Overview
Take a magnificent cycling tour along the Spanish White Coast between Alicante and Valencia. This region is blessed with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. The grand mountain ranges and the blue Mediterranean Sea provide vivid and contrasting scenery. Take in the idyllic villages scattered along the coast having plenty of authentic Spanish life to be explored. Indulge yourself with the tasty traditional dishes – try paella, turron and the famous Denia red prawns. Pass through ancient Roman towns close to the sea with their typical traditional buildings and ride along fantastic beaches. Enjoy the company of the most laid-back, hospitable and welcoming people in Spain. The enticing blend of mountain cols, sandy beaches, delicious food and traditional wine will make this tour an unforgettable experience.
- Alicante – the capital of Costa Blanca
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo – the neo-baroque church on the top of the historical quarter of Altea
- L’illeta dels Banys – archaeological remains dating back to 3000 BC
- Faro de la Nao in Xàbia
- The fantastic views of the Cullera to the mouth of Júcar river from Cullera castle
- Parque Natural de la Albufera
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Alicante
Your first stop is Alicante, best known for its expansive public beaches, where you can enjoy sailing, sunbathing, and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea during warmer months. Don’t miss the Old Town quarter El Barrio with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles, and structures dating back between the 15th and 18th centuries. Alicante’s most iconic landmark is the mountaintop castle Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which offers panoramic views of Alicante and Playa del Postiguet.
- Accommodation: Les Monges Palace** or similar
Day 2: Alicante – Altea/Calp | 50km
Today you will be riding along the seafronts of places such as the Playa de San Juan and El Campello. Visit the archaeological site of L’illeta dels Banys beside the harbour, where circular cabins dating back to 3000 BC have been found. Pass Benidorm – once a tiny fishing village till the 1960s, today it is known for its hotels and beaches. You can take in the magnificent vistas of the Puig Campana and finally you arrive in Altea. Wander around the old town’s ancient cobbled streets and admire the promenades, which are lined with palm trees. On a beautiful balmy summer evening, this is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll and look at the paintings which are on display by the artists who live here.
- Cycling for the day: 50km + 20min by tram
- Accommodation: Tossal d’Altea**** or similar
Day 3: Altea/Calp – Xàbia | 40km
After breakfast experience the amazing contrast between the fantastic views of the Alicante coast and the imposing mountains behind, which are more than 1.400m high. Explore an area of traditional wine-making and cycle between vineyards and riuraus, raisin-drying buildings which developed in the region as a consequence of the rise in the trade of raisins throughout the 18th century. Last stop for the day will be the relaxed and picturesque historic town of Xàbia. Visit the small old town 2km inland; El Puerto (the port), directly east of the old town; and the beach zone of El Arenal, a couple of kilometres south.
- Cycling for the day: 40km + 10min by tram
- Accommodation: Hotel Triskel** or similar
Day 4: Xàbia – Denia | 25km
Cycle alongside Montgó mountain until you arrive in Denia. Take a pleasant stroll to head out along the quay, separating the port from the beach to a stretch of cafes, bars, and shops selling sailing supplies. Sitting outside a bar in the warm winter sun and gazing back across the water towards the city and the castle is a great way to relax. The castle area has been partially restored and the Governor’s Palace is now an archaeological museum. Those who make their way up to the castle will be rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding area.
- Cycling for the day: 25km
- Accommodation: Hotel Costa Blanca*** or similar
Day 5: Denia – Gandia | 40km
Leave Denia and soon come across the so-called marjals, a favourite nesting spot for birds, and a great place for bird watching enthusiasts. Bike along parts of the old railway line constructed by the British in the 19th century. Spend the afternoon in Gandia – once home to a branch of the Borja dynasty (more familiar as the infamous Borgias). Gandia is separated into Gandia City and Gandia Playa (Gandia Beach). In Gandia town, amidst the modern shops, boulevards and parks you can find fantastic examples of Spain’s history, most notably the Ducal Palace and Gandia Cathedral. A particularly interesting part of town is Passeig de les Germanies, a tree-lined promenade with fountains and benches; the bridge at the eastern end of the Passeig crosses the river bed over to the area where the weekly Saturday morning market is held. Gandia Playa offers 5.8km of beautiful blue flag beaches and it’s also home to the areas nightclubs and disco bars.
