Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca (Spanish for white coast) is found in southeastern Spain between the towns of Denia and Pilar de la Horadada and has a coast length of 244 kilometers with many sandy beaches. The total number of beaches is 74.
The coast is also called white because of its exuberant almond cultivation (trees with pink and white blossoms) in the past. The temperature averages 18 degrees. Some well-known places on the Costa Blanca are Alicante, Benidorm and, in cycling terms, Calpe and Denia.

cycling in the sun
With more than 328 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 18 degrees, cycling on the Costa Blanca is popular all year round. Not only among the Flemings, who seem to have discovered it before, but it is now booming among foreigners as well. The surroundings show that there are hardly any winters. Oleanders, palm trees, cacti, lemons and tangerines, you can find them all along the road. You should also not be surprised if you are overtaken by a professional team; they all train here. Minimal traffic and exceptionally good roads. The now famous Coll de Rates and Port de Tudons are within easy reach, as are the beautiful Bernia, and Jalón Valley which is white with almond blossoms.

Here are 10 good reasons to come to the Costa:

1)Cycling can be done here all year round.
With more than 328 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 18 degrees, the climate of the Costa Blanca is exceptionally good and one of the sunniest in Spain. Cycling can therefore be done all year round and that is why you see the pro teams doing their training courses here in January and February. An early start of your cycling season and enjoying the sun and sea go hand in hand.

2)Both flat riding and climbing
Whoever talks about cycling on the Costa Blanca talks about the unique and varied landscape in which each route presents you with a new experience. From rugged mountains and bare rock formations to flowering valleys and beautiful coastal roads. The road network here is large, varied and bounded only on one side by the sea. So the possibilities are endless.

3)Cols close to the sea
Did you know that the mountains are almost nowhere as close to the beaches as on the Costa Blanca? And that makes this destination especially suitable to make your cycling trip a real vacation. Not only the larger coastal towns such as Calpe and Benidorm, but also the cozy Albir or authentic Moraira bring the ultimate vacation feeling. Wide beaches, boulevards with stores and plenty of terraces where you can relax after cycling.

4)Good asphalt
The roads in the hinterland of Calpe and Benidorm are generally well maintained and tightly paved. And the government wants to keep it that way, because the increasing number of cyclists naturally provides additional income. More and more roads have bicycle lanes and signage is clear as well. Cars are obliged to pass cyclists at 1.5 meters distance and are regularly reminded of this with a road sign.

5)Coll de Rates
The Coll de Rates is on many a bucket list and has a magical appeal to every cyclist coming to Spain. A beautiful very regular climb of 7.1 km with 387 altimeters. You must have cycled this one and is considered an ideal climb to determine your progression. At the top you are treated to spectacular sea views.

6)4-star Plus accommodations
In recent years, more and more luxury hotels are equipped with bicycle facilities. Guarded bicycle storage, wellness and also sports meals are no longer an exception. There is the choice of a hotel but you can also go to the more exclusive and luxurious villas to keep it homely with a small party

7)Good quality rental bikes
Rental bikes in Spain these days are generally just good. Young bikes made of carbon and some rental companies also offer bikes with disc brakes. Like the hotels, more and more rental companies have begun to differentiate themselves on quality and service. For example, bikes are delivered to the hotel, customized, and also picked up again. Keep in mind that during busy periods a rental bike must be reserved well in advance.

8)Spanish culture
Once off shore you drive right into the real Spain. Mosaic facades, orange farmers with horses and carts, and ancient ruins that let you go back in time. Not to be missed is the village of Guadalest, perched high on a rock. After an earthquake, the old Arabic center can only be reached through a small tunnel, and the 12th-century castle literally hangs from a cliff. Guadalest has been designated a national monument and offers beautiful views of a clear blue reservoir.

9)Affordable vacations
Spain is still among the cheaper vacation countries. Prices are generally lower than in the Netherlands, France and other European countries. This is reflected, for example, in the cost of a rental car, a cab or a visit to a restaurant. A cup of coffee inland often costs no more than €1.50. Of course, the more touristy the more expensive it is, but you don't have to worry about the money for a terrace by the sea.

10)Cheap flight tickets
Flying to Alicante or Valencia can be done from most European airports. And discount airlines like Transavia, Ryanair and Easyjet offer tickets very cheaply. Especially if you can book early and choose a period outside school vacations and public holidays. That way you decide where to fly from and on what day.
For a small surcharge, you can also bring your own bike.