The Mediterranean Route, from Elche to Valencia
The Costa de Valencia on Eurovelo 8: beaches, sun and picturesque villages
Highlights
Elche and its World Heritage monuments
Rich and varied Mediterranean landscapes
Beautiful sandy beaches
Valencia, a cultural city of contrasts
The Mediterranean coast by bike to Valencia
Southeastern Spain invites you on a sunny cycling trip. From the city of Elche to Valencia, this cycling trip is a delicious blend of discovering the natural heritage of the Valencian hinterland and the Mediterranean coast.
On the shores of the Mediterranean, you’re pedaling along EuroVelo 8. The weather’s fine, the sun’s shining and you’re enjoying the seaside atmosphere of these lively little resorts. The stages of this cycling trip take you through varied and surprising landscapes, steeped in history. From small mountains to wild natural parks, from fragrant hills to Mediterranean beaches, from fruit plantations to the rice fields of the Albufera, you cycle through joyous, pleasant territories. A variety of atmospheres and landscapes will accompany your pedal strokes on routes that are mostly on unpaved roads and cycle paths, accessible to all and away from traffic.
Spain is full of pretty towns and picturesque villages. The Valencia region is no exception. Right at the start of your Iberian cycling adventure, you’ll explore Elche, the capital of Bajo Vinalopó. You can discover its majestic palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this cultivated area, divided into various gardens, by bike or on foot, inviting you to connect with nature. Valencia, a city between history and modernity, has plenty to offer. Explore the City of Arts and Sciences and stroll through the historic Barrio del Carmen. Between these two cities, you’ll pass through pretty inland villages like Castalla and Alcoy.
Cycling in Spain’s Valencia region, on the Mediterranean Route, also means enjoying a sunny climate all year round. In summer, the sometimes scorching temperatures can be a deterrent to cycling if you’re not too keen on the heat. On the other hand, spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the region. The proximity of beaches means you can combine pedaling with the pleasure of swimming.
After the effort, cuisine and gastronomy are a perfect way to combine discovering local culture and customs with the need to regain your strength. We invite you to sample typical Mediterranean dishes. In particular, the emblematic paella of the small town of Gandia, the Fideua de Gandia, is a real treat. In Elche, the most famous dish is Arroz con Costra, rice in a crust. Puchero con Pelotas, a traditional dumpling stew. Mulet de l’Hondo fish with aïoli and seafood from the coast are also very popular specialties in the region.
This cycling tour between Elche and Valencia offers you a complete experience, combining the diversity of the Spanish landscape with the cultural heritage and hospitality of the towns you pass through. Each stage offers unique discoveries, making this a richly rewarding cycling adventure in Spain.
Leisure From ELCHE to ALICANTE 40km 150m 
Today’s route takes you gently to Alicante, a pretty city on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Accompanied by palm trees and fruit plantations, you pass through arid landscapes like you’ve perhaps never seen before! When you arrive in Alicante, the Postiguet beach, dominated by the Santa Barbara castle, invites you to take a swim.
From ALICANTE to CASTALLA 55km 950m
Leaving the coast for a day that’s a little more sporty than the others, you head inland along the Maigmo greenway. As you turn your wheels, the coastal scenery gives way to pine trees and magnificent structures such as the Forn del Vidre viaducts and the impressive Palomaret, over 200 meters high. At the end of the stage, the arrival at Castalla is magnificent. This picturesque village is crowned by an imposing medieval castle. From the heights, you can enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the surrounding area.
From CASTALLA to ALCOY 35km 200m
You leave Castalla heading northeast into the Carrascar de la Font Roja nature park. This wild and natural area is one of the most attractive in the Valencia region. The natural park abounds in typically Mediterranean landscapes. Its flora includes many varieties of oak, ash and maple. The fauna of the area is characterized by the presence of mammals such as wild boar, genet, wild cat and badger. Reptiles and vultures also inhabit the area. At the end of the stage, you reach Alcoy, a charming old medieval town.
From ALCOY to GANDIA 55km 150m
Today you’re heading for the sea. Starting from Alcoy, you meander along the meandering Serpis river. The profile of the stage is downhill, as you go from Alcoy at an altitude of 500 metres to Gandia, a seaside resort facing the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s at Gandia that you’ll meet up with the sea again, providing the perfect opportunity for a swim after this 55-kilometer stage. In Gandia, we recommend you try the famous Fideua de Gandia, the region’s emblematic paella, which uses vermicelli instead of rice.
From GANDIA to CULLERA 35km 50m
You leave Gandia on a beautiful road that guides your pedal strokes through wetlands lined with orange, lemon and other fruit trees. The route along the coast is generally smooth.
You arrive in Cullera, your stopover for the day. Enjoy its fine sandy beaches and calm, warm waters. A real treat for swimmers!
From CULLERA to VALENCIA 60km 100m
Leaving Cullera, you cycle north along the Mediterranean coast. This day’s cycling is guaranteed to take in a variety of landscapes. You’ll admire the seaside rice paddies in the Albufera nature park, as well as the parade of beaches and dune massifs that line the coastline. At the end of the stage, you reach Valencia, a city of contrasts between the charm of its historic center and its futuristic architecture.
Valencia
End of your cycling holiday in Spain after breakfast.
Safe return!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 940€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The itinerary as detailed above trackable on the following supports:
- A Mobile App to follow the routes
- A practical and descriptive road book in English including all our recommended addresses.
*Luggage transfer: Only 1 bag of 20kg max. per person.
- Day 1 : Welcome briefing by phone on the day of your arrival.
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Tourist tax
- Personal expenses
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Spain:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- Luggage transfer service
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
A simplified route tracking:
- A digital roadbook with useful addresses, tourist information, maps and a tour description tourist information, maps and a description of the route.
- A signposted route
And also:
- Comfortable bike rentals, ideal for this itinerary in southern Spain.
- The option of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeCannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 3. This bike don’t have a rack for pannier, so we advise to bring your own backpack. Supplied equipment per bike
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Tourring ebikeCannondale Mavaro Neo 5+. Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : ELCHE
Coming by car
- at 15h from PARIS
- at 10h from BORDEAUX
- at 12h from LYON
Coming by train
- Gare de Elche
Coming by plane
- Alicante Airport [Spain]
Arrival city : VALENCIA
Coming by car
- at 12h from PARIS
- at 8h from BORDEAUX
- at 9h from LYON
Coming by train
- Valencia Train Station [Spain] - 10h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Valencia Airport [Spain]
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Valencia [Spain] to Elche Parque [spain] in 03h00 (hotline)
- Return by car in 1h00 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From February 1st to November 30th
Destination Spain
EuroVelo 8
Mediterranean Cycle Route
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
Expert
ELCHE
With several World Heritage monuments, the town of Elche is an excellent starting point for your cycling trip. Don’t miss the magnificent palm grove that surrounds the old town, the largest in Europe!
Orientation by phone with us
A few days before your trip, our local partner take the time to talk to you by phone over a videoconferencing to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.