Eurovelo 8, Barcelona to Alicante
3 - 20 September 2027:
16 days (11 riding days) on the Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean route. Rest days in Barcelona, Valencia and Cocentaina. Ride the Ebro Delta and see where the largest river wholly in Spain empties into the Mediterranean. Eurovelo 8 (EV8) Mediterranean Route is one of many long-distance cycle routes in Europe. As its name suggests, it runs along the Mediterranean, starting in Cadiz in Southern Spain, and going all the way to Turkey with an extension to Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. This tour starts in Barcelona and ends in Alicante. Transfers back to Barcelona from Alicante at the end of the ride are included.
If you have a Wise account you can pay the deposit with no bank fees, otherwise, pay with Stripe.
Friday
Arrival
Transfer from Barcelona airport and arrive at first night's hotel. Collect rental bikes.
Saturday
Rest day in Barcelona.
Day 2. Pick up rental bikes (if not done already). Explore the city and try out bicycles.
Barcelona is the 9th most visited city in Europe. A metro ride will take you into the city centre and where the Sagrada Familia is, although to get inside you need tickets and usually a long wait.
Sunday
Barcelona to Sitges.
Day 3.
Sitges is known for its multicultural population, with 35% of its inhabitants born outside Spain. It is famous for its varied nightlife and excellent beaches. It sits on the edge of the Garraf Natural Park, through which we will ride. 27 miles, 2546ft.
Monday
Castell de Castells
Denia to Castell de Castells. We head inland now, gradually climbing but the distance is short so we will have plenty of time to stop for a coffee along the way.
26 miles (40kms), 2360 ft (720 metres).
Tuesday
Cocentaina
Castell de Castells to Cocentaina. Heading deeper inland we are now in hillier country, but with a very short day it should not present any problems for us. We arrive at the historic town of Cocentaina, site of the oldest fair in Spain which has been running since 1346.
19 miles (31kms), 1853 ft (520 metres).
Wednesday
Free day
A day off the bike. Have a wander around the weekly market and take a walk up to the castle overlooking the town. Or just relax with a coffee or beer or two.
Thursday
Port de Tudons
Port de Tudons. The Port de Tudons has seen many a battle on La Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain). We will ascend the easier side (easier as in less steep, it is still quite long). Ride through timeless villages such as Alcoleja and Penaguila. The descent on the return seems to go on for ever.
29 miles (47 kms), 2995 ft (913 metres). Note: Tudons climb details - 4.7 miles (7.5 kms), average grade 4.3%.
Friday
Back of Benicadell
Back of Benicadell. Today we ride around the imposing Sierra de Benicadell which forms the border between the Provinces of Alicante and Valencia. After a steady climb to Agres we then have a spectacular descent through a gorge to coffee at Ontinyent. Quiet lanes then until we have lunch, then the challenging but breathtaking ascent of Benicadell before our final easy run back to Cocentaina.
50 miles (80kms), 3850 ft (1100 metres). Note: Benicadell climb details - 3.4 miles (5.4 kms), average grade 4.8%.
Saturday
Guadalest
Guadalest. Today we visit the tourist hotspot of Guadalest. Almost an out and back ride with a circuit of the lake below Guadalest. We cross the dam before climbing up to the village for lunch. A long steady climb follows before a wonderful descent towards Cocentaina.
46 miles (74 kms), 4954 ft (1510 metres).
Note: Confrides climb details (out) - 7.0 miles (10.4 kms), average grade 4.3%.
Note: Confrides climb details (back) - 7.5 miles (12.0 kms), average grade 3.5%.
Sunday
Beniarres lake circuit
Beniarres lake circuit. Another lake today but a bit nearer with much less climbing than yesterday. Most of the climbing is in the first part of this ride. Pretty villages lost in time such as Almudaina and Benillup are dotted along this route.
25 miles (239kms), 1680 ft (512 metres). (M)
Monday
Carrasqueta
Carrasqueta. The Carrasqueta is almost legendary in La Vuelta. It used to be the main road between Alicante and Alcoy, now superseded by a motorway. It is a long climb, but very evenly graded, with extensive views down to the Mediterranean Sea. Long before we get the there though, we tackle the Port de Benifallim. From the Port de Benifallim a long descent takes us to our coffee stop in Torremanzanas. After coffee a relatively easy ride until the start of the Carrasqueta. Our lunch stop is about one third of the way up.
43 miles (69kms), 4488 ft (1368 metres). Note: Benifallim climb details - 5.6 miles (9.0 kms), average grade 5.3%.
Note: Carrasqueta climb details - 6.8 miles (11.0 kms), average grade 3.8%.
Tuesday
Gandia
Cocentaina to Gandia. Back to the coast today, to Gandia and its fabulous beaches. We have a moderate climb back over the easier side of Benicadell but then it is almost all downhill to the Mediterranean. 30 miles (50kms), 1600 ft (500 metres). Note: Benicadell climb details - 2.9 miles (4.6 kms), average grade 4.4%.
Wednesday
Font Salada
Font Salada. An easy ride via Oliva to Font Salada, a natural warm spring. It is a hidden oasis and a lovely spot to take a break. 25 miles (40 kms), 830 ft (254 metres).
Thursday
Rio Mar
Rio Mar. Another easy day to a beachside bar for a coffee. If you have hired a bike from Denia, it can be returned today. You will need to get a taxi back from Denia to Gandia.
30 miles (49 kms), 870 ft (269 metres).
Friday
Tour ends after breakfast.
Ride ends, transfer to airport.