アリカンテのおすすめライド

街全体が飾られており、何であれ

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.