The rise of the cycling holiday

The freedom of the open road feels even more thrilling on two wheels. Be it hurtling down a country lane, mastering the technical trails of a bike park or discovering the wilds of the Himalayas, cycling unlocks new worlds to explore.

In recent years, awareness of the environmental and health benefits of cycling – as well as the sense of freedom it affords travellers – has sparked renewed interest in the sport. The market has responded with an influx of online resources and on-the-ground cycling infrastructure to make cycling holidays accessible to all. The result is that cycling tourism has seen enormous growth: Forbes Business Insights estimates that the global market, worth US$151.04 billion in 2025, will reach around US$166.21 billion this year. 

Why you should do a bike trip

Passionate bikepacker Sofiane Sehili first embraced bike travel while visiting northern Laos a few years ago; the decision, he says, changed his life. “I was tired of depending on buses, trains, taxis and tuk-tuks. With a bike, I finally did things my way, spontaneously, and I ended up in places you never see when you take the bus. The freedom is so addictive that I'm still hooked.”

Human interactions are also different when you travel by bike, says Sehili. “Locals are usually friendlier towards cyclists as they see us as brave. We also tend to inspire kindness as we appear harmless and very much at the mercy of the elements.”

Cycling holidays around the world

From fully serviced luxury bike holidays to place-to-place cycling tours in every corner of the world, and from adrenaline-fuelled mountain bike trips to leisurely e-bike vineyard tours, there really is a cycling trip for everyone out there. Here are some of the best cycling holiday destinations for the ride of your life.

The Chinese Mainland

While Chengdu may be known as the home of spicy cuisine and the giant panda, the Sichuan capital is also a gateway to some superb cycling experiences. The Tianfu Greenway is a great place to start: this 100km route circles all the way around the city, taking in protected parks and wetlands. You can pick up a set of wheels from Cycle Quest China . For a more challenging adventure, head north towards Kham, where remote mountain landscapes offer opportunities for multi-day cycling excursions along rugged, high-altitude passes. Consider joining one of Sichuan Adventure ’s epic tours.

Italy 

While Milan charms with its art, architecture and fashion, head just an hour north and you’ll find yourself on the shores of the stunning Lake Como. This entire region is laced with winding roads and undulating trails that attract professional and recreational cyclists from all over the world. For accessible, customisable tours that showcase Como’s beautiful lake and alpine scenery, look to Lake Como Bicycle Tours. Whichever route you choose, be sure to weave in a visit to Magreglio, home to a cycling museum and a hilltop shrine dedicated to Madonna del Ghisallo – the patron saint of cyclists.

Australia

With everything from rolling country backroads to scenic vineyard routes, Western Australia is a paradise for cyclists. The best riding can be found in the Margaret River and Nannup areas, where dedicated cycling trails, mountain bike parks and leisurely winery tours are designed to be undertaken on two wheels. Margaret River-based rental shop The Hairy Marron offers a range of bikes for hire for the whole family, while On Track provides guided bike tours around the region’s natural gems. 

Thailand

Chiang Mai has long beckoned visitors with its vibrant street markets and incredible cuisine; but in recent years, it has also become known as a top cycling destination. The city's setting, surrounded by lush mountains and quiet rural roads, creates a wonderful variety of riding opportunities – challenge yourself on gruelling climbs in the hills to the west of the city, enjoy gentle rides through rice fields to the north and south, or embark on multi-day excursions along the Mae Hong Son Loop or the Lanna Kingdom off-road route. Well-equipped with local expertise, Cycling Chiang Mai offers tours of various lengths tailored to a range of abilities.

Nepal 

When it comes to serious mountain biking, Nepal is hard to beat. The Kathmandu Valley is criss-crossed with trails that weave through remote villages and hillside scenery, while further west Pokhara serves as a gateway to some spectacular high-altitude rides, including thrilling routes along the Annapurna Circuit. Nepal Mountain Bike runs tours led by experienced local guides. Although e-bike tours and gentler routes are available, much of the riding in these parts is very physically demanding and best suited to seasoned cyclists.