SpainMOUNTAINS OF THE COSTA BLANCA
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainMountains of the Costa Blanca
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,270 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday cross the beautiful hills and natural parks of the Costa Blanca region. Famed for its sandy beaches and beautiful coastline, the region is also superb for cycling. The sunny weather, picturesque scenery and wide variety of quiet mountain roads make it a great year-round destination for riding.
On this tour you will ride the most picturesque routes in the region. You will ascend spectacular climbs, cross the vineyards and forests of the Mariola Natural Park, and pass through charming historic villages where you can stop for a coffee in the plaza, and visit various castles and ancient sites.
This is a multi-center holiday, so that you won't be riding the same roads multiple times, and you will get to experience more of this great region. The routes are designed to be flexible with at least two options each day, so you can choose how far to ride depending on how your legs feel.
Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
Day 1 - Finestrat
We will pick you up from Alicante airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel in Finestrat.
Depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short ride around the town, following a picturesque rolling road, through some of the historic inland villages of the region.
There is also the possibility to visit some of the great nearby beaches of the Costa Blanca!
Depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short ride around the town, following a picturesque rolling road, through some of the historic inland villages of the region.
There is also the possibility to visit some of the great nearby beaches of the Costa Blanca!
Mountains of the Costa Blanca
Day 2 - Port de Tudons & Castell de Guadalest
The first full day in the saddle begins by heading along rolling roads between some of the fragrant orange and lemon trees that are common in the Costa Blanca region.
The highlights of the day includes riding one of the most picturesque and enjoyable climbs in this part of Spain - the Port de Tudons. The longer route includes the additional climb to Port de Benifallim
Both of these climbs are a lot of fun to ride, with steady gradients of around 5-6% allowing you to spin along and enjoy the scenery. Or, if you prefer, you can turn a big gear and go hard, trying to keep up with the professionals that you commonly see here!
On the route you pass through several charming villages, which make for good cafe stops, before finishing in the fairytale village of Castell de Guadalest. Overlooking a large lake, Guadalest is home to a beautiful medieval center, including a castle which is well worth exploring.
Short Route: 56km / 35 miles (1,400m / 4,500ft elevation)
Long Route: 83km / 52 miles (1,900m / 6,200ft elevation)
The highlights of the day includes riding one of the most picturesque and enjoyable climbs in this part of Spain - the Port de Tudons. The longer route includes the additional climb to Port de Benifallim
Both of these climbs are a lot of fun to ride, with steady gradients of around 5-6% allowing you to spin along and enjoy the scenery. Or, if you prefer, you can turn a big gear and go hard, trying to keep up with the professionals that you commonly see here!
On the route you pass through several charming villages, which make for good cafe stops, before finishing in the fairytale village of Castell de Guadalest. Overlooking a large lake, Guadalest is home to a beautiful medieval center, including a castle which is well worth exploring.
Cycle Routes
Short Route: 56km / 35 miles (1,400m / 4,500ft elevation)
Long Route: 83km / 52 miles (1,900m / 6,200ft elevation)
Castell de Guadalest
Day 3 - Tarbena & Alcoy
The route today begins by following rolling roads out of Guadalest, riding along quiet lanes through olive groves and pine forests. The first significant climb of the day
is the sinuousy ascent to Tarbena. A series of hairpin bends take you up to the pass, with impressive views throughout.
The ride is then undulating all the way to the traditional town of Alcoy. Unlike some of the more resort type towns on the coast, Alcoy is a beautiful town with a traditional atmosphere. From the hotel you can explore the nearby tapas bars and wander the streets of the historic old town.
Alcoy is also the cycling capital of the inland Alicante region and finds itself nestled between the Font Roja and Sierra Mariola Natural Parks.
Short Route: 42km / 26 miles (800m / 2,600ft)
Long Route: 74km / 46 miles (1,600m / 5,400ft )
The ride is then undulating all the way to the traditional town of Alcoy. Unlike some of the more resort type towns on the coast, Alcoy is a beautiful town with a traditional atmosphere. From the hotel you can explore the nearby tapas bars and wander the streets of the historic old town.
Alcoy is also the cycling capital of the inland Alicante region and finds itself nestled between the Font Roja and Sierra Mariola Natural Parks.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 42km / 26 miles (800m / 2,600ft)
Long Route: 74km / 46 miles (1,600m / 5,400ft )
Puig Campana Mountain
Day 4 - Sierra de Mariola Natural Park
The route today is probably our favourite ride of the holiday. You follow a circular route through the Sierra Mariola Natural Park, home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the Costa Blanca area. The quiet roads and natural scenery make for superb cycling; and it's hard not to be
impressed by the eagles and vultures that soar above.
