Every year, thousands of recreational and professional cyclists flock to Calpe. From this tourist coastal town, you can enjoy fantastic cycling and training in the sun in the winter, which is why a cycling holiday (or training camp) to Calpe is on the agenda for many cyclists every year. It’s the place to escape the cold, train on fantastic roads and popular climbs, and spot professional cyclists getting ready for the new season. Do you also want to cycle in Calpe and are you curious about what the surroundings have to offer? What is the best time of year to visit, where to stay, and what are the best cycling routes? Then read on quickly and discover all the ins and outs about Calpe as a ‘Cycling Destination’.
Text and photography by Maks Groeneveld and Jeffrey Wiese
What makes Calpe so popular among cyclists?
For decades, Calpe has been a favorite among professional cycling teams for training during the winter months. And it’s not for nothing; the climate ensures excellent conditions for training. Warm and dry winters. It remains sunny and temperatures remain around 10-12 degrees during the coldest month. By now, the destination has also been a favorite among recreational runners for years. With the Alicante airport is just around the corner Calpe is easy to reach and the infrastructure is excellent, which means that as a cyclist you have plenty of options. You can find numerous popular routes online and almost every road is well-accessible. Even on busier roads like the N-332, there are no problems. Motorists respectfully towards cyclists. There are strict rules, such as that cars must overtake cyclists at a distance of one and a half meters. That’s so safe!
Read more about the gravels in the area around Calpe here!
Calpe as a training location for professional athletes
Many professional cycling teams train in Calpe and the surrounding area in the winter. Many teams stay in bike-friendly hotels like Diamante Beach, where the parking lot is filled with team vans during the winter months. During your rides over popular climbs like the Coll de Rates, you will undoubtedly be overtaken by pros who shine in major races in the summer months. In December, the riders still ride in their ‘old’ clothes. Starting January 1st, the riders are allowed to ride with the outfits and bikes from the new season. At the end of January, many professional riders will start training in other areas to prepare for the cooler spring classics. You will then see mainly recreational riders or smaller groups of professional riders in the region.
The best hiking trails from Calpe
It is perhaps the most famous training climb in Europe; the Coll de Rates. Climbing via the Parcent side and descending to Tàrbena is the most popular route. Try driving this route on weekdays; on a nice weekend day, you’ll also share the road with many motorcyclists and cars. On weekdays, you’ll mostly see cyclists around you. You almost feel like you’re in a real life Zwift!
Another recommended option is the Ascent to Port de Bèrnia, This is a beautiful loop that starts and ends in Jalón/Xaló. Climb it best counter-clockwise. You will then travel about 470 meters in altitude in 12.5 kilometers. The descent is steep on some stretches, but don't forget to take in the beautiful sea views every now and then.
Read here the story of Ruth Koops of ‘t Jagt and Tim Sinke about cycling on the Costa Blanca.
A race bike rental in the vicinity of Calpe
Many cyclists choose to rent a bike on a cycling holiday. The choice of bike rental companies in Calpe and the surrounding area is huge. For example, you can find Allure Bike Rental Just deliver your rental bike to your holiday address. In addition, they also offer extra services, such as help with any problems along the way. That way, you’ll be off the road with extra peace of mind!
When to cycle in Calpe?
In December you’ll mostly see many (professional) teams around Calpe. In January, more smaller teams and recreational cyclists will come to the region. As a result, the region will become busier. In late January, many professional riders will start training in other areas to prepare for the colder spring classics. If you enjoy spotting professional riders, then you’d better go on a cycling holiday to Calpe in December or early January.
Do you want some more peace and quiet on the roads and to escape the cold at home? Then go in February. It will get busier around March, April and May.
Calpe is known as a cycling destination in the winter, but it’s also a great place to spend time outside the cold months. The summer can be hot, but in the morning you can usually cycle well. After your ride, you can seek refreshment in the sea.
You can still enjoy cycling in Calpe in the autumn. It’s quieter in the area then. The advantages of a cycling holiday to Calpe in the autumn are that it’s a bit cooler than in the summer, you’re out of the summer and winter crowds, and the seawater is still warm enough for a refreshing swim.
Other cycling destinations on the Costa Blanca; Altea, Benidorm, Jalón or Dénia
Calpe is an ideal base for cyclists, but nearby cities and villages also have plenty to offer for cyclists. For example, many cycling teams choose to base themselves in coastal towns like Benidorm and Torrevieja. Altea to stay (for example in Bike-friendly hotel Cap Negrat). But there are more possibilities. When you stay inland more, like in the Jalon Valley, You can go in many more directions. From Jalón/Xalo (B&B Good Idea is a must-see) you are in a snap on the Coll de Rates (ok, on foot of course) and you have many options for routes towards the somewhat flatter north (in the direction of Dénia). Moving inland, you have a bit more options. When you stay in Calpe, you have fewer options for roads to cycle to the popular climbing routes. You usually cycle around the city using roughly the same route.
Think of it too Benidorm As a base if you want a cycling holiday near Calpe. Accommodations here can be a little cheaper in the winter months, and popular routes are still easily accessible. Additionally, the surroundings of Benidorm have a lot to offer for cyclists once you’ve gotten away from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm itself. Think of the Puerto de Tudons; a well-known climb from the Tour of Spain. From Benidorm, you can cycle on both well-known and lesser-known routes.
Questions & tips
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