The best traffic-free bike rides around Benimeli

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 Green Way of Dénia (Vía Verde Dénia-El Verger) is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible routes in the municipality. It follows the old railway line that connected Dénia with Carcaixent (Valencia) and is now an ideal route for hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing in a peaceful and natural setting.

From the bridge you have a beautiful view of the estuary, where the river meanders through reeds and dunes before flowing into the sea.

The ford was replaced by a "bridge".

The Plaza de Toros de Ondara, also known as "La Joya Levantina," was built in 1901 in the Neo-Mudéjar style and remains one of the most striking buildings in the Marina Alta. Destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, it was rebuilt in 1957 and has undergone several restorations since then. Since 2023, the arena has been increasingly used as a multifunctional cultural space, including concerts, exhibitions, and dining options, including a modern bar with a glass terrace. A bullfighting museum is also planned. After a hiatus of almost twenty years, the bullfighting tradition returned in 2025: a mixed bullfight took place on June 7, followed by another bullfight on August 9 as part of the Feria del Mediterráneo, which delighted a sold-out crowd.

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.

A tour to the mouth of the Río Molinell is particularly attractive, as the route is mostly flat and traffic-free. Starting from Dénia, for example, the route leads along quiet roads and coastal paths through the dune landscape of Les Marines. Shortly before the estuary, you pass the small bridge over the river, which allows a direct crossing and offers a beautiful view of the estuary. Here, where the river flows through reeds and dunes into the sea, fresh and salt water meet, creating a diverse landscape with rich birdlife. This section is ideal for a relaxing ride that combines nature experiences with coastal panoramas.

At the mouth of the Río Molinell, which forms the border between Dénia and Oliva, a small bridge spans the river. It connects the coastal paths of both towns and provides cyclists and walkers with a convenient crossing away from the main roads. From here, a wide view opens up of the estuary, where the river winds its way through reed beds and dunes to the sea. The confluence of fresh and salt water is particularly impressive, creating a diverse landscape with a rich birdlife. For cyclists, the bridge provides a convenient crossing point for continuing their tour between Dénia and Oliva or for taking a short break.