The Route of the Sun and the magic of the Mediterranean, from Elche to Valencia
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Spain
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions102.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the most fascinating section of Eurovelo 8, the Mediterranean Route, on an eight-day adventure linking the palm groves of Alicante to the rice paddies of Valencia.
The magic of this journey lies in the spectacular transformation of the landscapes. It all begins in Elche, in the heart of its majestic Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This gentle start, in an almost North African setting, leads us to vibrant Alicante and its imposing Santa Bárbara Castle.
The journey then climbs higher on the Vía Verde du Maigmó. Leaving the coast for the inland pine forests, the effort is rewarded by crossing spectacular viaducts. After discovering the strong character of Alcoy, we enjoy a superb descent along the Serpis River, on a former railway line, to Gandía. There, the sea breeze and an authentic Fideuá await us to recharge our batteries.
The finale is a true ode to the Mediterranean. Between orange groves and wetlands, we reach Cullera before entering the jewel of the journey: the Albufera Natural Park. Driving amidst endless rice paddies and dunes is an unforgettable experience that culminates in a triumphant arrival in Valencia, facing the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. More than just a physical challenge, it's a journey for the soul, blending history, unspoiled nature, and world-class cuisine.
The highlights
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BEST MEDITERRANEAN ACTIVE-SPORT EXPERIENCE 2023
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Crop transition: from orange groves to the rice paddies of the Albufera.
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Futuristic entrance to Valencia after the Albufera dunes.
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
In figures
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average distance/day: 52 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 292 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Arrival at the first hotel the night before the first stage
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A relaxing day to visit the city the day before the first stage. Elche is ideal for strolling through its famous Palmeral and enjoying this exceptional green space.
Day 1 -
Heading towards the Alicante coast
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 65 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Warm-up Route and Sea. A gentle first stage, ideal for acclimatizing. The route is a leisurely stroll through palm groves and fruit orchards in a semi-arid environment, until you reach the Alicante coast. Upon arrival, we recommend visiting the port, Postiguet Beach, and climbing up to Santa Bárbara Castle.
Day 2 -
Between pine forests and spectacular viaducts
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Mountain Challenge and Viaducts. This is the day with the greatest elevation gain. We leave the sea and head into the mountains along the Vía Verde del Maigmó , surrounded by pine trees. It's an engineering marvel with spectacular viaducts. The day culminates in Castalla, a tranquil inland village with a castle, ideal for resting.
Day 3 -
Immersion in the Mediterranean hinterland
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Landscape and Recovery. A short, gentler stage to recharge. We ride near the Carrascal de la Fuente Roja Natural Park, enjoying beautiful inland Mediterranean scenery. Arrival in Alcoy, a city rich in industrial history and famous for its unique Moors and Christians festival.
Day 4 -
Downriver trip towards Gandía
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Return to the sea via the Serpis River. The return to the coast begins. The road descends and winds along the Serpis River, through old railway valleys. The reward is arrival in Gandía, a coastal and historic city, perfect for enjoying seafood cuisine, including its famous Fideuá.
Day 5 -
Orchards in the Albufera reserve
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Between Orange Groves and Wetlands. A simple and very scenic stage. We cycle between vast groves of orange trees and other fruit trees, entering the wetlands and the first rice paddies of the Albufera. Cullera welcomes us with its rocky silhouette and castle at the summit, offering a long and splendid beach.
Day 6 -
The grand finale towards the city of Valence
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Rice paddies, dunes, and the grand finale. The last day of cycling is an immersion in the Albufera Natural Park, between rice paddies, wetlands, and dunes along the Mediterranean. The entry into Valencia is spectacular, passing directly through the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which creates an unforgettable contrast.
Day 7 -
End of the Journey
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast in San Sebastián, and with the image of the sea etched in our retinas, the trip comes to an end.
Day 8
Note
The organizers reserve the right to adjust or modify the itinerary and accommodations based on availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. The final program will be detailed upon confirmation of your trip.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast
- Visit to the Palau Borgia or similar activity
- Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 piece of luggage / Person)
- Route in digital format and GPS
- Documentation and travelogue of the trip
- Navigation APP access
- Telephone support available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The price does not include
- Rental of traditional or electric bicycles
- Additional nights
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Any service not expressly mentioned
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF219.55 / person
- Electric mountain bike rental : CHF329.33 / person
- Transfer back to the starting point on the last day : CHF324.75 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
