El Comtat, Spain's Hidden Gem
25 April - 9 May 2026:
El Comtat is a county of Spain with the town of Cocentaina as its capital. The area is surrounded by Natural Parks such as the Sierra Mariola and Font Roja. Mountains and valleys cross the area, with each valley having its own distinct character. Oranges are completely absent on one side of the Benicadell mountain range, yet abundant on the other side. Almonds, cherries and of course, olives grow almost everywhere. The daily distances are mostly quite short, although we will always have a fair bit of climbing to do. Most of the climbs are not too steep however, averaging around 5% grade. This two-week, fixed base ride gets to visit every corner of the area, visiting quaint villages and sweeping valleys.
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Saturday
Arrival
Transfer from Alicante airport and arrive in Cocentaina.
Sunday
Beniarres.
Ride around the local lake and over the dam. Visit remote villages such as Almudaina. 24 miles. 1760ft.
Monday
Bocairent.
The historic town of Bocairent is just over the border in Valencia. We return on an old railway line (paved). 30 miles. 2125ft.
Tuesday
Ibi.
We take another former railway line through the city of Alcoy, with spectacular views over the Natural Park of Font Roja. 25 miles. 1775ft. .
Wednesday
Water Route.
Through local villages to visit the dam at Beniarres and the Albufera at Gaianes, a natural marshland and wildlife sanctuary. 24 miles. 1357ft.
Thursday
Lorcha
A delightful easy ride to Lorcha for coffee or a bite to eat before returning on the Via Verde del Serpis (mostly paved but with some gravel). 28 miles. 1810ft.
Friday
Free day.
Day off. Visit the nearby city of Alcoy, walk up to Cocentaina castle, or just relax.
Saturday
Ibi again.
By road this time. As we descend to Alcoi there are spectacular views over the city. 38 miles. 3468ft.
Sunday
Tollos
A ride around small villages tucked away in a quiet corner of Spain. 29 miles 3192ft.
Monday
Short ride.
A short easy ride around local villages. 21 miles 1950ft.
Tuesday
Port de Tudons.
A lovely gentle climb (although with a few short steep sections) takes us to the Port de Tudons, a very popular destination for cyclists all over the area. A mostly downhill ride on the way back. 24 miles. 2963ft.
Wednesday
Local circuit.
A short, gentle potter around the local area. 20 miles. 1850ft.
Thursday
Quatretondeta
This ride takes us through Quatretondeta, a tiny village which was the setting for a Spanish feature film. 29 miles. 3316ft.
Friday
Back of Benicadell.
Another day with plenty of climbing as we circumnavigate the iconic Benicadell mountain, which shows a different shape from all angles. 50 miles. 3849ft
Saturday
Tour ends after breakfast.
Ride ends, transfer to airport.