Mtn’s N’ Vlly’s

THE ROUTE: ~465 Miles | +38k Feet - 748 KMs | +11k Meters

Spain is a mountainous country, and Valencia & the Costa Blanca are no exception to that. The route is inspired by the sea of mountains and valleys covering the region from the mediterranean to the interior. Connected via legendary climbs and descents, this part of Spain built some of the best cyclists in the world, who train on the very same roads we will ride. 

Averaging 60 miles and 6000 ft a day, this week will be nothing short of epic. This 8 day tour connects the best climbs and descents in the area in a flow that emphasizes the best this area has to offer, and many hidden gems. You’ll venture through historic towns, witness epic views, and even perhaps share the road with the world’s best cyclists training for upcoming tours and races, you’ll be hooked.

Off the bike, we will indulge in the finest tapas, tostadas, coffee and multiple course dinners everyday, making sure that both your soul and stomach are full after each ride. 

We truly love these mountains and valleys, with tens of thousands of miles under our heels, we can say that we still yet to have our fill. 

Route Description

Day 1 - La Vall de Laguar | 60 Miles - 95 Kms | +5400ft - 1658m (short option available)

Our adventure begins in the heart of the Jalon Valley, home of the pros and their training grounds in preparation for the toughest races in the world and beyond. The valley is surrounded with world renowned roads in every direction, and we will ride the best of them.

Starting off the day, we ride out of town straight up towards Alt De Les Planisses, for a 20 mile loop before circling back through Xaló to pick up fellow tour rider who opted for the shorter version on our way to Vall d’Ebo.

After our descent into the charming village of Vall d’Ebo, we'll climb to the summit of Port de Vall d’Ebo, followed by a blast of a descent. Reaching Pego, we’ll stop for a light lunch afterwards we will navigate through the heart of the Marjal, the local wetlands renowned for their rich birdlife. Next, we'll tackle a short 3km climb up Port de Sorrells before heading back to town for a break before dinner.

Day 2 - Xaló to Penaguila (or Alcoi) | 65 Miles - 104 Kms | +6400ft - 1970m (short option available)

On the first transport day, we’ll descend through orange groves to the coast for a morning cup of coffee on the Mediterranean. Then, we'll route back from the coast of Gata de Gorgos and Lliber into the Jalón Valley on the way to tackle the infamous 6.5km Coll de Rates, a favorite among pro teams, which you’ll most likely share the road with. After that, we will ride through a scenic stretch to Puerto de Sa Creueta, we’ll descend the tight S bends to Castell de Castells for lunch. We’ll climb out towards Famorca and Facheca before heading along the Quatretondeta road, making its La Vuelta debut this summer. 

Continuing through Gorga, we’ll navigate a steep descent and ascent over to Penàguila. We can choose between two longer routes: the medium option climbs Port de Tudons (1,025m) from Alcoleja. At the same time, the more extended version ascends Port de Benafallim (1,010m) before a thrilling descent to Relleu and the climb to Tudons from the south. Both longer routes align with the standard route until 105km, so we can decide which to take later.

Day 3 - Penaguila to Bocairent (or Ontinyent) | 63 Miles - 101 Kms | +6900ft - 2100m (short option available)

Our second transportation day is going to be nothing short of magical. The views, food, and history is something to be looked forward to! We will have 3 route options, a medium, long and extra long, all three versions climb up the legendary La Carrasqueta. 

The main route (long) starts with a climb from town up to Port De Tudons, followed by a sweeping descent towards Relleu before the second climb of the day which takes us to the bottom of the legendary La Carrasqueta, a climb featured on La Vuelta 2023 (stage 8). At 15 km long, with the perfect coffee stop in the middle. At the top, we will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean sea (weather permitting!) before descending into Alcoy for Lunch. 

After lunch, we have one more climb that slowly sheds the bustle of the city behind as we ascend into the serene Serra De Mariola, a nature reserve that’s one of the area's best hidden secrets, before descending into the crown jewel of the tour, Bocairent, a town built on a giant rock, with homes carved all over into it. read all about it here

Day 4 - Bocairent to Xativa | 60 Miles - 96 Kms | +4,800ft - 1470m (short option available)

The day starts at the historic Bocairent behind the Sierra de Mariola, known for its stunning cave dwellings, carved from limestone, and its rich Moorish heritage. The village offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails, making it a perfect blend of history and outdoor adventure.

From there, we will undulate through one of the most scenic drives in the area, from Bocairent towards Muro De Alcoy. After which we will climb up to Benillup for a mountain stage before dropping down to Planes, for an optional coffee stop before climbing up and over Alt De Pinaro towards one of the best 16 km stretches of road in the valley! 

From Albaida we head north on quaint farm roads towards Xativa, where we will station ourselves for the next 2 nights and even more epic riding.