The longer route has three main climbs which are all great fun to ride. You leave Alcoy climbing past the Preventori, before crossing into the province of Valencia where you ride along the Ruta del Cid and visit the town of Bocairent.
The shorter route returns to Alcoy through a stunning gorge, while the longer ride heads through the picturesque vineyards and orchards, which provide a colorful backdrop.
Short Route: 61km / 38 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Long Route: 104km / 64 miles (1,600m / 5,400ft )
The longer route has three main climbs which are all great fun to ride. You leave Alcoy climbing past the Preventori, before crossing into the province of Valencia where you ride along the Ruta del Cid and visit the town of Bocairent.
The shorter route returns to Alcoy through a stunning gorge, while the longer ride heads through the picturesque vineyards and orchards, which provide a colorful backdrop.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 61km / 38 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Long Route: 104km / 64 miles (1,600m / 5,400ft )
Quiet Roads & Open Scenery
Day 5 - Beniarres Reservoir & Castles
The route today is one of the most scenic of the holiday as you tackle a series of shorter climbs, and ride around the impressive Beniarres Reservoir.
The ride passes several villages that date from the early Middle Ages, when much of Spain was under Muslim control. Many of them preserve castles and other fortified buildings from this era, which are worth stopping at to explore.
The day finishes in one such village, Alcala de la Jovada, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by cherry and almond groves.
Short Route: 42km / 26 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Medium Route: 64km / 40 miles (1,300m / 4,700ft)
Long Route: 80km / 50 miles (1,800m / 6,000ft)
The ride passes several villages that date from the early Middle Ages, when much of Spain was under Muslim control. Many of them preserve castles and other fortified buildings from this era, which are worth stopping at to explore.
The day finishes in one such village, Alcala de la Jovada, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by cherry and almond groves.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 42km / 26 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Medium Route: 64km / 40 miles (1,300m / 4,700ft)
Long Route: 80km / 50 miles (1,800m / 6,000ft)
You pass several picturesque castles on this route
Day 6 - Vall d'Ebo & Calpe
The final day in the saddle has more downhill than up, as you head back towards the coast. The main climbs of the day are
Port d'Ebo and
Coll de Rates; both of which are very popular
with professional cyclists who come to the region to train in the winter months.
Towards the end of the ride you can see the flamingos in Calpe and visit the Ifac Natural Park - a rocky outcrop that dominates this part of the Mediterranean coastline. The longer route includes the option to head into the Bernia mountains - which is possibly the hardest cycling climb in the area.
Short Route: 58km / 36 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Medium Route: 80km / 50 miles (1,300m / 4,700ft)
Long Route: 97km / 60 miles (2,050m / 6,700ft)
Towards the end of the ride you can see the flamingos in Calpe and visit the Ifac Natural Park - a rocky outcrop that dominates this part of the Mediterranean coastline. The longer route includes the option to head into the Bernia mountains - which is possibly the hardest cycling climb in the area.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 58km / 36 miles (900m / 3,000ft)
Medium Route: 80km / 50 miles (1,300m / 4,700ft)
Long Route: 97km / 60 miles (2,050m / 6,700ft)
Terraced Olive Groves
Day 7 - Departure / Extensions
The holiday comes to an end after breakfast. It is possible to extend the trip, either with more days cycling, or by spending some time in the city of Alicante,
or perhaps in one of the coastal resorts. Let us know and we can help to organise this for you.
If you would prefer not to extend the holiday, we will transfer you to Alicante airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
If you would prefer not to extend the holiday, we will transfer you to Alicante airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Alicante City
This cycling holiday tackles the best climbs and cycling routes of the Costa Blanca region. This is where the professionals come to train, and you can also enjoy climbs like Port Confrides, Coll de Rates and Xorret de Catí.
You will also explore some lesser known routes, including the stunning Mariola Natural Park and the vineyards of Moixent. You will stay in the lively coastal towns of Calpe and Playa de San Juan, as well as the traditional inland town of Alcoy - giving you a real taste of authentic Alicante.
And it's not only about the cycling. The routes pass through charming villages and incredible historic sites - including Castell de Guadalest and the Roman remains of Lucentum.
Check out just some of the many highlights in our photo album below:
You will also explore some lesser known routes, including the stunning Mariola Natural Park and the vineyards of Moixent. You will stay in the lively coastal towns of Calpe and Playa de San Juan, as well as the traditional inland town of Alcoy - giving you a real taste of authentic Alicante.
