Why cycling in these destinations will ruin walking for you

Amsterdam | Netherlands

We couldn't write about the best places to ride a bike without mentioning Amsterdam so let's get it out of the way first, shall we?

Flat terrain, plenty of bike lanes and a traffic system that gives priority to cyclists all go towards explaining why bikes have outnumbered residents here since the 1950s. The numbers aren't exact but we reckon there's at least one bike per person, and then some. Plus about 15,000 that are fished out of the canals every year.

If you want to get out of the city centre, take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord where the streets are quieter and you can access easy routes that take you through charming villages like Broek in Waterland. Why the ferry and not the metro? It's encouraged for cyclists as they're easier to access with a bike – no lifts or stairs to worry about.

Hiring a bike? Get yourself an I amsterdam city card and you can rent a Yellow Bike for free for 24 hours.

@holidayextras POV: You only have one day in Amsterdam and it's tulip season. ???????? My #1 tip for day trips? Be prepared, no one wants to panic at 5 am, so book your fast track through security, transfers, and tours early. ?????? Would you do this in a day? ???? #Tulip #Amsterdam #HolidayExtras #ExtremeDayTrip #Keukenhof ? original sound - Holiday Extras

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Copenhagen | Denmark

Another classic but a totally different vibe. Copenhagen's been pioneering urban cycling for years and nowhere is this more evident than the Cykelslangen, or Bicycle Snake. This wiggly, bike-only bridge crosses the harbour and is, we think, the best place to start your city cycling adventure.

The green wave traffic light system makes riding on the road feel effortless – the aim is for regular traffic lights to change in time to allow cyclists to keep riding without having to stop.

The bikes in the city are equipped with a GPS and you can rent them on the Donkey Republic app, and if you're after a route rec then why not start at Nørrebro? Admire the eye-catching street art before peddling the boulevards of Frederiksberg and its royal gardens, then on to the urban beach of Amager Strandpark. Plus this route is synced up with the green wave, so if you go at a steady 20km per hour you won't have to stop.

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Kyoto | Japan

With more than 1,000 temples and shrines scattered throughout Japan's ancient capital city (Tokyo didn't become capital until the 19th century), Kyoto offers a slower-paced cycling experience. Go for the serene paths that take you along rivers and under sakura trees, stay for the mindfulness and wellbeing you get from being in such a beautiful place.

KCTP is a good starting point if you're hiring a bike – they're multi-lingual and can recommend routes to follow. You can even join a guided ride. If you'd rather pedal on your own steam, we'd recommend the Kamo River route. This will take you right through the heart of the city, and if you visit in spring you'll be treated to the stunning cherry blossoms too. Then head a bit east to the Philosopher's Path that connects the temples and gardens of Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.

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Squamish, British Colombia | Canada

Former logging town turned outdoor sports capital, Squamish is the place for mountain biking in North America. Thrill seekers can head straight to the Half Nelson, Powerslave and Angry Midget routes which provide a range of challenges from intermediate to expert. If you're familiar with the terms 'tight switchback', 'technical drop' and 'fast descent' then you'll be right at home on your saddle.

After something more sedate? Take the Sea to Sky trail – it's 100km long so you might not fit it all in, especially if you want to avoid the more challenging parts. But its mix of mountain, forest and coastal terrain makes it a great way to see the best of the region.

Though you don't need a trail pass to take advantage of the cycling routes, buying one through SORCA, or the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, helps keep the trails maintained and safe for everyone.

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The Dolomites | Italy

Take some dramatic 20th century history, add charming alpine traditions and more stunning mountain vistas you can shake a spoke at and what do you get? Italy's incredible Dolomite mountains.

Your handle-bar hub should be Selva di Val Gardena in South Tyrol, which is your gateway to the Sellaronda MTB Tour. As far as alpine circuits in Europe go, this one's iconic. It's in the Dolomiti Superski area which, in summer, turns into Dolomiti Supersummer – this is when everyone swaps their skis for mountain bikes. Take the lift to the top of the mountains and ride back down on some of the most exhilarating trails in the world, all against the backdrop of the Dolomite's jagged limestone peaks.

And when you need a break from all that, you can throw yourself into all that unique Tyrolean culture. Think hearty alpine cuisine like speck, dumplings and strudel, traditional music played on accordions, brass horns and zithers, and summer festivals with folk costumes, mountain parades and open-air markets.

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Andalucia | Spain

Looking for a proper off-grid adventure? Andalucia's TransAndalus route is made for bikepackers with itchy feet and panniers to fill. It's a 2,000km loop of mostly off-road tracks that cuts through olive groves, whitewashed villages, and mountain ridges that smell like wild herbs. What's bikepacking? Exactly what it sounds like – backpacking but on a bike.

You don't have to ride the whole thing (though some do). The Sierra de Grazalema section is a standout, with steep climbs, sweeping views, and actual vultures circling overhead. Expect flamenco, Moorish ruins, and tapas that cost less than your water bottle. Wild camping's generally tolerated if you're discreet, but there are plenty of campsites and small guesthouses en route.

Need a map? Free GPX tracks are available online. And if the idea of carrying all your gear sounds a bit much, some local operators will handle luggage transfers so you can focus on the riding – which is what you're there for anyway.