Eight of the best cycling destinations around the world
Independent Travel has been writing about cycling trips for years and our writers have pedalled their way through everywhere from Tokyo and Transylvania to the French Alps and Los Angeles beaches.
So, whether you're looking for a gentle meander through the UK countryside or throwing on some lycra to work up a sweat taking on a thousand-foot peak, we've rounded up some of the most dynamic routes to pedal your way through.
France
Journalist and cycling enthusiast Paddy Maddison loves the French Alps and would argue that the gruelling Alpe d'Huez climb, with 21 hair pin bends soaring 1,860 metres into the sky, is a worthy challenge any biker can take on. After a trip last year, he wrote: 'Over the years, the winding mountain pass leading up to the [Alpe d'Huez] resort has served as a backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in pro-cycling history … To cyclists, it's a sporting landmark akin to Silverstone or Wembley. The key difference is that anyone can come and pit themselves against the iconic 21 hairpin bends. And I mean anyone…' Begin your ascent in the town of Le Bourg d'Oisans and make your way up to the resort, stopping at the many cafes and cultural sights along the way.
Journalist Chrissie McClatchie also loves France as a cycling destination – but as well as pedalling up a peak, she recommends biking across the picturesque promenades of Nice. She writes: 'Thanks to the region's mountains-meets-sea terrain, the Côte d'Azur is a cycling paradise.' Among the city's 125km of cycling lanes, she suggests cycling along the Promenade des Anglais, 'the city's emblematic waterfront boulevard that sweeps from Nice Côte d'Azur airport to Vieux Nice'. Cycling along the 22km coastal route that connects Nice to neighbouring Antibes is also a great introduction to biking across the vibrant city, she says.
Romania
If unearthed trails and rugged landscapes are more your thing then biking across the Romanian countryside could be for you. Damien Gabet recommends the newly opened Via Transilvanica route, which takes in Transylvania and all its folkloric villages. He says: 'Dubbed 'The Camino of the East', the Via Transilvanica is a tethering of ancient trade and transhumance trails that now stretches 1,400km across the country. Beginning in northerly Bucovina, near the Ukrainian border, it scribbles at a slant over Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, ending at a village in spitting distance of Serbia.'
Salzburg's lake district
For a more traditional European vibe, Zoe Griffin recommends visiting Salzburg and the surrounding area. The Austrian city, known around the world as the location of The Sound of Music, has many sites to offer. She writes: 'Situated to the east of Salzburg, the Austrian Lake District is perfect for exploration on two wheels. The majestic mountain scenery is reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the deep lakes and, as you cycle along the lakeside roads and designated cycle paths, you can stop to explore the many welcoming villages.
'This wonderful route takes in dramatic Alpine scenery, running past several of Austria's most spectacular lakes, and finishes with a visit to Hallstatt, the jewel of the region, and a Unesco world heritage site. Wherever possible, the routes follow designated cycle tracks so you can enjoy the fabulous countryside while marvelling at the grandeur of the mountains and the truly outstanding views.'
Land's end to John o' Groats
If crossing the pond isn't your thing, then Britain has no shortage of scenic cycle routes, and if you also happen to have a spare three weeks, then the LEJOG (Land's End to John o' Groats) path could be for you. Griffin writes: 'Leaving the Cornish coast, the 1,000-mile route passes through the wilds of Dartmoor, before crossing the River Severn into Wales. Riding further north, you'll skim the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, over the border into the dramatic scenery of Scotland, through Edinburgh and then up past Inverness to finally arrive at John O'Groats.'
Tokyo, Japan
If your travels have taken you to Tokyo, then exploring the city on your bike is the perfect way to escape the chaos and crowds. On a trip to the Japanese capital earlier this year, global travel editor Annabel Grossman explored Shimokitazawa and Meguro on two wheels, experiencing another of side of the city free from the tourists. She ended her cycle tour in Hanegi Forest in Setagaya off the beaten path. She wrote that the site is a 'striking symbol of how nature can be nurtured in even the most bustling metropolis, and – like the bike tour itself – the perfect example of why there's so much more to Japan's capital city than bright lights and skyscrapers'.
Taiwan
Writer Jeanine Barone cycled her way across Taiwan, a country with an abundance of scenic cycle routes. She writes: 'Numerous scenic bike paths course through bucolic green spaces, both in Taipei and further afield. Don't miss Sun Moon Lake, a magical spot set in the mountainous, foliage-cloaked terrain of central Taiwan. The Xiangshang-Yuetan Bikeway, which mostly skirts the lakefront, is best pedalled in the early morning when mist still hangs over the calm waters and the air is alive with dragonflies.'
