Training Rides Cycling
Bicycle trips
Spain
Training trip in the cycling paradise of Altea and Calpe, along the Costa Blanca coast, north of Alicante in Spain, attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. This is a trip for cyclists who want a pleasant, social tour to extend the summer or shorten the winter.
There will be wonderful long rides where we cycle through the finest cycling routes in the area. Expa Travel has organized many trips here in recent years. The temperatures in this area are usually very cycling-friendly throughout autumn, winter, and spring.
We stay comfortably at Hotel Cap Negret right on the beachfront in Altea, a superb cycling hotel with all facilities and full board, featuring large, delicious buffets.
It is possible to rent top-standard bikes at Cannondale's new test center right next to the hotel, opening in October 2026.
What sets Altea and Calpe apart from other well-known cycling destinations, such as Mallorca and Gran Canaria, are the steady and gentle climbs in the mountains. An incline of around 5-6% is normal.
In addition, almost all of these routes offer magical views of the coast and the iconic seaside cliff Penon de Ifach (Calpe Cliff), which often adorns postcards from the area.
With an average temperature of 15 degrees in the winter months, and 17-18 degrees in April, it is perhaps not surprising that many cyclists find their way here. And with Alicante airport also located just a short hour's drive away, it makes the area an easily accessible cycling mecca for us winter-weary Scandinavians. You will quickly understand why this is a cycling eldorado - not just for the pros, but for everyone who loves cycling!
The daily program and routes are adapted to the group. If necessary, we split into smaller groups so everyone can cycle at their own pace and choose a distance that suits their daily form and wishes. However, we try to keep the group together as much as possible, as the social aspect is also an important part of the trip!
The stages vary from approx. 50 to 110 km, or from approx. 2 to 8 hours. The majority of the stages are completed at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the hills.
For those who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra sessions and longer routes.
Those who want less training can choose a rest day on the beach or by the pool instead. The tour leaders from Expa Travel are well acquainted with the area and lead the group on carefully selected roads / show you places you might not have found on your own.
The area is hilly with very varied routes. Along the coast, it is less hilly, but also has much more traffic. Further inland, we find fantastic roads for cycling with less traffic. Here, you must also expect more hilly terrain.
There are some routes you absolutely must experience on a trip like this, and many of these have been part of famous bicycle races such as the Vuelta a España. The most famous climbs in the area are Coll de Rates, via Tarbena and Parcent.
In addition, the tours through the triangle of Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest are a must.
If you want a short but steep challenge, you can cycle northeast along the beautiful Costa Blanca coast to Cumbre del Sol – and maybe all the way to Denia. From Denia, you can also reach the beautiful climb up Vall d’Ebo.
To the south, you will find the charming old town of Altea, and the perhaps slightly less charming beach resort of Benidorm. These places are also great starting points for cycling trips, including to Port de Tudons via Finestrat or Puerto Confrides.
The possibilities are therefore many, both for group trips and extra trips for those who want more of a challenge!
The daily program and routes are adapted to the group. If necessary, we split into smaller groups so everyone can cycle at their own pace and choose a distance that suits their daily form and wishes. However, we try to keep the group together as much as possible, as the social aspect is also an important part of the trip!
The stages vary from approx. 50 to 110 km, or from approx. 2 to 8 hours. The majority of the stages are completed at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the hills.
For those who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra sessions and longer routes.
Those who want less training can choose a rest day on the beach or by the pool instead. The tour leaders from Expa Travel are well acquainted with the area and lead the group on carefully selected roads / show you places you might not have found on your own.
The area is hilly with very varied routes. Along the coast, it is less hilly, but also has much more traffic. Further inland, we find fantastic roads for cycling with less traffic. Here, you must also expect more hilly terrain.
There are some routes you absolutely must experience on a trip like this, and many of these have been part of famous bicycle races such as the Vuelta a España. The most famous climbs in the area are Coll de Rates, via Tarbena and Parcent.
In addition, the tours through the triangle of Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest are a must.
If you want a short but steep challenge, you can cycle northeast along the beautiful Costa Blanca coast to Cumbre del Sol – and maybe all the way to Denia. From Denia, you can also reach the beautiful climb up Vall d’Ebo.
To the south, you will find the charming old town of Altea, and the perhaps slightly less charming beach resort of Benidorm. These places are also great starting points for cycling trips, including to Port de Tudons via Finestrat or Puerto Confrides.
The possibilities are therefore many, both for group trips and extra trips for those who want more of a challenge!
The exciting, hilly landscape along the Costa Blanca. With fantastic views!
The coffee stops. Important to have several coffee stops :)
The warm and dry climate
All the varying cycling routes you can choose from
The nice asphalt, perfect for cycling
Super cycling hotel, with a good location and service
Opportunity to wash sweaty cycling clothes - every day!
