Cycling has long been one of the most popular ways to explore new landscapes, cultures, and environments. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, discovering new routes around the world offers unforgettable experiences. From coastal paths to mountain roads, here are the top 10 cycling routes that every adventurer should consider.
1. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Stretching along the southeastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers cyclists a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. The road winds through rainforests, cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Riders can enjoy the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations while pedaling along the scenic coastal highway.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 243 kilometers (151 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring and Fall
- Notable Stops: Twelve Apostles, Otway Rainforest, Loch Ard Gorge
2. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Known for its jaw-dropping beauty, the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy offers a challenging yet rewarding cycling experience. The route is filled with narrow, winding roads overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, cyclists pass by historic villages like Positano and Ravello.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Best Time: Spring and Early Fall
- Notable Stops: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello
3. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most famous coastal roads in the world. This long stretch from San Francisco to Los Angeles offers dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. Cyclists can take on shorter sections or commit to the entire journey.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 1,055 kilometers (655 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Notable Stops: Big Sur, Santa Monica, Monterey
4. Munda Biddi Trail, Australia
One of the longest off-road cycling trails in the world, the Munda Biddi Trail is located in Western Australia. The name means “path through the forest” in the local Indigenous language, and cyclists can expect a route filled with native wildlife, towering eucalyptus trees, and peaceful surroundings.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 1,000 kilometers (621 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: March to November
- Notable Stops: Mundaring, Dwellingup, Albany
5. The Friendship Highway, China-Tibet
For those who seek adventure in high altitudes, the Friendship Highway is a dream route. Starting from Lhasa in Tibet and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal, cyclists will pass through the Himalayas, ride past Mount Everest, and enjoy some of the highest roads in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 800 kilometers (497 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Best Time: May to October
- Notable Stops: Mount Everest Base Camp, Lhasa, Kathmandu
6. The Garden Route, South Africa
Running from Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa’s Garden Route is a cyclist’s paradise, known for its lush landscapes, wildlife, and coastal scenery. The route passes through national parks, beaches, and small towns, offering diverse experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 300 kilometers (186 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Year-round
- Notable Stops: Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay
7. Carretera Austral, Chile
This remote Patagonian road is one of the most scenic and wild routes for cycling enthusiasts. Carretera Austral takes riders through Chile’s rugged south, featuring snow-capped mountains, fjords, forests, and glaciers. It is a tough ride but extremely rewarding.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 1,240 kilometers (770 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Best Time: December to March
- Notable Stops: Cerro Castillo, Puyuhuapi Hot Springs, Queulat National Park
8. Danube Cycle Path, Europe
The Danube Cycle Path is a well-known, beginner-friendly route that stretches across multiple European countries, following the famous Danube River. This leisurely ride takes cyclists through Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time: May to September
- Notable Stops: Vienna, Passau, Budapest
9. La Route Verte, Canada
La Route Verte is one of the largest cycling networks in North America, located in the province of Quebec, Canada. This extensive route offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, vineyards, forests, and charming small towns.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 5,300 kilometers (3,293 miles)
- Difficulty: Varies
- Best Time: June to September
- Notable Stops: Montreal, Quebec City, Mont-Tremblant
10. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
This iconic cycling trail in New Zealand offers a unique journey through the country’s heartland. Once a railway, the Otago Central Rail Trail is now a cycling path, taking riders through tunnels, over viaducts, and past historic gold-mining towns.
Key Highlights:
- Distance: 152 kilometers (94 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time: November to April
- Notable Stops: Middlemarch, Clyde, Lauder
Comparative Table of the Top 10 Cycling Routes
| Route | Location | Distance | Difficulty | Best Time to Cycle | Notable Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Ocean Road | Australia | 243 km (151 miles) | Moderate | Spring, Fall | Twelve Apostles, Otway Rainforest |
| Amalfi Coast | Italy | 55 km (34 miles) | Difficult | Spring, Early Fall | Positano, Amalfi, Ravello |
| Pacific Coast Highway | USA | 1,055 km (655 miles) | Moderate to Difficult | Late Spring, Early Fall | Big Sur, Santa Monica |
| Munda Biddi Trail | Australia | 1,000 km (621 miles) | Moderate | March to November | Mundaring, Albany |
| Friendship Highway | China-Tibet | 800 km (497 miles) | Very Difficult | May to October | Mount Everest, Lhasa |
| Garden Route | South Africa | 300 km (186 miles) | Moderate | Year-round | Tsitsikamma National Park |
| Carretera Austral | Chile | 1,240 km (770 miles) | Very Difficult | December to March | Puyuhuapi, Queulat National Park |
| Danube Cycle Path | Europe | 1,200 km (746 miles) | Easy to Moderate | May to September | Vienna, Budapest |
| La Route Verte | Canada | 5,300 km (3,293 miles) | Varies | June to September | Montreal, Quebec City |
| Otago Central Rail Trail | New Zealand | 152 km (94 miles) | Easy | November to April | Middlemarch, Clyde |
These cycling routes provide something for everyone, whether you crave high-altitude challenges or serene riverside rides. Each route not only offers physical exercise but also an opportunity to explore the world’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Happy cycling!