Road cycling routes in Calpe
CALPE
The Calpe region and Costa Blanca have been attracting cyclists from all over Europe for decades. Since the 1970s, professional cyclists have chosen this area for winter training camps, drawn by the mild climate, sunny days, and varied terrain, from flat coastal roads to steep, winding mountain climbs. This is a place where cycling history blends with natural beauty: legends of cycling races have trained here, and a local cycling community has grown, organizing races, rides, and cycling events.
Today, Calpe and its surroundings are a true paradise for cyclists, both amateurs and professionals. It offers hundreds of kilometers of well-marked routes that lead along the coast, through picturesque villages, mountain passes, and vineyards of the Marina Alta region. Thanks to the mild climate, routes of varying difficulty, and a wide range of cyclist services (bike rentals, workshops, cycling cafés), this place has become one of the most popular cycling destinations in Spain.
What makes this region stand out?
Landscape diversity: sandy beaches and promenades on one side, mountain climbs and winding serpentines on the other.
Favorable temperatures: over 300 sunny days a year allow for training and exploring practically year-round.
Rich culture and local flavors: along the route you can rest in traditional tapas bars, taste fresh seafood, and soak up the cycling atmosphere in local cafés and bars for cyclists.
Cycling history and tradition: not only training grounds for professionals, but also numerous amateur races and cycling events attract two-wheel enthusiasts.
Weather
Calpe and Costa Blanca offer ideal cycling conditions for most of the year. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, sunny weather, and few rainy days, the region attracts both professional and amateur cyclists.
Best months for cycling
February – May: an excellent period for spring training and long-distance trips. Temperatures are pleasant (15–23°C), and days are getting longer. Roads are relatively empty, which is ideal for mountain climbs and longer routes.
September – November: autumn in Calpe is warm and stable. Temperatures range from 20 to 28°C. This is a good time for training and expeditions before the cooler and rainier winter period begins.
June – August: summer is hot (28–33°C), with intense sun. This is a great time for morning rides, but it's better to avoid cycling during midday hours. Good for strength training and shorter routes by the beach.
December – January: winter temperatures drop to 12–18°C. Despite cooler days, you can still ride, but expect shorter days and the possibility of stronger winds. This is a good time for those seeking peace and low tourist density.
How to Get There?
1. By Plane (most convenient)
Nearest airport: Alicante-Elche (ALC) – 75 km from Calpe
– approximately 50–60 minutes by car or bus.
Bike transport – airlines
- Ryanair – bike up to 30 kg as "sport equipment"
- Wizz Air – bike packed for transport (box/bag), up to 32 kg
- LOT – bike up to 32 kg, usually more expensive but convenient
It's worth booking bike transport when purchasing your ticket; it's much more expensive later.
Getting from Alicante Airport to Calpe
- Car rental The simplest option for groups + bikes. Price: from 10–20 €/day off-season.
- Buses / transfers Beniconnect Shuttle
- Shared Shuttle or Private Transfer option
- Time: 1:15–1:30 h
- Price: 20–30 € / person (shared)
- Private: approximately 90–120 €
- Taxi / Uber / Cabify
- Taxi from airport: approximately 110–140 €
- Fast if you arrive in the evening or with a lot of equipment
- Bus
- Alicante Airport → Benidorm (ALSA)
- Benidorm → Calpe (ALSA)
- Total time: approximately 2–2.5 h, cost approximately 15–20 €
- This is a budget option but not the most convenient with a bike in a box/bag.
Choosing a Base
Calpe — a "versatile" base to have everything nearby
Why: Calpe gives access to beaches, promenade, port, attractions like Peñón de Ifach rock, old town, cyclist services — excellent as a starting and ending point for routes. It's a good compromise between sea, cycling routes, restaurants, cafés, and tourist infrastructure.
Costs: In the Calpe area, you can find accommodation from around 33 € per night (in apartments or vacation homes). 3-star hotels tend to be more expensive — averaging 70–120 € per night, especially in season or near the beach.
For whom: For those who want to combine riding, beach, city, and convenience — especially if you plan to base yourself close to everything and value comfort and proximity to attractions and services.
Altea — a quieter, often cheaper seaside alternative
Why: A seaside town with atmosphere — quieter than large resorts. A good option if you want beach, sea, and Mediterranean climate but less hustle. A good compromise: close to the sea yet away from tourist commotion centers.
