Alicante province, with its capital of the same name, located on the scenic Costa Blanca, is a top destination for road cyclists. The region combines stunning views with varied terrain that is challenging for the pros but also accessible to beginners. With a fine, mild climate that allows you to cycle into 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 as preparation for a season. Besides, you can still experience authentic Spain here, with its typical villages, coast, food and, above all, wine! The Alicante region has it!
Why cycle in Alicante?
The mix of mountains and coastal scenery makes Alicante attractive to road cyclists of all levels. The roads are generally in excellent condition and traffic is often cycle-friendly, especially in the outlying areas. Moreover, the region offers numerous accommodations and bike rentals geared to the needs of cyclists.
The mild Mediterranean climate means you can cycle here almost all year round. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 15 degrees, while summers are warm but not too hot thanks to sea breezes. Especially in spring and autumn, conditions are ideal for long days in 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 of professional cyclists, who like to tackle the Coll de Rates or the Puerto de Bernia in the winter months. Around Denia, Benidorm and Moraira, you stumble over the shapely pros and wannabes, trying to keep the wheel.
With its popularity with pro teams and the fact that Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel have settled there, it is a little bit of see and be seen. The number of cycling cafés with perfect latte/espresso/flat whites and the 'perfect apple pie' are popping up like mushrooms. Other than that, this part of Spain is wonderful for cycling and one does not detract from the other.
In Alicante and the surrounding area, you have several bike rental organisations. Below are some that we also have experience with:
Allure Bike Rental
High-quality bikes. They have years of experience, are Dutch and it is a good place to rent bikes and get them fixed. Also read their tips on the region: 5x tips for cycling on the Costa Blanca
Cycling Friendly
Organisation offering rentals of quality bikes all over Spain. They are also associated with a number of bike hotels in the region. In those hotels, they are responsible for everything, including bike sheds, bike wash, etc.
We ourselves also used the bikes from Alta Bike Rental, run by Belgian cycling enthusiast Kurt Caboor. Highly recommended, as you can also read here.
Based on research, we have compiled a list of accommodations that are attractive to cyclists. The following are some suggestions:
Alicante offers plenty of accommodation tailored to the needs of cyclists. Many hotels and flats offer facilities such as secure bike storage, repair kits and information on local routes. Some recommended accommodations include:
Coll de Rates
Alto de Aitana
Xorret de Catí
Of course, Alicante has some unmissable routes.
We have posted some of them on our Komoot page (see below).
Of course, Alicante has some unmissable routes. The Tourism Office's website explains them in detail. We have also posted them on our Komoot page (see below).
