The best road cycling routes around Beniatjar

A little run-down these days. But the Gaudí style is unmistakable.

Gorga is a peaceful village in Alicante’s El Comtat region, perched at about 545 metres above sea level. With around 280 inhabitants, it lies at the edge of the Vall de Seta, surrounded by olive groves, almond trees and dry stone terraces. Sheltered by the southern slopes of the Serra de la Serrella, Gorga is the kind of place where time moves slowly and the road ahead always promises something quieter. For cyclists, Gorga is a perfect transition point. Heading north, it connects directly to the beautiful and quiet climbs of Quatretondeta, Fageca, and Castell de Castells. To the south, it links naturally to the long ascents toward Confrides, Puerto de Tudons, or the scenic CV-70 corridor that cuts across the Sierra de Aitana. Whether you’re climbing up from Benilloba or descending from the high passes, Gorga offers a natural pause — a breather between bigger efforts. The village itself is small but welcoming: a shaded plaza, a trickling fountain, and the occasional bar where you might catch a conversation or a cool drink. There’s little traffic and plenty of charm. With its central location and quiet atmosphere, Gorga isn’t just a waypoint — it’s one of those places that grounds a ride, offering rhythm between the climbs. Cycling tip: If you’re linking big climbs like Puerto de Tudons with the Serrella villages, Gorga makes an ideal rest point. Top up your bottles, take in the view, and enjoy the calm before the next ascent.

Ruta 99 – An Ode to Alicante’s Forgotten Villages ⚠️ Ruta 99 is not an official cycling route, but many sections can be explored by road bike or gravel bike. Ideal for cyclists seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path roads through inland Alicante. Ruta 99 is a circular long-distance hiking route connecting the 24 smallest villages in the province of Alicante — each with fewer than 100 inhabitants. Created by the regional government of Valencia, the route draws attention to the cultural and historical value of these remote communities, and promotes sustainable rural tourism. Whether on foot or by bike, Ruta 99 is a journey into silence, heritage, and raw Mediterranean landscapes. ⸻ 🏞 What to Expect The route weaves through the lesser-known inland regions of Marina Alta, El Comtat, L’Alcoià, and Vall d’Albaida, taking you through rugged mountains, almond groves, and centuries-old villages clinging to the hillsides. Highlights include: • Tollos – with fewer than 40 residents, one of the quietest villages in Spain • Fageca, Benimassot, Famorca, and La Vall d’Alcalà – rich in Moorish heritage • Sempere – the smallest village in the entire Valencian Community • Castell de Castells, Alcoleja, and Quatretondeta – with breathtaking views of the Serrella and Aitana mountain ranges ⸻ 🚶 For Hikers • Total distance: Approx. 450 km, divided into 20 stages • Waymarked: Yes, with distinctive Ruta 99 signage • Passport: Available to collect stamps in each village, similar to the Camino de Santiago • Accommodation: Local guesthouses, small hotels, and rural lodges ⸻ 🚴 For Adventurous Cyclists While Ruta 99 is designed for hiking, many of its paved segments are ideal for road or gravel biking. The route offers: • Quiet roads with almost no traffic • A chance to discover authentic inland villages • A mix of long climbs, rolling hills, and open landscapes Keep in mind: • Services (shops, cafés) are sparse — bring water, snacks, and tools • Some segments are unpaved or in poor condition, so check your route in advance • A gravel bike offers the most flexibility ⸻ 🌿 More Than a Route Ruta 99 is not just a trail — it’s a tribute to resilience, memory, and slow travel. These villages may be small, but they are full of stories. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, you’ll experience a different side of Alicante — one of silence, tradition, and raw natural beauty.

Having lunch at the La Oliva bar in Beniarrés at the foot of the Benicadell is an experience that is nothing short of mystical. Here, breakfast is a religion.

good road, little traffic

After arriving a lorxa castle keep going do not turn left after 2km and cross the main road and head down to the river. There is NO bridge to cross a very deep river 26/3/25. Instead keep going along the top rural road till you meet the main road cross it directly drop left down the rural road and shoot through the long tunnel, arriving at village, then several options to get to the lake.

There are several points along this route from which you can admire the impressive silhouette of the Benicadell massif. The Alt de Benicadell, with a height of 1,105 metres, is a prominent peak in the Sierra de Benicadell, which forms a natural border between the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. The region around the Benicadell offers numerous opportunities for cycling tours that lead through varied landscapes with impressive views.

Carry out good development