Overview🔗

Cycling in Costa Blanca centers around Calpe, a compact coastal town 60km north of Alicante that has transformed into one of Europe's essential winter training destinations. While Mallorca draws the biggest crowds and Girona attracts the pros year-round, Costa Blanca offers something distinct: challenging climbing packed into a compact area, remarkably quiet roads even during peak season, and average January temperatures of 16°C (61°F) that make it rideable when northern Europe sits under grey skies. From December through March, you'll encounter training camps from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, with Calpe's beachfront promenade turning into an impromptu bike park each morning.

The region's signature characteristic is elevation gain: you can rack up 1,500-2,000m of climbing in a 90km loop without repeating roads. The terrain splits into three distinct zones. The coastal strip from Calpe to Altea delivers flat to rolling riding with Mediterranean views, perfect for warm-ups or recovery. The inland valleys (Jalón, Guadalest, Vall d'Ebo) feature agricultural roads through almond and orange groves with minimal traffic. The real draw, however, is the climbing: a series of cols and altos ranging from punchy 3km ramps to the sustained 6.5km grind of Coll de Rates, Spain's most-ridden non-Tour de France climb according to Strava heatmaps.

What makes Costa Blanca exceptional for cyclists is infrastructure combined with quiet roads. Unlike Mallorca's increasingly congested routes, you'll regularly ride 20-30km stretches encountering fewer than five cars. The CV-715 from Benissa to Jalón, the CV-750 through Vall d'Ebo, and the CV-748 over Coll de Rates remain genuinely peaceful even on Saturday mornings. Calpe itself has evolved into a cycling hub with excellent bike shops, hotels offering workshop facilities and bike storage, and a café culture built around early coffee stops before group rides depart at 9am.

Classic Climbs🔗

Coll de Rates🔗

The defining climb of Costa Blanca cycling and the primary reason most cyclists visit the region. Starting from Parcent village, Coll de Rates climbs 6.5km at an average gradient of 6.5% to reach 682m elevation. The mathematics are deceptively straightforward—those numbers suggest a steady, manageable ascent—but the road's character tells a different story. The opening 2km average 5%, giving false confidence before a series of ramps at 9-10% through kilometers 3-5. The gradient eases to 4-5% for the final approach to the summit, where a small bar (open weekends) marks the col.

What elevates Rates beyond mere statistics is accessibility and scenery. The northern approach from Parcent remains quiet even during peak January-February training season, with smooth tarmac and sufficient width for safe overtaking when faster groups approach. Views open across the Jalón valley to the Mediterranean, and on clear mornings you can see Ibiza 80km offshore from the upper slopes. The descent to Tárbena on the north side ranks among Spain's finest: 8km of flowing corners with excellent sight lines and minimal traffic.

[VERIFY: Coll de Rates has over 50,000 Strava segment attempts, making it one of Spain's most popular non-mountain pass climbs]. Expect to encounter other cyclists on any given day, particularly on weekends when Calpe hotel groups depart between 9-10am. The southern approach from Tárbena is steeper (7.2% average) but less scenic.

Port de Tudons🔗

The hardest climb regularly ridden from Calpe, Port de Tudons delivers 6.2km at 7.8% average from Benichembla, with the middle 3km sustained at 9-10%. Unlike the relatively predictable gradient of Rates, Tudons features irregular pitches that make pacing difficult: you'll encounter 12% ramps followed by brief 5% sections where recovering proves challenging when the road kicks up again immediately. The narrow road surface and occasional rough patches add technical challenge, though traffic remains light since this route serves primarily as a back road between valleys.

Tudons works best as an alternative when you've ridden Rates multiple times or want a harder workout. The summit at 634m offers limited views compared to Rates, and the descent to Parcent requires care due to tighter corners. Most Calpe-based riders incorporate Tudons into a Jalón valley loop, climbing Rates first, descending to Tárbena, riding through Parcent, then tackling Tudons as a second major effort before returning via Jalón.

Cumbre del Sol🔗

A short, sharp coastal climb that serves as an excellent warm-up or interval training location. From the Moraira-Benitachell junction, the road climbs 3.2km at 6.2% average to the Cumbre del Sol development at 220m elevation. The gradient hits 10% for a 400m section mid-climb before easing to 4-5% for the final kilometer. What makes Cumbre del Sol valuable is location: it sits just 15km from central Calpe, allowing easy incorporation into shorter rides or use as a warm-up before heading inland to bigger climbs.

