C - Coll de la Garga (North) - Port Sorell (Pego) - Montgo (Dénia) - C

🌊 The Marina Alta Hero Tour: Canyons, Coasts, and the Slopes of Montgó

Prepare for one of the most impressive and varied rides along the Costa Blanca! This spectacular route combines the unspoiled, steep inland with the azure coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a serious test for climbers’ legs, full of hidden gems, stunning panoramas, and challenging ascents. An absolute bucket list ride for passionate cyclists! 🚴‍♂️✨

📊 Ride Details & Difficulty Level

Distance: 125 km 📏

Elevation gain: approx. 2100 m 🏔️

Surface: Smooth Spanish asphalt, challenging mountain roads, and a flowing coastline 🏎️

Condition: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Heavy duty! The combination of distance and over 2000 meters of elevation requires top shape)

Technique: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Steep gradients on the Garga and tricky climbing and descending along the coast)

🗺️ Route Description

We clip in at our starting point in the cycling mecca Calp and warm up our legs gently as we cycle past Benissa towards the famous cycling valley. Through the cozy and fast villages of Xaló, Alcalalí, Murla, and Benigembla, we dive deeper into the tranquility of the inland.

This is where the real work begins: the incredibly tough, yet breathtaking climb of the Coll de la Garga (North). Your handling skills and climbing legs are put to the test here! 🧗‍♂️ At the top of the ridge, we enjoy Top Energy at La Venta Del Collao. This is one of the most beautiful resting spots in the region, perfect to catch your breath with an invaluable view. 🦅

After the summit, we flow through La Vall de Laguar, a stunning area full of fruit trees. We pass the idyllic mountain villages of Benimaurell and Campell before descending. Back in the valley, we pick up the pace through Tormos, Sagra, and the lively Pego. But don’t cheer too early, as the beautiful Port Sorell still lies as an obstacle on the route! After this climb, a very fast, flowing section through Benimeli, Sanet y Negrals, Beniarbeig, and El Verger follows.

In Dénia, we smell the salty water of the sea again. 🌊 We round the flanks of the iconic, elephant-like mountain Montgó and descend to the expansive bay of Jávea. The coastal finale is beautiful, but offers no flat meters; the notorious, tricky hills around Benitachell squeeze the very last remnants of energy from your calves. Through the luxurious marina of Moraira, we head along the magnificent coastal road back to the finish line in Calp. 🏁

✨ Highlights

⛰️ Coll de la Garga & La Venta Del Collao: A hidden beast of a climb with insane views and the ultimate spot for an energy stop.

🍒 La Vall de Laguar: A beautifully green and serene setting filled with almond and cherry trees and authentic architecture.

🐘 The Montgó: Cycling at the foot of this impressive and mythical rock formation that towers above Dénia and Jávea.

🌊 The Coastal Finale: The spectacular but undulating final kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea at Moraira and Calp.

💡 Tips for the Road

The Right Gear: The Coll de la Garga is mercilessly steep, with spikes of up to 20%. A climbing gear ratio (e.g., 34 front, 32 rear) is an absolute necessity to save your knees! ⚙️

Fuel: 2100 meters of elevation takes a toll on energy. Make the most of the stop at La Venta Del Collao and keep eating and drinking well on the way. 🔋

Conserve Your Strength: Don’t be misled by the descent towards the sea. The "coastal road" from Jávea via Benitachell to Calp is constantly up and down. Save a good reserve for this treacherous finale! 🌬️

Conclusion

This is a stage to frame! With 125 kilometers and 2100 meters of elevation, you get the best of both worlds: the untamed, steep ruggedness of the Spanish inland and the sparkling flair of the Mediterranean coast. A brutal but stunning trial. The moment you dismount in Calp feels like a gigantic victory. Time for a well-deserved, ice-cold cerveza and a generous serving of paella! 🥘🍻