Whether you can gravelling from the north side of the Costa Blanca in Spain? We actually thought not. When cyclists think of the Costa Blanca, they probably think mainly of the well-maintained roads and beautiful climbs where many a pro and recreational cyclist trains for the upcoming cycling season. That is also how we knew the area after having been here by road bike before. But this year is different; we are passing through the Costa Blanca with our motorhome and gravel bikes. Time to find out if we can make nice gravel routes on the Costa Blanca!
Text by Maks Groeneveld / Photography by Maks Groeneveld and Jeffrey Wiese
Gravelling on the Costa Blanca, a good idea?
The southern side of the Costa Blanca - around Alicante - actually has more to offer the gravel biker. In that area, you will encounter more narrow, less well-maintained roads leading to fine gravel roads outside built-up areas. The situation is different on the north side; in that region, the roads are either in top condition or you will find trails that require a good bit of technique even on a mountain bike. Think singletracks with lots of loose stones. Actually, these are more like hiking trails.
But note; we have found that there are are actually opportunities for cool gravel routes on the Costa Blanca! We created three routes. We ourselves started from the village of Alfas del Pi, but as Benidorm and Altea are more popular destinations with more accommodation, we have already adjusted the starting locations so that the routes are easy to drive to. Of course, you can start the routes wherever you like.
Also read more about cycling on the Costa Blanca here.
Gravel route 1: winding to the reservoir and back past Benidorm
This route soon takes you up a fantastic, quiet road - the CV-758 from Benidorm. We saw almost no cyclists here, which we found unimaginable because what a fine road this is! Although this is a beautiful, paved road for cycling, we like the idea of getting to nice areas quickly this way and having done some mileage. We end up on the side of the hills where there is a bit more rain and we notice it, as it is a lot greener here.
After about 8 kilometres on this beautiful road, you pick up a nice stretch of gravel. This stretch is not recommended after a rainy day, by the way. Our tyres completely sank into the clay mud. Normally, this is undoubtedly a beautiful strip. You can continue the route here unpaved, but when we heard some dogs barking very loudly and aggressively (from behind a fence) we decided to reverse the route just to be on the safe side and cycle via the motorway to the next beautiful path. In principle, you can cycle with the dogs via a singletrack along the fence, but in this case we were happy to share the 'dog-proof' route with you. The choice is yours.
And then comes the best part of the route! Just before crossing river 'Riu de Sella' you steer onto a narrow winding road. And this is where it is really enjoyable! Short climbs alternate with mostly lots of descents. Logical too, as you keep following the narrow (otherwise invisible) riverbed towards the reservoir. The gravel path along the clear blue reservoir 'Embalse del Amadorio' offers fantastic views. After the reservoir, you are over halfway along the route. You cycle along a narrow country road, and via a small tunnel you go under the AP-7. From here you cycle alternately over industrial areas, but also over gravel lanes along the railway line, towards Benidorm. You'll see the tall buildings coming closer and closer, and you'll notice that you're entering more touristy areas again.
Gravel route 2: gravel ride towards Castell de Guadalest
This gravel route leads you via gravel to La Nucia, and just north of the town of Polop it's time for almost 10 kilometres of gravel! At the time we were cycling here, all the roads in this area were in good condition. Do expect lots of loose stones, but with 45 mm tyres, this is perfectly doable. This is a route that will really surprise you; how is there such a nice gravel area in the middle of the famous cycling route to Castell de Guadalest?
At about 20 kilometres into the route, you drive up the road. You will then find yourself on the motorway leading to Castell de Guadalest. This picturesque village is best known for its beautiful location between the mountains and the Castell de Guadalest castle', which is built on top of a cliff. The castle dates back to the Moorish era (11th century). Although part of the castle has been damaged by earthquakes and wars, the remains are still beautiful to see. You can view the castle after taking a narrower path towards the reservoir. Cycle up and down the dam for the best views after you continue your route along the reservoir. Tip: you can also cycle all the way around the reservoir! This is a nice, paved path that can have some loose stones, so it is recommended to do this on a gravel bike. Just continue the path over the dam, and then you'll end up back on the route in the colourful village of Beniardà.
The route takes you to Castell de Guadalest, where you can have a good coffee or tapas stop. You then descend via the motorway.
Gravel route 3: Adventurous route with views of Puig Campana
Gravel route 3 is perhaps the most beautiful, and certainly the most adventurous, of the three. The route - like the first route - takes you through the village of Finestrat on the beautiful CV-758 motorway coming from Benidorm. In Finestrat, you don't cycle straight ahead now, but turn into nature. From there, you ride alternately on narrow paved lanes on which you can make good kilometres, and beautiful gravel lanes. It is a beautiful route that takes you straight through nature. You literally drive a lap around the Puig Campana. At 1,406 metres, it is the second highest mountain in Alicante province. Cycling up is unfortunately not possible, but luckily we found this beautiful route where you can literally admire the mountain from all sides!
You end up on the road you descend from Castell de Guadalest in route two. From this road, you soon turn left. That road takes you to the same gravel paths you climbed up in route two. You imagine yourself in the middle of beautiful nature for almost the entire route. And not insignificantly: This route is also completely dogproof. We mention it because those who go off the beaten track and seek adventure may well come face to face with some less friendly four-legged friends.
See the mountain area in the background in the photos above? You cycle all the way around that via gravel route 3!
