Calp - La Vall d'Ebo - Calp

The route starts in sunny Calpe, a popular cycling village on the Costa Blanca. Known for the imposing Peñón de Ifach, Calpe offers a beautiful seaside start before heading inland for a challenging ride through mountainous terrain. The route combines picturesque villages, steep climbs, and breathtaking views.

Soon after leaving Calpe, the first challenge begins: the climb of La Fustera, affectionately known as the "Poggio." This climb is not too long but requires a good warm-up. The road winds through Mediterranean landscapes, offering lovely views of the coastline along the way. Once at the top, you can catch your breath while preparing for the next stage.

After descending from La Fustera, you cycle on to Benissa, an authentic village with narrow streets and historic charm. After this, you head towards Xaló, a town famous for its vineyards and the beautiful landscape of the Jalon valley. This section of the route is relatively flat and gives you the chance to find a good rhythm before the big climbs begin.

After Xaló, the road climbs towards Alcalalí, followed by a descent to the quiet villages of Orba, Tormos, and Sagra. This region is known for its orange trees and almond orchards, and the tranquil rural roads make it a perfect stop before you start the serious climbs. The undulating roads provide a pleasant and relaxed ride through the valley.

From Sagra, you cycle towards the first serious challenge of the day: the climb to La Vall d’Ebo. This climb is well-known among cyclists and has an average gradient of about 6%. The road winds through beautiful landscapes, with hairpin bends and steep sections putting your legs to work. At the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley and the village of Vall d’Ebo, where you can take a moment to recover.

After the climb, there is a descent to Castell de Castells, a mountain village located deep in the Marina Alta region. The quiet roads and stunning views over the mountainous landscape make this part of the route an unforgettable experience. The descent demands technical skills, but the good quality of the roads ensures a safe ride.

The next major challenge is the climb of Collado de Bixauca, also known as Alto del Somo or Puerto de Sa Creueta. This climb is one of the most challenging in the region, with an average gradient of 5-6% over a longer distance. The climb offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the coast. The hairpin turns and varying gradients make this a true test of your climbing abilities. Once at the top, you enjoy a beautiful view and the satisfaction of reaching one of the highest points of the day.

After reaching the top of Collado de Bixauca, a long, flowing descent to Tàrbena follows. This typical Spanish mountain village is an excellent place to stop briefly and enjoy the mountain scenery. The road continues towards Callosa d'en Sarrià, known for its agriculture and stunning location amidst orange and lemon orchards. This descent provides a well-deserved break after the intense climb.

From Callosa d'en Sarrià, you cycle past Altea la Vella, a picturesque village close to the coast. This last part of the route is slightly flatter and offers a relaxed ride back towards Calpe. You ride along the coastline, with views of the Mediterranean Sea, before arriving back in Calpe. Here, you can reflect contentedly on a wonderful and challenging day of cycling in the mountains of the Costa Blanca.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 113 km

Elevation gain: +2400 meters

Difficulty: High, with several challenging climbs and descents. Suitable for experienced cyclists with good climbing ability.

This route offers a perfect mix of challenging climbs, technical descents, and quiet villages. The beautiful views and varied landscape make this ride an unforgettable experience for the cyclist who enjoys a physical challenge.