Calp - Montgó (Dénia) - Calp

The route begins in the coastal town of Calpe, known for its iconic Peñón de Ifach and sunny beaches. You depart towards the first climb of the day, a challenging start that warms up your legs immediately for the rest of the route.

The first obstacle is the climb of La Fustera, also known as the "Poggio," due to the comparison with the famous climb in Milan-San Remo. This climb is short but intense and offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea as you gradually gain altitude. The gradient is around 5-7%, making it an ideal warm-up for the longer ride that follows. Once at the top, you have a panoramic view of the coastline.

After the climb, you cycle towards the picturesque village of Benissa, a charming, historic town inland. From Benissa, you head towards Senija, a quiet village surrounded by almond and olive groves. The road remains gently undulating, perfect for cycling at a nice pace.

You continue the route through the beautiful landscape of the Jalón valley (Vall de Pop) and reach the village of LLíber, known for its vineyards. After this, you cycle to the slightly larger village of Xaló, famous for its market and delicious wines. The road is wide and undulating, perfect for gaining some speed while riding through this breathtaking landscape.

After Xaló, you arrive in the quiet village of Alcalalí, after which you cycle towards Orba. Here, the landscape slowly starts to change, with increasingly winding roads and varied terrain. From Orba, you bike towards the nearby villages of Tormos and Sagra, where the roads are narrow and picturesque, with little traffic. This region is known for its tranquil and rural atmosphere, making it ideal for cyclists who enjoy quiet roads.

After Sagra, you continue the route towards El Ràfol d'Almúnia and Sanet y Negrals, small villages surrounded by orange and almond orchards. The roads remain undulating with short climbs, providing a nice variation between challenging sections and faster ones. From Sanet y Negrals, you reach the somewhat larger village of Beniarbeig, where you bike towards Pedreguer.

From Pedreguer, you descend to La Xara, a village just a stone's throw from the coast. After this, you head towards the marina of Dénia, a lively coastal city with a beautiful harbor full of sailboats and yachts. This part of the route is flat and fast, ideal for catching your breath and enjoying the sea view.

From Dénia begins one of the most challenging climbs of the day: the climb to the Montgó, an impressive mountain overlooking Dénia and the surrounding coastline. The climb is an average of 4.76 kilometers long with an average gradient of 3.9%. The road is narrow and winds through the rugged landscape of the nature reserve, with spectacular views of the coast and the sea. This is a fun test for the legs, but the reward is even greater.

After the strenuous climb follows a beautiful, technical descent to the charming coastal town of Xàbia (Jávea). The descent is fast and winding, requiring you to pay close attention to your technique.

After the descent to Xàbia, you cycle inland towards Benitachell and then to Teulada, a charming village located a bit higher in the hills. The road to Teulada is undulating, featuring alternating short climbs and descents. This part of the route is quieter, with little traffic and many beautiful views over the valleys.

From Teulada, you descend to the coast and reach the elegant Moraira, a coastal town known for its quiet beaches and luxury villas. The road winds through the landscape and follows the coastline, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Moraira is a popular stop for cyclists, thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to catch your breath along the coast.

The final part of the route follows the undulating coastline back to Calpe. This stretch of road is fast and offers a mix of short climbs and descents, while you can enjoy the sea views the entire time. After the heavy exertion of the day, you can cycle back to Calpe at a relaxed pace, where the route ends.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 98 km

Elevation gain: +1,200 meters

Difficulty: Challenging. The climbs of Montgó and La Fustera require strength and endurance, while the undulating sections are manageable for experienced cyclists.

Conclusion:

This route offers a fantastic combination of coastal and mountain roads, with challenging climbs such as the Montgó and the Poggio (La Fustera). The variety of climbs, descents, and flat coastal roads makes it a dynamic and engaging ride. The landscape ranges from picturesque coastal towns like Moraira and Xàbia to impressive mountains, making this route ideal for cyclists who enjoy both physical challenges and beautiful views.