Mini Mediterranean and Mountains.
19 - 27 March 2027:
This tour is based on our popular 2 week tours also called Mediterranean and Mountains, We start and finish in Denia to allow us to pick up and drop off hire bikes, and spend 6 days inland at El Comtat. 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. 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.
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Friday
Arrival
Transfer from Alicante airport and arrive in Denia to collect hire bikes. Stay one night in Denia.
Saturday
Denia to Cocentaina.
Collect hire bikes if not already done so. Then ride up the Vall de Galinera, a long but steady climb to take us into the heart of the El Comtat area. 64 kms, (40 miles). 1038 metres, (3405 ft.).
Sunday
Benifallim.
The ride takes us towards the Sierra Mariola before heading to the typically Spanish village of Penaguila. We then climb steadily to Benifallim before making our way to Alcoy, threading our way through the city on a dedicated cycle path.. 41 kms, (26 miles). 739 metres, (2424 ft.).
Monday
Bocairent
We head for the historic town of Bocairent, one of the most visited towns in the Valencia region. We return along a former railway line before ending with a spectacular descent. 46 kms, (28 miles). 515 metres, (1689 ft.).
Tuesday
Ibi.
In the 1930s a railway line was built to connect Alcoy with Alicante. It is now a popular cycling and walking route called the Alcoy Via Verde. We will take this towards Ibi, then return on what was the old main road, now very quiet due to the motorway built nearby. 59 kms, (36 miles. 938 metres (3077 ft.).
Wednesday
Beniarres Lake Circuit.
The lake at Beniarres, actually a reservoir, is our destination for today. The dam holds back the River Serpis and the water provides hydroelectric power and irrigation. 42 kms, (26 miles. 606 metres, (1988 ft.).
Thursday
Free day.
Day off. Visit the nearby city of Alcoy, walk up to Cocentaina castle, or just relax.
Friday
Cocentaina to Denia
We return to Denia via the Coll de Rates, quite a challenging ride but well worth it. The restaurant gives us spectacular views down to the Mediterranean Sea. 83 kms, (51 miles). 1233 metres, 4045 ft.).
Saturday
Tour ends after breakfast.
Transfer to Alicante airport.