SpainMOUNTAINS OF THE COSTA BLANCA
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
SpainMountains of the Costa Blanca
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: from €680 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday tackles the best cycling climbs 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 best climbs in the region, including Port de Tudons, Confrides, Coll de Rates and Xorret de Catí. You will also cycle through 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 look around the 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, that you can choose 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 - Calpe - Cumbre del Sol
We will pick you up from Alicante airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel in Calpe.
Depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short ride around Calpe, which includes tackling the steep slopes of Cumbre del Sol. This has become a favourite of the Vuelta a España race, since providing a lot of entertainment in 2015, when Tom Dumoulin edged out Chris Froome for the stage win.
You may also wish to explore Calpe by foot. We highly recommend climbing up to the Ifach rock which dominates the town, and provides stunning views across much of the Costa Blanca.
Depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short ride around Calpe, which includes tackling the steep slopes of Cumbre del Sol. This has become a favourite of the Vuelta a España race, since providing a lot of entertainment in 2015, when Tom Dumoulin edged out Chris Froome for the stage win.
You may also wish to explore Calpe by foot. We highly recommend climbing up to the Ifach rock which dominates the town, and provides stunning views across much of the Costa Blanca.
Calpe's Marina
Day 2 - Port d'Ebo & Coll de Rates
The first full day in the saddle begins by heading along rolling roads between some of the fragrant orange and lemon trees that are so common here.
The highlights of the day include ridig two of the most scenic and well known climbs in Alicante region: Port d'Ebo and Coll de Rates.
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!
The day finishes with a long descent back down to Calpe.
Short Route: 81km (1,600m elevation)
Long Route: 125km (2,500m elevation)
The highlights of the day include ridig two of the most scenic and well known climbs in Alicante region: Port d'Ebo and Coll de Rates.
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!
The day finishes with a long descent back down to Calpe.
Cycle Routes
Short Route: 81km (1,600m elevation)
Long Route: 125km (2,500m elevation)
Port d'Ebo
Day 3 - Guadalest & Confrides
The ride today begins with climbing the scenic
Port de Confrides. With an altitude of nearly 1,000m, this is a long and gentle climb up from the coast.
On the way you pass through several charming villages, including the stunning Castell de Guadalest, which makes for a fantastic coffee stop.
From the top of Port de Confrides the shorter route heads into the town of Alcoy, via the Alto de Revolcat - a relatively short ascent through cherry trees and pine forests. The longer route loops around the scenic Beniarrés Reservoir, following quiet lanes through beautiful natural scenery.
You will stay in the lively city of Alcoy for two nights. Unlike some of the more resort type towns on the coast, Alcoy is a traditionally Spanish town, and from the hotel you can explore the nearby tapas bars and admire the historic old town.
Short Route: 75km (1,700m Elevation)
Long Route: 124km (2,600m Elevation)
From the top of Port de Confrides the shorter route heads into the town of Alcoy, via the Alto de Revolcat - a relatively short ascent through cherry trees and pine forests. The longer route loops around the scenic Beniarrés Reservoir, following quiet lanes through beautiful natural scenery.
You will stay in the lively city of Alcoy for two nights. Unlike some of the more resort type towns on the coast, Alcoy is a traditionally Spanish town, and from the hotel you can explore the nearby tapas bars and admire the historic old town.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 75km (1,700m Elevation)
Long Route: 124km (2,600m Elevation)
Castell de Guadalest
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 makes 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 will tackle the ascents of Portitxol and Alto de Beneixama. The climb to Beneixama is particularly dramatic, as it separates the mountains of the coast, from the Spanish meseta - a large plateau which extends over much of Central Spain.
The ride also heads through the picturesque vineyards and sunflower fields of Moixent, which provide a colorful backdrop. The shorter route is broadly similar, but loops around the edge of the Natural Park taking a short cut to return to Alcoy.
Short Route: 92km (1,700m Elevation)
Long Route: 125km (2,300m Elevation)
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 will tackle the ascents of Portitxol and Alto de Beneixama. The climb to Beneixama is particularly dramatic, as it separates the mountains of the coast, from the Spanish meseta - a large plateau which extends over much of Central Spain.
The ride also heads through the picturesque vineyards and sunflower fields of Moixent, which provide a colorful backdrop. The shorter route is broadly similar, but loops around the edge of the Natural Park taking a short cut to return to Alcoy.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 92km (1,700m Elevation)
Long Route: 125km (2,300m Elevation)
Quiet Roads & Open Scenery
Day 5 - Sierra Aitana & Port de Tudons
Today you head back to the coast, climbing over some more of the region's best passes. Both routes tackle
Port de Tudons; one of the most popular climbs in the region - thanks to its pleasant gradients
and sweeping hairpin bends.
The shorter route then follows a fantastic rolling road in the shadow of the Puig Campana mountain - passing through charming villages like Sella and Busot.
The longer route has two additional climbs: Port de Benifallim and Alto de Teix. These are very scenic, with the winding roads climbing through spectacular cherry orchards and olive groves.
Both rides end passing through the town of Campello, home to ancient Roman fish farms, before arriving at the area of Playa de San Jaun; one of the most impressive of all the beaches along the Costa Blanca. You stay in the well located hotel here for two nights.
