The best gravel rides around Alcoleja
4.0
(2)
31
riders
8
rides
Gravel biking around Alcoleja offers diverse and challenging landscapes within the Sierra de Aitana and Sierra de Serrella mountain ranges. The terrain features significant elevation changes, rugged paths, and winding roads through pine forests, scrubland, and agricultural areas like olive and almond groves. Notable features include mountain passes such as Port de Tudons and Confrides Pass, along with scenic routes around the Guadalest Reservoir. This region provides a network of trails suitable for gravel bikes, characterized by sustained ascents and…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
3.0
(1)
12
riders
74.1km
06:11
2,240m
2,240m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
31.3km
02:24
710m
710m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
100km
07:51
2,770m
2,770m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
41.7km
03:38
1,270m
1,270m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
19.7km
01:45
520m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Alcoleja
Tips from the Community
We couldn't see the reservoir, but the tour was great! Highly recommended with a mountain bike 👌
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Sella is a picturesque mountain village nestled in the southern Sierra de Aitana. It is distinguished by its impressive mountain scenery and is a popular destination for cyclists. The surrounding area is particularly appealing, with its striking limestone formations of the Aitana Mountains, as is the popular Ruta del Agua, a scenic route for hikers and cyclists. The village itself retains its authentic Spanish atmosphere with traditional bars, shops, and bakeries, and offers numerous opportunities to experience the region's nature and culture. Furthermore, the Festa Major in October reflects Sella's vibrant cultural life.
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Tollos is a peaceful mountain village along the Ruta 99, a scenic route connecting the smallest villages of the Valencian Community. It’s a perfect turnaround point for cyclists riding from Alcalalí or the Vall de Pop. The approach from Fageca offers a quiet, steady climb, mostly shaded in the morning. Tollos itself is small but charming, and cyclists love stopping here for a classic bocadillo at the local bar — simple, delicious and authentic. For those looking to add an extra challenge, you can continue from Tollos to the Muro de Tollos, a steep climb that rewards you with stunning views. From the top, you can descend towards Beniaia, opening up loop options through the Vall d’Alcalà.
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Just off the main CV‑720 near Benimassot but still on the roadside, you’ll find a traditional stone fountain serving as a convenient water refill point for cyclists—no detour needed. It offers fresh mountain spring water, ideal for topping up your bottles on a hot ride, adding a simple yet charming break to your journey along this scenic interior valley route.
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Ruta 99 – An Ode to Alicante’s Forgotten Villages ⚠️ Ruta 99 is not an official cycling route, but many sections can be explored by road bike or gravel bike. Ideal for cyclists seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path roads through inland Alicante. Ruta 99 is a circular long-distance hiking route connecting the 24 smallest villages in the province of Alicante — each with fewer than 100 inhabitants. Created by the regional government of Valencia, the route draws attention to the cultural and historical value of these remote communities, and promotes sustainable rural tourism. Whether on foot or by bike, Ruta 99 is a journey into silence, heritage, and raw Mediterranean landscapes. ⸻ 🏞 What to Expect The route weaves through the lesser-known inland regions of Marina Alta, El Comtat, L’Alcoià, and Vall d’Albaida, taking you through rugged mountains, almond groves, and centuries-old villages clinging to the hillsides. Highlights include: • Tollos – with fewer than 40 residents, one of the quietest villages in Spain • Fageca, Benimassot, Famorca, and La Vall d’Alcalà – rich in Moorish heritage • Sempere – the smallest village in the entire Valencian Community • Castell de Castells, Alcoleja, and Quatretondeta – with breathtaking views of the Serrella and Aitana mountain ranges ⸻ 🚶 For Hikers • Total distance: Approx. 450 km, divided into 20 stages • Waymarked: Yes, with distinctive Ruta 99 signage • Passport: Available to collect stamps in each village, similar to the Camino de Santiago • Accommodation: Local guesthouses, small hotels, and rural lodges ⸻ 🚴 For Adventurous Cyclists While Ruta 99 is designed for hiking, many of its paved segments are ideal for road or gravel biking. The route offers: • Quiet roads with almost no traffic • A chance to discover authentic inland villages • A mix of long climbs, rolling hills, and open landscapes Keep in mind: • Services (shops, cafés) are sparse — bring water, snacks, and tools • Some segments are unpaved or in poor condition, so check your route in advance • A gravel bike offers the most flexibility ⸻ 🌿 More Than a Route Ruta 99 is not just a trail — it’s a tribute to resilience, memory, and slow travel. These villages may be small, but they are full of stories. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, you’ll experience a different side of Alicante — one of silence, tradition, and raw natural beauty.