Costs: According to comparisons, Altea often turns out slightly cheaper than Calpe / seaside resorts. Depending on the standard — offers at lower or moderate prices are possible.
For whom: For those who want peace, relaxation, and sea, while not needing to be in the very center of tourist life — ideal for those seeking balance between rest and a calm pace.
Benissa – balance: nature, peace, and access to routes/beaches
Why: A less "resort-like" town with local atmosphere, peace, and access to both cycling routes and beaches or coves. A good choice if you want to avoid crowds, be closer to nature, and have a reasonable budget.
Costs and character: Although precise rates depend on location and timing, Benissa is often cheaper and less touristy — you can find cottages, apartments, or villas in quiet areas. This is a good option for longer stays or traveling with a group.
For whom: For active people (cycling, walking, nature) who value quiet, peace, and reasonable accommodation costs — especially if you don't need to stay right by the beach or in a resort center.
Moraira – resort, comfort, but higher cost
Why: Promenades, sea, restaurants, good infrastructure — ideal if you want more comfortable vacation with easy sea access and peaceful relaxation.
Costs: Compared to less touristy places, accommodation and services in Moraira are usually more expensive — this is due to demand and resort popularity.
For whom: For those who prioritize convenience, comfort, and proximity to beach/sea, and are willing to pay more — e.g., couples, families, people seeking relaxation.
Smaller towns / villages / more "off-the-beach" — cheaper, quieter, more peaceful
Why: Less touristy centers, away from beaches and hustle — often with easy access to cycling routes, mountains, nature. These are good places if you care about budget accommodation, quiet, and contact with nature.
Costs: Cheapest, especially if you opt for apartments, villas, or cottages in smaller towns. Prices can be significantly lower than in resorts or tourist centers.
For whom: For cyclists, people seeking peaceful relaxation, budget travelers, or those who don't care about staying right by the beach — ideal for an active expedition plan and low budget.
Bike Rental
Instead of bringing your own bike from home, renting one on site has many advantages:
- No transport logistics: you avoid packing your bike, buying a special bag, paying extra for flight luggage, or the stress of transport. The rental bike is waiting on site — ready to ride.
- Equipment suited to local routes: rental shops often offer road or gravel bikes prepared for the area's character (mountains, climbs, asphalt, gravel), allowing you to better utilize the potential of routes without worrying about maintenance.
- Service and technical support available on site: in case of breakdown or need for equipment adjustment, you have support — repairs, maintenance, mechanic assistance.
- Flexibility and convenience: you can rent for a few days or your entire stay, choose the size/type of bike, and often the rental offers bike delivery to your hotel/apartment.
- No risk of transport damage: transporting your own bike (plane, car) increases the risk of damage; rented equipment eliminates this problem.
For many people — especially those traveling from abroad or planning only a few days of riding — renting is a more convenient, cheaper, and less problematic option than bringing your own bike.
Bike Rental Shops in Calpe / Costa Blanca — Overview
Blanca Bikes: One of the most well-known operators in the area — rental, café, workshop, "bike-holiday" services. Road bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes are available. Bike delivery to your accommodation (hotel/apartment), service, repairs, mechanical support.
ROADBIKE Calpe Rental: A Polish rental operating in the Calpe area — they offer modern road bikes (various models), free "door-to-door" delivery within ~30 km from Calpe, bike insurance, service, and also airport transfer options. A good option for people from Poland who prefer service in their language.
CostaBlanca.cc Bike Rental: A declared Polish rental — a good option for travelers from Poland interested in bikes on Costa Blanca. Useful if you're looking for Polish-language service. They have hotel+bike packages in their offerings.
Other local/regional rentals/companies (e.g., gravel/road bikes / tourist services): Many companies operate in the area — check what they offer: whether they have road, gravel, or e-bikes; whether they have service; whether they offer delivery; whether they know local routes. It's worth comparing before booking.
Tips
Book in advance: This is probably the most important tip, especially if you're visiting Calpe at peak season (February to May). The best bikes are often reserved weeks or even months ahead. "We usually have full bookings for March by the end of January," says one rental manager. If you care about a specific model or bike size, don't leave it to chance.
Bring your own pedals and saddle: Most rentals will install your pedals for free, and many will also swap the saddle if you bring yours. This can make a huge difference in comfort, especially on longer routes. Your body is used to your own saddle, so bringing it can prevent discomfort on unfamiliar terrain.
