Discover the 10 best cycling routes in the world for bikepacking, cycling holidays, and long-distance adventure. From France to Patagonia, explore the most scenic bike trails on Earth.
Timeout magazine produced this list highlighting the best routes on the planet, ideal for taking a two-wheeled holiday in 2026.
Why These Are the Best Cycling Routes in the World
If you’re searching for the best cycling routes in the world, you’re likely planning more than just a ride—you’re planning a journey. From beginner-friendly cycling holidays in Europe to extreme bikepacking routes through Patagonia and the Himalayas, these trails represent the most scenic, challenging, and rewarding long-distance cycling experiences on Earth.
This guide brings together Timeout’s top cycling routes worldwide, chosen for scenery, accessibility, infrastructure, and overall adventure value. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned bikepacker, these routes deliver unforgettable riding experiences.
Quick Overview: Best Cycling Routes by Region
- Best cycling route in Europe: Loire à Vélo (France)
- Best beginner cycling holiday: Shimanami Kaidō (Japan)
- Best bikepacking route in South America: Carretera Austral (Chile)
- Best long-distance cycling route in North America: Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
- Best off-road cycling adventure: Munda Biddi Trail (Australia)
1. Loire à Vélo, France – Best Cycling Holiday in Europe
The Loire à Vélo is one of the best cycling holidays in Europe, stretching 900 km through the Loire Valley. This UNESCO-listed region offers flat, easy cycling terrain ideal for beginners and leisure cyclists.
You’ll ride past vineyards, riverside villages, and over 20 fairytale castles including Château d’Angers. The route is fully supported with cyclist-friendly accommodation, repair stations, and train access.
Why it ranks highly:
- Flat, beginner-friendly cycling route
- World-class scenery and castles
- Excellent cycling infrastructure
Sully-sur-Loire Viaduct – Loire à Vélo, France
2. Trans Dinarica Trail, Western Balkans – Best New Long-Distance Cycling Route
The Trans Dinarica Trail is one of the most exciting new bikepacking routes in Europe, connecting eight Balkan countries across 5,500 km of rugged terrain.
It passes through national parks, remote mountain villages, and untouched landscapes rarely visited by mass tourism.
Why cyclists love it:
- Multi-country cycling adventure
- Low traffic, high wilderness experience
- Flexible route sections for all levels
Trans Dinarica one of the world’s most breathtaking cycling routes
3. Route of Caravans, Morocco – Best Cycling Route in North Africa
The Route of Caravans is a spectacular cycling route through Morocco, linking the Sahara Desert with the Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast.
Expect dramatic elevation changes, historic cities like Fez, and iconic stops such as Chefchaouen.
Highlights:
- Desert-to-mountain cycling experience
- Cultural immersion in historic medinas
- Ideal for adventurous bikepackers
4. Shimanami Kaidō, Japan – Best Beginner Cycling Route in the World
The Shimanami Kaidō is widely considered the best beginner cycling route in the world. This 70 km coastal route connects Japan’s main islands via six smaller islands across the Seto Inland Sea.
It features dedicated bike lanes, gentle gradients, and frequent rest stops.
Why it’s perfect for beginners:
- Short, flexible route (1–2 days)
- Extremely safe cycling infrastructure
- Stunning coastal scenery
Shimanami Kaido
5. MizMal Route, Ireland – Best Cycling Route in the UK & Ireland
The MizMal route spans the entire length of Ireland, from Mizen Head to Malin Head. It follows the Wild Atlantic Way through cliffs, beaches, and historic towns.
Cyclists pass major landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park.
Top features:
- Iconic coastal scenery
- Cultural stops in Galway and Donegal
- Strong cycling community support
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland (photo: Discover Ireland)
6. Carretera Austral, Patagonia – Best Bikepacking Route in South America
The Carretera Austral is one of the world’s most legendary bikepacking routes, stretching through remote Chilean Patagonia.
Cyclists encounter glaciers, fjords, mountain passes, and vast empty landscapes.
Why it stands out:
- Remote, wilderness cycling experience
- Dramatic Andes scenery
- Bucket-list level adventure
Carretera Austral cycling route
7. Kinderijk Windmill Route, Netherlands – Best Short Cycling Route in Europe
The Kinderijk Windmill Route is a short 40 km ride through iconic Dutch landscapes featuring 19 historic windmills.
It’s one of the easiest and most scenic day cycling routes in Europe.
Highlights:
- UNESCO windmill landscape
- Flat, beginner-friendly terrain
- Ideal for casual cycling holidays
8. Friendship Highway, Tibet–Nepal – Most Extreme Cycling Route in Asia
The Friendship Highway is one of the most extreme high-altitude cycling routes in the world, crossing the Himalayas between Lhasa and Kathmandu.
Riders climb passes above 5,000 metres with views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Key challenges:
- High altitude endurance required
- Long remote sections
- Extreme weather conditions
9. Munda Biddi Trail, Australia – Best Off-Road Cycling Trail in the World
The Munda Biddi Trail is a 1,000 km off-road cycling route through Western Australia’s forests and coastal regions.
It is one of the longest dedicated mountain bike trails in the world.
Why it’s unique:
- Dedicated wilderness shelters
- Forest and coastal scenery
- True off-grid bikepacking experience
The Munda Biddi Trail (Facebook Munda Biddi Trail Foundation)
10. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route – Longest Bikepacking Route in North America
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is the longest off-road cycling route in the world, running from Canada to the US–Mexico border.
It follows the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, and vast desert regions.
Why it’s iconic:
- 4,300 km continuous bikepacking route
- Diverse terrain from mountains to desert
- Ultimate endurance cycling challenge
Cycling on the Great Divide bicycle route
The Best Cycling Routes for Every Rider
From easy cycling holidays in Europe to extreme bikepacking routes in Patagonia and the Himalayas, these trails represent some of the best cycling experiences in the world right now.
Whether you’re planning your first cycling trip or your next major expedition, these routes offer unforgettable landscapes, cultural depth, and world-class cycling infrastructure.