Training Rides Cycling
Bicycle trips
Spain
A training trip to the cycling paradise of Altea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca coast in Spain attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world. This is a trip for cyclists who want a pleasant, social trip, where you extend the summer season or shorten the winter season.
There will be wonderful long rides where we cycle through the best cycling routes in the area. Expa Travel has organized many trips here in recent years. The temperatures in this area are usually very bicycle-friendly throughout autumn, winter, and spring.
We stay at Hotel Cap Negret right on the beachfront in Altea, a superb cycling hotel with all facilities and full board, featuring large, wonderful buffets.
It is possible to rent top-standard bikes at Cannondale's new test center right next to the hotel, which opens in October 2026.
With an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius in the winter months, and 17-18 degrees in April, it is perhaps no wonder 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 quickly understand why this is a cycling eldorado - not just for the pros, but for everyone who enjoys cycling!
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. A gradient 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 (the Calpe Rock), which often graces postcards from the area.
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 preferences. 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 take place at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the climbs.
For those who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra sessions and longer routes.
Those who want less training can choose power down with a rest day on the beach or by the pool.
The tour guides from Expa Travel know the area very well 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 cycling races like the Vuelta a España. The most famous climbing stages in the area are Coll de Rates, via Tarbena and Parcent.
In addition, trips through the Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest triangle 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 perhaps all the way to Denia. From Denia, you can also reach the beautiful climb up to Vall d’Ebo.
To the south, you will find the charming old town of Altea, and the city with perhaps the undeservedly bad reputation for being uncharitable: the beach resort of Benidorm. These places are also great starting points for bike rides, 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 preferences. 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 take place at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the climbs.
For those who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra sessions and longer routes.
Those who want less training can choose power down with a rest day on the beach or by the pool.
The tour guides from Expa Travel know the area very well 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 cycling races like the Vuelta a España. The most famous climbing stages in the area are Coll de Rates, via Tarbena and Parcent.
In addition, trips through the Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest triangle 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 perhaps all the way to Denia. From Denia, you can also reach the beautiful climb up to Vall d’Ebo.
To the south, you will find the charming old town of Altea, and the city with perhaps the undeservedly bad reputation for being uncharitable: the beach resort of Benidorm. These places are also great starting points for bike rides, 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.
Your own private transfer 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 a rental bike for adjustment and fitting if applicable (not included).
Communal dinner at the hotel (included). Right after dinner, we gather to review the week's program.
On the first day, we plan an easy warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of elevation.
The route goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling a bit inland towards Xalo - and then back to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the option to cycle over Puerto Bernia (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1,000 meters of elevation).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 m
Today we choose an inland route on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then on through the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to cycle back directly to the hotel, or if we wish, we can ride the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the most famous climbs in the cycling world.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 m
Today's main 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 downhill back to the coast. Great climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 m
After four days where most of the stages take place at high altitude, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful little beach town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we then 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 possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 m
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular trip of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been part of many great races in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point of Vall d'Ebo (394 m above sea level).
Along the way, we choose whether we also take on the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day we plan to have lunch along the route (not included).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 m
On this day, we choose a route based on preferences and energy levels. Some will surely want a long ride inland to clock many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others might want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun/beach as well.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 m
Breakfast before departure to the airport for the 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 adjustments for any spelling errors, as well as any currency exchange rate and/or price changes.
Your own private transfer 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 a rental bike for adjustment and fitting if applicable (not included).
Communal dinner at the hotel (included). Right after dinner, we gather to review the week's program.
On the first day, we plan an easy warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of elevation.
The route goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling a bit inland towards Xalo - and then back to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the option to cycle over Puerto Bernia (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1,000 meters of elevation).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 m
Today we choose an inland route on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then on through the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to cycle back directly to the hotel, or if we wish, we can ride the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the most famous climbs in the cycling world.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 m
Today's main 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 downhill back to the coast. Great climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 m
After four days where most of the stages take place at high altitude, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful little beach town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we then 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 possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 m
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular trip of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been part of many great races in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point of Vall d'Ebo (394 m above sea level).
Along the way, we choose whether we also take on the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day we plan to have lunch along the route (not included).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 m
On this day, we choose a route based on preferences and energy levels. Some will surely want a long ride inland to clock many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others might want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun/beach as well.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 m
Breakfast before departure to the airport for the 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 adjustments for any spelling errors, as well as any currency exchange rate and/or price changes.
Your own private transfer 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 a rental bike for adjustment and fitting if applicable (not included).
Communal dinner at the hotel (included). Right after dinner, we gather to review the week's program.
On the first day, we plan an easy warm-up ride of approx. 70 km / 900 meters of elevation.
The route goes north along the coast. We visit Calpe before cycling a bit inland towards Xalo - and then back to the hotel.
For those who wish, there is the option to cycle over Puerto Bernia (extra approx. 25 km / approx. 1,000 meters of elevation).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 900 m
Today we choose an inland route on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then on through the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to cycle back directly to the hotel, or if we wish, we can ride the legendary climb Col de Rates. Perhaps one of the most famous climbs in the cycling world.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1320 m
Today's main 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 downhill back to the coast. Great climbing and magical descent.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 1700 m
After four days where most of the stages take place at high altitude, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful little beach town, perfect for a coffee break on the beach.
From here we then 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 possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 500 m
This will probably be the longest, but perhaps also the most spectacular trip of the week: we are going to cycle Vall d'Ebo. Another classic climb that has been part of many great races in the past.
A hilly route, with magical views all the way up to the highest point of Vall d'Ebo (394 m above sea level).
Along the way, we choose whether we also take on the climb up Coll de Rates, or if we choose the easiest way back to Altea.
On this day we plan to have lunch along the route (not included).
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 2200 m
On this day, we choose a route based on preferences and energy levels. Some will surely want a long ride inland to clock many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others might want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun/beach as well.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at the hotel (included). Any meals we eat outside of the hotel are not included.
[elevation]Approx. 300 - 2500 m
Breakfast before departure to the airport for the 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 adjustments for any spelling errors, as well as any currency 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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