Eurovelo 8, Barcelona to Alicante
3 - 20 September 2027:
18 days (12 riding days) on the Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean route. Rest days in Barcelona, Tarragona, 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
Sitges to Tarragona
Day 4.
Tarragona was founded by the Roman Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco and is a World Heritage site. 39 miles, 1844ft.
Tuesday
Rest day in Tarragona
Day 5. Tarragona is an historic city founded by the Romans. There are many Roman buildings here, of particular interest is the Necropolis and the Amphitheatre.
Wednesday
Tarragona to Ampola
Day 6. We make our way along the coast, with the Mediterranean on our left ever present. We arrive at Ampola, on the edge of the Ebro Delta. The River Ebro is the largest river wholly in Spain and empties into the Mediterranean having formed the huge Ebro Delta, intensively cultivated for rice. 49 miles, 2264ft.
Thursday
Ebro Delta
Day 7. Ride across the Ebro Delta. We will visit the Mirador del Zigurat to get a good view of the mouth of the river. 35 miles, 548ft.
Friday
La Repita to Peñiscola
Day 8. Leaving the Delta, after hugging the coast for a while, we must ride inland a little before regaining the coast to ride through thriving resorts like Vinaros. Our stop is in Peñiscola, a popular resort. 25 miles, 745ft.
Saturday
Peñiscola to Torreblanca
Day 9. The distance on today’s ride is very short, as the terrain is fairly challenging at times with rough gravel. There are however spectacular views along the way. We leave the hustle and bustle of Peñiscola behind and soon enter the natural park of l’Irta. Once through the park we head inland to our overnight stay at Torreblanca. 19 miles, 1063ft.
Sunday
Torreblanco to Castello de la Plana
Day 10. From Torreblanca we head back to the coast to pick up the EV8 route again. Skirting the natural Park of Prat de Cabanes de Torreblanca, we will then ride along the coast before turning inland to our hotel at Castello de la Plana. 27 miles, 597ft.
Monday
Castello de la Plana to Valencia
Day 11. Castello de la Plana to Valencia. Although quite a long ride, the terrain is paved and mostly flat, with only a few gentle inclines. Mostly on quiet lanes or bike paths, we ride through typical Valencian villages and the historic town of Sagunto before arriving in Spain’s third biggest city Valencia. 52 miles, 1234ft.
Tuesday
Rest day in Valencia
Day 12. Visit the world-renowned Arts and culture Centre designed by Santiago Calatrava or take a guided walk around the city.
Wednesday
Valencia to Gandia
Day 13. Another long day but again the terrain is almost completely flat with no hills. We skirt the Natural Park Albufera, a wetland important for wading birds. Through the towns of Sueca and Cullera we arrive at Gandia, with one of the best beaches in Spain, our hotel will be right on the beach. 54 miles, 1217ft.
Thursday
Gandia to Cocentaina
Day 14. Heading well inland away from the coast we ride along the spectacular Serpis Via Verde. This is the most difficult day for elevation as we gradually climb into the Sierra Mariola mountain range. The terrain is difficult at times with rough gravel. We will tackle the infamous pipe bridge, which will require team work to cross. Tomorrow will be a rest day. 35 miles, 2503ft.
Friday
Rest day in Cocentaina
Day 15. Cocentaina is a historic town, steeped in the history of the time of the Moors and Christians. Explore the town, chill out, or take a hike up to the imposing castle overlooking the town.
Saturday
Cocentaina to Castalla
Day 16. Although we have a fair bit of climbing to do, this ride is mostly on former railway lines, so the gradient is very gentle. The ride takes us through many tunnels, over viaducts and through apple orchards. 24 miles, 1749ft.
Sunday
Castalla to Torrellano
Day 17. Our last day of riding. Starting out on the old railway line, we then must use quiet lanes as the railway has been lost under busy roads. After our lunch stop, we ride along the spectacular Maigmo greenway, through many tunnels. After a few small hills near Alicante, we reach journey’s end. 36 miles, 1198ft.
Monday
Transfer to Barcelona
Transfer to Barcelona to return bikes and for your flight home.