Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE MOST CYCLING-POPULAR ISLANDS IN THE CARIBBEAN?
Cycling in the Caribbean blends athletic challenge with postcard-worthy scenery. Riders can tackle mountain climbs, cruise along palm-lined coasts, or explore cultural towns—all under year-round sunshine. While the region is better known for beaches and resorts, a growing cycling culture has made several islands stand out as must-visit destinations for both amateurs and professionals. From Cuba’s colonial roads to Puerto Rico’s mountains and Guadeloupe’s volcanic terrain, the Caribbean offers a diverse range of cycling experiences for every level of rider.
Exploring Cuba on two wheels
Cuba is often considered the Caribbean’s cycling capital. Its extensive road network, relatively low traffic outside major cities, and strong local cycling tradition make it a paradise for riders. Touring Cuba by bike offers more than just physical challenge—it’s a cultural immersion. Routes often pass through tobacco fields in Viñales Valley, UNESCO-listed cities like Trinidad, and Havana’s historic districts. Long stretches of countryside allow for uninterrupted pedaling, while the island’s flat-to-rolling terrain keeps rides accessible to most cyclists.
Organized cycling tours are common in Cuba, blending riding with cultural activities such as salsa dancing, music performances, and home-cooked meals. For endurance athletes, Cuba’s tropical climate allows year-round training, and the country frequently hosts competitive cycling events. The blend of culture, scenery, and infrastructure makes Cuba an essential stop for cycling enthusiasts exploring the Caribbean.
Highlights of cycling in Cuba
Routes through Viñales Valley’s tobacco fields
Colonial architecture in Trinidad and Havana
Organized tours mixing culture and cycling
Year-round warm climate for training
Cuba stands out because cycling is woven into daily life. For visitors, that authenticity makes every ride both a sporting and cultural journey.
Cycling in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico is a rising star in Caribbean cycling, offering diverse terrain packed into a relatively small island. Coastal highways provide scenic, flat rides with ocean views, while the Cordillera Central mountain range challenges riders with steep climbs and thrilling descents. San Juan serves as a hub for group rides, and the island hosts annual cycling events such as La Vuelta Puerto Rico, a multi-day tour covering over 300 miles around the island. Its status as a U.S. territory also means reliable infrastructure and accessibility for international visitors.
The Dominican Republic is another hotspot, combining long coastal stretches with rugged interior mountains. Cyclists can climb the challenging roads up to Jarabacoa or Constanza, often referred to as the “Dominican Alps.” Meanwhile, the northern coast offers flatter rides along turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Cycling clubs and guided tours are increasingly popular, helping riders navigate the island’s variety of terrain while ensuring safety and support.
Why these islands attract cyclists
Puerto Rico’s mix of coastal routes and mountain climbs
La Vuelta Puerto Rico: one of the Caribbean’s premier cycling events
Dominican Republic’s “Alps” offering endurance challenges
Coastal rides with consistent tropical weather
Together, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic show the Caribbean’s versatility: from accessible group rides to professional-level training terrain, they cater to all levels of cyclists.
Cycling across the French Caribbean and other islands
In the French Caribbean, Guadeloupe and Martinique stand out for their volcanic landscapes and French cycling tradition. Both islands regularly host stages of the Tour de la Guadeloupe and Tour de Martinique, attracting international and local riders. The roads wind through lush rainforests, sugarcane fields, and steep volcanic slopes, offering terrain that challenges even experienced cyclists. Smooth tarmac and French-style cafés along the routes enhance the experience.
Elsewhere, Jamaica is beginning to gain recognition among cycling travelers. Known more for reggae and beaches, its Blue Mountains and quiet rural roads provide a backdrop for adventurous rides. Similarly, smaller islands like Barbados and Grenada are emerging as boutique cycling destinations, ideal for shorter, scenic tours rather than intense training camps. These islands appeal to cyclists who want to blend leisure with light adventure, enjoying both the rides and the relaxed pace of island life.
Cycling highlights across these islands
Guadeloupe: volcanic climbs and pro-level races
Martinique: rainforests, coastal roads, and cultural immersion
Jamaica: Blue Mountain climbs with panoramic views
Barbados and Grenada: boutique cycling escapes
These islands broaden the Caribbean’s cycling map. From competitive scenes in the French territories to laid-back leisure rides in smaller islands, they demonstrate the region’s cycling diversity and appeal.
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