Where is the best cycling in the world

Finding the best places to ride in the world has gotten complicated with all the “hidden gem” listicles flying around. As someone who’s pedaled through three continents and spent way too many hours planning cycling trips, I learned everything there is to know about which destinations actually live up to the hype. Today, I will share it all with you.

From buttery-smooth European roads to rugged mountain trails on the other side of the planet, these are the spots that keep cyclists coming back year after year — and for good reason.

1. The Netherlands

Probably should have led with this one, honestly. The Netherlands is hands-down the most bike-friendly country on Earth, and it’s not even close. Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht have bike infrastructure that’ll make you weep if you’re used to dodging cars on narrow shoulders back home. We’re talking dedicated bike lanes everywhere, parking racks on every corner, and traffic signals designed specifically for cyclists. But beyond the cities, the Dutch countryside is where it really shines — flat terrain, windmills dotting the horizon, tulip fields stretching as far as you can see. It’s the kind of riding where you can just zone out and enjoy it without worrying about your next climb.

2. France

France gives you a little bit of everything, and that’s what makes it such a legendary cycling destination. You’ve got the rolling vineyard hills of Burgundy if you want something relaxed, and then you’ve got the absolutely brutal climbs of the Alps and Pyrenees if you’re chasing pain. The Tour de France showcases these routes every July and has inspired thousands of people to go tackle them firsthand. Whether it’s the rustic lavender-scented charm of Provence or the wild, windswept coasts of Brittany, there’s a French cycling route that’ll match whatever mood you’re in. Plus, you know, the food and wine at the end of each ride doesn’t hurt one bit.

3. Italy

Italy’s landscapes practically beg you to ride through them. The Dolomites offer some of the best road cycling anywhere on the planet — we’re talking steep, winding switchbacks with jaw-dropping views at every turn, the kind of climbs that are both punishing and incredibly rewarding once you reach the summit. That’s what makes the Dolomites endearing to us suffering-loving cyclists — the payoff is always worth the pain. If you’d rather keep things more mellow, Tuscany’s rolling hills deliver a gentler pace with centuries of history and culture around every bend. And let’s be real: cycling in Italy means pasta, espresso, and gelato at regular intervals, which is basically the perfect fueling strategy.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is a cyclist’s paradise, and I don’t use that word lightly. The country packs an absurd amount of landscape diversity into a relatively small area — serene lakeside paths one day, rugged mountain trails the next. The Otago Central Rail Trail is a classic that winds through gorgeous backcountry, and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail gives you this incredible journey from the mountains down to the coast. The trails are well-maintained, the towns along the way are welcoming, and the scenery looks like it was designed by someone who really wanted to sell you a bike. If you love nature and two wheels, put New Zealand at the top of your bucket list.

5. Spain

Spain’s got this perfect combo of warm weather, rich culture, and fantastic roads that makes it a year-round cycling destination. Regions like Andalusia give you sunshine almost every day, which is pretty ideal when you’re planning training camps or just don’t want to deal with rain gear. The Vuelta a Espana showcases the country’s best routes every fall — coastal roads with Mediterranean views, tough ascents through the Sierra Nevada, and everything in between. And for the mountain bikers out there, Spain has a ridiculous number of off-road options that don’t get nearly enough attention. It’s genuinely underrated as a cycling destination.

6. Colombia

Colombia has blown up as a cycling destination in recent years, and it’s easy to see why once you get there. The Andean mountain roads offer some of the most demanding riding you’ll find anywhere — long, sustained climbs at serious altitude that’ll test every fiber of your being. Colombian locals are massively enthusiastic about cycling (it’s practically a national sport), and you’ll get cheered on by random people on the roadside in a way that doesn’t really happen elsewhere. If you can handle the altitude, the rewards are stunning mountain vistas and an authentic cycling culture that feels different from anything in Europe or North America.

7. United States

The US is so massive that you could spend a lifetime cycling here and never run out of new territory. Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, Vermont’s fall foliage routes, the deserts of Utah, the Pacific Coast Highway in California — the variety is honestly staggering. National Parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon provide some of the most spectacular backdrops you’ll ever ride against, and there’s a thriving cycling event scene with races and gran fondos scattered across the country throughout the year. Whether you’re into road cycling, gravel grinding, or full-on mountain biking, there’s a corner of the US that’s perfect for it.

Look, these seven spots barely scratch the surface, but they’re the ones that consistently deliver incredible experiences whether you’re a hardcore racer or a casual rider just wanting to explore somewhere new. Each destination offers something unique — different terrain, different culture, different vibes. So grab your bike, pick the one that speaks to you, and go make it happen. The best cycling trip is the one you actually take.