The Costa Blanca is one of the most comfortable and visually diverse regions in Spain for cycling. Here, Mediterranean beaches, palm groves, vineyards, small historical towns and dramatic mountain landscapes are all within easy reach of Alicante. Thanks to its mild climate and developed cycling infrastructure, the Costa Blanca is ideal for cycling. The wide variety of routes attracts both active travellers and those looking for relaxed, scenic rides.
This guide explores some of the most beautiful cycling routes on the Costa Blanca. Most of them start in Alicante and continue along the coast and inland. You will find route descriptions, practical advice, and ideas for discovering the region at a comfortable pace.
Why the Costa Blanca is ideal for cycling
What makes this region especially attractive for cycling is the combination of gentle coastal terrain and more dramatic inland landscapes. In one day, you can ride along long sandy beaches. You pass small coves hidden between cliffs. Then the route continues through palm groves and ends near medieval towns or former railway lines turned into green cycling paths.
The Costa Blanca is not only for sports cyclists. Many routes are flat or gently rolling, with good surfaces and long sections separated from traffic. This makes the area particularly suitable for leisure cycling and electric bikes. Most routes are not physically demanding and are designed to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.
Alicante coastal route: Playa San Juan – Cabo de Huerta – Santa Faz Monastery
One of the most enjoyable ways to discover Alicante and its surroundings is by bicycle. Starting right from Playa de San Juan, the route follows the beachfront cycle path with sea views, cafés and restaurants, making for a calm and scenic beginning. The mostly flat terrain and well-marked bike lanes here make cycling easy and accessible for riders of all levels.
After riding along the beach, the path turns inland into a quieter semi-urban landscape that until recently was farmland and orchards. Along this section you’ll see traditional orchads with olive trees (olivos), carob trees, pomegranate trees (granados) and other Mediterranean vegetation. Historic refuge towers from the 16th–17th centuries dot the landscape, echoes of the region’s past defensive architecture.
Santa Faz Monastery
The route then leads to the Monasterio de Santa Faz, one of the most meaningful cultural and pilgrimage sites near Alicante. The monastery houses the revered Santa Faz relic, a cloth believed to have covered the face of Christ, attracting visitors and pilgrims for centuries.
You can experience this exact itinerary on our expertly guided Alicante Bike Tour — a circular ~13 km ride on dedicated cycle paths, combining coastal scenery, agricultural landscapes and local history in one memorable outing. The ride is nearly flat, perfect for relaxed cycling with stops for photos and stories along the way.
Cycling in Elche: palm groves, history and quiet urban routes
Elche offers a completely different cycling experience. Instead of open sea views, the city surprises visitors with greenery, shade and a slower rhythm. The famous Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spreads throughout the city in hundreds of palm orchards crossed by paths and irrigation channels dating back centuries.
Cycling here often feels like passing through a living garden. Routes lead between tall palms, old stone bridges, small parks and historical quarters. Unlike many large Spanish cities, Elche has invested heavily in bike infrastructure. Wide cycle lanes and quiet streets make it easy to explore without stress.
A ride through Elche allows you to combine light urban cycling with nature and history. You can pass near archaeological sites, old factories converted into cultural centres, traditional neighbourhoods, and shaded walking paths inside the palm groves. It is particularly suitable for gentle exploration days or for travellers who want to cycle without leaving the urban environment.
Practical information:
Elche is almost entirely flat and suitable for city bikes and e-bikes. Routes can be short and flexible, making it a good option for half-day cycling.
Cycling in Benidorm and along the northern coast
Although Benidorm is often associated with skyscrapers and beaches, it has developed an extensive network of cycle paths and coastal promenades. Riding here allows cyclists to move easily between long sandy beaches, small hidden coves, seaside parks and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.
Routes extend towards neighbouring towns and natural parks, offering both flat coastal rides and more challenging options into the hills behind the city. This makes Benidorm a convenient base for travellers who want flexibility: gentle seaside cycling one day and more adventurous terrain the next.
Via Verde routes on the Costa Blanca: cycling through landscapes without traffic
Across the Costa Blanca, several former railway lines have been transformed into what are known as “Via Verde” routes. These greenways were originally built for trains, which means they follow natural corridors with gentle gradients, tunnels and bridges. Today, they offer some of the most comfortable and scenic cycling in the region.
Via Verde routes are especially popular with leisure cyclists because they are separated from traffic and pass through landscapes often inaccessible by car.
Via Verde del Maigmó
The Via Verde del Maigmó runs through an inland landscape of rocky hills, pine forests and wide open valleys. Cycling here feels very different from the coast. The air is drier, the colours more intense, and the silence broken only by birds and wind.
