Costa Blanca: Alicante till València

Welcome to Altea! Enjoy this charming coastal town, where the beachfront promenade is peaceful during the winter but comes alive in spring and summer with numerous “chiringuitos” (beach bars). Don’t miss the Old Town—Altea’s historic quarter—set against the monumental backdrop of the Sierra Bernia mountains, offering stunning panoramic views.

Altea is perched atop a hill, with its highest point dominated by the bell tower of the parish church Virgen del Consuelo. The church features a wide dome covered in blue and white tiles and a smaller dome atop it. From the square in front of the church, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding region.

Today you will experience the stunning contrast between the coast, the fields, and the inland mountains. Enjoy fantastic views of Alicante’s coast and the impressive mountains behind, rising over 1,400 meters. You will explore a traditional wine-producing area, cycling among vineyards and traditional “Riu Raus,” typical buildings with rows of arches where locals used to dry their grapes under cover. Finally, you arrive in the historic town of Xàbia, which boasts some of Alicante’s finest beaches.

20 km (30 km) +120m (+490m)

You cycle along Montgó Mountain until you reach Denia. Along the way, you will see traditional buildings called Riu Raus (from the 19th century). These buildings were very important for drying grapes. Some now have other uses, such as outdoor markets. Finally, you arrive in Denia by the sea. The town has plenty of fantastic, quiet beaches that you can enjoy even in winter if the sun is shining. In 2015, Denia was named a UNESCO Creative City for the quality of its excellent local dishes.

25 km, +170 m

You leave Denia and will soon cycle past small marshlands, known as marjals, which are a favorite nesting spot for birds and a paradise for birdwatchers. You will cycle along parts of the old railway line built by the British in the 19th century. After a few more kilometers, you reach the beautiful coastal town of Gandia, with its interesting historic quarter and palaces.

40 km, +160 m

You start the day cycling past orange groves and again through some “marshlands.” You then enter a beautiful small valley to follow part of the pilgrimage route connecting various monasteries, with the option to explore the impressive Simat de la Valldigna Monastery. Passing rice fields, you arrive in Cullera, a coastal town with beautiful sea views where you can taste some of the region’s rice specialties. This town also has many beaches to enjoy. Today you have the option to choose between two routes: a shorter ride or a slightly longer one.

29 km (46 km), +90 m (+120 m)

You cycle into the nature reserve Parque Natural de la Albufera, one of the Mediterranean’s most valuable ecosystems. You’ll experience varied landscapes with lakes, marshes, sand dunes, and pine forests bordering the seafront. Each of these ecosystems has its own unique flora and fauna. It’s well worth enjoying some local cuisine from this special region. You can take a walk along the harbor and watch the fishermen at work before they return home to the picturesque village of El Palmar. When you finally reach Valencia, explore the old town with its beautiful cathedral and central market. Stroll along the narrow streets and squares, filled with a variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants. The city’s nightlife is also renowned.

46 km (55 km), 80 m (95 m)

After a hearty breakfast, your cycling journey along the Spanish coast comes to an end. Until next time!