Training Rides Cycling
Bicycle trips
Spain
Tryg Sykkel invites you to a training trip in the cycling paradise around Altea and Calpe, along the Costa Blanca coast north of Alicante. This is a trip for cyclists who want a social and active start to the cycling season – with nice miles in their legs before spring is seriously underway back home in Norway.
There will be wonderful long rides on some of the finest cycling routes in the area, through hilly landscapes, small villages, and up into the mountains. Expa Travel knows the area well after many cycling trips here in recent years. And in March, the temperatures are usually just right for long days on the bike.
We stay comfortably at Hotel Cap Negret right on the beachfront in Altea. The hotel is very well set up for cyclists, with good cycling facilities, full board, and large, wonderful buffets – highly welcome after many hours on the bike.
You can rent high-standard bikes from Premium Bike Rental, and the bike will be delivered to the hotel.
The area around Altea and Calpe is well known among cyclists – and not without reason. Here, hilly terrain, fine roads, and long, steady climbs up into the mountains await. A gradient of around 5–6% is very common, making the area perfect for long training sessions.
In addition, almost all of these routes offer a magical view of the coast and the iconic coastal cliff Penon de Ifach (the Calpe Rock), the Calpe Rock that towers over the coast and has become the very landmark of Calpe.
The mild climate makes the Costa Blanca a popular training area throughout the winter and spring. In March, conditions are usually very good for cycling, and with Alicante airport just under an hour's drive away, it's easy to understand why so many cyclists start their season here.
Altea and Calpe are not just for the pros – this is a cycling paradise for everyone who likes good roads, elevation gain, and long days on the bike.
The daily program and routes are adapted to the group.
If necessary, we split into smaller groups so that everyone can cycle at their own pace and choose the distance according to their daily form and wishes. However, we still try to keep the group together as much as possible – the social aspect is an important part of the trip!
The stages vary from approx. 50 to 110 km, or from approx. 2 to 8 hours on the bike. The majority of the stages are cycled at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the climbs.
For those of you who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra kilometers and longer routes. If you want a quieter day, you can choose a rest day on the beach or by the pool.
The tour leaders from Expa Travel know the area well and lead the group on carefully selected roads – often to places and routes you might not have found on your own.
The area around Altea and Calpe is hilly, with a large selection of varied cycling routes. Along the coast the terrain is easier, but there is more traffic. If we head inland, quieter roads, small villages, and more altitude meters await.
Some routes are almost essential when you are cycling on the Costa Blanca. Several of the roads and climbs in the area have been part of the Vuelta a España. The most famous climb is Coll de Rates, via Tàrbena and Parcent. In addition, trips through the Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest triangle are a must.
If you want a shorter but steeper challenge, the trip can go northeast along the beautiful Costa Blanca coast to Cumbre del Sol, and perhaps further towards Dénia. From Dénia, you will also find the great climb up Vall d’Ebo.
To the south lies the charming old town of Altea and the beach town of Benidorm. From here, there are also many great cycling routes inland, including to Port de Tudons via Finestrat or Puerto de Confrides.
The possibilities are many, both for the group trips and for those who like to add a few extra kilometers and altitude meters!
The daily program and routes are adapted to the group.
If necessary, we split into smaller groups so that everyone can cycle at their own pace and choose the distance according to their daily form and wishes. However, we still try to keep the group together as much as possible – the social aspect is an important part of the trip!
The stages vary from approx. 50 to 110 km, or from approx. 2 to 8 hours on the bike. The majority of the stages are cycled at a moderate pace, with individual cycling on the climbs.
For those of you who want more training, there will usually be opportunities for extra kilometers and longer routes. If you want a quieter day, you can choose a rest day on the beach or by the pool.
The tour leaders from Expa Travel know the area well and lead the group on carefully selected roads – often to places and routes you might not have found on your own.