Day 5 - Moixent Loop | 62 Miles - 99 Kms | +5,400ft - 1600m (short option available)

This ride is a classic in the area, starting from the historical quarter in Xativa, we venture west towards the farmlands, passing through the small village of Novelle. From there, we take the backroads up and over the mountain through a bike lane with fantastic views of La Costera valley from above. 

From there we descend a bit before climbing the famous Port De Paller (read all about it here) up towards a small piece of heaven above the mountain. From the Summit, prepare for hands down one of the best descents of the trip that leads down to the town of Moixent where we will grab lunch ahead of the last big climb of the day. 

After lunch, head northwest up Port Cumbres de Valencia, a one of a kind, twisty and steep in sections passing through a few different climates. Starting from the bushlands in the valley and climbing up and through dense pine forests towards a village seemingly suspended in the skies, Navalon for a quick water refill. We continue towards the true summit, which leads us to a very well earned descent back into Xativa, 23 miles to be exact! 

The day ends with dinner at the best restaurant in town which also happens to be your accommodation for the night.

Day 6 - Dos Aguas Loop (Long day) | 89 Miles - 143 Kms | +6,600ft - 2000m

The highlight of our trip is the stunning and challenging Dos Aguas route, a classic ride from Xativa that features incredible climbs, breathtaking views, and unforgettable descents. We start by heading up to Sumacarcer for coffee and snacks at Ricardo’s, an unassuming café run by an ex-pro cyclist, filled with memorabilia from legends like Alberto Contador and he will likely tell you about his race against Lance Armstrong.

After our stop, we ascend into the highlands, passing through charming mountain villages. As we climb towards the nature reserve, we’ll likely have it all to ourselves. Once we reach the mountain’s edge, a massive canyon will unfold, revealing the distant Dos Aguas perched atop its rocky perch.

The descent into Dos Aguas is an experience in itself! Once there, we can choose to grab a snack or coffee, either in Dos Aguas or after the last climb in Catadau. With the big mountains behind us, we’ll return through the picturesque farmlands of La Costera Valley, hopping between quaint villages until we reach Xativa.

Day 7 - Xativa to Valencia | 59 Miles - 94 Kms | +2,280ft - 690m

Our last day together (for this tour at least!) starts from the amazing stay in Xativa, just below the Xativa Castle. We head east out of town on roads that are near and dear to our hearts. Heading down from the hotel we make our first stop of the day at the historical Fuente de los Veinticinco Chorros, to fill up our bottles of an amazing mountain sourced water that's been in use for hundreds of years. Located right across from the Islamic park and old walls of the city. 

Heading east out of town we pedal through a handful of small villages dotting the western foothills of the coastal mountains. Once at the junction we take the backdoor to Barx, a small village perched up in a high valley surrounded by a few mountain peaks such as the famous (and rather steep) Alt De Montduver. 

Once through Barx and near Port De Barx, a grand view of the narrow valley reveals itself, with the Mediterranean covering the horizon. Prepare for an amazing descent down to the valley. Just don’t send it too hard as there are 13 tight turns, so practice caution. 

Once down to the flat marshes, we ride through plenty of rice fields on our way to Cullera, an optional steep climb for those who want to take one last view from above. The rest of the ride is flat and runs through the Parc Natural de l'Albufera “The Lake”, a wet marshland. This is the homeland of Bomba rice used in the Paella and has been cultivated here for millennia and they still do to this day. 

Our last leg of the ride goes through a quick transition from quaint roads to a sudden change of scenery from country to city, finishing our tour at the world famous City of Arts & Sciences. 

Day 8 - Departure | 0 Miles but your soul will be full

After breakfast and coffee at the hotel, we will pack up your bikes, and bid farewell until the next tour together.

ITINERARY: 

1. April 30th - Arrive at Xaló

2. May 1st - La Vall de Laguar Ride

3. May 2nd - Xaló to Penaguila (or Alcoy)

4. May 3rd - Penaguila to Bocairent

5. May 4th - Bocairent to Xativa

6. May 5th - Moixent Ride

7. May 6th - Dos Aguas (Long Day in the saddle!)

8. May 7th - Xativa to Valencia

9. May 8th - Morning coffee and farewells

Cost: 8-night accommodation package €2500 per person

• 8 nights of accommodation  

• Daily luggage transfers between locations  

• 7 fully guided rides with support vehicle assistance  

• All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner  

• A welcome pack upon arrival  

• Daily bike maintenance provided by our team

Notes:

• The package price is based on double occupancy in a twin room.  

• A single supplement for the accommodation package is available for an additional €300 per person.  

• Optional 8-day road bike rental: starting at €250.  

• Optional airport transfers: starting at €120 per person (to Xaló from Valencia or Alicante airports).