{"id":20640,"date":"2025-07-24T13:50:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T13:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/20640\/"},"modified":"2025-07-24T13:50:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T13:50:13","slug":"12-of-the-most-jaw-dropping-coastal-cycling-routes-on-the-planet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/20640\/","title":{"rendered":"12 of the Most Jaw-Dropping Coastal Cycling Routes on the Planet"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a special kind of magic that comes from cycling the coast. It\u2019s where two powerful forces\u2014land and sea\u2014collide, and cyclists find themselves suspended between cliffs and waves, wind and sky. These coastal cycling routes<\/a> aren\u2019t just scenic; they\u2019re immersive, visceral, and unforgettable. Whether it\u2019s the Atlantic mist clinging to your jacket in Ireland, the sound of humpbacks off Cape Breton, or the scent of eucalyptus on Australia\u2019s Great Ocean Road, these are rides that leave a mark.<\/p>\n

Here are 12 of the most jaw-dropping coastal cycling adventures around the world\u2014each one a bucket-list journey for riders who like their views with a bit of salt in the air.<\/p>\n

1. Cabot Trail \u2013 Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada<\/p>\n

Distance: ~298 km (loop)
Route: Baddeck \u2192 Ch\u00e9ticamp \u2192 Ingonish \u2192 Baddeck<\/p>\n

Winding through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Cabot Trail<\/a> is as rugged and romantic as they come. Expect steep climbs, dramatic ocean lookouts, moose sightings, and the occasional fiddler\u2019s tune wafting from roadside taverns. The route hugs the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean, serving up unforgettable vistas at every switchback. Best ridden clockwise to stay on the ocean side and for slightly gentler grades, especially during the blazing autumn foliage season.<\/p>\n

\"bicycle<\/p>\n

Cabot Trail<\/p>\n

2. Pacific Marine Circle Route \u2013 British Columbia, Canada<\/p>\n

Distance: ~263 km (loop)
Route: Victoria \u2192 Sooke \u2192 Port Renfrew \u2192 Lake Cowichan \u2192 Duncan \u2192 Victoria<\/p>\n

This rugged route<\/a>\u00a0on southern Vancouver Island offers a dramatic mix of ocean and forest riding. Starting in Victoria, cyclists follow the winding West Coast Road to Sooke and Port Renfrew, with unforgettable views of the Salish Sea, giant driftwood beaches, and misty rainforest. The route climbs into the hills around Lake Cowichan before looping back via the Cowichan Valley, known for its vineyards and Indigenous art.<\/p>\n

Highlights include stops at French Beach, Botanical Beach\u2019s tide pools, and the new Cowichan Valley Trail\u2014part of the Great Trail of Canada. While traffic can be moderate on weekends, most of the ride is quiet, remote, and scenic. Road bikes with wider tires or touring bikes are ideal, and riders should be prepared for long stretches without services on the Port Renfrew leg.<\/p>\n

3. Ecovia do Litoral \u2013 Algarve, Portugal<\/p>\n

Distance: ~214 km
Route: Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente \u2192 Vila Real de Santo Ant\u00f3nio<\/p>\n

This southern Portuguese gem<\/a> follows the length of the Algarve coast, blending cliff-hugging singletrack, quiet village roads, and seaside promenades. The route passes iconic Algarve towns like Lagos and Tavira, with detours to sea caves, castles, and pristine beaches. It\u2019s mostly flat and sunny, with plenty of espresso stops and fresh seafood along the way. Some sections are rougher and better suited for gravel bikes or sturdy touring tires.<\/p>\n

\"Ecovia<\/p>\n

Ecovia do Litoral, Portugal<\/p>\n

4. Great Ocean Road \u2013 Victoria, Australia<\/p>\n

Distance: ~243 km
Route: Torquay \u2192 Apollo Bay \u2192 Allansford<\/p>\n

One of the world\u2019s most iconic drives doubles as a spectacular coastal cycling route. The Great Ocean Road clings to cliffs above pounding surf and snakes through eucalyptus forests where koalas nap in the trees. Expect switchbacks, hair-raising descents, and epic views of limestone sea stacks like the Twelve Apostles. Traffic can be heavy in high season, so shoulder season rides are best for cyclists looking for solitude and space.<\/p>\n

\"Great<\/p>\n

Great Ocean Road, Australia<\/p>\n

5. Pacific Coast Route \u2013 Oregon, USA<\/p>\n

Distance: ~600 km (Oregon section)
Route: Astoria \u2192 Florence \u2192 Brookings<\/p>\n

This stretch of the Pacific Coast Route is beloved for its rider-friendly infrastructure: scenic viewpoints, hiker-biker campsites in state parks, and generous shoulders. The ride passes sea stacks, tide pools, and misty forests, with frequent climbs and descents that keep things exciting. Small towns like Yachats and Bandon offer charming overnight stops, while the bridges\u2014some over 100 years old\u2014are architectural gems. A classic for a reason.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The iconic Pacific Coast HIghway<\/p>\n

6. West Maui Loop, Hawai\u2018i, USA<\/p>\n

Distance: 114\u202fkm (71\u202fmi) loop
Why Ride It: Spectacular sea cliffs, crashing surf, winding ribbons of asphalt hugging volcanic slopes<\/p>\n