The real attraction is the descent and coastal views. Riding south along the CV-746 after cresting Cumbre del Sol, you'll pass clifftop viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean with the distinctive profile of Peñón de Ifach (Calpe's 332m limestone outcrop) dominating the northern horizon. The road quality is excellent, and morning light creates spectacular conditions for photography. Many Calpe cyclists use this as a standard recovery ride route: out to Cumbre del Sol, down to Moraira, coffee at one of the beachfront cafés, then back via the coast road for 40-50km total.

Alto de Puig Llorença🔗

A punchy 4.1km climb at 7.2% average from Benissa, with the steepest section (11-12%) hitting in the first kilometer before the gradient settles to 6-7% for the remainder. Puig Llorença rarely features as a destination climb but appears frequently in loop routes from Calpe. The CV-750 road surface is good, traffic minimal, and the summit at 420m provides a logical connection point for routes heading toward Jalón valley or back to the coast via Senija.

The climb's value lies in versatility: it's hard enough to provide quality training but short enough to repeat for interval work, yet doesn't require significant recovery time if you're building a big day with multiple climbs. Local training groups often use Puig Llorença as a selection point, attacking the lower steep section to split riders before regrouping at the summit.

Vall d'Ebo🔗

More accurately described as a remote valley route than a single climb, the Vall d'Ebo loop involves sustained undulating terrain through one of Costa Blanca's least developed areas. The CV-720 from Pego to Ebo village features constant gradient changes—200m climbs followed by 150m descents, then another 250m ascent—that accumulate significant elevation without a single defining col. The total elevation gain for the Pego-Ebo-Orba circuit reaches approximately 1,100m over 45km, with no single climb exceeding 4km.

What makes Vall d'Ebo special is isolation and natural beauty. You'll ride through cherry orchards (spectacular in March bloom), pass abandoned terraced farmland, and encounter perhaps five cars over 25km of riding. The valley remains genuinely quiet because it connects nowhere to nowhere—the CV-720 serves only Ebo village and a handful of farms. This makes it perfect for riders seeking a contemplative experience away from even the modest traffic of Rates or Tudons, though navigation requires careful attention as there's essentially no phone signal for most of the route. Download GPX files before departing.

Best Routes🔗

Coll de Rates Loop🔗

The classic Costa Blanca ride that every cyclist completes at least once during their visit. Distance varies by route choice (70-95km), but the standard version covers approximately 85km with 1,400m elevation gain. From Calpe, head north on the CV-746 to Benissa (15km, mostly flat), turn inland on CV-750 toward Jalón valley, then pick up the CV-715 to Parcent (total 35km to climb base). Ascend Coll de Rates from Parcent (6.5km climb), descend north to Tárbena, then return via Jalón valley and the CV-749 back to Calpe.

The route's brilliance lies in pacing opportunities. The approach to Parcent provides 35km of warm-up with gentle rolling terrain perfect for settling into a rhythm. Rates itself, starting 90 minutes into the ride, hits when you're properly warmed but not yet fatigued. The descent to Tárbena offers recovery, and the return through Jalón valley (undulating but not seriously difficult) provides quality endurance work without destroying your legs. Total ride time ranges from 3.5 hours for strong riders to 5 hours for moderate pace, making this suitable for most ability levels.

Variations include: adding Port de Tudons after descending Rates (total climbing increases to 1,850m), extending via Pego to incorporate coastal views, or reversing the loop to climb Rates from Tárbena (steeper but less traffic). Saturday mornings see dozens of cyclists on this route; ride Tuesday-Thursday for quieter roads.

Jalón Valley Circuit🔗

A moderate 65km loop with 850m elevation gain, perfect for recovery days, easier group rides, or when strong winds make coastal routes unpleasant. From Calpe, follow the CV-750 inland to Senija, continue to Jalón town, loop through Lliber and Parcent, then return via Benissa. The terrain rolls constantly—short 100-150m climbs followed by descents—but nothing exceeds 6% gradient for more than a few hundred meters. Roads are quiet agricultural routes through orange and almond groves, with the widest selection of café stops outside Calpe itself.

Jalón town offers multiple café options, though the standout is Café Imperial on the main square—excellent coffee, cycling-friendly service, and bike racks directly outside. The surrounding valley produces wine (primarily Moscatel), and several bodegas welcome cyclists for tastings, though obviously save this for post-ride. This route serves as the foundation for longer variations: add Coll de Rates for the classic loop described above, extend to Guadalest reservoir for more climbing, or explore Vall d'Ebo for remote valley riding.

