The best road cycling routes around La Plana

La Plana offers a diverse range of terrain for road cyclists. You'll find predominantly paved coastal paths, scenic greenways, and more challenging mountainous areas. This includes flat rides along the Mediterranean Sea, routes through natural parks with significant elevation gains, and inland scenery around reservoirs and rural areas.

There are over 500 road cycling routes available in La Plana, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 100 easy routes, 250 moderate routes, and nearly 150 difficult routes for those seeking a challenge.

Yes, La Plana offers several challenging routes with significant elevation gains. For instance, the Marianet, Eslida, and Puntal de l'Aljub Loop is a difficult 52.9 km path with substantial climbing. Another demanding option is the Tour of the Alto Mijares — Circular from Onda, which covers over 80 km with considerable ascent.

Absolutely. La Plana features many easy routes, particularly along its coastal paths and greenways. The La Via Augusta por la Plana Baja — Circular desde Villareal is an easy 47 km route, ideal for a more relaxed ride. Coastal stretches like the Vía Verde del Mar between Benicàssim and Oropesa also offer flat, scenic rides suitable for families.

La Plana is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can cycle through the stunning Natural Park of the Desert de les Palmes, offering diverse flora and fauna. Other notable features include the serene Sichar Reservoir near Onda, and the picturesque coastal areas with towns like Peñíscola, known for its historic Papa Luna's castle.

Yes, many road cycling routes in La Plana are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Almenara and Marianet Pass Loop, the Ascent to the port of Cabanes — Circular from Oropesa del Mar, and the Natural Park of Serra d'Espada — Circular from Onda.

The Mediterranean climate of La Plana generally makes it suitable for road cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, ideal for longer rides. Even winter can be a good option, especially for coastal routes, as temperatures remain mild compared to many other regions.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in La Plana, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from scenic coastal paths to challenging mountain climbs, and the well-maintained cycle paths, particularly around towns like Castellón and Benicàssim.

Yes, La Plana has routes that incorporate historical significance and dedicated greenways. The region is crossed by the ancient Via Augusta, and you can explore routes like La Via Augusta por la Plana Baja — Circular desde Villareal. The Vía Verde del Mar, connecting Benicàssim to Oropesa, is another excellent example of a scenic greenway.

For cyclists looking for longer distances, La Plana offers several options. The Alto Mas de la Costa Loop from Castelló de la Plana is a substantial 85 km route, while the Tour of the Alto Mijares — Circular from Onda covers nearly 84 km, both providing extensive riding experiences.

The Natural Park of the Desert de les Palmes is a prominent natural park in La Plana that offers excellent road cycling opportunities, particularly for those seeking routes with elevation changes and stunning natural scenery.