There’s a special kind of magic in planning your next cycling trip. You fire up your map app or pull out an old-school road atlas, eyes tracing unfamiliar names, elevation lines, and switchbacks, imagining yourself weaving through them with a grin on your face and tired legs that somehow still want more. Whether you're chasing early-season sun, smooth ribbons of tarmac, unrelenting gradients or just a different view from the top, the right destination can turn an average week on the bike into something unforgettable.
Over the years, certain places have earned near-mythical status in the cycling world. Maybe it’s the climbs, the history, the culture or just the community you find there. And while everyone has their personal favourites, we’ve put together a list of ten incredible cycling destinations that offer something for every type of rider — from first-time mountain goats to seasoned kilometre junkies.
10. Girona, Spain
Girona has quietly become one of the top destinations in Europe for cyclists — and not just pros. Although you’ll often see WorldTour riders cruising through town on their easy days or tucked into the corner of La Fàbrica café sipping cortados, Girona has something for everyone.
The roads around the city are smooth and varied, with everything from short punchy climbs like Els Àngels to longer efforts like Rocacorba, which stretches nearly 10 km with an average gradient of 7 percent. It’s steep, consistent, and always a test. But Girona isn’t all about pain and watts. The old town is charming, the food scene is excellent, and the vibe is very laid-back. You can roll from your apartment, hit a handful of climbs, stop for a proper Catalan lunch and be back by late afternoon feeling like you’ve had a real ride.
The airport in Barcelona is just over an hour away, and there’s a direct train if you want to avoid car hire. Girona’s popularity has exploded in the last few years, so expect to see plenty of fellow cyclists out on the road. That’s part of the appeal — it feels like a cycling town.
9. Boulder, Colorado, USA
If you're after big altitude, dramatic landscapes and some of the strongest coffee you’ll ever drink, Boulder is hard to beat. Sitting at 1,600 metres above sea level, it’s a high-altitude playground for cyclists — and not just the elite crowd who train here for oxygen-starved gains.
The classic climb is Flagstaff, short but sharp, right on the edge of town. But venture deeper into the Rockies and you’ll find epic days out, like the ride up to Peak to Peak Highway or a leg-busting loop that includes Lefthand Canyon and the climb to Ward. You’ll climb for over an hour, sometimes longer, often battling both gradient and altitude. It’s a brilliant place to build climbing strength — and learn to pace.
The road surface is generally excellent, and drivers tend to be very respectful. The local cycling community is big, supportive, and inclusive, with group rides going out most days of the week. Add to that Boulder's health-conscious café culture and a serious bike shop scene, and you’ve got yourself a cycling hub.
8. The Dolomites, Italy
You’ve seen the pictures. Maybe on the Giro, maybe on Instagram — those jagged peaks, high alpine meadows, and switchbacks that snake endlessly skyward. The Dolomites are Italy at its most cinematic and dramatic.
Climbs like the Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, and Passo Giau aren’t just tough — they’re legendary. The gradients are varied, the weather can be unpredictable, and the descents demand your full attention. But for many riders, this is cycling heaven. You earn every view, every espresso, and every downhill sweep.
Food here is next level. After a ride, a plate of fresh pasta with a glass of local red is practically mandatory. Accommodation ranges from rustic guesthouses to plush hotels with wellness spas, and most are incredibly bike-friendly.
Travelling in can be a bit of a mission, with the nearest airports in Venice or Innsbruck, followed by a couple of hours’ transfer. But once you're there, the Dolomites feel like another world. A world built for suffering, smiling, and spinning up beautiful climbs.
7. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is where the pros go to suffer. And for good reason. The island offers year-round sun, warm temperatures even in winter, and one of the most brutal single climbs anywhere in Europe — the ascent from sea level to the top of Mount Teide, a 2,300 metre grind that doesn’t let up.
This is a training paradise. Long climbs, stable weather, and quiet roads once you’re out of the towns. You’ll ride through pine forests, lunar landscapes, and volcanic vistas that make you feel like you’re pedalling on another planet.
Most people stay in the south around Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas. It’s not the prettiest part of the island, but it’s functional and close to the base of Teide. If you want something quieter and a bit more authentic, head to the north side near La Orotava.
Tenerife isn’t about café culture or short scenic rides. It’s about getting stronger. Bring low gearing, suncream, and a good sense of pacing.
6. Nice and the French Riviera
Think luxury, think winding coastal roads, and then throw in some seriously hard climbs inland. Nice is where elegance meets elevation.
From the Promenade des Anglais, you can warm up along the coast before turning inland towards climbs like Col d’Eze, Col de la Madone, or Col de Turini — famous training grounds for pros who live in Monaco or nearby. The riding is varied, scenic, and technical in places. One minute you're hugging the Mediterranean, the next you're deep in the Alps.
Food and wine? Exceptional. Post-ride pizza in Old Town, an espresso on the beach, or a bottle of rosé with your feet in the sea — this is France, after all.
It’s not the cheapest place to stay, and traffic can be busy near the city, but once you’re out of town, the roads open up. If you can stretch your budget, it’s one of the most complete cycling experiences around.
5. The French Alps
If the Pyrenees are wild and rugged, the Alps are high, majestic, and perfectly engineered for suffering. This is where cycling folklore was written — on climbs like Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Col de la Madeleine and Col de la Croix de Fer. Every bend seems to whisper a bit of Tour de France history, and every summit rewards you with sweeping views that make the struggle worthwhile.
The roads are mostly immaculate, the descents are thrilling, and the elevation gain? Relentless. This isn’t just a place for training — it’s where you come to test yourself. Ride for long enough and you’ll find that strange moment when pain meets peace.