Guadalest Reservoir Loop🔗

One of Costa Blanca's most scenic routes, combining sustained climbing with spectacular reservoir views. Distance: 95km with 1,650m elevation gain. From Calpe, head to Benissa, climb inland via Senija and Parcent, then instead of tackling Rates, continue west on CV-720 to Guadalest village perched above the turquoise reservoir. The final 8km approach to Guadalest climbs approximately 400m at a steady 5-6% gradient, with the stunning reservoir emerging into view as you crest the final rise.

Guadalest village itself is a tourist attraction (medieval castle, cobbled streets, souvenir shops), which means café and restaurant options abound at approximately 65km into the ride. The return route via Polop and Callosa d'en Sarrià involves several short, sharp climbs that accumulate elevation without a single defining ascent—expect your elevation gain to creep steadily upward. Total ride time runs 4-5.5 hours, making this a solid training day without the extreme demands of multi-col routes. Best ridden mid-week; weekends bring tourist traffic around Guadalest village.

Coastal Classic: Calpe-Altea-Benidorm🔗

A relatively flat 75km route with just 650m elevation gain, ideal for recovery rides, high-speed group work, or simply enjoying Mediterranean views without serious climbing. From Calpe, follow the coast road (N-332 and parallel cycle paths where available) south through Altea to Benidorm's distinctive skyline, then return via the same route or cut inland through La Nucía for variety. The terrain rolls gently with short climbs rarely exceeding 3-4%, though the section past Mascarat gorge includes one 200m climb at 6%.

This route encounters more traffic than inland options, particularly near Benidorm, though dedicated cycle lanes exist for several sections. Road quality is excellent throughout. The appeal lies in accessibility for all abilities and spectacular coastal scenery—the view approaching Altea's old town, with white buildings cascading down to the Mediterranean, ranks among Spain's finest cycling vistas. Use this route for interval training (the long flat sections suit efforts perfectly), recovery spins, or when strong winds make inland valleys unrideable. Altea's beachfront has numerous café options for mid-ride stops.

Where to Base🔗

Calpe🔗

The undisputed cycling hub of Costa Blanca and the obvious choice for most visitors. Calpe's advantages are overwhelming: direct access to all major routes without car transfers, the highest concentration of bike-friendly hotels, excellent bike shops, established group ride culture, and enough cyclist cafés that you'll never repeat the same pre-ride coffee stop. The town sits compactly beneath Peñón de Ifach, with most cycling hotels clustered within 1km of the beachfront promenade where morning group rides assemble.

Accommodation ranges from budget options (€50-70/night for basic rooms with bike storage) to premium cycling hotels (€120-180/night with workshops, wash facilities, group ride programs). [VERIFY: Hotel Esmeralda and Hotel Suitopia are popular cycling-specific hotels with workshop facilities]. The town center offers supermarkets, restaurants, and bike shops within easy walking distance. Calpe's beachfront promenade becomes the unofficial cyclist meeting point each morning from 8-9:30am, with riders gathering by ability level before departing on standard routes.

Downsides are minimal but worth noting: peak season (January-March) brings crowds that can make finding accommodation difficult without advance booking, and the town itself lacks charm—it's functional rather than beautiful, built primarily for tourism rather than historical character. However, for pure cycling logistics, nowhere else in Costa Blanca matches Calpe's infrastructure.

Altea🔗

A quieter, more attractive alternative to Calpe, located 10km south with a preserved old town of white buildings and cobbled streets rising above the coast. Altea offers several bike-friendly hotels and adequate bike shop provision, though infrastructure doesn't match Calpe's depth. The primary advantage is atmosphere: Altea maintains charm and local character, with excellent restaurants and a more relaxed pace that some cyclists prefer after training rides.

The cycling compromise is marginal: all major routes remain accessible, though you'll add 20km round-trip to reach Parcent and Coll de Rates, and the coastal road north to Calpe (used for most inland route approaches) carries moderate traffic during peak hours. Altea works best for self-sufficient cyclists who don't need group ride culture and value pleasant post-ride environment over maximum cycling convenience. Accommodation tends slightly more expensive than Calpe for equivalent quality.

Dénia🔗

A northern option 30km from Calpe, offering a genuine Spanish town atmosphere with ferry connections to Ibiza and Mallorca. Dénia provides good access to Jalón valley routes and Vall d'Ebo, though reaching Coll de Rates involves a longer approach (45km vs. 35km from Calpe). The town has adequate bike infrastructure and several cycling-friendly hotels, but doesn't specialize in cycling tourism to the same degree as Calpe.

