Top 9 cycling destinations in 2020

Top 9 cycling destinations in 2020

The start of a new year means it’s time to start planning your travels, so we thought we’d get in touch with our friends at Saddle Skedaddle to give a few tips on the very best cycling destinations! With over 260 cycling holidays spread across the globe, Skedaddle have something for every kind of cyclist. You can find out more about Skedaddle here to see where it all started and what makes their holidays so special.

1. Ethiopa

Perhaps one of the lesser-visited areas of the world. Ethiopia is undoubtedly one of the most scenic countries in all of Africa. It is also one of the most fertile and lush within the continent. Voted as one of Rough Guides’ “Top 4 countries to visit in 2020” and with a whopping nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is no surprise that Ethiopia is a must-see cycling destination for adventurous travellers. And who knows, you might be lucky enough to see the Gelada Baboons! Our new tour for 2020, Enchanting Ethiopia, is a carefully crafted holiday that allows you to see the unique cultural heritage and highlights of the country, including the Simien Mountains and historic Lalibela. It’s certainly one not to miss and best experienced at the speed of the bike.

2. Scotland

Scotland has arguably the finest scenery the UK has to offer and what better way to see it than by bike! It’s a true adventure playground with much to enjoy for cyclists. From towering mountains to endless lochs, the landscapes are incredibly varied and very beautiful. As well as a dramatic interior, it’s also home to some impressive islands and the Outer Hebrides are the UK’s very own answer to the Caribbean (yes, you heard right) complete with many white sandy beaches home to crystal clear seas, you’ll just need to brave the wind to enjoy them! So,  whether you’re an avid mountain biker, a road cyclist or a cyclist who prefers to take things at their own relaxed pace, there’s something for everyone here.

3. Borneo

Discover South East Asia’s Borneo, a spectacular island paradise, and get ready to be amazed by its superb scenery and tropical wildlife. With the country being home to a wide range of cultures, Borneo is known to offer a variety of cuisines. We fell so in love with Borneo (and we know you will too!) that we introduced two new holidays for 2020, alongside our already existing and hugely popular Secret Sarawak adventure cycling holiday. Perfect for road cyclists is Sarawak to Sabah, involving some tougher climbs allowing riders to truly appreciate the natural splendour of Borneo. If you’re looking for something to excite the kids as well as yourself, our new Sarawak Jungle Adventures trip is definitely one to add to the cycling destination list in 2020.

4. Jordan

Jordan is a country steeped in ancient tradition, spectacular food, traditional hospitality and mind-blowing landscapes, and we believe cycling here offers you the chance to experience the very heart of this inspiring destination. We recently launched our Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea tour where you’ll cycle through rolling hills and green forests, past vast valleys and rugged mountains, before riding down to the red sands of the country’s iconic Wadi Rum desert. Check out our short video below to give you an insight into Jordan.

5. Italy

A country that needs no introduction and is one of the classic cycling destinations! Known for its picture-perfect Italian landscapes and fantastic terrains for all kinds of riding, Italy is a must for keen cyclists! If you’re interested, there are so many great cycling options across Italy, with highlights including Tuscany and our new Emilia Romagna tour for those with a taste for leisure cycling or the mighty Dolomites and our new and extremely popular Coast to Coast journey for road cycling fans. If you’re looking for exhilarating mountain biking trips, the wild island of Sardinia is a great place to test the tyres (and is also where our Italian base is located, so our team really know the trails like the back of their hands!) and finally we also have tours that the little ones will love too – we guarantee they’ll enjoy the gentle cycle paths of Lake Garda.

6. Spain

With tasty tapas, plenty of sunshine and world-famous architecture. This cycling destination needs little introduction and there’s so many reasons to pedal through Spain in 2020. Our established Skedaddle España base offers 30+ cycling holidays in Spain. Including a brand new self-guided tour which will see you travel between two of the North’s biggest cultural hubs. Bilbao to San Sebastian. That’s only the beginning, we also have several road cycling holidays including our iconic journey from Basque Country to Andalucia. Perfect for experienced riders. As well as MTB holidays where you’ll be met with some of the best mountain trails in all of Spain.

7. Chile

We couldn’t let Chile miss out on our list; think enchanting snowcapped volcanoes, crystal blue lakes and rolling vineyards with a stunning Andean backdrop. If you want to see rugged, beautiful landscapes and truly spectacular wildlife, then this is the place for you! Oh, did we mention it’s the destination that helped spark a lifelong passion for pedallin’ and Saddle Skedaddle as we know it today! Co-founders, Andrew Straw and Paul Snedker, journeyed through Chile back in 1994. The voyage was so successful, packed with unforgettable people, extraordinary places and memorable moments, that they never stopped travelling by bike and exploring the world by bike. Read more about their inspiring story here and maybe you’ll feel suitably inspired to experience this cycling destination for yourself in 2020. 

8. Ireland

Home to Galway, a city recognised as the European Capital of Culture. It’s fair to say it’s going to be a huge year in Ireland – so what better time to visit?! Our new Connemara and the Aran Isles holiday includes transfers from Galway. We recommend planning your trip so that you can fit in lots of the fun events before the start of your holiday! Alternatively, you could head south for Highlights of Kerry. Allowing you to take in a number of famous sights alongside some wonderful gems off the beaten track. Tempted? Take a peek at our short video below.

9. Holland

There isn’t anywhere better for cyclists looking to go at their own pace, than cycling on fabulously flat roads, along the picturesque canals, rivers and coast in delightful Holland. All that plus the opportunity to explore some of the best cycling infrastructure in all of Europe. Holland really is a destination that loves cycling. That’s why it makes an ideal place for families looking to gain confidence on the bikes! So, what are you waiting for? Time to check out our amazing range of cycle tours.

Eager to discover more destinations by bike in 2020? Head to Saddle Skedaddles website to see more amazing cycle tours across the globe.

If you’re planning a trip abroad with your bike. Read our guide on to taking a bike on a plane here