has some great climbs ( Alto de Garachico, Alto de la Tejeda, and Alto de Eloro), which are famous among cyclists, but also offers many other off-beaten track ascents that are worth exploring, such as the Alto de los Guineos, the Puerto de Quejigo, and the Alto de la Burica. While Tenerife’s roads are generally twisty and windy, many areas don’t see any traffic – especially the South of the Island. Yes, this means exactly what you’re thinking – the entire road is yours to explore on your bike!
Vancouver
Vancouver has a mild climate that you can enjoy all year round. Locals enjoy experiencing the city by bike, and you should do the same if you want to watch the beautiful city sweep out below you or catch a breathtaking sunrise over the mountain. Vancouver is one of the most bike-friendly cities worldwide, so it’s the perfect destination for those looking for the ultimate bicycle vacation. It’s also safe, clean, and very picturesque, so you will be guaranteed a great time there.
Consider opting for a route through Stanley Park or explore the beaches by bike – you won’t regret it, we promise! Or, maybe you would like to explore beyond the city; in that case, take your bike on a ride on Vancouver Island, where many trails and miles of road will await you to explore. Now, if you want to take things to the next level, we recommend investing in an electric road bike, as it comes with some great benefits and will allow you to ride cooler but faster, no matter your fitness level.
The Netherlands
Whether you want to go alone or in a group, the Netherlands has flat, easy roads that make it an excellent cycling destination. It’s situated a short distance away from the main cities and will take your breath away with its beauty. Go cycling past wind-powered generation stations and enjoy the peace you will find in a landscape that hasn’t changed for many years.
In the Netherlands, people love riding bikes – both adults and teenagers pedal many km every year, and this activity has become a lifestyle. One of the best places to go cycling in the Netherlands is the sand dunes of Zandvoort, located 9.8 km from Haarlem city. It has many cycling routes that can be followed from the center of Haarlem to the coast, and they will take you around 30 minutes. However, the route offers a stunning landscape featuring forests, small villages and sand dunes that are a part of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. An e-bicycle is ideal for cycling in the Netherlands, so it would be a good idea to invest in it before you plan your trip there – trust us, you won’t regret it! An e-bike is just better than a traditional bike and will allow you to keep pace with cars even when heading off the beaten path – and it’s perfect even for those intimated by steep hills.
Bergamo
Travelers may love Italy for its delicious pasta, but did you know that it also has amazing destinations that are perfect for cycling? In fact, a number of cycling pros who live in the area next to Bergamo and Tour d’France veterans train on the climbs every day, such as Mikel Landa, Ivan Basso, Vincenzo Nibali, and Alessandro Ballan, to name a few.
The entire area boasts a network of small roads with many twists and turns, making them ideal for every type of bike – and since Bergamo is also renowned for its tasty food and wine, you’ll undoubtedly have the time of your life here.
Fuerteventura
If you’re looking for a place with a relaxed local lifestyle and excellent cycling routes, look no further than Fuerteventura, which is definitely a must-see for anyone who loves exploring the world on their bike! It has more than 200 km of coastline, and a great part of it is protected from development, which enables the island to retain an authentic Spanish vibe. Enthusiastic cyclists enjoy pedaling on the island due to its desert-like climate, and they choose to ride year-round on the roads that are nearly empty and offer stunning sea views.
Since there are a few tourist board-funded cycling routes, there’s no need to worry that you will get lost – all you have to do is enjoy the relaxing rides and take in the beautiful surroundings!
Takeaway
There you have it: a list of 5 stunning destinations perfect for cycling! Riding your bike while exploring the world is indeed the best combination and will likely make your trip much more memorable. So, are you ready for the best adventure of your life?