- Cycling for the day: 40km
- Accommodation: Hotel Borgia*** or similar
Day 6: Gandia – Cullera | 29-46km
On your way to Cullera visit the Monastery of Santa María de la Valldigna, founded in 1297 by James II of Aragon. Since the beginning, it was one of the most important monasteries of the Cistercian order. Entry to the monastery is free of charge and a tour should last about an hour. Spend the afternoon in Cullera. The first thing that surprises the traveller when reaching Cullera is undoubtedly its fantastic castle towering over the city. Climb up and reward yourself for reaching the top with the spectacular views of the entire region, the city and the Rio Júcar. Cullera is also famous for its rice dishes and paellas.
- Cycling for the day: From 29 to 46km depending on the chosen route
- Accommodation: Hotel el Chalet*** or similar
Day 7: Cullera – València | 42-52km
If you choose the longer option, you’ll start off along the banks of the River Xúquer. About 15km south of Valencia you will reach La Albufera – a huge freshwater lagoon separated from the sea by a narrow strip of pine-forested sand dunes. It’s legendary for the rice that is grown here. It’s also an important dune and wetland ecosystem and much of the area is covered by the Parque Natural de la Albufera. The zone is great for birdwatching as well. Upon reaching Valencia, explore one of the most beautiful and well-preserved old towns in Spain. Treasuring a very important cultural heritage, there you will observe the great legacy left by ancient civilizations that lived on these lands. The city of Valencia has some natural wonders such as the wonderful Turia Gardens, considered as the lungs of the city and is one of the largest parks in Spain.
- Cycling for the day: From 42 to 52km depending on the chosen route
- Accommodation: Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia**** or similar
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. Extra nights in Valencia or Alicante available upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
Alicante:
- Les Monges Palace**: Located next to Alicante Town Hall, Hostal Les Monges Palace is 200 m from the cathedral and 400 m from Postiguet Beach and marina. This guesthouse is a historical building from 1902. It retains original features, such as ornate tiled floors, wooden beams and oil paintings. All air-conditioned rooms feature unique décor and have a flat-screen satellite TV.
Altea:
- Hotel Tossal d’Altea****: Hotel Tossal d’Altea was built on the site of a traditional olive oil mill. It offers a gym, a sauna and an outdoor swimming pool set in a large garden. The hotel is in a quiet area of Altea, next to Palau Altea centre d’arts and the Fine Arts Faculty of Miguel Hernandez University.
Xàbia:
- Hotel Triskel**: Hotel Triskel is set in a restored building in the centre of Jávea (Xabia), 2 km from the beach. It retains the typical local architectural style and offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi.
Denia:
- Hotel Costa Blanca***: Just metres from the charming fishing port and close to all the town’s attractions, this hotel serves a great buffet breakfast and has rooms with their own hydro-massage bath. Glorious, sandy beaches begin 400 m away.
Gandia:
- Hotel Borgia***: Hotel Borgia offers clean, modern accommodation in the heart of Gandía. It is a peaceful hotel in a central location.
Cullera:
- Hotel el Chalet***: Set on Los Olivos de Cullera Beach, El Chalet’s rooms have balconies with Mediterranean Sea views. It features an outdoor swimming pool. Staples of Valencian cuisine such as paella are served in the Chalet’s restaurant.
València:
- Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia****: Silken Puerta Valencia is set 15 minutes’ walk from the City of Arts and Sciences. The offers chic, contemporary décor designed by Javier Mariscal. The Puerta Valencia Restaurant serves a range of Mediterranean cuisine, specialising in rice-based dishes. There is also a café-bar, which serves tapas and cocktails in the evening.
*Note that hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation!
Click to view upgraded hotels
Alicante:
- Eurostars Centrum Alicante****: Within 1.5 km of Postiguet Beach and Santa Bárbara Castle, this stylish hotel in central Alicante offers a sauna, gym and a steam bath. The furnished sun terrace is surrounded by plants.
Altea:
- Hotel Tossal d’Altea****: Hotel Tossal d’Altea was built on the site of a traditional olive oil mill. It offers a gym, a sauna and an outdoor swimming pool set in a large garden. The hotel is in a quiet area of Altea, next to Palau Altea centre d’arts and the Fine Arts Faculty of Miguel Hernandez University. The historic centre of this Costa Blanca town is just a short walk away.
Xàbia:
- Parador Nacional Javea**** : Set in exotic
Denia:
- Hotel les Rotes**** : it occupies a grand building in the Montgó Nature Reserve. Decorated throughout with artworks, there is an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness room and sauna.