The base towns like Bourg d’Oisans or Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne are ideal for setting up camp. Many hotels and chalets now cater specifically to cyclists, with secure storage, hearty breakfasts, and laundry service for your sweaty kit.
It’s worth noting that the Alps are seasonal. The best time to go is late June to early September when the weather is stable and the roads are clear of snow. Go outside of that and you risk road closures, icy descents, or having to bail mid-ride.
One tip — take your time. Don’t try to tick off every famous col in three days. Space them out, enjoy the scenery, and allow yourself to recover. The climbs will always be there tomorrow.
4. The Pyrenees, France and Spain
If the Alps are all about grandeur, the Pyrenees are about soul. Gritty, raw, and less polished, they offer an entirely different kind of challenge. Climbs are steeper, often narrower, and less consistent in gradient — which makes pacing a real skill.
But the rewards are big. Col d’Aubisque, Col du Tourmalet, Port de Balès — they might not have the same fame outside of cycling circles, but once you’ve ridden them, you’ll remember every switchback. The scenery is wild and untouched. Think rolling valleys, rugged cliffs, wandering cows, and barely a car in sight.
The weather can be unpredictable. You might start in sunshine and hit fog, drizzle, or even a full-on storm at the summit. But that’s part of the experience. The Pyrenees feel untamed — and for many cyclists, that’s the appeal.
On the French side, places like Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Argelès-Gazost make great bases. On the Spanish side, you’ve got smaller towns with more relaxed vibes and often better value for money.
It’s quieter, cheaper, and more intimate than the Alps. If you love solitude, natural beauty, and a bit of type-two fun, the Pyrenees are calling.
3. The Lake District, UK
It might not have the grandeur of the Alps or the sun-drenched roads of Spain, but the Lake District packs a proper punch for climbers. Short, savage, and utterly relentless, this is where British grit is forged.
Climbs like Hardknott Pass, Wrynose Pass, and Honister Pass are the stuff of legend. Double-digit gradients are the norm. Hairpins are sharp. And the weather? Let’s just say bring a rain jacket and a sense of humour.
But what makes the Lakes so special is the atmosphere. Green hills rolling in every direction. Tiny stone bridges and winding dry-stone wall-lined roads. Sheep wandering where they please. It’s rugged, honest riding — and completely unforgettable.
You’ll earn every café stop, and luckily, the region is packed with cosy tearooms and bike-friendly pubs. The riding is hard, but the welcome is warm.
It’s a brilliant place to train, test your legs, or just escape the traffic. And on a clear summer day, with the sun bouncing off the lakes and the fells stretching into the distance, you’ll understand why so many British cyclists call this their favourite riding in the world.
2. Stelvio National Park, Italy
There’s no road like the Stelvio Pass. Forty-eight switchbacks, 24 kilometres of climbing, and over 1,800 metres of elevation gain. It’s absurd, glorious, and completely addictive. And it’s just one of several incredible climbs tucked into the Stelvio National Park in northern Italy.
Nearby, you’ve also got the Gavia and the Mortirolo — two giants of the Giro d’Italia and brutal in their own way. The Gavia is high, cold and stunning. The Mortirolo is shaded, savage, and will have you questioning your life choices by kilometre five.
But this region isn’t just about big numbers. It’s about the complete Italian cycling experience. Tiny villages with cobbled streets. Cold beers and hot pasta after rides. Morning coffee that somehow tastes better when you’ve climbed 2,000 metres before noon.
Getting there isn’t always simple — airports like Milan or Verona are a few hours away by car — but once you arrive in Bormio or Prato, everything feels close. You could easily spend a week here and never ride the same road twice.
For climbers, it’s a dream. A brutal, beautiful, high-altitude dream.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Of course, it’s Mallorca.
Not just because we’re based here at VeloCamp Mallorca. But because this island truly has it all — smooth roads, iconic climbs, Mediterranean weather, and a cycling culture that welcomes everyone, from total beginners to seasoned pros.
Let’s talk about the riding. You’ve got Sa Calobra, with its perfect switchbacks and postcard views. The Coll de Sóller, Coll de Sa Batalla, Coll d’Honor — all within easy reach from base towns like Pollença or Sóller. The climbs are long enough to train properly, but never overwhelming. You can stack efforts or ride at a relaxed pace, all while soaking in ocean views and warm air.
The roads here are immaculate. Traffic is light, especially if you ride early. Drivers are respectful. And the number of cyclists on the road means you’re never far from a helping hand if you have a mechanical or need water.
And when you’re off the bike? Café culture is strong. Almond cake and cortados are practically part of the training plan. Bike shops and hire services are everywhere. The island is built to support cycling. That’s no accident — it’s earned its reputation through decades of investment and love from the global cycling community.
Flights arrive daily from across Europe. Getting here is easy. Staying here is even easier.
Mallorca isn’t just the best place to ride — it’s the best place to fall back in love with cycling, no matter how many years you’ve been turning pedals.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you ride, the journey is as much about the experience as the gradients. Each of these ten destinations offers something different — from the stark beauty of the Pyrenees to the perfectly planned paradise of Mallorca. The climbs will challenge you, the roads will teach you, and the memories will outlast your leg soreness.
So maybe it’s time to book that flight. Or finally commit to that trip you’ve been talking about for years. And if Mallorca’s at the top of your list, we’d love to show you around.
Join us at VeloCamp Mallorca
Ready to ride some of the world’s best climbs with like-minded cyclists? Join us for a week of riding, learning, fuelling, and laughing in the cycling capital of Europe. Whether you’re training, exploring, or just want a week in the sun with your bike, we’ve got you covered.
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See you on the road!