Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές ποδηλασίας δρόμου στο Αλικάντε

quiet road, nice view descending down towards Calpe

Beautiful landscape

The village truly comes alive during its annual festivities, including the celebrations in honor of the Virgen de los Desamparados and Santa Catalina Mártir in May, neighborhood festivities in August, and the Feast of the Assumption. On these days, music, processions, and traditional dishes fill the streets, with local specialties such as mullat, coques, and puxero amb pilotes. Senija is therefore a place where history, nature, gastronomy, and art blend harmoniously, and where time itself seems to slow down.

Senija is a small and picturesque village in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, nestled against a hillside and surrounded by a landscape of almond, olive, and carob trees. Covering less than five square kilometers and home to just a few hundred residents – a significant portion of whom are of foreign origin – the village has a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Narrow streets lined with whitewashed and pastel-colored houses give Senija its typical Mediterranean charm. The history of Senija dates back to the time when it was almost entirely inhabited by Moors. After their expulsion in the early 17th century, the number of families dropped sharply, but the 18th century brought a revival, mainly through the production of raisins for export. Agriculture still plays a key role in the local economy today, with vineyards, olive oil, dessert wines, and dried tomatoes among its specialties. Senija is also known for its artistic character, most notably through the MOS Open-Air Museum, where murals by various artists can be admired throughout the village. In the heart of Senija stands the church of Santa Catalina, built on the remains of an old mosque and housing a baroque statue of the Virgen de los Desamparados. The surrounding countryside offers walking trails leading to sites such as La Creueta and the Cueva de la Garganta, where views and tranquility draw many visitors.

Want a slightly steadier start to Cumbre del Sol? Choose the other side, just outside Benitachell (on the road from/to Jávea). This side is still very tough, but the gradients are a bit more even. The final kilometre is identical to the famous Mercadona climb, with ramps above 15% and the same breathtaking summit view.

The climb to Cumbre del Sol / Puig de la Llorença starts a small distance from Benitachell, at the turn-off next to Mercadona (on the way to Moraira). It’s a short but brutal 4 km climb with ramps of 10–12% and pitches above 15%. At the summit, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean, Calpe, and even Ibiza. This climb is famous as a Vuelta a España stage finish, won by stars like Chris Froome and Tom Dumoulin.

On the descent from the Sierra de Bernia, you are often treated to stunning panoramic views. The sight of the Mediterranean Sea and Calpe, with the striking Peñón de Ifach, is truly breathtaking. Take a moment to enjoy this scenery, especially on clear days.

If there’s one climb that defines cycling on the Costa Blanca, it’s Coll de Rates. Starting from the village of Parcent, this legendary ascent has become a must-ride for cyclists from around the world — from weekend warriors to Tour de France champions. The climb is just under 7 km long, with an average gradient of around 5%, making it both accessible and rhythmical. The road surface is excellent, the curves are elegant, and the views just keep getting better as you rise above the valley. This is no secret among the pros. Riders from Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates and others regularly use Coll de Rates for winter training. Tadej Pogačar currently holds the Strava KOM, which says a lot about the kind of names that have tested themselves here. On clear days, the view from the top is simply breathtaking — stretching all the way across the coastline, and if you’re lucky, even Ibiza shimmers faintly on the horizon. There’s a café at the summit (seasonal), and the descent toward Tarbena or Castell de Castells is just as rewarding. With its mix of scenery, steady gradients and cycling history, Coll de Rates is one of the most climbed — and most loved — ascents in the world. If you ride only one climb in the region, make it this one.