The best cycling routes around Parcent

here is the view in nice weather. today it was quite cloudy, but it's definitely worth it

The whole city is decorated, whatever

water levels can be deep and fast moving afters rains,caution!.

Great climb and the second one is even better.

The village truly comes alive during its annual festivities, including the celebrations in honor of the Virgen de los Desamparados and Santa Catalina Mártir in May, neighborhood festivities in August, and the Feast of the Assumption. On these days, music, processions, and traditional dishes fill the streets, with local specialties such as mullat, coques, and puxero amb pilotes. Senija is therefore a place where history, nature, gastronomy, and art blend harmoniously, and where time itself seems to slow down.

Senija is a small and picturesque village in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, nestled against a hillside and surrounded by a landscape of almond, olive, and carob trees. Covering less than five square kilometers and home to just a few hundred residents – a significant portion of whom are of foreign origin – the village has a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Narrow streets lined with whitewashed and pastel-colored houses give Senija its typical Mediterranean charm. The history of Senija dates back to the time when it was almost entirely inhabited by Moors. After their expulsion in the early 17th century, the number of families dropped sharply, but the 18th century brought a revival, mainly through the production of raisins for export. Agriculture still plays a key role in the local economy today, with vineyards, olive oil, dessert wines, and dried tomatoes among its specialties. Senija is also known for its artistic character, most notably through the MOS Open-Air Museum, where murals by various artists can be admired throughout the village. In the heart of Senija stands the church of Santa Catalina, built on the remains of an old mosque and housing a baroque statue of the Virgen de los Desamparados. The surrounding countryside offers walking trails leading to sites such as La Creueta and the Cueva de la Garganta, where views and tranquility draw many visitors.

Just off the road between Sagra and Pego, the small turnoff toward Vall d’Ebo leads into one of the most beautiful and tranquil climbs in the Costa Blanca mountains. It may not be famous outside of cycling circles — but pros know it well: Tadej Pogačar holds the Strava KOM on this climb. From the Pego side, the ascent runs for about 8 km, gaining 400 metres at a steady average of 5%. The road is smooth, quiet, and beautifully engineered — with a flowing rhythm and wide, elegant curves. The landscape is peaceful and wild, with cliffs, pines, and far-reaching views. At the top, just before you descend into Vall d’Ebo, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view in both directions: looking back, the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea; looking ahead, the lush green valley of Vall d’Ebo, framed by rugged ridges and rocky outcrops. It’s a rare and stunning double panorama. If you continue past the village, you can create a magnificent loop via Pla de Petracos, riding through remote canyons and ancient rock formations before descending into Benigembla and back to the Vall de Pop. If you're riding from Vall d’Ebo toward Pego, the climb is shorter — about 3 km at 6% — but still very scenic, especially as you rise above the valley with dramatic views behind you. Vall d’Ebo may be quiet, but it’s world-class: pure road, total calm, and the kind of climb you’ll want to ride again and again.

If there’s one climb that defines cycling on the Costa Blanca, it’s Coll de Rates. Starting from the village of Parcent, this legendary ascent has become a must-ride for cyclists from around the world — from weekend warriors to Tour de France champions. The climb is just under 7 km long, with an average gradient of around 5%, making it both accessible and rhythmical. The road surface is excellent, the curves are elegant, and the views just keep getting better as you rise above the valley. This is no secret among the pros. Riders from Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates and others regularly use Coll de Rates for winter training. Tadej Pogačar currently holds the Strava KOM, which says a lot about the kind of names that have tested themselves here. On clear days, the view from the top is simply breathtaking — stretching all the way across the coastline, and if you’re lucky, even Ibiza shimmers faintly on the horizon. There’s a café at the summit (seasonal), and the descent toward Tarbena or Castell de Castells is just as rewarding. With its mix of scenery, steady gradients and cycling history, Coll de Rates is one of the most climbed — and most loved — ascents in the world. If you ride only one climb in the region, make it this one.