The Netherlands – The Flower Strip
Also called the Bollenstreek or Bulb District, the Flower Strip is home to the world-renowned tulip fields. This strip offers not only colourful tulips, but also other flowers, such as crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. After renting a bike in Amsterdam, many take the train to Leiden and bike to Haarlem. The 35-km tulip field cycle route is flat and well signposted, perfect for a leisurely bike trip. The best time to visit the Flower Strip is from mid-March to mid-May, and tulip fans are advised to visit around mid-April for the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam and the flower parade from there to Haarlem.
Japan – Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
All over Japan, cherry blossoms bloom for a brief period every spring, at different times depending on each city’s geographical location. Why not rent a bicycle from Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka, which boasts over 2,000 cherry blossom trees planted along bike trails. After a leisurely bike ride under the beautiful, pink blossoms, have a picnic under the many cherry blossom trees just like the locals love to do. Just remember to spread out your picnic mat earlier to reserve yourself a spot.
England – Windsor Great Park
As a home to a large collection of flowers from around the world, this cycling haven erupts with colourful blossoms in spring. Daffodils, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells are plentiful. Lovers of daffodils should be sure to visit Daffodil Valley in the Valley Gardens, which contains the best of the park’s spring flowers. Cyclists are welcome to walk their bikes in the Valley Gardens.
Portugal – The Algarve
Portugal’s southernmost region is a sunny, Mediterranean region offering a large diversity of plant species, and in spring, the fields are covered in wild flowers. This area has an extensive range of rare, wild orchids, which can be easily found. These include the Bee Orchid, the Broad-leaved Helleborine, the Sawfly Orchid and the Man Orchid. There are also numerous citrus and olive groves to admire. March and April are the ideal months to visit.
USA – Hill Country and Fredericksburg
The Willow City Loop is a roughly 88-km-long route in Texas, which provides amazing views of the Hill Country and its beautiful wildflowers in springtime. Bluebonnets, the official state flowers of Texas, are in bloom into April. If you happen to be in the area at the right time, do visit the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet. After April, Indian paintbrushes, black-eyed Susans and Texas mountain laurels will still be in bloom.