Los Angeles, USA
If you're in LA, then cycling is a great way to make the most of this bustling metropolis, says Kinza Shenn. Well-travelled routes such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica offer a mix of 'chic, indie gems', 'great eats' and 'ramshackle local institutions'. Shenn also recommends the 'stretch of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park'. The area is 'sometimes likened to a mini, west-coastified Brooklyn. All three are less touristy spots with plenty to do, see and eat, and also neighbour Griffith Park for more hikes and views. The south side of Griffith grants you the Hollywood sign and observatory.'
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Even if nothing is proven, it looks horrific, another in a long line of controversies that includes the employment of medical consultant Geert Leinders, who worked with Team Sky in 2012 and who was subsequently banned for life for multiple doping violations from 1996-2009 at a previous team, Wiggins' use of TUEs (therapeutic use exemptions) ahead of the three biggest races of his life, exposed by Russian hackers Fancy Bears, and which an MPs inquiry found to be 'unethical', Chris Froome's AAF (adverse analytical finding) for salbutamol in 2018 which he subsequently overturned, the infamous jiffy bag that was flown out to the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2011, and the arrival of a box of testosterone to British Cycling's headquarters that same year which resulted in a four-year ban for Dr Richard Freeman. Team Sky and later Ineos have consistently denied any wrongdoing, but patience is wearing thin. Brailsford, who in the old days preached transparency and openness, telling journalists that the door was always open, has long since given up speaking. 'I won't be commenting,' he told media when journalists first started gathering outside the bus to ask about Rozman. 'F-----g hell guys, come on,' he added. Now he cannot answer because there is an official investigation ongoing. Even if he survives, one wonders whether this will affect Brailsford's appetite to return to cycling in a leadership role after his time out in football. He is still director of sport for Ineos, with a broad overview of the company's sporting portfolio. Will he go back to flitting between them? Ineos's appetite to continue in professional cycling is also unclear. Ratcliffe admitted to the Telegraph during last autumn's America's Cup that the team was 'under consideration', adding their results were 'not good'. Ineos won just 14 races in 2024, the lowest total in the team's history, and were winless at the Tour. Allert then said in January that Ineos 'don't want to spend more money' and were actively looking for a second title sponsor. TotalEnergies were announced as a jersey sponsor prior to this Tour, but it is unclear how much more patience Ratcliffe has. A spokesperson for Ineos did not return a request for comment. On the performance side, the team still feels a long way from being Tour-competitive, which is Ratcliffe's stated aim. While Ineos have lots of talented riders, how many of them would you build a team around? Rodríguez finished fifth in 2023, seventh in 2024 and was 10th overall this year before fracturing his pelvis in a heavy crash on stage 17. Arensman, 25, had a breakthrough Tour, and has twice finished sixth in the Giro and once in the Vuelta a España. But he was not targeting the general classification this year, and is not at the same level as a Tadej Pogacar or a Jonas Vingegaard. Who is? Remco Evenepoel is possibly the closest but it looks as if the Belgian is going to Bora-Hansgrohe. There are reasons to be more positive. Thomas is said to have been offered a management role, which could be interesting. The Welshman has always seemed immune to the troubles swirling around him, a friendly, likeable presence on the team. It also appears Ineos may be starting up an under-23 team under the guidance of performance director Scott Drawer and Simon Watts, the performance pathway manager. This could yield results down the line. But again, how much patience does Ratcliffe have? In the meantime, the team will batten down the hatches while they wait for the ITA to rule on Rozman. There is a lot riding on it. The Slovenian also worked with Team GB at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. He was personal soigneur to Froome for years. The four-time Tour champion must be wanting Rozman to explain himself. Brailsford, too. 'We have welcomed him back into the team with open arms,' Allert said of Brailsford's return less than a month ago. 'He's a not-so-secret weapon for us to use, and we plan on using him to the fullest extent we can. It's great to have him back.' A team statement read: 'David Rozman was informally contacted in April 2025 by a member of ITA staff, who asked him about alleged historical communications. David immediately notified the team of his meeting with the ITA and his recollection of the contents of the meeting. Although the ITA assured David at the time that he was not under investigation, Ineos promptly commissioned a thorough review by an external law firm. 'The team has acted responsibly and with due process, taking the allegations seriously whilst acknowledging that David is a long-standing, dedicated member of the team. The team continues to assess the circumstances and any relevant developments, and has formally requested any relevant information from the ITA.'
