why Calpe is so popular for cycling in winter
In a nutshell? The Calpe area offers a mountainous area with great sceneries and views. Add quiet roads in good quality condition. And more importantly, this corner of the Spanish Costa Blanca is blessed with mild and steady weather conditions during winter. And add lots of sunshine to that.
In my opinion, you won’t find any other place on the European mainland as comfortable and fulfilling to ride bikes during winter.
Up to date, I spent 7 winters in the area. And my last visit was spread over 5 weeks in January/February. So, I’m quite sure I can speak straight from my own experiences. Want to know more? Read on as I dive more into detail…
the climate
Broadly speaking, Calpe is situated between the cities of Valencia in the north and Alicante in the south. The Calpe area is part of the so-called Costa Blanca and is surrounded by a mountain range that pops up somewhere around Dena and runs to Murcia in the south. With roughly 1000 to 1500 meters of altitude, these mountains are able to block bad weather from the Atlantic Ocean. This microclimate makes winters mild and incredibly stable with an average of only 5 days of rain in winter months. The average temperature in winter is about 16 degrees. On exceptionally cold and cloudy days it can stick at just 12 degrees. On exceptionally warm and sunny days it can rise up to 25 degrees.
Sure, the more down South (Costa del Sol) you’ll find even better temperatures. But that goes with three times the chance of rain as well…
roads and traffic
First, let me tell you that you might be blown away by how popular this destination is among cyclists these days. If you ride out of Calpe in the morning, taking this nice coastal road towards Moraira, you will be amazed about these big pelotons as it’s race day. Big groups of cyclists make that cars barely can overtake on this nevertheless beautiful winding road. It can create frustrating situations that personally aren’t much my thing.
That said, once you head inland, the densely populated coast quickly gives way to quiet roads and peaceful sceneries. A very versatile series of well-maintained roads that cross valleys, hills and mountains.
top 5 climbs around Calpe
Let me provide you with this list of my personal top 5 of climbs that I think you should not miss out on.
#1 - Port de la Vall d'Ebo from pego
Without any doubt, the Vall D’Ebo climb is my personal favourite in the area. Coming from the direction of Calpe, you turn left on the main road and you go straight up. The first few kilometres lead you uphill and take you out of the valley with orange trees. You will soon reach a forest with a few tight switchbacks. As soon as you leave the forest starts a long section with tremendous views of the Pego valley and the coastline in the distance. Further up you’ll constantly see the winding road you left behind, all the way up to the top. A lovely 8 km climb with an average slope of 5.7%. Without much traffic on excellent tarmac up to an elevation of 575 meters.
From the top, you have three options. You can go down the same way which is a very nice descent as well. You can continue to the little town of Vall D’Ebo enjoying a great descent on the backside of this climb and then turn left in the direction of Castell de Castells. Or, you go all the way following the CV-712 and tackle the whole sierra up to Alcalà de la Jovada. A road that continues to go up and down which is actually more up with some pretty steep sections over 15%.
If you take the last option, don’t forget to stop for lunch and/or refill at the Pool Bar in Alcalà de la Jovada. There are not many other options for that when you continue for instance over the Muro de Tollos and die a bit more on that little tough climb.
#2 Port de Tudons from Sella
Somehow I love this climb because it gets better and better once you’re getting to the top. Plus, especially when you’re coming from Calpe, roads get quieter with each pedal stroke you do. Coming from Calpe, via Finestrat, you slowly but surely go up to this little village called Sella. It appears out of nothing, with the rocky Sierra de Aitana in the background.
From Sella you continue on the CV-770 for 12 km’s to the top with an average slope of 5.3%. On great tarmac up to an elevation of 1.024 meters. As said, this climb saves the best for last. A series of tight switchbacks is what really excites me every time again.
From the top, you have plenty of options. Left, taking the CV-785 to Penàguila. Or right, staying at the CV-770 to Alcoleja. Both descents are really good. The first option is fast and straight down with four tight switchbacks before you enter Penàguila. The second option is more winding down containing just one real switchback.
Once down either in Penàguila or Alcoleja, you have plenty of options to continue your route into the best part of this area. Stunning views on the mountains and the valleys full of pink blossom almond trees. All on quiet roads which are in perfect condition. Just find your way back to Calpe and enjoy every stretch to the fullest!
