The best traffic-free bike rides around Palmera

The Forna Castle is a feudal palace-fortress, built in the first half of the 15th century, which is part of the Valencian civil Gothic style. It is a quadrangular building with four towers at each corner and a two-level central courtyard, which provides access to all the castle's rooms. On the lower floor of Tower 2, one of the best sets of graffiti from the period can be seen, depicting scenes of chivalry and the sea. It is a monument of very high heritage value, protected by the Decree-Law of April 22, 1949, on the protection and inventory of all castles and military architecture, and therefore included as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the Spanish Historical Heritage Law 16/85 in the second section of the additional provisions and Law 4/1998, of June 11, of the Generalitat Valenciana, of Valencian Heritage.

The Castillo de Forna is a feudal palace-fortress, built in the first half of the 15th century, which is part of the Valencian civil Gothic style. It is a quadrangular building with four towers at each corner and a central courtyard on two levels, which provides access to all the castle's dependencies. On the lower floor of Tower 2, one of the best collections of graffiti from the period can be seen, depicting scenes of chivalry and the sea. It is a monument of very high heritage value, protected by the Decree-Law of April 22, 1949, on the protection and inventory of all castles and military architecture, and therefore included as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the Spanish Historical Heritage Law 16/85 in the second section of the additional provisions and the Law 4/1998, of June 11, of the Generalitat Valenciana on Valencian Heritage.

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.

Nice climb, noting crazy, just do it :)

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.