The best traffic-free bike rides around Oliva

From the bridge you have a beautiful view of the estuary, where the river meanders through reeds and dunes before flowing into the sea.

Forna is a small, very quiet village in the municipality of L’Atzúbia, in the hinterland of the Costa Blanca. It lies nestled in a hilly, Mediterranean landscape characterized by orange groves and unspoiled valleys. With fewer than one hundred inhabitants, the village has an almost familial atmosphere and has retained its traditional, rural character: narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and flowers adorning doorways. Above the village rises the impressive Castillo de Forna, a fortified palace dating from the late Middle Ages. Its towers and walls define the village's appearance and are a reminder of the region's Moorish past. Later, the castle served as a lord's residence and remains a central landmark of Forna. The village's history stretches far back, as the area was already settled during the Islamic period. Even after the resettlement of new inhabitants in the 17th century, Forna remained a small, agricultural village that has preserved its historical structure. Visitors to Forna will experience a tranquil and charming place. The tranquility, the surrounding nature and the immediate proximity to the mountains make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic atmosphere and historical architecture away from mass tourism.

The Church of Santa María la Mayor in Gandia stands on the site of an earlier 13th-century temple, of which a Gothic chapel and a Mudéjar pointed arch still remain. In the 17th century, the Communion Chapel was added, and an initial remodeling project began, but remained unfinished. The bell tower was completed in 1695. Construction of the current church began in 1705 but was interrupted during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1754, a large part of the roof, dome, and nave collapsed, necessitating further remodeling. Following the completion of this work, the church was consecrated in 1787. Today, Santa María la Mayor combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements and represents both a spiritual center and an important testimony to the architecture and history of Gandia.

At the mouth of the Río Molinell, which forms the border between Dénia and Oliva, a small bridge spans the river. It connects the coastal paths of both towns and provides cyclists and walkers with a convenient crossing away from the main roads. From here, a wide view opens up of the estuary, where the river winds its way through reed beds and dunes to the sea. The confluence of fresh and salt water is particularly impressive, creating a diverse landscape with a rich birdlife. For cyclists, the bridge provides a convenient crossing point for continuing their tour between Dénia and Oliva or for taking a short break.

Nautilus in Forna is the perfect spot for a break during your ride. Located in the heart of this charming village, its cozy terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Whether you’re in the mood for a good coffee, a refreshing drink, or a tasty lunch, this is the ideal place to recharge before hitting the road again.

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a historic monastery near Alfauir, in the province of Valencia. It was founded in 1388 and was an important Hieronymite monastery until it was expropriated in the 19th century. The monastery combines various architectural styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The cloister, the church, the defensive tower, the water gardens and the olive press are particularly worth seeing. Today the monastery is privately owned but open to visitors. It is one of the best preserved monasteries in the Valencia region and has been declared a Cultural Asset (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC).

On the CV-675 after Barx and leaving the La Drova development towards Gandía we find a recreational area where we can stop to rest or eat something, there is a fountain where you can refill water for the journey.

The Hieronymite Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba was one of the most important monasteries in Valencia in the Middle Ages, belonging to the Hieronymite Order.