It’s the time of year British road cyclists live for. But Britain is not the only region in Europe that offers great summer-time cycling.
The Spanish Costa Blanca is an incredible warm weather destination that, though famous as a winter training getaway, offers an excellent all-round experience for cyclists over the summer months. And Calpe, at the very heart of this popular cycling region, offers a particularly good mix of routes, scenery, and culture.
Yes, Spain is still a possibility even in the middle of summer
Spain does get hot in the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ride even in August. Those who set off early in the morning are rewarded with mild temps and stunning vistas. In fact, it’s possible to do most of your climbing in the cool early hours, take a break at one of the many coffee shops, and then coast back to Calpe when things start to warm up. That leaves plenty of time for other activities, like exploring the many picturesque mountain towns, trying the local fare, and taking in the local fiestas.
The varied terrain has something for everyone
Of course, a cycling destination has to have great routes, and Calpe doesn’t disappoint. Its many routes offer flat, cruisy sections, gentle slopes and sustained climbing, and all among some of the most beautiful scenery on the Mediterranean coast. Below is just a sample of the routes you can enjoy while cycling Calpe in the summer.
Calpe – Gandia – Calpe
This is a great way to ease the legs into a cycling holiday. With only one category 3 climb, this 120km coastal jaunt is one of the best options for those just getting back into the saddle. In addition to the easy gradients, there are also many opportunities for coffee breaks.
Calpe – Alto de Finestrat – Puerto de Tudons – Calpe
WIth 2400m of elevation gain, this 145km excursion is one for cyclists who are already in climbing shape. It actually takes a slight de-tour around the summit of Tudons, but this can be included for those who have the legs to take them further. Most of the climbing is dealt with in the first 60km, making this a great option for those who want to get most of the steep stuff over with early.
Calpe – Altea – Callosa – Guadalest – Sella – Relleu – El Campello – Calpe
This would be a great base training ride as it includes a few nice climbs, some long drags, and many miles of enjoyable downhill. Most of the 2300m of elevation gain is done in the first 80km of this 170km route, and the last 50km is mostly flat.
El Campello – Puerto de Tudons – Puerto de la Carrasqueta – Alto de les Xemeneies – El Campello
If you are prepared to travel a little further afield, you might want to try this test of endurance. This route is as tough as a route can get in the Costa Blanca. It is 180km long and includes two of the toughest climbs in the region. Plan to deal with the first 125km as early as you can so that you are freewheeling the last 55km during the heat of the day.
If you are now contemplating cycling Calpe this summer, consider this: there are certain logistics involved in organising a cycling holiday, and a hotel chain that specialises in catering to cyclists can do much to ensure that your cycling trip runs smoothly. At AR Hotels we offer just the kind of cycling-related services that make such trips a breeze, and as a hotel chain with much experience in the area, we can offer the local advice needed to make any pedal-powered endeavour a possibility. To learn more about cycling Calpe or Calpe hotels, call us at AR Hotels.
