Do the incredible! 5 amazing cycle routes around the world

Some people like to spend their holidays lounging around poolside, relaxing and recharging their batteries. They look forward to drinking cocktails, reading light fiction and doing as little as possible.

However, holidays like this don’t cut it for everyone. Some of us look for something more from our time away. Some of us prefer adventure to relaxation. There’s plenty of time to sit around on the aeroplane of course. Cycling holidays are perfect for adventurers like this.

Cycling is hands down one of the best ways to see the world. It allows you to take in the places and sites that lie off the beaten track, and get into the thick of some amazing countryside. On two wheels, you have an unrivalled level of freedom.

Here are a few amazing cycle routes on the Xentum bucket list:

La Farola – Cuba

Since the 1959 revolution, Cuba has existed in something of a time warp, cut off from much of the world. While the capital Havana might be its most famous destination, Cuba is home to some stunning scenery. Bike is the best way to see it.

The La Farola highway travels from the peaks of the Baracoa mountains to the country’s balmy southern coast. Just 35 miles in length, the route passes through jungle, sheer limestone cliffs, deep gorges and deep blue ocean. Although the route is short in length, it’s not for the faint hearted. There are some steep inclines and winding cliff side roads.

Salzach Valley – Austria

The Tauernradweg trail stretches through over 300 km of the Austrian Alps, which is quite the undertaking. The 43.3 km River Salzach section might be a slightly more realistic option, especially for those of you with families.

Take in glorious views of Grossglockner Mountain and the Hohe Tauern National Park from your bike on this diverse cycling route.

The San Juan Islands – Washington State, USA

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of 172 islands which lie between the mouth of Puget Sound and Vancouver Island, off the coast of mainland America. They can be reached on ferry from Seattle.

Full of winding lanes, leafy hedgerows and few cars, the islands are a true cyclist’s paradise. From the islands you have panoramic views of the Pacific, as well as wildlife aplenty. Whidbey Island, San Juan, Orcas, Lumni and Lopez are the larger islands which are the most ‘cycleable’.

El Camino de Santiago – Spain

The Camino is one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes. There are in fact several pilgrimage routes that start from different sites across Europe. The Camino Frances (the French Route) is the most famous.

This route meanders 800 km from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, crossing the Pyrenees and the northern Spanish provinces of Navarre, the Basque Country, Castile-León and Galicia. Expect lush green landscapes that differ from the Mediterranean backdrop most commonly associated with Spain.

The last 300 km is an absolute treat, taking you through chestnut forests and the stunning rolling landscape of Galicia, Spain’s north-westernmost territory, the scenery of which is reminiscent of wilder parts of Ireland.

Otago Peninsula – New Zealand

The Otago Peninsula on the South Island, close to the university town of Dunedin, is great for cycling. The cycling route leads you along gentle winding coast side roads before taking you on some steep uphills during its second half. The isolated, well-paved winding roads make the bracing wind and changeable weather worth it.

Stunning views and mostly traffic free roads make the peninsula an ideal place for cyclists.

At Xentum, making travel dreams like these a reality is a key component of what we do. Helping you to #grablife really matters to us. If you’d like to talk about how we can help you live your dreams, get in touch. We’d be more than happy to help.