With overtourism affecting many popular destinations, finding the road less travelled is a priority for many travellers, not least cyclists, whose enjoyment – and safety – can depend on rolling down the right route, far from congestion and crowds. The good news, says British-based Epic Road Rides, is that the world is not short of amazing cycling destinations that can be every bit as good as their more famous counterparts.
With this in mind, ERR, and online resource whose stated mission is to “help cyclists find their perfect cycling holiday” across 80 destinations worldwide, has put together a list of trips and trends they think will be popular with cyclists this summer, and beyond.
- Cycling breaks away from the crowds
The lure of popular European hotspots like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands remains strong, with millions of tourists flocking to these destinations each year. However, with significant backlash from residents and increased local pressure for governments to take greater action to combat overtourism.
Here are some quieter alternatives for cyclists that provide unique cycling experiences that take them far from the crowds:
- The Mediterranean Island of Cyprus is a fantastic alternative to Mallorca for cyclists seeking sunny cycling routes that can be enjoyed in both spring and autumn. Head inland into the Troodos Mountains to experience quiet roads while never being too far from the alluring, azure colours of the Med.
- Angers is a beautiful, historic city located in the legendary Loire Valley in France. Aside from being based at the crossroads of three of the country’s most popular long-distance cycling routes, including the Loire à Velo, it’s also home to the magnificent medieval Château d’Angers. If that isn’t enough of a lure, in June it also hosts an amazing gravel cycling event, Nature is Bike.
- The Via Francigena in Italy is a historical journey by bike that’s lesser known than the well-trodden paths of the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. What this route lacks in notoriety, it makes up for in spellbinding scenery; the white roads snaking their way through Tuscany’s rolling hills are truly breathtaking and an utter joy to experience by bike.
- Gravel bike adventures
Gravel cycling, bikepacking, gravel touring… whatever you call it, it’s the cycling trend that shows no signs of slowing down. According to Strava’s 2023 global trends report, there was a 55% increase in gravel rides recorded year on year. Google search trend data comparing bikepacking with bike touring searches also documents this rise.
This form of cycling essentially takes cyclists off the road in search of quieter trailsand natural surroundings. To many, it’s the ultimate form of adventure, offering cyclists the chance to really reconnect with nature and see what they’re made of ‘in the wild.’
- Iceland’s Westfjords offers remote cycling in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, home to towering mountains, waterfalls and hot springs! This dramatic corner of Iceland also hosts the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge in June; your chance to ride on gravel roads, beneath the midnight sun.
- The Pirinixus route showcases some of the best gravel riding in Spain and France on an epic 340-km loop ride through the Pyrenees mountains. Impressive wildlife, national parks and vineyards all await en route.
- Did you know approximately 50% of the road network is still unpaved in Romania? This makes it an incredible destination for gravel riders! The wild landscapes of Romania also have much to offer the more adventurous riders out there.
- Travelling to your destination by train
Not only is it a more sustainable way to reach one’s destination. In the U.K., it’s even free of charge to take your bike on a train in the UK.
The Tarka Trail is one of Devon’s most popular cycling routes. This gentle route takes in gorgeous coastal landscapes and quiet disused rail tracks; it’s the ultimate cycle trip for anyone looking to explore the UK’s rich railway heritage! The route can easily be reached by train in Barnstaple, which is well connected to Exeter and London.
- Always fancied conquering the iconic NC500 cycle route in Scotland? The challenging cycling journey typically starts and finishes in the city of Inverness, which is connected by trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
- The John Muir Way is a coast-to-coast cycling route in Scotland that takes you from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east. In between you’ll tick off both Edinburgh and Falkirk. Helensburgh and Dunbar are both accessible by train from Edinburgh.
Outside of the UK, places like the Netherlands, Italy and Spain make travelling on trains with a bike relatively easy and trains typically come with dedicated bike storage space (but check the bike rules for the route ahead of any travel).
To avoid any issues on the day of travel, it is always best to look at any cycling specific information, such as whether bike space needs to be booked, ahead of booking tickets.
UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS
Foodies who love to cycle: Thinking of France? Try Romania
Romania is home to the Dealu Mare wine region, which sits at roughly the same latitude and altitude as the famous wine regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany. This premier wine region produces high quality red grapes and is a must visit for wine and foodie lovers.
Visiting vineyards and wine tasting are all possible as part of an organized bike ride in the region. The Dealu Mare region is also only about an hour’s drive from the capital Bucharest.
The Dobrogea in the Danube River Delta is another important wine region in Romania. This can be experienced on the popular EuroVelo 6, a fantastic option for cycle tourers looking for a lengthy place to place adventure in Europe.
Mountains: Thinking of the French Alps? Try Verbier, Switzerland
Every July, France is abuzz with Tour de France mania. As the pro peloton sweeps its way through a plethora of iconic French towns and regions, the routes in each stage become packed with thousands of locals and cycling enthusiasts. Even the most remote mountain stages can’t escape these spectators.
So, where can one bag equally challenging “cols” without the big crowds? Hopping over the border into Switzerland is a good bet. This destination is home to many peaceful mountain passes that will really put one’s cycling skills to the test. The Verbier region is a great option. Cyclists based in Verbier can take their pick of inspiring routes, from the famous Croix de Coeur climb to dramatic gorges and high-altitude dams.
City breaks: Thinking of Amsterdam? Try Amersfoort
A city break is a great introduction to cycling abroad. Europe’s cycling capital, Amsterdam, may feel like a great option for a city break on two wheels, but millions of tourists descend on this popular city every year. Combine this with locals for whom cycling is their preferred way to get to work and riding a bike here can feel quite overwhelming, especially during rush hour.
Instead, why not sample one of the Netherlands’ lesser-visited cities? Places like Utrecht and Amersfoort are well connected to Amsterdam by both cycle paths and regular trains. These cities are home to many of the same characteristics that make Amsterdam so beloved. Highlights include winding canals, arched bridges, tall canal houses with photogenic, gabled facades and extensive bike infrastructure.
Amersfoort’s Koppelpoort medieval gate is particularly impressive to behold! Just outside of Amersfoort there is also a vast network of fantastically fun woodland trails that are perfect for cyclists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while.
For more info, check out Epicroadrides.com.
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