2023 is just around the corner, which only means one thing–a new year to explore beautiful places and fantastic sceneries while cycling. While all forms of traveling are definitely enjoyable, cycling through a foreign country allows you to fully experience the place firsthand–breathe its cool breeze, feel the warmth of the sun, and feel the bumps and slopes of the earth!

If you’re just like us, preparing your 2023 cycling bucket list, then we’re here to help you. We’ve come up with the Top 7 Best Cycling Destinations for 2023, which you may explore alone, with friends, or even through a professional tour!

1. Northern Alps

The peaks of the Northern Alps span through the boundaries of France and Switzerland. If it’s your first time traveling to a foreign country to cycle, you can never go wrong with this place. Not only will you see the highest and most extensive mountain range in all of Europe, but you’re also going to see Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy, two famous tourist attractions. As if these things are not enough, the area is filled with Michelin restaurants that welcome cyclists and ski athletes.

If you’re considering visiting the Northern Alps, know that you’d mostly be cycling through the countryside. This means you would need high-output bike lights, especially if you’re considering riding at night. It would be best to have at least 80 lumens rear light and 400 lumens front light.

2. The Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains in North Africa are the home of the annual Atlas Mountain Race. This one is for you if you’re looking for casual cycling with a fixed route and single-stage race. The AMR race starts in Marrakesh and to the Agadir. And the best part is that the clock doesn’t stop for the tour, so you can truly take your time enjoying the Atlas Mountains.

These kinds of casual races are best enjoyed with your cycling friends. And to make it more enjoyable, you can get bike lights with a group synchronization feature that allows you to match your light setup and flashing patterns with your friends. A group of synchronized bike lights would be a sight on the Moroccan Atlas!

3. Malaga: South Coast of Spain

The next stop is Spain. The country is home to numerous cycling destinations, but nothing beats Malaga on the South Coast. Numerous cycling trips are available throughout the year, covering El Chorro Proper, Montes de Mijas, and Benalmadena.

Source: Escapada Cycling

Malaga has steep terrains. So, ensure you have the right gear before booking your trip. Also, it would be best to have a GPS tracker to see how you could cover the South Coast of Spain just by cycling.

4. Central Region of Chile

Chile hosts numerous triathlon events, thanks to its lakes and volcanoes district. So, if you’re really looking for a challenge this 2023, it’s best to try the Lakeside Town of Pucon.

Source: Trekking Chile

The best thing about the Central Region of Chile is the experience of actually riding through a snow-laden volcano, complete with its stream of smoke and sometimes glowing peak. Yes! You could expect a slightly warm breeze when riding through the town, so it’s best to pack a trusty water bottle and wear well-ventilated cycling clothes.

5. Cantabrian Mountains

Home of the Epic Trans Cantabrian Mountains Andalucia Bike Tour, the Cantabrian Range of Spain comes with 172 interesting climbs between 5 to 1989 meters above sea level. The Alto de l’Angrilu is considered one of the toughest terrains in Europe, with a difficulty score of 1681. You would never run out of exciting paths to challenge your cycling endurance.

Source: Cyclist

You should prepare for almost all kinds of cycling paths for a challenging trip like this. That being said, it’s best to have a cycling smartphone app that will allow you to track your location, adjust your bike lights, and have anti-theft alerts. In short, your wingman.

6. Mount Sungay Trail

Next is the Philippines. While it’s mostly famous for its white-sand beaches, the country is also home to numerous trails and mountain ranges. If you want to explore the Philippines without being scathed by its tropical weather, Mount Sungay Trail in Laguna is the best choice for you.

The said trail takes around 7 to 7.5 hours to complete at an average speed. The highest point comes with a People’s Park in the Sky where you can enjoy and do some sightseeing. When done biking, you can also enjoy Filipino cuisine from various restaurants scattered throughout the path.

7. Cappadocia Turkey

Last but not least is the UNESCO Worth Heritage Site Cappadocia of Turkey. The cycling trail is no less than breathtaking (quite literally), as it has a great combination of deserts, terrains, valleys, and even caves. Cappadocia not only prides itself on its natural landscape but also on the culture around the surrounding towns.

Source: Travel & Destinations

The best time to visit Cappadocia is from May to September, as it has a brutal winter. Aside from this, cyclists who want to visit the place should also have complete cycling accessories, including GPS trackers, as some paths are in the countryside with fewer communities.

Cycling gets more exciting this 2023.