El Maestrazgo.
28 May - 13 June 2027:
Discover one of Spain's most spectacular and least-explored cycling destinations on this two-week journey through El Maestrazgo.
Over fourteen days, riders will traverse a network of scenic backroads linking historic towns, remote hamlets, and protected natural landscapes. Daily stages combine rewarding climbs with exhilarating descents, passing ancient castles, Gothic churches, traditional stone farmhouses, and forests of pine and juniper. Highlights include the natural pools of Montanejos, the striking rock formations of the Organos de Montoro, the dramatic canyon landscapes surrounding Villarluengo, and panoramic viewpoints stretching across the Iberian mountain ranges.
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Friday
Arrival
Arrive at Alicante and transfer from the airport to Cocentaina.
Saturday
Valencia
Transfer by motor vehicle to Valencia and spend the day exploring the city.
Sunday
Valencia to Castellon de la Plana.
53 miles, 1177 ft. The longest day of the tour, but fairly flat as we will be riding on the Eurovelo 8 route. Eurovelo is a network of European cycle routes. We will start by riding along the Via Verde Xurra to Sagunto, then on to Castellon de la Pla
Monday
Castellon to La Seratella.
32 miles, 3765 ft. Now we head inland to get into the heart of El Maestrazgo. A flat start along the coast to start with but we soon start to climb. We first cross the Sierra Desert de les Palmes, then a flatter section before the climb up to La Serratella, a time-forgotten village high in the sierra.
Tuesday
La Seratella to La Iglesuela del Cid.
35 miles. 3435ft. A small climb and then an exhilarating descent takes us to the neaby town of Albocasser, before the long steady climb begins to Iglesuela del Cid. Iglesuela means 'little church', and El Cid passed through here on one of his campaigns.
Wednesday
La Iglesuela to Morella.
23 miles, 2076 ft. A slightly easier day to Morella, a town and castle seemingly perched impossibly on top of a hill.
Thursday
Rest day in Morella.
Explore the town or just relax.
Friday
Morella to Castellote.
34 miles. 3270ft. Riding through typically Spanish mountain villages, we approach Castellote through two short tunnels where lights will be needed. Castellote is in the Province of Teruel, the smallest Province in Spain.
Saturday
Castellote to La Trucha (Villarluengo).
34 miles. 3893 ft. Truly wild country now with expansive landscapes. We do find a few small villages along the way before reaching our accommodation, La Trucha, a few kilometers from the village of Villarluengo. Hotel La Trucha was originally a paper mill, producing the first paper money in Spain. It later became a textile mill before being converted to a hotel in 1972. In 2022 it underwent extensive modernization to become what it is today. The interior has retained its spectacular architecture.
Sunday
La Trucha to Allepuz.
39 miles. 5271 ft. This is the hilliest day, with over 5,000 feet of climbing to do. It is also very remote. We will pass through just a few very small villages along the way. Allepuz itself is also very small with a population of just 125. Although this section is in Teruel Province and not El Maestrazgo it is no less spectacular for it.
Monday
Allepuz to Albentosa.
35 miles. 2598 ft. Not strictly in Albentosa, our accommodation is basically a truck stop on the outskirts, but decent rooms and very good food. Once again, a remote ride with just a few small villages, but only half the climbing of yesterday's ride.
Tuesday
Albentosa to Montanejos.
27 miles. 1958 ft. An easier day to Montanejos. We will spend two nights here. Montanejos boasts natural springs a short walk away, ideal for a swim.
Wednesday
Rest day.
A free day to rest or go for a swim in the natural pools. Or a loop ride (36 miles. 4277 ft.) through pretty villages like Puebla de Arenoso.
Thursday
Montanejos to Segorbe.
46 miles. 3998 ft. Nearing the end of our journey we head for the bustling town of Segorbe, but first we cross the Sierra d'Espalda, a spectacular area.
Friday
Segorbe to Valencia.
40 miles. 1161 ft. The last day, almost all downhill or flat. We ride along the Via Verde Ojos Negros, Spain's longest Via Verde. It was once a railway taking ore down to the port. We then ride back into Valencia along the Via Verde Xurra which we used at the start.
Saturday
Transfer from Valencia to Cocentaina.
Transfer to Cocentaina by motor vehicleto stay one night.
Sunday
Tour ends after breakfast.
Transfer to Alicante airport.