Calp - Granadella Beach - Calp

The route begins in the sunny coastal town of Calpe, a popular base for cyclists on the Costa Blanca. From Calpe, you cycle along the rolling coastal roads known for their beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. This section offers a nice warm-up with gentle inclines and turns, perfect for getting into the rhythm.

After a relaxing ride along the coast, you reach Castell de Moraira, a charming seaside resort with a historic castle overlooking the sea. Moraira is a quiet village with a beautiful harbor and beaches, making it a beloved stop. Here you can take a moment to enjoy the view over the sea before you tackle the first real climb of the day.

From Alcássar, you begin the challenging climb to the Cumbre del Sol, a well-known ascent in the region often featured in the Vuelta a España. This climb is famous for its steep sections, with some parts reaching gradients of 10-12% to even 17%. The climb is tough, but the views are phenomenal: at the top, you have a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding mountain landscape. It is a serious test for the legs, but absolutely worth it. On clear days, you can see Ibiza lying on the horizon.

After the ascent of Cumbre del Sol, there’s a fast and technical descent to Benitatxell, a quiet village located inland. The road down is challenging but well maintained, with many turns and some sharp hairpin bends. From Benitatxell, you head towards the territory of Xàbia, one of the most beautiful coastal areas of the region.

After a short ride, you arrive at one of the most beautiful and hidden coves in the region, Platja de la Granadella. This secluded bay, surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal clear water, is a true gem of the Costa Blanca. The descent to Granadella is quite steep, but the beauty of the surroundings makes it a highlight of the route. Once you arrive, it’s a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the view of the turquoise water and the peaceful atmosphere.

After the break at Granadella, a solid climb back into the mountains follows. This climb, with its 1.4 km, is shorter but intense, with an average gradient of 8.3%. Once at the top, you return to inhabited areas, where you prepare for a more relaxed section of the route.

You then cycle further to the Crue del Portixol, a picturesque viewpoint with a stunning view of Isla del Portixol, a small island just off the coast. Here you can take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking panorama. The quiet roads and the views over the sea make this an unforgettable spot on the route.

After Crue del Portixol, you follow the coastline of Xàbia, one of the most beautiful coastal stretches in the region. The roads here are rolling, with beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs. After the coastal section, you head inland towards Teulada, where the roads begin to climb. The climb to Teulada is less steep but offers a good challenge to test your legs after the previous ascents.

After Teulada, the climb to the back of La Fustera follows, a well-known climb among local cyclists. This climb is even and technically not too difficult, but the gradients can still challenge you after the earlier efforts. Once at the top, you are rewarded with a beautiful descent back to the coast.

After the climb to La Fustera, there’s a quick descent back to the coast, where you are once again surrounded by the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The final part of the route takes you along the rolling coastline, allowing you to ride back to Calpe at a leisurely pace. The last kilometers are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the fresh sea breeze before returning to the starting point.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 76 km

Elevation gain: +1,300 meters

Difficulty: Challenging. The climb to Cumbre del Sol and the climb back from Platja de la Granadella are the toughest parts of the route, but there are also longer, rolling sections that are manageable for experienced cyclists.

Conclusion:

This road cycling route offers a challenging mix of coastal roads, steep climbs, and technical descents. The ascent of Cumbre del Sol is one of the highlights, as are the beautiful views at Platja de la Granadella and Crue del Portixol. The landscape varies from breathtaking coastlines to rugged mountain roads, making the route perfect for cyclists looking for both physical challenge and visual rewards.