The best road cycling routes around Vilallonga / Villalonga

IF… you are going here, I recommend having something like 50/34 11-34 and disc brakes, there are steep angles up and down. The gravel part is short and on 28 mm road tyres is manageable. And one more, ride only from Lorcha towards Villalonga, otherwise you’ll hate your life.

Numerous small fishing and pleasure boats are anchored in the Barranco de Sant Nicolau. The seawater extends far into the urban area of Gandia, shaping the landscape. The bridge offers a particularly beautiful view of the boats and the houses situated directly on the water.

Long port from Ebo, little shade, every curve is worth it

The Puerto de Sorell is a quiet and under-the-radar ridge climb in the northern Costa Blanca, linking Pego and Ràfol d’Almúnia via the CV‑728. It’s not long, not high — but it’s a perfect connector on a peaceful inland loop. From Ràfol d’Almúnia, the climb is 2.7 km long at an average gradient of 3.1%. It’s a smooth, steady ascent through olive groves and farmland, ideal for keeping a light rhythm and soaking up the rural scenery. The road surface is good and traffic is almost nonexistent. From the Pego side, the climb is roughly the same length but considerably steeper, with sections reaching 6 to 8%. It’s a short but honest effort, and a nice little test when coming up from the coastal plain. The views are wide and open — toward the Segària range, the valley below, and even the sea in the distance. At the summit, you'll spot the blue "Puerto de Sorell – 170 m" sign, a modest but official col marker that makes the climb feel just a bit more special. From here, you can descend either way or continue inland toward Vall de Gallinera, Vall d’Ebo, or Coll de Rates. Puerto de Sorell is a local favourite: short, scenic, quiet — and perfect for linking bigger climbs on a longer ride.

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.

Tucked away in the mountains of the Marina Alta, Vall de Gallinera is one of the Costa Blanca’s most scenic and peaceful cycling routes. The name literally means “Valley of the Chickens” — 🐓🐔 — a nod to the valley’s Moorish past, when this fertile land was known for its farms and poultry. These days, the valley is all about cherries. In spring, the hills burst into bloom with white cherry blossoms — an incredible sight on two wheels. By May and June, the trees are full of ripe, sweet cherries, and local farmers sell them fresh from roadside stalls. 🍒 The route winds through eight tiny villages, like Benissili, Alpatró, and Benirrama, connected by quiet mountain roads with gentle gradients, flowing curves, and spectacular views.

The road from Pego to Sagra is a hidden gem for cyclists. With almost no traffic, it winds gently upward through shaded sections and rolling gradients — never too steep, but always engaging. Perfect for finding rhythm after the descent from Port de Sorell, this stretch offers a rare mix of quiet, flow, and relief from the sun on hot days.

New signs have been placed at the top of the Vall d’Ebo. They’re so big you could probably spot them from Calpe, and so high up that, luckily, motorcyclists can’t cover them with ugly stickers anymore. There are even new parking spots where you can pull over to snap a photo of the sign. The Spanish really are incredibly cycling friendly.