Along the route, cyclists pass through old railway tunnels and cross high viaducts offering views over ravines and agricultural land. The path is long enough to create a sense of journey, but gentle enough to remain comfortable. It is ideal for travellers who want to experience the interior of the province without demanding mountain climbs.
Via Verde del Maigmó practical information
- Length: 21.14 km
- Surface: compacted earth
- Accessibility: suitable for people with reduced mobility, although some sections have slopes
- Infrastructure: 7 tunnels (not illuminated), 2 viaducts, 2 footbridges
- Important: front and rear bike lights are strongly recommended, as several tunnels are long and completely dark
- Tip: best ridden downhill from Puerto del Maigmó to the Agost rest area for a more comfortable experience.
View Via Verde del Maigmó on Google Maps (starting Puerto del Maigmó).
Via Verde de Alcoy
Near Alcoy, another greenway introduces cyclists to a greener, more mountainous side of Alicante province. Forests, rivers and dramatic rock formations dominate the scenery. The route often feels enclosed by nature, making it perfect for warm days.
This Via Verde is shorter and particularly attractive for those who want a scenic but manageable ride. It is also a good introduction to inland cycling for visitors staying mainly on the coast.
Via Verde de Alcoy practical information
- Length: 21.77 km
- Users: walkers and cyclists (suitable for people with reduced mobility)
- Surface: asphalt and compacted earth
- Features: 10 tunnels, 3 viaducts
- This route combines inland nature with historic structural features.
View Via Verde Xixarra on Google Maps (starting point near Batoy Park).
Via Verde de la Xixarra: cycling through Alicante’s inland heritage
The Vía Verde de la Xixarra follows part of the historic narrow-gauge railway between Villena and Biar along the slopes of the Sierra de Mariola. The restored greenway covers about 15.87 km, offering a safe, traffic-free route through Alicante’s countryside.
Cyclists start near the Sanctuary of Las Virtudes and pass gentle open landscapes with fields, vineyards, and scattered farmhouses. Along the way, remnants of the old railway, such as stone bridges and restored viaducts, add charm and historical context to the ride.
As the greenway approaches Biar, the scenery opens to cultural highlights: the 12th-century castle, the Sanctuary of Biar, and the town’s ogival aqueduct. The route is mostly flat with compacted soil, suitable for leisure cycling and electric bikes, making it a relaxed and scenic ride.
More information about Green Roads viasverdes.com
Practical information for Via Verde routes:
Surfaces are usually compact gravel or asphalt, suitable for hybrid, trekking and electric bikes. They are ideal in spring, autumn and winter, and very pleasant even in summer mornings due to their inland breezes and occasional shade.
Via Verde del Xixarra practical information
- Length: 15.87 km (Las Virtudes – Biar)
- Users: walkers and cyclists (suitable for people with reduced mobility)
- Surface: compacted earth
- Features: 1 viaduct
- A pleasant and scenic route through the countryside between Villena and Biar.
View Via Verde Xixarra on Google Maps (starting point Santuario de las Virtudes).
Best time of year for cycling on the Costa Blanca
The climate is one of the region’s greatest assets.
Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming landscapes and long days, making it ideal for both coastal and inland routes.
Autumn offers warm seas, softer light and quieter roads after summer tourism fades.
Winter is surprisingly good for cycling. Daytime temperatures are often perfect for riding, and many northern European cyclists choose the Costa Blanca specifically for winter training and leisure cycling holidays.
Summer requires adaptation rather than avoidance. Midday heat can be intense, but early mornings and evenings are wonderful times to ride, especially along the coast.
Practical information: planning your cycling experience
touring models. Helmets, lights and locks are usually available. Booking in advance is recommended during spring and autumn.
The coastal area has a growing network of cycle lanes and promenades. Inland routes often follow quiet country roads or greenways. For longer routes, water, sun protection and basic repair equipment are strongly advised.
For travellers who prefer a structured experience, guided tours provide not only logistics and safety, but also local stories, historical context and carefully selected routes adapted to ability and interests.
Costa Blanca on roads
Cycling on the Costa Blanca is not simply about sport. It is about moving slowly through landscapes, connecting beaches with monasteries, palm groves with mountain tunnels, modern cities with forgotten railway lines. The Costa Blanca can offer an extraordinary variety of routes in every direction.
Whether you choose a relaxed coastal ride, a palm-shaded urban route, or a peaceful Via Verde journey inland, cycling becomes one of the most authentic ways to understand this region.
For those who want to start directly in Alicante with a carefully designed route and local guidance, you can discover our experience here: https://travelcostablanca.com/tour/bike-tour-alicante/
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
