The best gravel rides around Benasau

This is one of the best-preserved tunnels with light sensors on the via verde Ibi Gandia or Alcoi via verde Agost.

Fageca, also known as Facheca in Valencian, is a small and charming mountain village in the El Comtat region of Alicante province. Nestled in the Vall de Seta, it is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges such as the Sierra de la Serrella and Sierra de Alfaro. With just over one hundred inhabitants, Fageca is a place where time moves slowly, and peace and nature take center stage. The village consists of a compact network of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs, and small squares. At its heart stands the Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción, a modest yet atmospheric church that dominates the village skyline. Traditional architecture is well preserved, with many houses featuring original wooden doors, stone thresholds, and balconies adorned with blooming geraniums. The surroundings of Fageca are a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Several walking routes start from the village, leading through almond groves, olive trees, terraced hillsides, and spectacular mountain scenery. In spring, the valley bursts into white and pink with almond blossoms; summers bring dry, sunny days, while autumn offers cooler air and crystal-clear views of the rocky peaks. The local economy still relies heavily on agriculture — almonds, olives, and grapes are the main crops — alongside small-scale rural tourism. A few country-style accommodations and eateries serve traditional dishes such as olleta de blat, borreta, and pericana, often prepared from family recipes passed down through generations. Fageca has a strong sense of community. Annual village festivals, dedicated to the local patron saint, bring music, dancing, and communal meals to the streets. These summer festivities attract not only residents but also former villagers and visitors from the surrounding areas. Although it is not part of the official Ruta 99, Fageca lies close to several Ruta 99 villages, including Famorca, Benimassot, and Tollos. This makes it an excellent starting point or stopover for anyone exploring the authentic inland of Alicante. In short, Fageca is a place where peace, nature, and tradition meet — an ideal destination for those looking to escape the busy coast and experience the true soul of Mediterranean mountain life.

Tollos is a peaceful mountain village along the Ruta 99, a scenic route connecting the smallest villages of the Valencian Community. It’s a perfect turnaround point for cyclists riding from Alcalalí or the Vall de Pop. The approach from Fageca offers a quiet, steady climb, mostly shaded in the morning. Tollos itself is small but charming, and cyclists love stopping here for a classic bocadillo at the local bar — simple, delicious and authentic. For those looking to add an extra challenge, you can continue from Tollos to the Muro de Tollos, a steep climb that rewards you with stunning views. From the top, you can descend towards Beniaia, opening up loop options through the Vall d’Alcalà.

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.

Carrying light, one of the long tunnels, does not work

short VIDEOs about this hike could be found at the following links at my youTUBE channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77nMyRJvnZw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVZN57p8yuA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QFmKmQYq4U

A very recommendable route from Alcoy for the whole family by bike or on foot (it is advisable to bring a light)

Good place for a drink and a break