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short VIDEOs about this hike could be found at the following links at my youTUBE channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77nMyRJvnZw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVZN57p8yuA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QFmKmQYq4U
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If you ride your bike on this road you are not allowed to enter the safary park (it's only available on cars) but you still can see some wonderful animals like giraffes from the distance!
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Tough climb, but the reward of the views is a gift
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Alcoleja?
Gravel biking around Alcoleja offers a diverse and challenging landscape. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, rugged paths, and winding roads through pine forests, scrubland, and agricultural areas like olive and almond groves. The routes often feature a mix of groomed and more rugged gravel trails, quiet tarmac, and demanding climbs with exhilarating descents.
Are there many gravel bike trails available in Alcoleja?
Yes, Alcoleja is surrounded by a vast network of trails and roads suitable for gravel biking. Komoot lists over 8 challenging gravel bike routes in the area, all rated as difficult, catering to experienced riders seeking endurance challenges.
What are some notable mountain passes or peaks I might encounter on a gravel ride?
The region is known for its impressive mountain passes and peaks. You might ride over the Port de Tudons, which exceeds 1,000 meters in altitude, or the challenging Confrides Pass, popular among cyclists for its stunning scenery and steep gradients. Other significant summits include Els Plans Summit and Pla de la Casa Summit, offering panoramic vistas.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in the Alcoleja area?
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Alcoleja are designed as loops. For example, you could try the Comptador Pass – Port de Tudons loop from Penàguila, which is a 73.9 km trail traversing mountain passes. Another option is the Port de Tollos – Facheca Mountain Village loop from Benimassot, a difficult 31.3 km path exploring mountain villages.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while gravel biking near Alcoleja?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past the famous Guadalest Reservoir, enjoying views of Castell Guadalest. The area also features winding roads through dense pine forests and sweeping valley views. The River Frainos has sculpted beautiful scenery, such as Toll de Cabrera with its clear waters. You can also visit the Font de l'Arc Rock Arch or the Partagat Fault.
Are there any historical sites or castles accessible by gravel bike?
Absolutely. The area is dotted with historical sites. A popular route is the Castell de Castells – View of Guadalest Reservoir loop from Confrides, which leads through mountainous landscapes and past the Guadalest Reservoir, offering views of the famous El Castell de Guadalest. You can also explore the charming traditional historical center of Alcoleja itself, with its impressive 18th-century Alcoleja Tower.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Alcoleja?
The region generally offers good conditions for gravel biking outside of the peak summer heat. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Winter can also be suitable, though conditions at higher elevations might be cooler. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Alcoleja?
The gravel biking routes around Alcoleja are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging mountain ranges, dense pine forests, and scenic agricultural terraces that define the area's varied terrain.
Are there any shorter, yet still challenging, gravel routes available?
While most routes are challenging, you can find options that are not excessively long. For instance, the Sella – Bridge over the Sella River loop from Relleu is a difficult 19.7 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a substantial workout in a shorter distance.
Where can I find good viewpoints along the gravel bike trails?
Many routes in the Sierra de Aitana and Sierra de Serrella offer spectacular viewpoints. The Port de Tudons provides impressive views, and the summits like Els Plans and Pla de la Casa offer panoramic vistas. You can also find specific viewpoints like the Relleu Footbridge Viewpoint and the Reservoir viewpoint.
Is it possible to rent gravel bikes in the Alcoleja area?
Yes, for those who don't have their own equipment, electric bike rentals are available in the region. This allows visitors to enjoy the mountainous terrain with assisted pedaling, making the beautiful surroundings accessible without requiring extensive prior training.
What kind of agricultural landscapes will I see while cycling?
The landscape around Alcoleja is characterized by extensive agricultural terraces, particularly olive and almond groves. These showcase how the local population has adapted to and shaped the mountainous relief, providing picturesque scenery along many routes.
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