The best road cycling routes around Rótova

Nice climb, noting crazy, just do it :)

IF… you are going here, I recommend having something like 50/34 11-34 and disc brakes, there are steep angles up and down. The gravel part is short and on 28 mm road tyres is manageable. And one more, ride only from Lorcha towards Villalonga, otherwise you’ll hate your life.

The Palau del Duc ducal palace was built in the late Gothic and Renaissance style in the 16th and 17th centuries. Opening hours: Mon to Sat 10am–1.30pm and 3pm to 6.30pm (November to March) and 4pm to 7.30pm (April to October) and Sunday/public holiday 10am to 1.30pm.

The ford was replaced by a "bridge".

Hard!

The Puerto de Sorell is a quiet and under-the-radar ridge climb in the northern Costa Blanca, linking Pego and Ràfol d’Almúnia via the CV‑728. It’s not long, not high — but it’s a perfect connector on a peaceful inland loop. From Ràfol d’Almúnia, the climb is 2.7 km long at an average gradient of 3.1%. It’s a smooth, steady ascent through olive groves and farmland, ideal for keeping a light rhythm and soaking up the rural scenery. The road surface is good and traffic is almost nonexistent. From the Pego side, the climb is roughly the same length but considerably steeper, with sections reaching 6 to 8%. It’s a short but honest effort, and a nice little test when coming up from the coastal plain. The views are wide and open — toward the Segària range, the valley below, and even the sea in the distance. At the summit, you'll spot the blue "Puerto de Sorell – 170 m" sign, a modest but official col marker that makes the climb feel just a bit more special. From here, you can descend either way or continue inland toward Vall de Gallinera, Vall d’Ebo, or Coll de Rates. Puerto de Sorell is a local favourite: short, scenic, quiet — and perfect for linking bigger climbs on a longer ride.

Just off the road between Sagra and Pego, the small turnoff toward Vall d’Ebo leads into one of the most beautiful and tranquil climbs in the Costa Blanca mountains. It may not be famous outside of cycling circles — but pros know it well: Tadej Pogačar holds the Strava KOM on this climb. From the Pego side, the ascent runs for about 8 km, gaining 400 metres at a steady average of 5%. The road is smooth, quiet, and beautifully engineered — with a flowing rhythm and wide, elegant curves. The landscape is peaceful and wild, with cliffs, pines, and far-reaching views. At the top, just before you descend into Vall d’Ebo, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view in both directions: looking back, the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea; looking ahead, the lush green valley of Vall d’Ebo, framed by rugged ridges and rocky outcrops. It’s a rare and stunning double panorama. If you continue past the village, you can create a magnificent loop via Pla de Petracos, riding through remote canyons and ancient rock formations before descending into Benigembla and back to the Vall de Pop. If you're riding from Vall d’Ebo toward Pego, the climb is shorter — about 3 km at 6% — but still very scenic, especially as you rise above the valley with dramatic views behind you. Vall d’Ebo may be quiet, but it’s world-class: pure road, total calm, and the kind of climb you’ll want to ride again and again.

Tucked away in the mountains of the Marina Alta, Vall de Gallinera is one of the Costa Blanca’s most scenic and peaceful cycling routes. The name literally means “Valley of the Chickens” — 🐓🐔 — a nod to the valley’s Moorish past, when this fertile land was known for its farms and poultry. These days, the valley is all about cherries. In spring, the hills burst into bloom with white cherry blossoms — an incredible sight on two wheels. By May and June, the trees are full of ripe, sweet cherries, and local farmers sell them fresh from roadside stalls. 🍒 The route winds through eight tiny villages, like Benissili, Alpatró, and Benirrama, connected by quiet mountain roads with gentle gradients, flowing curves, and spectacular views.