Gravel cycling has exploded in recent years and shows no signs of slowing. Roadies and MTB’rs are hanging up their bikes and investing in Gravel because it offers the best of these disciplines. Gravel provides the speed Roadies love but the offroad, adventure and exploration you get when you ride off the tarmac.
If you are looking for the most epic gravel destinations in the world right now, please see our guide below.
1. Girona, Spain
Our first choice has to be Girona. We love the vibe of the city, and the trails are simply amazing. Known as a cycling paradise, Girona boasts an incredible variety of roads and trails, making it a top destination for both road and gravel cyclists. The surrounding countryside features quiet gravel routes, mountain climbs, and scenic coastlines. With a vibrant cycling culture, plenty of bike-friendly cafés such as La Fabrica, and warm Mediterranean weather, Girona is a must-visit for any gravel rider.
Details of our GRVL GIRONA trip can be found here.
2. Emporia, Kansas, USA
Emporia is often referred to as the gravel cycling capital of the world, thanks to the iconic Unbound Gravel race. The Flint Hills region offers a vast network of rolling gravel roads with stunning prairie views and challenging terrain. Whether you're training for a race or just exploring, the mix of hills and open landscapes makes for an unforgettable ride.
3. The Dirty Reiver, Northumberland, UK
The remote and rugged terrain of Northumberland provides some of the best gravel riding in the UK. The Dirty Reiverevent, inspired by the American Midwest’s gravel racing scene, highlights the region’s long, rolling forest tracks and challenging elevation changes. Riders can enjoy breathtaking scenery, minimal traffic, and an authentic off-road experience.
If you don’t fancy racing the Dirty Reiver, then join us in September for a 2.5 day gravel exploration of the beautiful Kielder Forest.
4. The Italian Dolomites, Italy
While best known for its road cycling routes, the Dolomites also offer spectacular gravel riding. Ancient trade routes, remote alpine trails, and forest roads wind through dramatic mountain landscapes. Riders can experience high-altitude gravel adventures, combined with stunning views, historic villages, and the legendary hospitality of Italian mountain culture.
The food is pretty good along with a great mid ride café stop.
5. The Dandenong Ranges, Australia
Located just outside Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges provide endless opportunities for gravel cyclists. With a mix of lush rainforest trails, rolling farmland roads, and hidden backcountry routes, this area is ideal for riders who enjoy diverse landscapes. The nearby Yarra Valley is also a great place to unwind with a post-ride coffee or wine tasting.
6. The Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
South Dakota’s Black Hills offer rugged, scenic, and remote gravel cycling experiences. Home to the Gold Rush Gravel Grinder, this region is full of historical mining roads, forest trails, and stunning rock formations. Riders can enjoy diverse terrain, from open prairies to dense pine forests, while spotting wildlife like bison and deer along the way.
7. Iceland’s Highlands
For those seeking a true adventure, Iceland’s highlands provide some of the most awe-inspiring gravel routes on the planet. Vast volcanic landscapes, hot springs, river crossings, and dramatic glaciers make for a surreal riding experience. The famous Kjölur and Sprengisandu
8. The Ardennes, Belgium
Best known for its classic road races, the Ardennes region of Belgium is also a hidden gem for gravel riders. The area’s rolling hills, dense forests, and historic battlefields create a unique setting for off-road cycling. Gravel cyclists can explore an extensive network of farm roads and wooded trails while enjoying Belgium’s famous cycling culture and rich culinary scene.
9. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
Patagonia is synonymous with adventure, and its vast landscapes make it an ideal gravel cycling destination. Routes like the legendary Carretera Austral in Chile and Ruta 40 in Argentina offer some of the most remote and breathtaking scenery in the world. Expect snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, turquoise lakes, and very few cars—perfect for those seeking solitude and nature at its finest.
10. South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a gravel rider’s dream, with a mix of mountain passes, remote backcountry roads, and coastal trails. The Otago Central Rail Trail and The Old Ghost Road are just a couple of the stunning routes available. With dramatic landscapes ranging from fjords to rolling vineyards, South Island offers an unparalleled gravel cycling experience.
If New Zealand is on your bucket list, check out Tinks Travels who rode from the top of the north island to the bottom of the south island on his 1816 gravel bike.