And it's not only about the cycling. The routes pass through charming villages and incredible historic sites - including Castell de Guadalest and the Roman remains of Lucentum.
Check out just some of the many highlights in our photo album below:
Rolling Roads
It is not all climbing and descending, there are also some great rolling roads on the routes.
Port d'Ebo
The winding climb up to Port d'Ebo is one of the most scenic climbs in this part of the world.
Flamingos
At a lake in the center of Calpe.
Quiet Roads
You will encounter very little traffic on these rides. Particularly once you are away from the coast, it's not unusual to ride for 15-20 minutes without seeing a single car.
Calpe Marina
This impressive view is taken from the rock at Calpe that juts out into the Mediterranean. It's well worth the short climb up here.
Olive Groves in Sierra Aitana
Terraced olive groves are dotted around the Sierra Aitana, they make for a picturesque backdrop.
Guadalest Reservoir
This scenic reservoir provides the water for the millions of orange and lemon trees that are dotted around the region.
Excellent Road Surfaces
The roads around the Costa Blanca are kept in excellent condition. The smooth surfaces mean that, even at the end of a long ride, you will still be comfortable on the bike.
Sella
Sella is one of many small, historic villages that you ride through on this holiday. In the background lurks the prominent peak of Puig Campana.
Busot Castle
Picturesque view of the castle in Busot.
Roman Lucentum
These are the remains of Lucentum (The Roman name for Alicante). It was a significant port that had originally been founded by Greek traders.
Blossoming Trees
The region is a large producer of cherries, apricots, almonds and olives in the inland areas. Nearer the coast, oranges and lemons are more common.
Castell de Guadalest
One of the most picturesque villages on the route. Guadalest sits perched above a beautiful reservoir.
Benicaldell
The stunning descent to Beniarres Reservoir, with the peak of Benicaldell mountain in the background.
Alicante City
You can ride through the impressive center of Alicante on the last day. The castle in the backdrop is a short extra climb, but well worth taking the time to explore.
Port de Benifallim
This is one of several medium length climbs that are typical of the Alicante region. They are all really scenic and with very little traffic.
Iberian Village
These ancient remains are located on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean. The Romans turned it into a fish farm, the remains of which can be seen today.
Sierra de Aitana
The mountains of the region have quite gentle gradients and make for really pleasant cycling.
Penella Castle
This is one of many castles dotted around the region. In the Middle Ages the mountain villages were intensely fought over between the Muslim kingdoms in Andalucia and the Christian kingdoms in northern Spain.
Included
- ✔ Six Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast each day at the hotel
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival / departure point (Alicante airport - see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ GPS tracks and mobile app, so that you can follow the routes stress free
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Bicycle Hire (optional extra - €200 EUR)
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is an optional extra for this tour, as we know that some of you may prefer to bring your own. We offer road bikes, hybrids or e-bikes for this tour.
We can provide 11-speed carbon road bikes. Our bikes are lightweight and have Ultegra or Shimano 105 drivetrains. All of our bikes are equipped with disc brakes, a compact chainset (50-34) and a generous cassette (11-32 or 11-34 tooth), so that you can spin up most climbs at your own pace.
We can also provide lightweight hybrid bikes on this tour for greater comfort and for the low gearing.
E-bikes are a good option if you are unsure about the distance or about tackling some of the short hills that are common in the Basque Country.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
Rental of our road bikes costs €200 for the holiday.
We can provide 11-speed carbon road bikes. Our bikes are lightweight and have Ultegra or Shimano 105 drivetrains. All of our bikes are equipped with disc brakes, a compact chainset (50-34) and a generous cassette (11-32 or 11-34 tooth), so that you can spin up most climbs at your own pace.
We can also provide lightweight hybrid bikes on this tour for greater comfort and for the low gearing.
E-bikes are a good option if you are unsure about the distance or about tackling some of the short hills that are common in the Basque Country.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
Rental of our road bikes costs €200 for the holiday.
Difficulty Level & Roads
This is a demanding cycling holiday - rated as medium-challenging. The routes are in the mountains of the Costa Blanca region and there is significant climbing each day on both the shorter and the longer route.
However, the difficulty is a level below the really high mountains in Europe (Alps, Pyrenees...), as the gradients in Alicante tend to be quiet gentle, and the climbs vary between 300m and 1000m of altitude.
You certainly don't have to be a racer or a club cyclists to enjoy this holiday, but it is preferable to have done some training in the weeks prior to the trip if you want to get the most out of the holiday.
The shorter routes are more of medium level, while the longer routes are 'challenging'.
