Spain – Alicante to Valencia Eurovelo Greenways Bike Tour

Welcome to Alicante, a city where the Mediterranean spirit comes alive. With its vibrant coastal atmosphere, sun‑drenched promenades, and rich cultural heritage, Alicante is the perfect place to begin your cycling adventure. Before you set out on the bike, take time to immerse yourself in the city’s charm: stroll along the palm‑lined Explanada de España, explore the historic Santa Bárbara Castle perched high above the sea, or simply relax by the port as the sun sets behind the iconic Mount Benacantil.

Cultural Highlight: Alicante is famous for its festivals, especially the Hogueras de San Juan in June, when the city celebrates with bonfires, fireworks, and parades—a tradition deeply tied to Mediterranean culture.

Overnight: Alicante

The day begins with a private transfer to the start of the Maigmó Greenway, setting the stage for the most demanding ride of the journey. Leaving the sparkling Mediterranean coast behind, you’ll venture inland toward the heart of the peninsula. The Greenway, originally built to connect Alcoy with Alicante, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historic engineering.

As the scenery shifts, the coastline gives way to fragrant pine forests and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll cross remarkable structures such as the Forn del Vidre viaducts (140 m) and the impressive Palomaret viaduct (200 m), both testaments to the ingenuity of the region’s railway heritage. Cultural Highlight: The inland towns of this region are known for their traditional ceramics and crafts, a legacy of Moorish influence that continues today in local workshops.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 38 km / 24 mi, +650 m
Overnight: Castalla / Biar

After a hearty breakfast, today’s ride offers a chance to recover and regain strength on a gentler stage as we make our way to Alcoy. The route unfolds alongside the Carrascal de la Fuente Roja Natural Park, a protected area known for its stunning Mediterranean landscapes. As you pedal, you’ll be surrounded by fragrant pine and oak forests, rolling hills, and sweeping views that showcase the park’s natural beauty. This stage is less demanding than the previous day, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a more relaxed pace while still experiencing the charm of Spain’s diverse terrain.

Cultural Highlight: Alcoy is renowned for its Moors and Christians Festival, one of Spain’s most spectacular celebrations, commemorating medieval battles with elaborate costumes, parades, and reenactments.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 45 km / 28 miles, +450 m
Overnight: Alcoy

Today’s ride brings us back toward the sea, with Gandía as our destination. The route follows the Serpis River, winding gently through valleys once traversed by the historic railway to Villalonga. This scenic stretch offers a pleasant rhythm, with the river guiding your path between lush landscapes and rolling hills.

As you approach Gandía, the Mediterranean comes back into view, welcoming you with its coastal charm. Here, you’ll find a city rich in culture and gastronomy—be sure to sample the region’s famous Fideuá, a traditional noodle‑based seafood dish that originated in Gandía and remains one of its culinary treasures.

Cultural Highlight: Gandía is home to the Ducal Palace of the Borja family, a stunning Gothic‑Renaissance building that reflects the city’s powerful history and connection to one of Spain’s most influential dynasties.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 55 km / 34 mi, +250 m
Overnight: Gandía

After breakfast in Gandía, today’s ride takes you on a beautiful journey through wetlands, orange groves, and fruit orchards, offering a refreshing change of scenery. As you pedal, the landscape gradually transitions into the first rice fields of the Albufera Natural Park, a region famous for its biodiversity and traditional agriculture. Your destination is Cullera, where you’ll be greeted by the dramatic sight of a massive stone hill crowned by its historic castle, overlooking the town and the sea. Below, a long stretch of golden beach invites you to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere—a perfect reward after a day of cycling through such varied landscapes.

Cultural Highlight: Cullera’s castle dates back to the 10th century and reflects the region’s Moorish heritage. The town is also known for its traditional rice dishes, closely tied to the fertile fields of the Albufera.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 35 km / 22 mi, +20 m or longer
Overnight: Cullera

Your final day of pedaling is a celebratory ride, full of beauty and anticipation. The route leads you through wetlands and rice fields that stretch alongside the Mediterranean Sea, offering a peaceful rhythm and a glimpse into the agricultural traditions of the region. You’ll cycle past some of the finest beaches in southern Valencia, where natural dunes still protect the coastline and preserve its timeless charm. As the journey draws to a close, you’ll enter Valencia in spectacular fashion—arriving at the striking City of Arts and Sciences, a modern architectural masterpiece and your first introduction to this vibrant city. It’s a fitting finale: a ride that blends nature, tradition, and innovation, leaving you with lasting impressions of Spain’s diverse landscapes.

Cultural Highlight: Valencia is the birthplace of paella, Spain’s most iconic dish, traditionally prepared with rice from the Albufera fields. The city also boasts a rich blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and futuristic architecture, symbolizing its dynamic spirit.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 55 km / 34 mi, +50 m
Overnight: Valencia

After breakfast, your cycling adventure comes to an end—a chance to reflect on the miles covered, the landscapes explored, and the memories created. Onward travel and departure are on your own, with Valencia easily accessible by train for connections across Spain. For those wishing to extend their stay, extra nights in Valencia can be arranged, offering more time to enjoy the city’s culture, history, and cuisine.

Meals: breakfast