Costa Blanca Mediterranean and Mountains, Easter Special.
28 March - 11 April 2026:
This is a three-centre ride, Denia, Cocentaina and Gandia, two stops on the Mediterranean coast and one inland. This will give us the opportunity to explore a large area, enjoying the beaches and mountains in just two weeks. We will also be able to witness the moving Easter parades in Cocentaina,
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Saturday
Arrival
Transfer from Alicante airport and arrive in Denia.
Sunday
Denia Castle and Javea
Visit Denia Castle in the morning then ride to Javea where we can have lunch at a seafront restaurant. Climb the iconic Montgo to return to Denia.
27 miles (43kms), 1675ft (511 metres) of ascent.
Note: Montgo climb details - 1.4 miles (2.2 kms), average grade 6.7%.
Monday
Bernia
The Bernia is an iconic mountain range. We will have coffee at Jalon then climb the Bernia itself before having lunch in a typical Spanish village
Bernia circuit – 53 miles (85kms), 3395 ft (1035 metres).
Note: Bernia climb details - 7.4 miles (11.9 kms), average grade 3.8%.
Tuesday
Denia to Cocentaina
Heading deeper inland we are now in hillier country. We climb gradually higher until reaching Margarida, where the ride gets a little easier. We arrive at the historic town of Cocentaina, site of the oldest fair in Spain which has been running since 1346.
42 miles (67kms) 3496 ft (1065 metres).
Wednesday
Beniarres lake circuit
Cocentaina to Beniarres lake. We will take a short circular ride around the lake and over the dam at Beniarres.
26 miles (42kms), 2200 ft (670 metres).
Thursday
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.
Friday
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%.
Saturday
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%.
Sunday
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%.
Monday
Bocairent
Bocairent is a picturesque town just over the border from Alicante into Valencia. We make use of a former railway line on the return journey.
30 miles, (50kms),2125 ft (648 metres),
Tuesday
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%.
Wednesday
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%.
Thursday
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).
Friday
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).