Be honest about your skills: When booking, shops often ask about experience level and the type of riding you're planning. Be honest! If you overestimate your abilities, you might get a super stiff racing bike that's uncomfortable for recreational riding. On the other hand, if you're an experienced cyclist, you don't want to be stuck with a heavy endurance bike.
Thoroughly inspect the bike: When picking up your bike, take a few minutes for a careful inspection. Make sure the brakes work properly, the gears shift smoothly, and there's no damage they might later blame you for. Take photos of any existing scratches or defects to avoid disputes when returning.
Ask for local route recommendations: Rental staff know the area better than any guidebook or app. Ask them where to go based on your skills and interests. They can warn you about high-traffic roads or sections under construction. As one local mechanic told me: "We ride these roads every day, we know which ones to avoid."
Pay attention to weather: Calpe is usually sunny, but summer can be very hot, and winter brings occasional rain. Ask the rental about the forecast and plan your route accordingly. Some routes are more exposed to sun or wind than others. If it's going to be 35°C, it's worth starting very early or choosing a route with more shade.
Learn basic Spanish cycling terms: Although most staff speak English, knowing a few key words can help if you need to describe a problem. Words like "freno" (brake), "cambio" (derailleur), "pinchado" (flat tire), and "cadena" (chain) can come in handy.
Check opening hours: Many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta, usually from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you have a technical problem or need to return the bike during this time, you might be stuck waiting. Plan ahead or make sure they have an emergency number.
Ask about roadside assistance: Some better rentals offer roadside assistance in case of technical problems or accidents. This can save you if you're stuck 20 km from town with a broken derailleur. It's worth paying extra for that peace of mind.
Join a guided ride: Many rentals offer free or inexpensive group rides led once or twice a week. This is a great way to discover new routes and meet other cyclists. The guides also know all the best coffee spots!
Pubs, Cafés — Cycling Classics
Currently the most important and comprehensive "cycling-café center" in Calpe. Besides coffee, they also offer bike rental, workshop, accessories shop, Cervélo bike rental option, and even guide organization and cycling tours.
Coffee is roasted locally (specialty), served by experienced baristas — espresso, flat white, etc. It's a great place to fuel up before a route or rest after riding.
Location in the heart of the old town — easy access if you're staying or lodging in Calpe, or returning after a day of riding in the area.
A café-bar aimed at cyclists — they have a terrace (sun exposure most of the day), space to rest after riding, and organized group cycling trips (start around 9:30).
On the menu: coffee, tea, drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and also — for those interested — Belgian beer or Spanish wine. You can also watch cycling race broadcasts on the big screen.
If you're in Calpe and want to combine riding with a relaxed atmosphere, Baguet is a good place — both for starting the day and chilling after riding.
A legendary spot in the Costa Blanca area — a bar with strong cycling identity. The owners are Belgian, and the bar has Flanders atmosphere: posters from classics, photos of legendary races, signed jerseys, old bikes, bidons — everything a riding fan will appreciate.
The venue is located in Jalón (about fifteen kilometers from Calpe): a strategic location if you're planning an expedition to the famous Coll de Rates climb or other classic climbs in the region.
In winter season, you'll often see professional cyclists there — it's a good place to feel the cycling community atmosphere, chat, see equipment, route maps, etc.
A small, intimate "cycling café & shop" in the town of Alcalalí — right by routes often frequented by cyclists from Calpe and surroundings. Ideal as a stop on your route.
It's more of a "low-key" option — if you value calm atmosphere, simplicity, and authenticity, Musette can be a nice place for a short stop or route break.
A bar-restaurant in the mountainous, peaceful town of Bolulla — ideal if you're planning a trip to less touristy areas or are mid-route.
Typical Spanish menu: tapas, paella, home-cooked meals; large selection, including breakfasts or simple dishes — good after a long day of riding.
Customers praise the friendly, family atmosphere, simple, solid cuisine, and terrace/interior suitable for relaxation.
A restaurant located in mountain surroundings (around Benimaurell / small villages in the area) — ideal if you're doing a longer mountain trip or climbs in the region.
A good point for lunch or dinner — local cuisine, the opportunity to rest and eat in a peaceful, natural setting.
A good option if you want to escape crowds and eat something in an authentic, local atmosphere after an intensive cycling day.
