The best of Valencian region

Day 1:  Arrival in Biar
You arrive in Biar, a city well-endowed in heritage sites and crowned by its fanciful 12^th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes. You can wander around its old quarter with its maze of narrow streets and discover, at our leisure, many quaint squares and churches, etc. How about trying some local fare in one of the many bars and restaurants?

Day 2:  Biar – Bocairent. 27-32 Km
You make use of the route provided by a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and forest area as we approach Banyeres de Mariola. Continuing on flat terrain and bordering the natural enclave known as paraje natural de la Serra de Mariola that in just a few kilometres will take us to Bocairent.

Day 3:  Bocairent – Alcoi.  28 Km
You venture into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, and ride to higher ground. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning views, the flora and the fauna. At the end of the day’s ride you’ll get to the lively city of Alcoi, where you’ll be able to enjoy its own gastronomic interpretations and its range of wines.

Day 4:  Alcoi – Villalonga.  40-42 Km
This day’s ride is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and spectacular of the whole tour. The rugged contrasts offered by the interior mountain valleys are much greater than those found in valleys closer to the Mediterranean. Pedalling through the higher terrain overlooking Lake Beniarrés, it’s possible to appreciate the impressive views of such instantly identifiable  mountains  as Benicadell and Montcabrer. By taking a route with many vantage points around the gorge you  follow a  green  path above the River Serpis. Waiting for you will be small villages set amidst a lush landscape of orange groves and it  will soon become obvious,  from tell-tale sea breezes, that the sea  lies ahead, and not too far away!  

You have two options to choose from:

Route 1: follow the former railway line and go into the very dramatic gorge. This option is pretty flat but the surface is gravel.

Route 2: cycle up the mountain from where you’ll have  great views of the sea. The surface is excellent but you need to be fit because it’s hilly. From this route you ‘ll see the Safor Cirque much better.  

Day 5:  Villalonga – Cullera.  46-62 Km
You start the day riding past orange groves and soon come across small remnants of marshland known as marjals, a favourite nesting spot for birds, and a birdwatcher’s paradise.  You venture into a pretty little valley to follow part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries and where there is the opportunity to explore   the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Amongst rice fields, you’ll arrive in Cullera, a coastal city with beautiful sea views where you’ll be able to taste some of the rice specialties of the area. This town has plenty of beaches that you can enjoy even in winter if the sun is shine.

Day 6:  Cullera – València. 46 / 56 Km
If you choose the longer option, you’ll start off along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, prolific fields and groves of the whole district. You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera,  one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna. It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar. Upon reaching Valencia, you’ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market – a cathedral of a market, indeed! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer so many kinds of cafés, bars and restaurants. The lovers of good food will be pleased. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

Day 7: València
After a good breakfast, the trip will be formally over.

How to fly into València or Alicante

• Countries and cities with flights to Alicante: Click here
• Countries and cities with flights to València: Click here

How to get to Biar (starting point)

We recommend a private taxi transfer from Alicante-Elche Airport (40 minutes).

• If you fly to Alicante:

By train: By train: By train: from Alicante Railway  Station to Villena  Railway   Station (45mins. and 10 € per person), where we will pick you up. You can check the timetables and prices in here.

• If you fly to València:

By train: from València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) to Villena Railway  Station, where we  will pick you up. (1hr. 15mins. and 15€ per person). 

You can check the timetables and prices in here.