The best road cycling routes around Ráfol De Salem

Ciclismo Denia Kunz is a renowned bike rental shop in Dénia, specializing in high-quality road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Its services are aimed at both recreational cyclists and ambitious athletes who find ideal cycling conditions on the Costa Blanca. In addition to renting bikes from well-known brands, the service also offers delivery to accommodations within a radius of approximately 30 kilometers, allowing guests particularly flexible planning. The offerings are complemented by training camps and guided road bike tours that combine athletic challenges with scenic experiences. With its high quality of service and personalized attention, Ciclismo Denia Kunz is considered one of the best addresses for cyclists in the region.

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.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic day out in nature, Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park is a hidden gem worth exploring. It’s a beautiful wetland area located between the towns of Pego and Oliva on the Costa Blanca, full of wildlife, rice fields, and freshwater springs. 🚶‍♂️ What to Do There • Walk or cycle the trails: There are several easy routes, including wooden boardwalks over the marsh, great for families or casual walkers. One of the most popular paths is the Ruta del Bullent, a circular walk that brings you close to rivers, rice fields, and the famous natural spring. • Swim in the Font Salada: This is a warm natural spring (about 21–24°C all year) where you can take a dip. The water is known for its skin-healing properties. • Birdwatching: The area is rich in biodiversity, with herons, ducks, and even rare fish and turtles. Bring binoculars if you can. • Enjoy the peaceful views: There are viewing platforms offering panoramic vistas of the marshes and surrounding mountains. 🧭 Tips for Your Visit • Follow the marked trails to protect the environment and avoid getting lost. • Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer. • Respect nature: take your trash with you, keep noise down, and don’t disturb animals or plants. • Avoid weekends in high season if you prefer quiet – it can get busy, especially at the spring. 🚗 Getting There & Parking Access is easy from the N-332 or the CV-700. If you’re visiting Font Salada, note that parking has recently been restricted. There’s a new small car park nearby (Racó del Fuster), and the spring is a short walk from there. It’s a perfect half-day trip, especially if you’re staying near Denia, Oliva, Jávea or inland in places like Pego or Alcalalí. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, families, or anyone needing a peaceful break in nature.

Need to do laundry on the go? There’s a self-service laundromat right next to the gas station—perfect for multi-day bike trips or van life.

Take a break and grab a drink—then grab a seat… on a stack of gas bottles. It’s the coast’s most unexpected terrace.

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.

Café Ciclista is a popular meeting place for cycling enthusiasts. The center offers high-quality bike rentals with regularly serviced racing bikes from renowned brands. Guided group rides are also available, aimed at experienced cyclists. Located on the Carretera de les Marines, the location is ideal for extended tours along the coast or into the hinterland, combining service, cycling expertise, and community all in one. It's an ideal place for a break during your ride, where you can enjoy a good coffee and a slice of cake. Cold drinks and delicious food are also available.

good road, little traffic