The best cycling routes around Piles

The Plaça de l’Ajuntament de Oliva is the heart of the historic center of Oliva and one of the city's most representative spaces. Surrounded by buildings of architectural interest and presided over by the statue of the admiral and mathematician Gabriel Ciscar, this square is a meeting point for locals and visitors, as well as the setting for markets, celebrations, and numerous cultural events. Its tranquil atmosphere and historical value make it an ideal place to stroll and discover the essence of Oliva.

The Church of Santa María la Mayor is one of the most emblematic monuments in Oliva and a magnificent example of Valencian architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Built on top of an old Gothic church, it combines Baroque and Neoclassical elements, highlighting its three naves, the bell tower, the Capilla del Rosario, and a spacious crypt located beneath the temple. Its interior, characterized by great sobriety and elegance, houses valuable pieces of goldsmithing and religious art, making it an essential visit for those who wish to discover the city's historical and cultural heritage.

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.

Forna is a small, very quiet village in the municipality of L’Atzúbia, in the hinterland of the Costa Blanca. It lies nestled in a hilly, Mediterranean landscape characterized by orange groves and unspoiled valleys. With fewer than one hundred inhabitants, the village has an almost familial atmosphere and has retained its traditional, rural character: narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and flowers adorning doorways. Above the village rises the impressive Castillo de Forna, a fortified palace dating from the late Middle Ages. Its towers and walls define the village's appearance and are a reminder of the region's Moorish past. Later, the castle served as a lord's residence and remains a central landmark of Forna. The village's history stretches far back, as the area was already settled during the Islamic period. Even after the resettlement of new inhabitants in the 17th century, Forna remained a small, agricultural village that has preserved its historical structure. Visitors to Forna will experience a tranquil and charming place. The tranquility, the surrounding nature and the immediate proximity to the mountains make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic atmosphere and historical architecture away from mass tourism.

The Plaça de l'Ajuntament in Oliva is a worthwhile stop on a bike tour through the old town. The square is framed by elegant buildings, and at its center, the statue of Admiral Gabriel Ciscar y Ciscar, a prominent mathematician and co-creator of the metric system, commemorates one of the city's most famous sons. Thus, the square combines architectural beauty with historical depth—an ideal place to briefly hop off your bike and soak up the atmosphere.

The Camino Natural Vía Verde de la Safor connects Gandia with Oliva along the route of a former railway line and is now a popular cycling and hiking trail. The route is mostly flat and well-paved, making it ideal for leisurely excursions. Along the way, you'll pass orange groves, Mediterranean vegetation, and quiet fields, providing a natural experience. Along the route, there are several picnic areas with benches and tables, ideal for breaks. The route is suitable for both sporty cyclists and families or walkers who want to enjoy the coastal landscape and the region's natural beauty.

The Church of Santa María la Mayor in Gandia stands on the site of an earlier 13th-century temple, of which a Gothic chapel and a Mudéjar pointed arch still remain. In the 17th century, the Communion Chapel was added, and an initial remodeling project began, but remained unfinished. The bell tower was completed in 1695. Construction of the current church began in 1705 but was interrupted during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1754, a large part of the roof, dome, and nave collapsed, necessitating further remodeling. Following the completion of this work, the church was consecrated in 1787. Today, Santa María la Mayor combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements and represents both a spiritual center and an important testimony to the architecture and history of Gandia.

The Barranc de l'Assagador Park near Daimús is a quiet, natural area ideal for breaks and relaxation. Benches along the paths invite you to linger. Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and meadows, the park offers a pleasant retreat to enjoy nature in peace, away from roads and traffic.