The best traffic-free bike rides around Xaló

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike routes around Xaló featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult terrain, ensuring a quiet and engaging ride away from vehicle traffic.

Xaló benefits from a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The ideal time for gravel biking, especially on no-traffic routes, is during the cooler months from autumn through spring (October to May). This avoids the intense summer heat, making for more comfortable and enjoyable rides through the Jalon Valley and surrounding mountains.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the region offers many quiet paths through vineyards and almond groves that can be adapted for family rides. For a route with moderate difficulty and beautiful scenery, consider the View of the Railway Viaduct – Abandoned House Ruins loop from Benissa, which covers 28.6 km with manageable elevation.

The no-traffic gravel trails around Xaló wind through diverse landscapes. You'll encounter lush vineyards and olive groves in the Jalon Valley, dramatic mountain ranges like the Sierra de Bernia, and scenic waterways such as the River Gorgos. Some routes also pass by the Guadalest Reservoir or offer views of the Algar River Dam.

Yes, the region is rich in history. While cycling, you might pass by the ruins of Aixa Castle, offering panoramic views over the Pop Valley. Other notable sites include the 18th-century Sapena Pool (Bassa Els Arcs Pool) with its distinctive columns and arches. For a route that includes interesting historical elements, check out the View of the Railway Viaduct – Abandoned House Ruins loop from Benissa.

Absolutely. The Xaló area is known for its challenging ascents. The Guadalest Reservoir – Sa Creueta Pass loop from Altea is a difficult route spanning over 70 km with more than 1500 meters of elevation gain, including the renowned Sa Creueta Pass. Another challenging option is the Algar River Dam – Altea loop from Olla Altea, featuring nearly 600 meters of climbing over 39 km.

While not directly on the gravel routes themselves, the wider Xaló area is home to stunning natural attractions. You can find the beautiful Algar Springs Waterfalls and the impressive Mascarat Canyon nearby. These can be excellent detours or separate trips to complement your gravel biking adventure.

The komoot community rates the routes in this guide highly, with an average score of 3.3 stars. Riders often praise the tranquility of the trails, the stunning mountain and valley views, and the opportunity to explore the authentic landscapes of the Marina Alta region away from busy roads.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike routes featured in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride and parking much more convenient. Examples include the Algar River Dam – Molí Vell or Molí dels Moros loop from Altea and the View of Serra d'Oltà – Ermita de Sant Francesc loop from Calp.

Since many of these routes start from nearby towns like Altea, Benissa, or Calp, you can typically find public parking facilities within these communities. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability in your chosen starting town before your ride, especially during peak seasons.

Many routes offer breathtaking vistas. The climb to Coll de Rates, though not explicitly on a listed route here, is a renowned viewpoint in the region, offering panoramic views that can stretch to the coastline and even Ibiza on clear days. The ruins of Aixa Castle also provide spectacular views over the Pop Valley, which you might encounter on some trails.