The area around Altea and Calpe is hilly, with a large selection of varied cycling routes. Along the coast the terrain is easier, but there is more traffic. If we head inland, quieter roads, small villages, and more altitude meters await.
Some routes are almost essential when you are cycling on the Costa Blanca. Several of the roads and climbs in the area have been part of the Vuelta a España. The most famous climb is Coll de Rates, via Tàrbena and Parcent. In addition, trips through the Calpe, Parcent, and Guadalest triangle are a must.
If you want a shorter but steeper challenge, the trip can go northeast along the beautiful Costa Blanca coast to Cumbre del Sol, and perhaps further towards Dénia. From Dénia, you will also find the great climb up Vall d’Ebo.
To the south lies the charming old town of Altea and the beach town of Benidorm. From here, there are also many great cycling routes inland, including to Port de Tudons via Finestrat or Puerto de Confrides.
The possibilities are many, both for the group trips and for those who like to add a few extra kilometers and altitude meters!
The exciting, hilly landscape along the Costa Blanca – with fantastic views!
The coffee stops. Important with several coffee stops :)
The warm and dry climate
The varied cycling routes – with many options to choose from
The nice asphalt – perfect for cycling
Super cycling hotel with a great location and good service
Possibility 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 exchange rate changes.
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 exchange rate 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 adjustment and fitting.
Shared dinner at the hotel (included).
Directly 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 an option to cycle over Puerto Bernia, approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of elevation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today we choose a route inland, on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to head directly back to the hotel, or if we want, we can cycle 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers uphill in 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
After four days where most of the stages take place at higher altitudes, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small 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 see how the group is doing and may split up in Finestrat. Many possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 major 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.
This day we expect to have lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
This day we choose a route based on wishes and how we feel. Some will surely want a long ride inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others may want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun and swimming as well.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 corrections for spelling mistakes, as well as currency 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 adjustment and fitting.
Shared dinner at the hotel (included).
Directly 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 an option to cycle over Puerto Bernia, approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of elevation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today we choose a route inland, on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to head directly back to the hotel, or if we want, we can cycle 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers uphill in 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
After four days where most of the stages take place at higher altitudes, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small 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 see how the group is doing and may split up in Finestrat. Many possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 major 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.
This day we expect to have lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
This day we choose a route based on wishes and how we feel. Some will surely want a long ride inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others may want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun and swimming as well.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 corrections for spelling mistakes, as well as currency 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 adjustment and fitting.
Shared dinner at the hotel (included).
Directly 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 an option to cycle over Puerto Bernia, approx. 25 km / approx. 1000 meters of elevation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today we choose a route inland, on some fantastic cycling roads with limited traffic.
Great climbs up to Tarbena, and then further into the mountainous landscape towards the small town of Castell de Castells, where we get a wonderful descent towards Parcent.
Here we can choose to head directly back to the hotel, or if we want, we can cycle 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
Today's big goal is to cycle over Puerto Tudons and Puerto Confrides. Perhaps the longest climb in the area. Many kilometers uphill in 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 are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
After four days where most of the stages take place at higher altitudes, today we cycle along the coast southwards towards Villajoyosa. A beautiful and colorful small 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 see how the group is doing and may split up in Finestrat. Many possibilities!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 major 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.
This day we expect to have lunch along the way during the ride (not included).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
This day we choose a route based on wishes and how we feel. Some will surely want a long ride inland to collect many kilometers and great cycling experiences, while others may want a shorter ride to have time to enjoy some sun and swimming as well.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the hotel are included.
Any meals we eat outside the hotel are not included.
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 corrections for spelling mistakes, as well as currency 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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cycling trip Europe, cycling holiday Europe, cycling trip 5 countries, cycling trip Moselle Valley, cycling trip Germany, cycling trip Luxembourg, cycling trip Belgium, cycling trip Netherlands, Ardennes, Bernkastel-Kues, Dinant, Valkenburg, Mur de Huy, Cauberg, guided cycling trip