Calp - Collado de la Garga (Orba) - Calp

The route starts in the sunny coastal town of Calpe, with its iconic Peñón de Ifach. From here, you ride at a leisurely pace towards the first challenge of the day, a climb that quickly warms up your legs and offers you a stunning view of the surroundings.

The first climb of the day is the well-known La Fustera, also referred to as the "Poggio." This is a short but tough ascent with gradients between 5% and 7%, perfect for getting into a rhythm. The road winds its way up with fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coast. Once at the top, you can briefly enjoy the view before heading inland.

After the climb of La Fustera, you cycle on to Benissa, a historic town with narrow streets and white houses. Here, you pass the impressive Església de la Puríssima Xiqueta, a Gothic church that dominates the town's central square. From Benissa, you follow the road to the charming village of Xaló, where the route is rolling and goes through the beautiful vineyards of the Vall de Pop.

After Xaló, you arrive in Alcalalí, another picturesque village in the valley, after which the route continues toward Orba. Here, the landscape starts to become a bit rougher, and the roads a bit twistier, ideal for cyclists who enjoy technical sections. After Orba, you head towards the picturesque villages of Campell and Fleix, which are part of the famous La Vall de Laguar. This valley is known for its beautiful views and quiet roads.

From Fleix, you climb further to Benimaurell, one of the highest villages in the Vall de Laguar. Here begins the steep ascent of the Coll de la Garga.

The Coll de la Garga is located in the Vall de Laguar, meaning "grottos" in Arabic, just outside the city of Orba, and is one of the few category 1 climbs. The 10.8 km long Coll de Garga, which rises from the valley to the small hamlets of Campell and Benimaurell, is relatively comfortable for the first 8 km with consistent gradients and a few steeper sections, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Orba valley and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. The Vall de Laguar is known for its spectacular terraces and more than 7500 steps built in the 8th century by the Arab settlers who fled from persecution by the troops of King James I. As you wind through Benimaurell at the top of the valley, you navigate through narrow streets and encounter a few steep sections that are a preview of what's to come, as you enter the challenging final 2.8 km of the climb with sustained sections of over 15% and up to 20.7%.

Fortunately, the views up to the top are fantastic to help distract you from the intense effort required, and once at the top, you are greeted by the excellent Venta de Collau café/restaurant that serves delicious cakes and snacks. From here, you can descend back to Orba or down over the ridge to the CV-720 and Benigembla, and the Jalon valley, allowing you to incorporate the Garga into a longer loop. All in all, this is a fantastic climb that you shouldn't miss.

After the break, a technical descent towards the Pont dels Fortins begins, an old stone bridge that marks the entrance to the mountain village of Castell de Castells. The descent is fast and requires good control, but the scenery is breathtaking, with rugged rock formations and deep ravines. Once in Castell de Castells, prepare for the next big challenge of the day: the climb to the Puerto de Sa Creueta.

The climb to the Puerto de Sa Creueta from Castell de Castells is a solid climb with an average gradient of 6-7%, and some sections even go up to 10%. The climb is about 7 kilometers long and winds through a mountainous landscape with beautiful views over the valleys and mountains of the Costa Blanca. This is one of the most iconic climbs in the region and a true test of endurance.

After the strenuous climb, a fast descent towards Tàrbena, a quiet mountain village, follows. From here, you continue the descent towards Bolulla, with breathtaking views over the orange groves and rugged mountain tops along the way. The route continues towards Callosa d'en Sarrià, a lively town known for its agriculture and the proximity of the Algar waterfalls. This part of the route is fast and has a slight downhill slope, providing a nice change after the climbs.

From Callosa d'en Sarrià, you ride on to Altea la Vella, a charming village near the coast. Here, you start the final part of the route along the rolling coastline. The road offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque town of Altea, known for its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. From Altea, you cycle back along the coast to Calpe, where you finish the ride with a flat and fast stretch of road.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 99 km

Elevation gain: +2,200 meters

Difficulty: Very challenging. The climbs of the Coll de la Garga and the Puerto de Sa Creueta are tough, but the route also offers plenty of recovery moments with descents and rolling sections along the coast.

Conclusion:

This route is a true challenge for the experienced cyclist, with tough climbs such as the Coll de la Garga and the Puerto de Sa Creueta, but also beautiful views and quiet roads. The highlight of the ride is the break at La Venta Del Collao, where you can enjoy the peace and the view after the strenuous climb. The return along the coastline is a relaxing conclusion to this diverse and engaging route. Perfect for those seeking both physical challenge and impressive landscapes in the region around Calpe.