Whether you’re a casual weekend rider or a seasoned bikepacker, exploring the world on two wheels offers freedom, adventure, and sustainability that planes or cars just can’t match.
From remote desert trails to sun-drenched islands and historic European river valleys, the options are endless. Recently, Time Out magazine curated a list of the globe’s most breathtaking cycling routes, perfect for those ready to discover the world from the saddle.
Here are 10 routes that belong on every cyclist’s bucket list.
1. Loire à Vélo – France
Where: Loire Valley, Nevers to the Atlantic Coast
Distance: 900 km | Time: 1–2 weeks | Best months: April–October
Flowing through France’s iconic vineyards and past 22 storybook castles, the Loire à Vélo trail blends history, cuisine, and gentle countryside riding. As part of the EuroVelo 6 network, this route is perfect for those who want classic European scenery without steep climbs. Signage is clear, accommodation and bike-friendly amenities are abundant, and the Loire à Vélo train makes it easy to explore sections at your own pace.
Loire à Vélo, France (photo: Jean-Christophe Coutand)
2. Trans Dinarica Trail – Western Balkans
Where: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia
Distance: 5,500 km | Time: 1 week–several months | Best months: May–September
Launched in 2024, the Trans Dinarica Trail links seven Balkan nations through national parks, remote villages, and crowd-free landscapes. Cyclists can tackle sections of varying difficulty while supporting local businesses along the way. Pro tip: not all countries use euros, so carry local currency for Serbia (dinar) and Albania (lek).
Photo: TransDinarica.com
3. Route of Caravans – Morocco
Where: Imilchil to Tangiers
Distance: 840 km | Time: 2 weeks | Best months: Year-round, avoid Ramadan
Stretching from the Sahara to Morocco’s northern coast, this route takes riders past the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, colorful souks, and historic medinas like Fez. The northbound direction is recommended, as towns and supplies become more frequent along the way, making it ideal for a self-supported bikepacking adventure.
4. Shimanami Kaido – Japan
Where: Seto Inland Sea, Honshu to Shikoku
Distance: 70 km | Time: 1–2 days | Best months: March–May, October–December
Known as one of Japan’s most scenic rides, the Shimanami Kaido links six islands with bridges, coastal views, and accessible bike rentals. The trail is family-friendly, marked by a distinctive blue line, and lined with over 150 shops and guesthouses catering specifically to cyclists. It’s short enough for a day trip but rewarding to explore over a few days.
The Shimanami Kaido, Japan
5. MizMal Route – Ireland
Where: Mizen Head to Malin Head
Distance: 845 km | Time: 1 week | Best months: May–September
Cyclists can traverse the Wild Atlantic Way from Ireland’s southernmost tip to its northern coast. Expect dramatic cliffs, quiet coves, and friendly locals alongside highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and Inishowen. The route pairs natural beauty with Ireland’s rich cultural offerings, including historic towns and lively pubs.
6. Carretera Austral – Chile
Where: Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins
Distance: 1,200 km | Time: 25–30 days | Best months: October–March
For serious bikepackers, the Carretera Austral is Patagonia’s ultimate test. Riders navigate remote roads flanked by Andes peaks, turquoise lakes, and national parks such as Queulat and General Carrera. Services are sparse, so planning and self-sufficiency are key, but the breathtaking scenery makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Carretera Austral cycling route
7. Kinderdijk Windmill Route – Netherlands
Where: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
Distance: 43 km | Time: Less than a day | Best months: All year
Flat, accessible, and iconic, this route showcases the Netherlands’ UNESCO-listed windmills. Alongside 19 historic windmills, the trail meanders past canals and rivers, offering a leisurely ride perfect for beginners or a relaxing day trip. Cyclists can even visit windmill museums along the way.
8. Friendship Highway – Tibet/Nepal
Where: Lhasa to Kathmandu
Distance: 800 km | Time: ~20 days | Best months: April–October
Adventurous riders seeking high-altitude challenges will find the Friendship Highway unforgettable. At elevations above 5,000 m, cyclists encounter Himalayan peaks, ancient monasteries, and glaciers. The route culminates in Kathmandu after one of the world’s longest descents, a reward for those who take their time to acclimatize.
9. Munda Biddi Trail – Australia
Where: Perth to Albany
Distance: 1,067 km | Time: 15–25 days | Best months: March–May
Claiming the title of the world’s longest off-road trail, the Munda Biddi Trail winds through Western Australia’s forests, beaches, and small towns. Cyclists can combine shorter sections with a coastal road trip or tackle the entire route using dedicated shelters. The official trail app is essential, providing offline maps and highlights along the way.
The Munda Biddi Trail (Facebook Munda Biddi Trail Foundation)
10. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) – Canada/USA
Where: Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico
Distance: 4,300 km | Time: 35–40 days | Best months: Late May–October
Cycling on the Great Divide bicycle route
Stretching from the Canadian Rockies to the deserts of New Mexico, the GDMBR is North America’s ultimate long-distance ride. Cyclists experience mountain passes, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, and diverse landscapes—from forests to grasslands to arid plains. Completing this epic route is a true bucket-list achievement for dedicated riders.