Altea to Castell de Castells for lunch. 90km 2000m+

From Altea we climb to La Nucia through rolling terrain lined with fruit trees. The road feels so smooth under each pedal stroke and cyclists are the only traffic this winter sun drenched morning. There are 2 small groups on the road with Ciclo Magic today. The faster group glide ahead and pursue a route towards Puerto de Confrides. A big climbing day.

Continuing at a moderate pace our group travels onward and near Bolulla the landscape becomes more striking. Suddenly rocky outcrops dominate. We begin the ascent to Tarbena where riders can choose to test their legs. A few riders click through the gears and shoot ahead. As the road steepens again, we are close within the trees and climb up towards open and incredibly beautiful views of the hilltop town, mountain landscape and Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

At the top we re-group. The last riders take a short breather before we continue over Puerto de Sa Creueta (780m) to Castell de Castells for lunch. A rural Valencian hotel serving delicious bocadillos, tostadas, sweet treats and more.

A long flowing fun descent follows and as we approach the base of the climb of Col de Rates (625m), the November scent of citrus fruit trees hangs in the air. In a moment of synaesthesia everything is in balance and again we climb. Stunning views over the Jalon Valley and to reach as far as the Montgo Natural Park. We re-group at the top and descend within a backdrop of picturesque agricultural terraces, before a brief ascent and a long descent to Callosa d’en Sarria and further rolling to Altea seafront where we finish with a celebratory drink on the seafront. Perfect winter sun cycling.

 

Ride this route and many more on one of our Altea Hotel Breaks, Spain. All abilities welcome.