For all kinds of reasons, cycling has enjoyed something of a renaissance over the last few years. People across the world are ditching their high-tech cars and trains in favour of this centuries-old method of transportation.
Regular cycling is a great way to improve your health and fitness, often without actually realising it. All the time you’re focusing on keeping your eyes on the road and taking in the sights and sounds of your stunning surroundings, nearly every part of your body is enduring a pretty comprehensive workout.
So once you’ve cycled all the trails of the UK, what next? How about combining your much loved hobby with your dream getaway? Instead of spending your holiday sat by the pool, maybe you seek a little more adventure; explore the world around you on your favourite two wheels.
Here are some of the best holidays for cycling fanatics:
Paris
Explore the stunning sites of Paris by bike. Camping holidays in France don’t have to be exclusively city life adventures; stay at a magnificent campsite which provides cycle hire, tennis, canoeing, a spa and children’s facilities. Why not treat your family to a day out at Disneyland? If you’re there in July, why not check out The Tour de France, the world’s best-known cycling race – head to the Champs-Élysées and see the winner cross the Parisian finish line.
China
Cycling holidays in China are not for the faint hearted. Whether or not the 800 kilometers between the Tibetan city of Lhasa and the Nepalese border is the planet’s most beautiful ride depends on how you’ll handle bleak high-altitude vistas. For the truly committed this remains one of the globe’s true adventures, from the religious and cultural wonders of Lhasa and Gyantse to the prayer flag-draped peak of the Gampa La mountain pass, with the vast, turquoise lake, Yamdrok Yumtso, shining in the valley below.
Costa Rica
From the Pacific to Caribbean coasts, this cycling journey will take you through mud paths, rainforests, coffee plantations and even an extinct volcano. The route can be completed in three days, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax as well. Costa Rica has a vast range of natural wonders to enjoy during your ride, the traditional end to the trip is a dip in the Caribbean, idyllic, much?!
Sicily
The Aeolian Islands are wonderfully varied volcanic lands off the north-east coast of Sicily. Take a mud bath and walk up to the crater of sulphurous Volcano; watch the evening fireworks in Stromboli, which erupts every 20 minutes; ride the greener hills of Lipari and wine-growing Salina. This would make a really romantic holiday for a couple who are keen cyclists.
Jordan
How about cycling from the Crusader Castle of Shobak to Petra, a Unesco World Heritage Site? As well as visiting the rose-red city, on this ride you’ll be able to see the Dead and Red Seas, spend a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent in a Wadi Rum desert camp and cycle in the footsteps of Moses on Mount Nebo. Enjoy one of the world’s greatest wonders on a mixture of road, cycle paths and hard-packed off-piste.
Sri-Lanka
Wildlife is the highlight of this adventure – as well as cycling through scenic routes, you’ll have the opportunity to feast your eyes upon leopards, elephants and crocs. Be sure to make time for some whale watching if nature is your thing. Enjoy 24 miles a day and be sure to visit Buddha’s tooth temple and the tea plantations.
There are plenty of awe-inspiring trails to explore all over the world; it’s time to get planning your adventure – it’s sure to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Oh my, it would be amazing to visit some of these countries and cycle around them. We had our first cycling adventure this year as a family and we enjoyed it so much!
Wow! I’ve been to some of these destinations but haven’t cycled around these cities – what a great way to explore. I had a bike when I lived in Japan and do miss cycling 🙂
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