Short Route: 85km (1,400m Elevation)
Long Route: 116km (2,000m Elevation)
The shorter route then follows a fantastic rolling road in the shadow of the Puig Campana mountain - passing through charming villages like Sella and Busot.
The longer route has two additional climbs: Port de Benifallim and Alto de Teix. These are very scenic, with the winding roads climbing through spectacular cherry orchards and olive groves.
Both rides end passing through the town of Campello, home to ancient Roman fish farms, before arriving at the area of Playa de San Jaun; one of the most impressive of all the beaches along the Costa Blanca. You stay in the well located hotel here for two nights.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 85km (1,400m Elevation)
Long Route: 116km (2,000m Elevation)
Puigcampana Mountain - Sierra Aitana
Day 6 - Xorret de Catí & Alicante
The final day in the saddle again has two route options depending on how your legs feel. The more challenging ride heads into the Maigmó Natural Park, passing through the village of Castalla.
Here you tackle one of the most fearsome climbs in the Alicante region:
Xorret de Catí. Regularly featured in the Vuelta, the climb is famed for its steep gradients, including
short sections above 20%. It's a tough and very rewarding way to finish the holiday!
The shorter ride is the same for the first part of the day, but instead of tackling Xorret de Catí, it climbs the more moderate ascent to La Carrasqueta. On the way it passes through Jijona, which is famous for its ice cream and turron desserts, and so a nice place to stop for some refreshments.
Both routes return to your hotel following a very nice route that climbs up to Alicante's 14th century castle - offering great views of the city.
Short Route: 85km (1,450m Elevation)
Long Route: 122km (2,400m Elevation)
The shorter ride is the same for the first part of the day, but instead of tackling Xorret de Catí, it climbs the more moderate ascent to La Carrasqueta. On the way it passes through Jijona, which is famous for its ice cream and turron desserts, and so a nice place to stop for some refreshments.
Both routes return to your hotel following a very nice route that climbs up to Alicante's 14th century castle - offering great views of the city.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 85km (1,450m Elevation)
Long Route: 122km (2,400m Elevation)
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
- ✔ Dinners included on four nights (in Calpe and Playa de San Juan)
- ✔ 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:
- ❌ Carbon road bike hire (optional extra - €120 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 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 a compact chainset (50-34) and a generous cassette (11-32 tooth), so that you can spin up most climbs at your own pace.
Our bikes also come with helmets and handlebar bags (if required) and a water bottle. Find more about all of our bikes on the bicycles page.
Rental of our road bikes costs €120 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 a compact chainset (50-34) and a generous cassette (11-32 tooth), so that you can spin up most climbs at your own pace.
Our bikes also come with helmets and handlebar bags (if required) and a water bottle. Find more about all of our bikes on the bicycles page.
Rental of our road bikes costs €120 for the holiday.
Difficulty Level & Roads
This is a demanding cycling holiday - rated as challenging-hard. 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.
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.
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.
What is your policy regarding Covid travel restrictions?
*Covid Policy 2021*
In response to the Covid Pandemic we have made some temporary alterations to our standard terms and conditions.
Reservations made in 2021 (for holidays taking place in either 2021 or 2022) can be postponed for any time in the following two years, without penalty, if you are unable to travel as a result of travel restrictions or other uncertainty. Notification of the postponement must be made at least ten days before the start of the tour.
Before the balance of the invoice has been paid, the deposit of €150 is also refundable in full for reservations made in 2021, if holidays are cancelled because of Covid related travel restrictions or uncertainty.
For reservations not made in 2021, the normal terms and conditions regarding cancellation apply.
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 breakfast is included in the hotels each morning. Four evening meals are also included in the hotels in Calpe and El Campello. In Alcoy we don't include dinners as standard, because we would recommend visiting some of the excellent local restaurants around the hotel instead. But if you would prefer for them to be included as well, then we can arrange that.
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.
Hotel RH Ifach
This 4-star hotel is situated close to the beach in Calpe and just a short walk from the imposing Ifach rock that dominates the town. It has large rooms as well
as a large swimming pool and a spa area for relaxation. The buffet restaurant has a wide variety of local and international cuisine.
Hotel Ciutat d'Alcoi
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.
Port Alicante - Playa San Juan
This 4-star hotel is situated next to the San Juan beach on the edge of Alicante. It has large, comfortable rooms and an excellent buffet restaurant, where
you can enjoy a wide range of dishes. As well as being next to the beach, it is also only a short walk from the fantastic Roman remains of Lucentum.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
Tours beginning in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov or Dec
| Number of People | Price (per person)¹ | Bike Hire (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,120 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 2-3 | €840 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 4-5 | €740 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 6-7 | €670 | €120 | |
| 8+ | €640 EUR | €120 EUR |
Tours beginning in April, May, June & October
| Number of People | Price (per person)¹ | Bike Hire (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,280 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 2-3 | €890 | €120 | |
| 4-5 | €780 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 6-7 | €710 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 8+ | €680 EUR | €120 EUR |
Tours beginning in July, August & September
| Number of People | Price (per person)¹ | Bike Hire (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,580 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 2-3 | €1140 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 4-5 | €1020 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 6-7 | €945 EUR | €120 EUR | |
| 8+ | €910 EUR | €120 EUR |
¹Prices 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.
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