Plans for your next cycling holiday, they almost always arise spontaneously. This is also the time again to make plans for your next cycling holiday. After all, will you be going this year cycling in Spain, cycling in Italy or to Denmark? Maybe it will be Morocco, Rwanda or how about Finland? To talk about the US contintent not to mention. In short, plenty of options for a great cycling destination. But which places are still rough diamonds? We think we know a few. Here are 5x unusual, off-the-beaten-track cycling destinations. When will you be travelling?
Poland
The rural round is always a great insight into what a cycling destination has to offer. The Tour of Poland is another fine example of this. Beyond all the hassle of descending arrivals, the country is gorgeous. Cycling in Poland is becoming increasingly popular and the Silesia region in particular, against the border with Germany and the Czech Republic, has a stunning array of routes, both on and off the road. The top of the Karkonosze Mountains, the Snjezka, tower high above Karpacz. This is a stunning part of the country, where you can indulge to your heart's content. The mountains don't reach huge heights there, but you'll get above 1,200 metres. Not bad for a bit of touring in the area. There is also plenty to enjoy on a gravel bike. You can actually follow the border and cruise past mountains, reservoirs and other natural beauty there. Highly recommended!
Want more tips for cycling in Poland? Then check out this route via the Polish tourism agency
Hungary
After Israel, the Giro d'Italia once again found itself in an a-typical starting spot for the Grande Partenza in 2022. Cycling in Hungary could still use a push, to state it mildly. A nice triptych has been laid out, leading you from Budapest first via a sounding name like Szekesfehervar to Visegrad. Here you join the Danube (again), the river that cuts across the country towards Serbia and Croatia runs. This stretch is a bit hillier and following the river is certainly not a punishment either.
The course is gently rolling, but with a climb in the first stage. But you won't encounter real mountains on these routes. This is a pity, because Hungary does have some nice, challenging(r) routes. Towards the border with Austria you will find some nice hills and here you can also follow part of the Iron Curtain route. After all, that separated Austria from Hungary.
Island hopping across the Hebrides - Scotland
That the northern tip of the British island has something beautiful to offer, we had already seen in this article. It is rightly a destination with lots of highlights for a fantastic cycling holiday. Cycling in Scotland inevitably means taking conditions into account. Not only because of the rain, snow, wind and sometimes certainly the sun, but also because of the roads and the desolation of parts of this country. So planning is important. In that respect, the Hebrides, on the north-east side, offer a bit of a challenge, but also a different kind of 'island hopping' than you are normally used to. You can start all the way at the southern tip and take a scenic route by ferry to the northern tip. Meanwhile, it is pure enjoyment. Rugged, pristine, beautiful views, beaches. Happy days.
More tips? Then also check out these 11 routes which you can cycle in the Scottish countryside.
Azores - Portugal's most beautiful islands?
If you think you've seen everything on mainland Europe, cycling across the Portuguese islands is an absolute must. Besides Madeire, Portugal has more options, such as the Azores. A lot more remote, but no less attractive for that. It is a beautiful collection of smaller islands, where you can independently have a great time cycling. The islands (like the Canary Islands) are mostly volcanic, which makes for insane views on the one hand and beautiful routes on the other. The island of Ilha do Sao Miguel is stunning. Green, craters, flowers. Oh yes, it goes up quite a bit there too. The climb to Lagoa do Fogo is one not soon to forget. You can spend several days on this island without getting really bored. Sao Jorge and Ilha do Pico are also pure enjoyment. You can reach the islands separately by taking the ferry. Otherworldly beauty.
Wollongong
Wollongong was the venue for the World Championships in 2022. The region (thanks in part to this championship) also hosted a UCI Bike region label got. The New South Wales city lies just a little south of Sydney and with its coastal location, but also with its proximity to (painfully steep) hills, it is gorgeous. Just out of reach for a day trip, but with a bit of skill, the Blue Mountains can also be reached. See also the video below showing the course of the elite championships and you can imagine that this is a great place to be. They didn't get the title UCI Bike Region for nothing. Good to mention: for the next 10 years, they are fully committed to cycling as their 'preferred mode of transport.' Fantastic!