The road surfaces are consistently in excellent condition and we choose routes with very little traffic.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
However, the difficulty is a level below the really high mountains in Europe (Alps, Pyrenees...), as the gradients in Alicante tend to be quiet gentle, and the climbs vary between 300m and 1000m of altitude.
You certainly don't have to be a racer or a club cyclists to enjoy this holiday, but it is preferable to have done some training in the weeks prior to the trip if you want to get the most out of the holiday.
The shorter routes are more of medium level, while the longer routes are 'challenging'.
The road surfaces are consistently in excellent condition and we choose routes with very little traffic.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival and departure point for this tour is Alicante. Alicante has a large international airport with regular flights to many destinations througout Europe.
If you are unable to find flights here, Valencia and Murcia airports are also relativley close by and easily connected by train or bus. Alicante is also connected to Madrid by a high speed train.
We will transfer you to/from the airport or train station at the beginning/end of the tour.
If you are unable to find flights here, Valencia and Murcia airports are also relativley close by and easily connected by train or bus. Alicante is also connected to Madrid by a high speed train.
We will transfer you to/from the airport or train station at the beginning/end of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Should I do the longer or shorter routes?
This depends entirely on you! The longer and shorter routes all start and finish at the same place, and so you can decide on any given day which you would prefer to do. There is no need to commit until the day of the ride itself.
In fact, both routes tend to follow the same roads for the first 30km or so of the day, and so you can see how you're feeling after an hour or so of riding before deciding.
If you would prefer to do rides of a different length, or with a different amount of climbing then please let us know. We can tailor them to be as long or as short as you like!
What is the weather like?
The Costa Blanca has a fully deserved reputation for fine weather throughout the year. Rain is uncommon and it is more likely to be sunny there than almost anywhere else in Europe.
These routes are great to ride year round. Winter is the most popular season with professional riders, and with daytime temperatures averaging around 17°C (62°F) in January, it really is pleasant for cycling.
If you want guaranteed t-shirt weather, and also the possibility of swimming in the sea, then we recommend coming from April to June and from September to October. Temperatures in
these months tend to range from 21°C (70°F) to 28°C (82°F), with long days and lots of sunshine.
It's also possible to do this tour in July and August. Daytime temperatures above 30°C (85°F) are not uncommon though, so make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and some electrolytes.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in Valencia, Alicante or in one of the resorts along the Costa Blanca.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multi-centered tour like this?
The main advantage of a multi-center tour is that you get to ride a much larger variety of routes. On this holiday you explore very different and diverse areas in the Aitana, Maigmo and Mariola Natural Park. You
also do a wide range of climbs, with different gradients and different scenery. You visit more villages and stay in different towns, including a more traditional one in Alcoy, away from the coast.
The downside of all this is simply that it is slightly more expensive to stay in different places.
What meals are included?
A buffet or continental breakfast is included in the hotels each morning. We can provide recommendations for restaurants for lunches and dinners, but these are not included on the holiday.
Can I do this as a guided tour?
Yes, we can run this as a private guided tour for groups of six or more people.
Please
to arrange dates and discuss the itinerary.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
• We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and are close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
• We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents.
We only sell our tours through this website. By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
• We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
• We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out the mountains section of our website. There you can find
details of all of the best climbs in the Valencia and Alicante regions, as well as some videos.
Nature Suites Puig Campana
A boutique hotel immersed in nature, situated at the foot of the Puig Campana mountain. It has comfortable rooms, beautiful surroundings and an excellent swimming pool area for relaxing.
El Tossal
This boutique family-run hotel in Guadalest is just a two minute walk from the castle and Medieval streets. It has nice, well equipped rooms and a large swimming pool and terrace.
Hotel Ciutat d'Alcoi
You will spend two nights in this charming 4-star hotel is housed in a historic building in the center of Alcoy. It has superb rooms and is right in the heart of this picturesque city, surrounded by tapas bars and several excellent restaurants.
La Font d'Alcala
A small, boutique hotel situated in the historic center of Alcala de la Jovada. It has very comfortable rooms and is a great place for relaxing at the end of a ride.
Hotel Porto Calpe
This small 3-star hotel is perfectly situated in Calpe, close to both the iconic Ifac rock and to the city beaches. It has comfortable rooms as well as a swimming pool and small terrace with views of the sea.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Tour Starting Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Other Dates | €1,270 EUR | €590 EUR | €200 EUR | |
| July & August | €1,520 EUR | €650 EUR | €150 EUR |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
²Other Dates
Groups of six people or more contact us to arrange a private guided tour starting on any date. Similar tours that you may be interested in:
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