4.3
(3)
41
riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Benifato offers diverse terrain within the Sierra de Aitana, a mountain range characterized by rugged landscapes and significant elevation changes. The region features challenging climbs, technical sections, and winding routes through pine forests and the picturesque Guadalest Valley. Cyclists encounter varied surfaces, including unpaved sections and scenic roads, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
3
riders
31.3km
02:24
710m
710m
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.

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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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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!
1
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Slowly and with good handwriting
0
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between Vall d Ebo and Alacali, road with short but violent steep slopes, caught in the wind and apocalyptic landscape, following a fire
3
1
The Benifato area, nestled in the Sierra de Aitana and Guadalest Valley, offers diverse and often challenging gravel terrain. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved sections, winding roads through pine forests, and routes with significant elevation changes. The region is known for its rugged mountain backdrops and scenic trails, making for an engaging ride.
The no-traffic gravel routes around Benifato are generally considered challenging. For example, the Port de Tollos – Facheca Mountain Village loop from Benimassot and the Port de Tudons – Summit of Portet de Tagarina loop from Cannibal are both rated as difficult due to their elevation gain and technical sections. Riders should be prepared for demanding climbs and descents.
You'll find stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks. Many routes offer views of the picturesque Guadalest Valley and the Guadalest Reservoir. The Sierra de Aitana provides a dramatic backdrop, and you might encounter unique geological formations. The area also features ancient 'snow wells' or 'ice houses' (clots) and natural springs.
Benifato is suitable for gravel biking for much of the year, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures. Summers can be hot, especially at lower elevations, while winters can bring cooler temperatures and occasional snow at higher altitudes in the Sierra de Aitana.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Sella – Bridge over the Sella River loop from Relleu, which offers a circular experience through the scenic landscape.
The komoot community rates the trails around Benifato highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the stunning mountain views, and the sense of adventure found on these less-trafficked routes.
Absolutely. The region is rich with viewpoints. You can find breathtaking vistas from locations like Mirador de Cocoll and various points offering views of Puig Campana. The routes often traverse mountain passes such as Port de Tudons and Sa Creueta Pass, which provide expansive panoramas.
While specific parking areas for each trailhead are not detailed, Benifato and surrounding villages like Benimassot and Relleu (starting points for some routes) typically offer public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival.
Many routes in the Benifato area connect or pass near small villages. For instance, the Port de Tollos – Facheca Mountain Village loop from Benimassot includes the mountain village of Facheca. These villages often have small cafes or local establishments where cyclists can stop for a break and refreshments.
The gravel trails around Benifato are known for significant elevation changes. For example, the Port de Tudons – Summit of Portet de Tagarina loop from Cannibal involves over 1200 meters of ascent, indicating that riders should be prepared for substantial climbing.
Yes, the Sierra de Aitana is home to intriguing geological features. You might encounter areas like La Forata, the narrow pass of Rabosa (passet de la Rabosa), and the impressive rocky landscapes of the Partagat Fault, which add to the scenic variety of the rides.


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