The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as price and/or currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for any typographical errors, as well as price and/or currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Our own private transport awaits us at the airport. Approx. one hour transfer. Lunch on your own (not included).
After checking in at the hotel, you have the opportunity to pick up your rental bike for adjustments and fitting if needed.
Joint dinner at the hotel (included). Immediately after dinner we gather to go through the week's program.
The first day we plan a simple warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of altitude.
The trip goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling slightly inland towards Xalo - and then heading home to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the opportunity to cycle over Puerto Bernia. (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of altitude).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 hm
Today we choose an inland route, on some fantastic cycle roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountain landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to ride directly home to the hotel, or if we want to cycle the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the cycling world's most famous climbs.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 hm
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers up the valley but also approx. 40 km down back to the coast. Wonderful climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 hm
After four days where most of the stages take place in elevation, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small beachfront town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we cycle inland, up towards Finestrat before cycling back to Altea.
For those who want more kilometers, there will be several opportunities along the way to extend the ride with an extra loop. We will assess the group and divide up if necessary in Finestrat. Many options!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 hm
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular ride of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been featured in many grand tours in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point up Vall d'Ebo (394 m.a.s.l.).
Along the way, we choose whether we also include the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day, we expect to eat lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 hm
On this day we select a route based on wishes and daily form. Some will certainly want a long trip inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, others may want a shorter trip to also have time to enjoy some sun/beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 hm
Breakfast before departure to the airport for return to Norway.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
The program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes in the event of typos, as well as exchange rate and/or price changes.
Our own private transport awaits us at the airport. Approx. one hour transfer. Lunch on your own (not included).
After checking in at the hotel, you have the opportunity to pick up your rental bike for adjustments and fitting if needed.
Joint dinner at the hotel (included). Immediately after dinner we gather to go through the week's program.
The first day we plan a simple warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of altitude.
The trip goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling slightly inland towards Xalo - and then heading home to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the opportunity to cycle over Puerto Bernia. (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of altitude).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 hm
Today we choose an inland route, on some fantastic cycle roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountain landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to ride directly home to the hotel, or if we want to cycle the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the cycling world's most famous climbs.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 hm
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers up the valley but also approx. 40 km down back to the coast. Wonderful climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 hm
After four days where most of the stages take place in elevation, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small beachfront town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we cycle inland, up towards Finestrat before cycling back to Altea.
For those who want more kilometers, there will be several opportunities along the way to extend the ride with an extra loop. We will assess the group and divide up if necessary in Finestrat. Many options!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 hm
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular ride of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been featured in many grand tours in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point up Vall d'Ebo (394 m.a.s.l.).
Along the way, we choose whether we also include the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day, we expect to eat lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 hm
On this day we select a route based on wishes and daily form. Some will certainly want a long trip inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, others may want a shorter trip to also have time to enjoy some sun/beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 hm
Breakfast before departure to the airport for return to Norway.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
The program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes in the event of typos, as well as exchange rate and/or price changes.
Our own private transport awaits us at the airport. Approx. one hour transfer. Lunch on your own (not included).
After checking in at the hotel, you have the opportunity to pick up your rental bike for adjustments and fitting if needed.
Joint dinner at the hotel (included). Immediately after dinner we gather to go through the week's program.
The first day we plan a simple warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of altitude.
The trip goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling slightly inland towards Xalo - and then heading home to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the opportunity to cycle over Puerto Bernia. (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of altitude).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 hm
Today we choose an inland route, on some fantastic cycle roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountain landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to ride directly home to the hotel, or if we want to cycle the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the cycling world's most famous climbs.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 hm
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers up the valley but also approx. 40 km down back to the coast. Wonderful climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 hm
After four days where most of the stages take place in elevation, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small beachfront town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we cycle inland, up towards Finestrat before cycling back to Altea.
For those who want more kilometers, there will be several opportunities along the way to extend the ride with an extra loop. We will assess the group and divide up if necessary in Finestrat. Many options!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 hm
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular ride of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been featured in many grand tours in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point up Vall d'Ebo (394 m.a.s.l.).
Along the way, we choose whether we also include the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day, we expect to eat lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 hm
On this day we select a route based on wishes and daily form. Some will certainly want a long trip inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, others may want a shorter trip to also have time to enjoy some sun/beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 hm
Breakfast before departure to the airport for return to Norway.
Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).
The program is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make changes in the event of typos, as well as exchange rate and/or price changes.
Eric is the founder of Expa Travel and has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, including roles as destination manager for Star Tour and purser for SAS. He has worked all over the world and speaks fluent Italian, English, and Swedish. With his commitment and local knowledge, he creates safe and memorable travel experiences.
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This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
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