- Hotel Palau Verd*** : It offers an outdoor pool and a charming chillout garden. The hotel has a spa room with a hot tub and a sauna.
Gandia:
- Hotel Borgia***: Hotel Borgia offers clean, modern accommodation in the heart of Gandía. The hotel’s highlight is a stylish cafe-restaurant, serving tasty Mediterranean dishes from an extensive menu. Take a stroll into the charming, historic centre of Gandía, just a few minutes away.
- Hotel RH Bayren****: Set on Playa de Gandia Beach, RH Bayren Hotel & Spa offers great sea views. It features two swimming pools, including one lagoon-style pool, as well as a spa area. The spa area features an indoor pool, flotation tanks, Scottish shower and steam baths. There is also a sauna and a treatment room. Outside there is a second pool, as well as a hot tub and water beds with sea views.
Cullera:
- Hotel el Chalet***: Set on Los Olivos de Cullera Beach, most El Chalet’s rooms have balconies with sea views. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
València:
- Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia****: Silken Puerta Valencia is set 15 minutes’ walk from the City of Arts and Sciences. The Puerta Valencia offers chic, contemporary décor designed by Javier Mariscal. The Puerta Valencia Restaurant serves a range of Mediterranean cuisine, specialising in rice-based dishes. There is also a café-bar, which serves tapas and cocktails in the evening.
*Note that hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation!
Meals
Breakfast each day. Half-board supplement available as an optional upgrade when combined with the accommodation upgrade. When no restaurant location is available on route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Evening meals can be enjoyed in the charming restaurants along the way.
Difficulty and terrain
Suitable for most cyclists and ages. The tour is recommended for people who may not be regular cyclists but have an acceptable level of physical fitness (read more about difficulty grades). The routes have been designed to take advantage, where possible, of downhill slopes along valleys that start in the interior and wind their way towards the coastal plains and the sea. Most days you will bike flat terrain with some short stretches involving easy uphill pedalling on smooth slopes. Longer options on some days contain short stretches involving uphill pedalling of low to moderate difficulty. We will email you the essential pre-departure info. Upon arrival, you will receive detailed travel information with route map, route description, tourist attractions and important telephone numbers and GPS with preloaded tracks.
When to go
This trip is available all year with departures every Sunday, excluding dates between 30 June-31 August.
We do not offer this trip in the summer months as it is too hot for cycling, the hotels become too expensive, and they are usually fully booked by the beach crowd.
You can expect around 3,000h of sunshine per year and an average afternoon temperature in excess of 20C for most of the year.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Alicante and Valencia.
By train or bus
- The C-6 bus line is the only public transport connecting Alicante airport to the city centre. The line operates all day, all year round and buses depart every 30 minutes. The total trip to the central Luceros station takes around 25 minutes, while the price for a regular one way ticket is €3.85.For more details, please use the Omio planner above.
- From Valencia airport, take the metro to Àngel Guimerà (20 min) and then to Jesús station (3 min). From Valencia Joaquin Sorolla take the train to Alicante-Termino (less that 2 hours; €14 – €18; every 4 hours with Renfe).
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation as listed in the Hotels section
- Breakfast each morning
- Welcome briefing
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Detailed travel documents (1x per room) with route maps, route description, local attractions, important telephone numbers
- GPS with the tracks
- Phone support by our local office/representative from 9 am to 6 pm
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks outside the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is NOT available for solo travellers
- Extra nights in Alicante and Valencia are bookable upon request
- Accommodation upgrade
- Half-board evening meal (must be combined with accommodation upgrade)
- Bike rental, including bike insurance
Bikes
We offer for rent Kross 5.0 hybrid aluminium bicycles which are fully equipped with front-suspension, 24 gears, GPS, pump, helmet, lock, anti-puncture tyres, tool/puncture repair kit, speedometer, one pannier per bike, one handlebar bag and one map-holder per bike. Every bike is checked weekly by our mechanics to ensure optimum performance.
We also offer Ortler e-bikes with strong aluminium frames: 9 gears, good quality display (4 levels of power), 500 Watt battery, so they can ride long distances (80 – 150km), GPS, helmet, lock, anti-puncture tyres, tool/puncture repair kit, pump, speedometer, one pannier per bike, one handlebar bag and one map-holder per bike.
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