Along the Orange Grove Coast to Valencia

Time to saddle up and leave the lofty Bellaguarda Tower and rocky Altea Hills behind you. Pedal out in awe of Alicante coast and mountain views, heading inland to discover rural and charmingly authentic Valencian villages, farming landscapes, fields and vineyards.

Cycle along vine-lined lanes and stop off to savour the unsung flavours of an area where wine-making and tradition go hand in hand. Look out for signature styles of architecture, like the 18th century ‘Riu Raus’ with their rows of arches, designed as places to lay out grapes to dry in the sun and produce delicious sultanas or raisins.

Arguably home to some of the finest beaches in the Province of Alicante, the fascinating harbour town of Xàbia (Jávea) is the day’s main port of call, but it’s so worth choosing the longer route option and spinning along to the cove coast around the Cabo la Nao. Topped with an iconic lighthouse, this rocky promontory is the place for panoramic views towards the El Montgó mountain behind, along the rugged coastline and down to the Isla del Descubridor.

You’ll find more fab viewpoints in Xàbia (Jávea) itself at Les Pesqueres and by the Roman irrigation canals carved through the solid rock at Séquia de la ‘Noria’. An awesome feat of early engineering, the canals were created to channel seawater inland to the vast saltpans and later featured an animal-powered waterwheel or Noria.

Fancy putting a toe in the water? Head for El Arenal cove, for a fine serviced beach … if you can walk along the seafront without succumbing to the temptation of ‘guisos de pescado’ , the special local fish stew or a hearty helping of locally fished and farmed ‘arroces marineros’ (rice with seafood).

Overnight in Xàbia.

Miles: 12-19 Kms: 22-35

You’ll be wanting to work up an appetite for destination of the day, Dénia – designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for the quality and authenticity of its local cuisine. Spin along through the rural landscapes accompanied all the way by El Montgó mountain, counting the ‘Riu Raus’ as you wonder what modern use they will be put to next – perhaps you’ll spot market stalls or refreshment stops under the historic arches?

Dénia serves up plenty of delightfully quiet beaches and a smorgasbord of wonderfully contrasting places to explore. A ‘ronda de las Murallas’ (walk around the walls) is a must in the old Arab town, together with the hilltop castle, part of the fortress from the Islamic period, which boasts amazing Mediterranean sea and harbour views. But no doubt the catch of the day will be calling… Why not order up a local lovely like ‘l’espencat’ (traditional cod, red pepper and aubergine salad), a few tasty ‘gamba roja’ (pink prawns) or dare to try a spot of ‘pulpo seco’ … dried octopus?

Overnight in Dénia.

Miles: 16 Kms: 25

Definitely a day to have the binoculars close to the top of the panniers – but not this time to make the most of the vistas and distant horizons! Beyond the iconic coves and beaches north of Dénia like Les Marines and Playa Els Molins, your scenic Costa Blanca cycling landscape opens up into small, birdlife-rich patches of surviving marshland or ‘marjals’.

The wetland and dunes scenery and the biodiversity of the Parc Natural de la Marjal de Pego-Oliva in La Marina Alta is a very special natural and agricultural landscape. A unique system of underground springs supports a lush watery plain which attracts birds – and birders – from around the world. Look out for black-winged stilt with its cheekily long legs, heron, little grebe and all sorts of duck. Rice is the water-grown crop in this corner of Valencia, with fields stretching out to the backdrop of hillside villages and rugged mountain ridges.

Historic former railway lines provide the easy-going ‘Vias Verdes’ for your gentle spin. The British built the track-bed here back in the 19th century; today it’s an ideal green way link to the grand coastal town of Gandia where the vaulted ceilings of the infamous Borgia family’s royal palace are studded stars, and the beaches have a simply stellar reputation too! The ‘Palacio de los Duques de Gandía’ is a must, but with its fortress and town walls, fine Santa Maria Collegiate church and Bairén Castle, Gandía has so much to explore.

Overnight in Gandia.

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

Start the day the zesty way, heading out past Valencian orange groves and patches of ‘marjal’ marshland to follow a beautiful little valley and pilgrims’ way inland. The pilgrimage route once linked up the different monastic communities in the area and there’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity (worthy of the extra few miles) to follow it to Simat de al Valldigna and the magnificent 700 year old royal monastery – ‘Real Monasterio Santa María de la Valldigna’.

Founded in 1298 by Jaume (James) II, King of the Crown of Aragon, it’s a fascinating complex where church, olive oil mill, chapter house and the abbott’s palace remnants have survived, showcasing Cistercian monastic styling alongside Gothic and Baroque. As ever in these parts, there are Arab influences too – check out the nearby Chapel of Santa Anna, the former La Xara mosque.

Rice field rides lead on over the River Xúquer (Jucar) towards coastal destination of the day, Cuellera. Enjoy another helping of brilliant sandy beaches and inspiring sea views – and maybe even select a special local rice dish for supper in honour of your rural ride.

Overnight in Cullera.

Miles: 18-29 Kms: 29-46

Choose the longer route option today and your ride will start out hugging the banks of the River Xúquer. Either way though, you can look forward to a day of real contrasts as you pedal first the flatlands of the Albufera nature reserve, then past the sand dunes and pine forests of the coast, as you finally head up to the highly cultural university city of Valencia.

The Parque Natural de la Albufera is one of the most valuable eco-systems in the Mediterranean – a haven for birdlife, home to rice paddy fields, wonderful wild flowers, citrus groves and it’s also the location of a truly vast (3000 hectare) lagoon. The waterside village of El Palmer is a great place to park your two wheels a while. It’s worth making time to dine here too – little red-rimmed sailboats deliver the catch almost directly into restaurant kitchens here, so the red mullet and magnificent paellas on the menu simply couldn’t get any fresher! Prefer to get a bird’s eye view of the waders and waterfowl? A boat trip out onto the lagoon has to be a cool way to while away an hour or so too.

But the buzz of bustling Valencia is calling. Time to head up along the pine forests of the soft, sandy coast, past the line of individual beaches or ‘platjes’ towards a rather different colourful Valencian world, that’s none-the-less full of tasty local culinary temptations. Check out the bright, beautiful, busy and super-stylish market hall for delicious local fare, or head to the Turia Gardens for tapas with views of monuments, the old river valley views and the striking contemporary architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences beyond.

Overnight in the old quarter of Valencia.

Miles: 28-34 Kms: 46-56

Depart after breakfast, or take time for one last wander around Valencia’s stunning modern architecture, historic streets, Viveros Gardens, or few moments in the cathedral or Museum of Fine Arts perhaps?

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore Valencia at your leisure.