Part of Spain
Cycling in Alicante – Costa Blanca
About the Region of Alicante – Costa Blanca
The province of Alicante, with the eponymous capital located on the picturesque Costa Blanca, is a top destination for cyclists. The region combines beautiful views with varied terrain that is challenging for professionals but also accessible for beginners. With a pleasant, mild climate that allows you to cycle through the winter and an abundance of well-maintained roads, Alicante attracts both professional cycling teams and recreational cyclists every year. It is the perfect training location for preparing for a season. Additionally, you can experience the authentic Spain here, with its typical villages, the coast, the food, and especially the wine! The province of Alicante has it all!
The mix of mountains and coastal landscapes makes Alicante attractive to cyclists of all levels. The roads are generally in excellent condition and the traffic is often cyclist-friendly, especially in the outlying areas. Moreover, the region offers numerous accommodations and bike rental services that are tailored to the needs of cyclists.
The mild Mediterranean climate means that you can cycle here almost all year round. The winters are mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 15 degrees Celsius, while the summers are warm but not too hot thanks to the sea breezes. Especially in spring and autumn, the conditions are ideal for long days on the saddle.
The Alicante region is actually synonymous with the Costa Blanca, although Alicante is larger than the coastal region alone. The Costa Blanca is the training ground for professional cyclists and female cyclists, who in the winter months like to tackle the Coll de Rates or the Puerto de Bernia. Around Denia, Benidorm and Moraira, you’ll see the well-groomed pros and wannabes trying to keep the wheel in control.
Due to the popularity among professional teams and the fact that Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel have settled there, it’s a bit of seeing and being seen. The number of bike cafes with perfect latte/espresso/flat whites and the ‘perfect apple pie’ are exploding. Aside from that, this part of Spain is beautiful to cycle in and does not detract from the other parts.
In Alicante and the surrounding area, you have several bike rental companies. Below are some of the ones we have experience with:
Allure Bike RentalHigh-quality bicycles. They have years of experience, are Dutch, and it’s a good place to rent and have your bikes fixed. Also read their tips about the region: 5x tips for cycling on the Costa Blanca
Cycling FriendlyOrganization that offers rental of quality bicycles throughout Spain. They are also affiliated with a number of bike hotels in the region. In those hotels they are responsible for everything, including the bike storage facilities, bike wash, etc.
We have also used the bicycles of Alta Bike Rental, run by the Belgian cycling fan Kurt Caboor. A must-read, as you can also read here.
Based on research, we have compiled a list of accommodations that are attractive to cyclists. Here are some suggestions:
Alicante offers numerous accommodations tailored to the needs of cyclists. Many hotels and apartments offer facilities such as secure bicycle storage, repair kits, and information about local routes. Some recommended accommodations include:
- Hotel Cap Negret: A reference hotel for cyclists with the GOLD “Cycling Friendly” certificate, located in Altea.
- AR Diamante Beach Spa****: Located in Calpe, this hotel offers extensive facilities for cyclists and is ideally situated for both race and mountain bike routes.
Must-do things in Alicante
- Distance: 6.5 kmAverage elevation gain: 5%
Description: One of the most popular climbs in the region, known for its hairpin bends and panoramic views. This climb is a favorite among both local cyclists and professionals. - Distance: 6.5 km
- Average Increment Rate: 5%
- Description: One of the most popular climbs in the region, known for its hairpin turns and panoramic views. This climb is a favorite among both local cyclists and professionals.
Partner on the Costa Blanca
Costa Velo is the local guide for cyclists on the Costa Blanca: routes and climbs, bike rental, accommodation, bike cafés and transfers from the airports of Alicante and Valencia. See Costa Velo →
Costa Blanca in the winter
Around Calpe, Altea and Dénia, it’s usually 16 to 20 degrees during the day in winter, and rain is rare. That’s exactly why so many professional teams hold their training camps here in December and January: you share the climbs to Tàrbena, Guadalest and the Vall d’Ebo during those months with half-packed groups. The interior is rugged and quiet, the coast flat and busier. The best of two worlds: climbing in the mountains in the morning, a terrace by the sea in the afternoon.
Starting point: Calpe
Calpe is located in the middle of the mountains, with the Peñón de Ifach rock as a landmark. There are many bike rental companies and hotels that are designed for cyclists. Our bike routes from Calpe, from the coastal tour along Moraira to the Queen's Tour to Tàrbena, can be found in the route overview at the bottom of this page.
What do you need to bring?
- Arm warmers and a wind jacket for the descents from the interior.
- A compact gearboxThe climbs are not long, but sometimes steep.
- Sunburn, Also in January.
When are you leaving?
How do you get there?
Fly to Alicante: there are direct flights from Schiphol and Eindhoven all year round. From the airport you are in Calpe in about an hour.
This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.
Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.
Travel tips
- Best Travel Time: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling. In summer, it is advisable to cycle early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat. In winter, it is also pleasant, but you will need to bring along long sleeve shirts and/or long sleeves. The weather can also sometimes be bad for days due to a cloud cover nearby. But hey, that can happen anywhere.
- In the summer, it is advisable to cycle early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat.
- In the winter it is also pleasant, but you will need to bring along sleeve covers and/or long sleeves. Sometimes the weather can be bad for days due to a cloud area hanging nearby. But that can happen anywhere, of course.
- Traffic information: Although Alicante has more and more bike paths, you often share the road with cars. Be alert and follow the traffic rules.
- Bike rental: There are numerous bike rental companies that offer high-quality racing bikes. Reservations are recommended, especially during the high season.
- Drink plenty of water, especially in the summer: Bring enough water with you, especially during longer rides, and fill your water bottles in the villages you pass through.
- Bring your own bike, or rent one from a quality provider so you can be sure you’re comfortable on your bike. You can read more tips on this here.