Choose Dénia if you're combining cycling with general tourism, want to explore northern Costa Blanca more thoroughly, or prefer a base with authentic Spanish character over cycling specialization. The town's restaurant scene is excellent (known for prawns and rice dishes), and the historic quarter offers considerably more interest than Calpe's tourist strip. For pure cycling efficiency, however, Calpe remains superior.

When to Visit🔗

Costa Blanca cycling operates on a distinct seasonal pattern driven by winter temperatures and summer heat. The region's microclimate—sheltered from northern weather systems by inland mountains—creates a November through April window when riding conditions prove consistently excellent. Understanding this seasonal variation helps optimize your visit.

Peak season (December-February): Average daytime temperatures of 15-17°C (59-63°F), minimal rainfall, and reliable sunshine draw maximum crowds. January and February see the highest concentration of training camps, with Calpe particularly busy. Expect to encounter large groups on standard routes, though roads remain far quieter than Mallorca during equivalent periods. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead. Morning starts require arm warmers and a gilet; by midday you'll ride in short sleeves. This period suits cyclists escaping northern European winter, though strong riders may find group ride pace conservative as many visiting cyclists are building early-season form.

Shoulder season (October-November, March-April): Temperatures range 17-22°C (63-72°F) with slightly higher rainfall risk but fewer crowds. October offers particularly good conditions—warm enough for comfortable riding, quiet roads, lower accommodation prices. March sees spring wildflowers (almond blossom in the valleys) and longer daylight hours. These months provide the best balance of conditions and tranquility for experienced cyclists who don't need training camp infrastructure.

May-June: Temperatures climb to 22-28°C (72-82°F), manageable for early starts but increasingly warm for afternoon riding. Tourist season begins, bringing traffic to coastal roads. Rates and inland routes remain rideable, though carry extra water. Late May and June suit acclimatized riders preparing for summer events, but most serious cyclists have left by this point.

July-September: Avoid. Temperatures regularly exceed 32°C (90°F), with 35°C+ common in August. Climbing becomes genuinely unpleasant, and traffic from beach tourism makes coastal roads busy. Local Spanish cyclists ride only before 9am or after 7pm. If visiting during this period, plan pre-dawn starts and accept reduced mileage.

Weather variability: Costa Blanca enjoys Spain's most reliable winter weather, though occasional rain systems do occur. December and January average 4-5 rainy days per month. When rain arrives, it typically clears within 24 hours. Wind can be significant, particularly the westerly (Poniente) which funnels through inland valleys, and the easterly (Levante) bringing coastal humidity. Check forecasts and plan routes accordingly—Jalón valley becomes unpleasant in strong westerlies, while coastal routes suffer more from easterlies.

Practical Information🔗

Getting There🔗

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) serves as the primary gateway, located 75km south of Calpe with excellent European connections. Major airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, British Airways, Lufthansa) operate year-round flights from UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, with increased frequency during winter cycling season. Car rental desks operate in the terminal; expect €120-180 per week for a compact car with bike rack. Pre-book bike racks during peak season as availability can be limited.

Traveling with your bike: Most European airlines charge €40-60 each way for bike carriage. Pack carefully—wheels removed, pedals off, handlebars turned, derailleur protected. Bike box rental at UK airports typically costs €15-20. Alternative: use a bike shipping service (€150-200 return) to avoid airline hassle entirely. Several Calpe bike shops coordinate with shipping companies for direct hotel delivery.

Alternative: Valencia Airport sits 120km north, offering another option with good road connections via AP-7 motorway. Driving time to Calpe: approximately 75 minutes. Some cyclists prefer Valencia for city combination trips (Valencia's old town and modern architecture merit exploration), though Alicante remains more convenient for pure cycling holidays.

Bike Rental & Shops🔗

[VERIFY: Cicles Ribes and Mascarat Cycling are established Calpe bike shops]. Calpe supports multiple professional bike shops offering rentals, sales, and workshop services. Rental fleets typically include carbon road bikes (Specialized, Trek, Canyon, Giant) at €35-50 per day or €180-280 per week, with discounts for longer periods. Book ahead during January-February; last-minute availability can be limited. Most shops provide pedals (SPD-SL and Look compatible), spare tubes, and basic tools with rentals.