#3 Coll de Rates from Callosa d’en sarrià
Yes, this climb is a nice one, coming from Parcent. Very gradual with nice views over the valley and the coastline in the distance. And oh yes, you should do this one once. However, the “Rates” from this side is incredibly popular. Both among cyclists and tourists by car. Even campers. In my experience, the Vall D'Ebo climb I mentioned definitely beats the Coll De Rates if you climb it from Parcent. That’s why I recommend you to do the Rates from the opposite direction. From Callosa d'en Sarrià over Bollula.
After the town of Callosa, you follow the CV-715 heading north in the direction of Bolulla from where this climb really takes off for about 15 km. First with a series of a few nice switchbacks in a small forest. Then an alternation of winding and straight sections where the views are getting better and better. These stretches are actually the hardest part of the climb. After you pass Tarbena around kilometre you’ll enjoy a couple of descents. The gradient picks up towards the real top which delivers a fantastic panorama view.
#4 Puerto de Bèrnia from Benissa
The Puerto De Bèrnia is a lovely 14 km long climb very close to Calpe. Almost the entire climb leads you through a forest of pine trees continuously treating you to open spaces with beautiful views on Calpe. It’s a really easy one until the last part from where it gets savage. The last three kilometres regularly go over 10％, sometimes even over 15%. It's worth it, as the views are getting better. But it’s steep! Although the quality of the tarmac is good, somehow the road constructions fail a bit as it’s a weird bumpy ride. Well, can’t put that into words. Just go there and experience that.
Another great thing is that there is hardly any traffic. Some cyclists. That’s all. The descent to Xalo is also quite nice.
#5 La Fustera from Calpe/Moraira
You won’t find much information about this one despite you pretty much can’t miss it when you’re staying in Calpe. However, I always like to include this way up in my route to leave that coastline behind.
If you take the coastal road towards Moraira, after about 5 km you turn left on the CV-745 towards Benissa. From there you gradually go 4 km up and gain about 200 meters of elevation. It’s just a nice winding road up leaving all the villas behind and entering the valley below Benissa. Nice sea views, one nice switchback and not too much traffic.
Best way to get to Jalón and beyond. And great way to return after a long day as well. Especially by the end of a sunny day!
best coffee stops
Let me say, the close you stay to the coast, the worse the traffic, the better the coffee stops. In contrary. The further you move inland, the better the traffic, the options for coffee stops get very rare and if you find them, they will be more ‘authentic’ so to say… Not necessarily a bad thing.
Cafe seamos, calpe
As I’m not really into boulevards, I really like this place a bit more into the town. Lovely people. Spacious terrace. And a great selection of all kinds of coffee and pastries. Plus dishes for both breakfast and lunch.
Masa coffee shop & bakery, Albir
Kinda the same vibes as Seamos in Calpe. Also lovely people. Also a great selection for coffee, and smoothies for instance. Their breakfast is outstanding as well. Love how they set up their terrace.
Velosol Cycling Bar, Jalón
Popular. But in a nice way. You can easily park your bike here. The Flemish background of the owners and their staff is clearly present here. A friendly place that exudes passion for cycling From the regular cycling enthusiast to pro level racing. Their homemade cakes are highly recommended!
Musette Cafe
Not stopping at Musette Cafe on your way to the Coll de Rates is like missing the Eiffel Tower if you’re visiting Paris. Just stop by these folks to have great coffee and homebaked pastries. On their terrace of on frisky days, you get cosy inside.
Daniel tapas y arroces, Pego
Don’t miss out on this place when you roll by around lunchtime. Delicious bocadilla’s (sandwiches) coming with friendly and good service. It’s just this nice authentic place in the centre of this village.
Bar Pepa La Piscina, Alcalà de la Jovada
Actually, this is nothing special. But that’s just what it makes it a nice stop. Once you decide to continue your way inland from the top of the Vall D’Ebo climb, you can’t miss out on this. It’s actually the only place you can refuel. As authentic as it can be. Learn the basic Spanish words for water and toast of the day and enjoy your stop while on the sunny terrace with local people and maybe a few other cyclists.
No website, no Instagram, just find it on your ride.
Restaurante Stop, Alcoleja
Another great authentic stop far from all the tourists. Also, this one is your only chance to refuel on long rides over the Tudons. There’s no menu. They don’t speak English. But you’ll be surprised by the quality of the food and the sunny vibes on their small terrace. I never skip this place when I’m passing by.
No website, no Instagram, just find it on your ride.
calpe route suggestions
Well, nuff said I think. To wrap this up, feel free to knock yourself out once you hit the area, based on these four route suggestions! They won’t disappoint!