Maui\u2019s West Maui Loop, one of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s most iconic road rides, serves up a coastal spectacle in near-constant surround-sound: waves pounding lava rock, the scent of plumeria and salt air, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from towering cliffs and narrow, winding ridges. Starting in Lahaina, the route winds north past Kapalua, curling along the cliffside via the Honoapi\u02bbilani Highway (HWY\u202f30) and back down through the remote village of Kahakuloa and on to Wailuku before looping back along the island\u2019s drier southern coast.<\/p>\n

7. Atlantic Road \u2013 M\u00f8re og Romsdal, Norway<\/p>\n

Distance: ~90 km
Route: Kristiansund \u2192 Bud<\/p>\n

The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is short but unforgettable, with eight dramatic bridges connecting a string of islands in western Norway. Cyclists cross storm-battered causeways with the Norwegian Sea swirling below. The route is often extended with a ride along the Hustadvika coast or into nearby fjords and fishing hamlets. Come in summer for 24-hour daylight\u2014or in fall for wild, wind-lashed drama.<\/p>\n

\"Atlantic<\/p>\n

Atlantic Ocean Road<\/p>\n

8. Causeway Coastal Route \u2013 Northern Ireland<\/p>\n

Distance: ~193 km
Route: Belfast \u2192 Giant\u2019s Causeway \u2192 Derry\/Londonderry<\/p>\n

Clinging to cliffs above the North Atlantic, this route is rich in mythology, geology, and coastal beauty. Cyclists pass Dunluce Castle ruins, sea caves, and the Giant\u2019s Causeway\u2014hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. The ride is punctuated with rolling hills and rewarding sea views. Plan to detour to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge or stop at a pub for Irish stew and a pint.<\/p>\n

\"Causeway<\/p>\n

Causeway Coastal Route<\/p>\n

9. Carretera Austral (Southern Section) \u2013 Patagonia, Chile<\/p>\n

Distance: ~500+ km (of the full 1,240 km)
Route: Coyhaique \u2192 Cochrane \u2192 Caleta Tortel<\/p>\n

Chile\u2019s Carretera Austral offers raw, remote coastal riding through Patagonia\u2019s fjords, glaciers, and rainforests. Much of the route is gravel, with occasional ferry crossings and long stretches between towns. Near the Baker River delta and Caleta Tortel, the road skirts untouched coastline where few cyclists tread. Be ready for all weather, and all kinds of awe.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Carretera<\/p>\n

10. Ring of Kerry \u2013 County Kerry, Ireland<\/p>\n

Distance: ~179 km (loop)
Route: Killarney \u2192 Sneem \u2192 Waterville \u2192 Killarney<\/p>\n

The Ring of Kerry showcases Ireland\u2019s Wild Atlantic Way in all its emerald glory. Cyclists hug the cliffs above the sea, wind through sheep-filled pastures, and cruise into coastal villages where stone walls and warm tea await. Ride clockwise for less traffic and better views over the water. It\u2019s not a tough ride, but the rolling terrain and misty weather add texture and charm.<\/p>\n

\"Ring<\/p>\n

Ring of Kerry (photo: Loin des yeux)<\/p>\n

11. Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo (Atlantic Section) \u2013 France<\/p>\n

Distance: ~120 km
Route: Saint-Nazaire \u2192 Nantes<\/p>\n

This estuary-hugging section of the larger Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo network links Atlantic beaches to the Loire Valley. Smooth, family-friendly paths make it perfect for casual touring. Riders cruise through marshlands, ports, and pastel fishing towns, with plenty of seafood, cider, and boulangeries en route. Ideal for a relaxed pace with kids or as a launching point to inland ch\u00e2teaux and vineyards.<\/p>\n

\"Loire<\/p>\n

Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo, France (photo: Jean-Christophe Coutand)<\/p>\n

12. Garden Route \u2013 Western Cape, South Africa<\/p>\n

Distance: ~300 km
Route: Mossel Bay \u2192 Knysna \u2192 Storms River<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s Garden Route is a dazzling mix of Indian Ocean coastline and inland mountains. Cyclists weave through ancient forests, cliffside lookouts, and wide, empty beaches. The road is paved but can be narrow and busy in parts, so planning is key. Stop to spot whales at Plettenberg Bay or hike the rugged cliffs of Tsitsikamma National Park between rides.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

Coastal cycling is more than a ride\u2014it\u2019s a conversation with the elements. Whether you\u2019re circling a volcanic island, skimming above a fjord, or pedaling into the sea breeze on Canada\u2019s East Coast, these routes offer pure, exhilarating connection to land, water, and motion. So pack the panniers, pump the tires, and ride where the continent ends.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There\u2019s a special kind of magic that comes from cycling the coast. It\u2019s where two powerful forces\u2014land and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20641,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[49,48,17450,635,17451,17452,17453,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-20640","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-cape-breton-trail","11":"tag-cycling","12":"tag-cycling-routes","13":"tag-great-ocean-road","14":"tag-loire-a-velo","15":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20640"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20640\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}