The best traffic-free bike rides around Palmera

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.

La Font de la Drova is a traditional fountain and washhouse surrounded by nature and mountains, located in the municipality of Barx (Valencia). The place stands out for its large, greenish-toned water basin and its historic supply facilities, making it an ideal and very popular point of interest among hiking and outdoor route enthusiasts.

El Puerto de La Drova is a Valencian mountain pass located 382 meters above sea level on the CV-675 road between Gandía and Barx, famous for its beautiful views of the Mondúver surroundings and very popular with cyclists and hikers.

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 port of Barx is a Valencian classic. Its horseshoe bends run over the panorama of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean coast.

A handy water tap in the small and atmospheric village of Forna, located on a charming village square. The perfect stop during a leisurely ride through the countryside. You can get off here for a coffee on a terrace, but also quickly refill your water bottle at the tap on the square and continue on your way.

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 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.