The best traffic-free bike rides in Laguna De Salinas

The Church (Hermitage) of Santa Eulalia, located in the Santa Eulalia Colony, between Sax and Villena (Alicante, Alto Vinalopó). It forms part of an agricultural colony built in the late 19th century, declared a Site of Cultural Interest (ethnological) in 2016. It is situated in an area between Sax and Villena, near the Acequia del Rey irrigation canal and the Vinalopó River. The hermitage is located in one of the colony's two main squares, surrounded by houses, factories (flour and alcohol), a theater, a casino, and a train station. The current hermitage was built in 1891, on the site of an earlier medieval one, commissioned by the Count of Alcudia (Antonio de Padúa Saavedra). It is a simple rectangular building with a double-arched bell gable built around 1900; each arch housed bells on its lower level.

The Ermita de San Blas in Sax is a small, historic chapel located in the heart of the old town, directly below the castle. It was probably built in the 13th or 14th century and is one of the typical "Ermitas de Reconquista" (reconquest hermitages) built after the Christian reconquest. The building has a simple rectangular floor plan with a later addition of a semicircular chancel and a baroque bell tower above the entrance. The statue of Saint Blas, the patron saint of the town, is venerated inside. The chapel continues to play a central role in the religious and cultural life of Sax. Of particular importance is the annual "Cabildo de San Blas" on December 26th, a traditional gathering that marks the beginning of the patron saint's festivities. In addition, masses are regularly held in honor of the saint. With its historic architecture and picturesque location below the castle, the Ermita de San Blas is an important symbol of Sax's identity and a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in culture.

Beautiful hermitage, located directly on the hiking trail

Uphill section with very little traffic, I would say almost none. From Novelda to Urb. Loma Bada, passing through the Colegialas riding school. And we can also climb the Fir in the Sierra del Cid.

As a curiosity, it should be said that this is where the Valencian public television series "L'Alqueria Blanca" was recorded. https://www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/alicante/2019/02/25/5c70046a21efa0b72a8b4613.html

José Sala Sala, the architect of the Sanctuary, was clearly inspired by Antoni Gaudí's world-famous masterpiece. Construction, in the style of the Sagrada Familia, began in 1918 but required three phases, so it wasn't completed until 1946. A unique example of Catalan Modernism in the heart of the countryside. The Sanctuary, in the style of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, was built in 1918 and completed in 1946. Several manageable routes are available for mountain biking, and some are even entirely rideable. During the ascent, you can already see your destination in the distance: the Sanctuary perched atop the hill. Easily accessible, and the effort is well worth it. A truly magnificent highlight, highly recommended!

It can be reached perfectly with any type of bike, but there is a good hill to climb

Monóvar (or in Valencian, Monòver), is a city in Medio Vinalopó, in Alicante. It has more than 12,000 inhabitants and its economy is based mainly on the production of wine. The artisan shoe and leather goods shops also stand out. It is worth visiting the hermitage of Santa Bárbara, located on a hill in the highest part of Monóvar. From here there is a perfect view of all the mountains that surround Medio Vinalopó.