Spain is a cycling destination par excellence. We previously wrote about cycling paradise Mallorca and about Tenerife as beautiful 'year-round' destinations. A slightly better-known destination is the Costa Blanca. The region around Alicante, especially Calpe, is very popular among cyclists. Many pro teams store their winter training camp in this region. Because of the good roads, good temperatures and also the beautiful climbs, you can fully enjoy this region as a cyclist. The riders will finish on the Balcon d'Alicante, in itself a cool challenge. We asked our friends from Allure Bike rental for great tips and not unexpectedly the following col came out of it! Hereby 5x tips for cycling on the Costa Blanca!
Coll de Rates
If any climb is synonymous with the Costa Blanca, it is he twel the Coll de Rates. Measured all the way from the start, the climb is 14km long and it can be climbed from two sides. The percentages will not scare an average pro rider. And that's precisely why it's a great training climb. Warm up the legs and have a good last stretch. With a maximum of 8% at the north side and 9% at the south side, a perfect way to get used to the steeper work.
Coll de Rates, Bolulla, Spain
- Distance: 14 km, Elevation: 533 m, Avg. Grade: 4.8 %
North side: Parcent
From the north, the route starts from the Jalón valley, Benissa or the village of Parcent. Parcent is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is one of the eight villages that collectively belong to El Vall del Pop. It is quiet here in terms of traffic, making this side very inviting. As mentioned, this side is definitely not steep, with a maximum of 8% and it goes up very gradually. So a fine climb for anyone to ride. An additional advantage: you have stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea at lots of points. So you don't arrive at the top completely worn out and the views are beautiful too!
South Side: Callosa d´en Sarrià
The southern side of the Coll de Rates is less known (or perhaps less popular). It starts in the village of Callosa d'en Sarrià. Many cyclists will see this side mainly downhill, but this side is also fun to do. Here you have a longer route at 19km, there are also bits of descents in it, but the climb is also a bit more irregular and thus has a higher peak at 9%. After about six kilometres on this side, the steeper stuff starts, which lasts for about six kilometres. Then it goes down again for a while and the last 1500m are nice and regular at 6% up. This climb also owes its popularity mainly to its central location in relation to Calpe, Denia, Benidorm and other towns nearby. That is, of course, nice
Suffering pain squared
Spain is known for its 'goat trails'. Better said, climbs like the Angliru, Lagos de Covatilla, Lagos de Covadonga. That you ask yourself: who wants to ride up here at all on a bike? Or by car? If you go cycling on the Costa Blanca, you can also indulge yourself. On the Serra de Bernia, it is pure enjoyment (or suffering). Not to be confused with the (simpler) Puerto de Bernia, which you can combine well with a climb of the Coll de Rates.
No, this semi goat trail is a dead-end, or up is also down again. You start with a bit of a warm-up between five and nine per cent the first stretch. But after that it's steep, steeper steeper. It clocks off at 11.9% on average over 5.4 km. With 3.5 kilometres to go, it's only 14% or higher what you encounter with an outlier to 18%. The legs are already aching. But that view...magnificent. You'll take a look at that too, because you'll need to recover for a while.
Sierra de Bernia, Altea, Spain
- Distance: 5 km, Elevation: 600 m, Avg. Grade: 12.1 %
Balcon de Alicante
The Balcon de Alicante features more often in the Vuelta a España. The balcony, that all sounds very friendly, but looking at the map, it will (could) be spectacle. Overall, it's only 4.4 kilometres and at the end of the day, the profile says it's 8.9% average. But that includes quite a bit of downhill at 2%. Again, the maximum percentage is 18% and it will be raking between 4kilometres and 1 kilometre from the finish for many. But again, the views are stunning
Tips for cycling on the Costa Blanca
Of course, we have now given you 5 tips for cycling. But what else is useful to know?
- Bike rental: There are a huge number of parties on the island that can help you get a bike. Check out the possibilities via Allure Bike Rental Or you can check out Alta Bike Rental, by Kurt Caboor.
- Your best bet is to fly to Alicante. There are many direct flights available, especially in spring
- Calpe, Altea and Moraira are favourite places for pro teams to set up their winter training camp there. You will also find many cycling hotels here
- Pay attention to traffic. Two things that are important:
- English tourists forgetting they are not in England and turning the wrong side of the road
- Trucks chasing by on the main road. Stay alert to that and also prefer to take a light with you.
Want to know even more about this beautiful destination? Then also read the story of Ruth On her visit to this region.