Workshop services: Expect standard service (clean, lube, adjust) at €25-35, wheel builds €60-100 per wheel, and emergency repairs typically completed same-day during peak season when shops extend hours to accommodate training camp schedules. Shops stock standard spares (tubes, chains, brake pads, cables), though exotic components may require ordering. Bring critical spares if riding unusual equipment.

Altea and Benissa have smaller bike shops adequate for emergencies and basic supplies. Dénia offers reasonable provision. For serious mechanical issues or specialty work, Calpe remains your best option with the deepest expertise and parts inventory.

Group Rides🔗

Costa Blanca's group ride culture centers on informal hotel-organized rides and weekend coffee rides that welcome visitors. Unlike some cycling destinations where group rides require membership or pre-registration, Calpe's culture remains genuinely open. During peak season (Jan-Mar), multiple groups of varying abilities depart the beachfront promenade each morning between 8:30-9:30am. Standard practice: arrive, chat briefly to gauge the group's planned route and pace, then join if suitable.

Saturday morning coffee rides: The most established regular ride, departing 9am from Peñón de Ifach area. Pace varies by week depending on attendees, but generally moderate (27-30 km/h average on flats, regroups on climbs). Route typically covers 70-90km with a Coll de Rates ascent or Jalón valley circuit. All abilities welcome, though fitness sufficient for 4 hours of riding is expected. The ride culture emphasizes social experience over competitive effort—attacking is frowned upon, though the pace can be brisk on flat sections.

Hotel rides: Many cycling-focused hotels organize daily rides for guests, typically departing 9-9:30am with routes announced the evening before. These vary from recovery spins (50km, easy pace) to challenging long rides (120km+, multiple climbs). Non-guests sometimes join by arrangement—ask at the hotel reception. Quality varies; some hotels employ qualified guides who provide excellent route knowledge and mechanical support, while others simply have a staff member who knows the roads.

Cyclist Cafés & Fuel Stops🔗

Calpe beachfront: Multiple cafés cater specifically to morning cyclist traffic, serving coffee, toast, pastries from 8am. No single café dominates; cyclists spread among several options, all offering bike-friendly service (outdoor seating, water bottle fills, patient service for large groups). Expect €3-5 for coffee and toast.

Jalón town: [VERIFY: Café Imperial on main square]. Café Imperial serves as the primary mid-ride stop for Jalón valley circuits. Excellent coffee, cycling-friendly atmosphere, bike racks outside. Open from 9am. Alternative options exist around the square, though Imperial has established itself as the cyclist default.

Parcent: Small café near the Coll de Rates climb base, suitable for pre-climb coffee or post-descent recovery. Basic but functional. Tárbena (north side of Rates): Limited café provision, primarily a bar rather than cyclist-focused stop. Altea old town: Multiple excellent cafés with sea views, though the climb up to old town (cobbles, 10% gradient) makes this better suited to post-ride rather than mid-ride stops.

Supermarkets: Calpe has multiple supermarkets (Mercadona, Consum, Lidl) for stocking up on ride food. Spanish cycling culture favors bocadillos (baguette sandwiches) and magdalenas (sweet muffins) for ride nutrition, available everywhere. International energy products (gels, bars) are sold at bike shops but at premium prices—bring from home if you're particular about brands.

Weather Considerations🔗

Costa Blanca's sheltered position creates reliable conditions, but several weather patterns require attention. Wind: The Poniente (westerly) and Levante (easterly) can reach 40+ km/h, making exposed sections unpleasant or occasionally dangerous. The Poniente funnels through inland valleys (particularly Jalón and Vall d'Ebo), while the Levante affects coastal routes. Check forecasts and adjust route plans—when strong westerlies are forecast, ride coastal routes instead of valley circuits.

Temperature inversions: Winter mornings occasionally bring fog to inland valleys while the coast remains clear. Start coastal if conditions look uncertain; valleys typically clear by 10-11am. Clothing: December-February requires flexibility. Start with arm warmers, gilet, and gloves; expect to shed layers by midday. A lightweight waterproof jacket proves valuable for descents or unexpected showers. March-April allows lighter kit, though morning starts may still need a gilet.

Sunscreen: Essential even in winter. The combination of southern latitude, altitude on climbs, and reflection from white roads creates surprising UV exposure. Cloud cover doesn't eliminate burn risk. Apply before rides, carry a small tube for reapplication on long days. Hydration: Winter riding feels comfortable temperature-wise but still requires consistent fluid intake. Carry two bottles for rides exceeding 90 minutes, and plan refill points on longer routes. Fountains exist in most villages, though not all are potable—when uncertain, use café stops for refills.