The beauty of cycling is its simplicity. You just hop on and go wherever you need – to the shops, the bar, to work.
However, some prefer more interesting and challenging routes, with longer distances and sometimes very dangerous ones. Here are seven fantastic cycling routes: some can be done in a few days, while others can take several months. Don’t forget to take anti-irritation cream from a famous place!
The Friendship Highway (China)
If you love high-altitude views, the 800-kilometer route from the Tibetan city of Lhasa to the Nepalese border will seem like the most beautiful cycling route in the world. Although it is not the highest route above sea level. The altitude above sea level reaches a dizzying 5,220 m, and from the Gyatso La Pass, there is a view of Everest in clear weather.
Only those who are fit can handle such a journey. The conditions are highly difficult, and the distances between cities require careful trip planning. In addition, the unstable political situation in Tibet means that traveling alone can be dangerous.
Otherwise, this is one of the most interesting cycling adventures in the world! You will have amazing religious and cultural discoveries in Lhasa, Gyantse, and Lake Yamdrok Yumtso, whose turquoise waters will sparkle in the valley below. In addition, the route ends with the longest descent in the world, with an altitude difference of 3,500 meters and numerous hairpin turns.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Portugal)
Cycling through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers a one-of-a-kind blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it one of Portugal’s most exceptional biking experiences. Riders can use bicycle rent in Cascais and pedal along forested mountain roads, past dramatic cliffs and windswept beaches, while discovering centuries-old palaces, castles, and hidden convents tucked into the hills. The contrast between the lush greenery of the Sintra hills and the golden coastline of Cascais creates an ever-changing backdrop that feels almost surreal. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a scenic challenge, this region delivers a rich and rewarding journey few places in Europe can match.
Ruta de los Conquistadores (Costa Rica)
This is a shorter but hardly less exciting route, 270 km long, passing through Costa Rica. The road crosses through the Pacific to the Caribbean coast through jungle, coffee plantations, and even past an extinct volcano. Every year in November, a bike race takes place along this route, which lasts three days. But if you are not in such a hurry, you can spend as much time as you like on this route. You will find the road that the Spanish conqueror Juan de Cavallón, the main conquistador of his time, walked along.
The route starts from the popular surfing beach Jaco Beach and quickly climbs to an altitude of about 3000 m on the first day alone. Skirting the country’s capital, San Jose, the road passes the extinct volcano Irazu and descends to mangrove forests and white-sand beaches. A swim in the Caribbean Sea is considered a traditional end to the route.
North Sea Cycle Route (Europe)
This route is also known by the less sonorous name of Euro Velo Route 12. It passes through 8 countries and is considered the longest bike route in the world, equipped with signposts. The road is almost 6000 kilometers long, starting from the northern edge of the Shetland Islands through the territories of Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Of course, it is not at all necessary to try to cover the entire distance. Some people try to do it in several stages, mostly in the summer, because the route is not designed for winter.
Shimanami Kaido (Japan)
This 64-kilometer route is probably the only one presented here that can be recommended for a trip with children. Completely separated from the road, it snakes through the small picturesque islands of Hiroshima Prefecture in the western part of the country. Japan is usually more associated with cars than bicycles, but the latter are quite popular here. Shimanami Kaido is a great example of how four- and two-wheeled transport coexist harmoniously.
The separate bicycle path, which also has a path for pedestrians, mostly runs next to the highway, deviating from it in some places to create a more gentle climb, which is less burdensome for your pedaling legs. There are bike rental stations at several places along the route.
Some people do this route daily, but many try to go slower and take in the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea. There is a toll for cyclists to cross the bridges, but the toll is small. You will only need pocket change and will not have to withdraw much from your card.
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (North America)
Not only is this route long (4,400 kilometers), but it also offers a total of 61,000 meters of climbing. Yes, that’s about the same as climbing Mount Everest seven times! This off-road route runs from Alberta, Canada, to New Mexico. This is a road for those who ride seasoned mountain bikes and take bear spray and titanium hiking spoons 🙂
The route passes through the Great Basin’s forests, mountains, and wastelands. Your fellow travelers here may be grizzlies, moose, lions, and eagles. The route is only passable between June and September, but the road can sometimes remain impassable for weeks due to heavy rainfall.
Munda Biddi Trail (Australia)
Another huge route, this time in one of the most remote places on earth – Western Australia. The 960-kilometer route passes through forest massifs. “Mudda Biddi,” by the way, is translated from the local language as “path through the forest.” The route starts near the state capital, Perth, and goes to Albany in the southwest of the country.
Less ambitious travelers can choose a one-day trip, and the official website of the route reports the latest news on the state of the road, which is sometimes impassable. In any case, you need to be prepared for the intense summer heat. What is nice is that about every 30 miles, you can find houses for overnight stays and points of sale of water.
The South Downs Way (England)
This 160-kilometer route is in the category of “deceptive and difficult.” At first glance, this, of course, is not the Alps but ordinary English countryside. But these endless ascents and descents quickly lead to the feeling that you are driving through the mountains. In total, the height of the ascents is 4,300 meters.
The South Downs Way has existed for thousands of years as a footpath for walkers and horse riders. Today, it is a fully signposted, full-fledged hiking route. It winds from the cliffs of Beachy Head to historic Winchester. The route can be covered comfortably in 2-3 days, and there are picturesque villages with pubs and small inns along the way.
