The El Comtat region of the Inland Costa Blanca in Alicante, Spain is a hidden gem. The area is hilly, but for this week the distances are kept low to enable us to see the best of the area without tackling the big climbs. We are based in Cocentaina, the county capital of the El Comtat region. Cocentaina has all the facilities you may need, banks, shops, bars and restaurants. The town is full of history, and you may want to visit the palace, the castle or the Spanish Civil war air raid shelter.
Much of the ride is off road, on former railway lines. Short sections are quite rough but for the most part well graded gravel or paved surfaces. We will have a day off the bike to visit the local market or take a walk to the castle that overlooks the town. We will pass through typical Spanish towns and villages such as Muro de Alcoy, Bocairent and Lorcha. For those choosing the week including the 19th of April you will be able to witness the celebration of the Mare de Deu, when in 1520, according to legend, a painting of Mary shed 27 tears of blood. Whatever we might think of this, the ceremonies are nevertheless very moving. April 23rd sees the Moors and Christians festival in Alcoy, just down the road from Cocentaina.
Price:-
£695 (Single supplements) :-
Sharing a bathroom with one other. £100
Single room with private bathroom. £295
Triple room £100 discount per person (assuming 3 in room).
Extra nights £75 Maximum of 2 extra nights per booking.
Included:-
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and evening meals. Drinks with evening meals.
Transfers from and to Alicante airport.
GPS files.
Mountain bike hire.
Not included:-
Lunches, drinks and snacks on the rides.
Flights to and from Alicante airport.
Travel Insurance.
Any other personal expenses.
Single occupancy.
Payment:-
Deposit on booking of £50. Balance of £645 (£745 or £940 for single occupancy, £545 for triple room occupants) by 31st January 2026.
Cancellations:-
Should you need to cancel your booking you must notify us in writing.
Cancellation charges:- Written notice received: Before 31st. January 2026, Deposit (£50)
Between 31st January 2026 and 14th March 2026, 50% of monies paid.
After 14th March 2026, 100% of monies paid.
General Information:-
Terrain and roads. Most of the roads are good quality tarmac, although much of the route is off road on old railway lines. Traffic will be light outside towns, at times almost non-existent. This is a hilly area, although we avoid the biggest climbs. There are many tunnels, some of which are not illuminated so we will be using bike lights.
Accommodation and meals:-
Accommodation will be in a comfortable guest house. Price is based on two people sharing a room. All breakfasts and evening meals are included. There are numerous bars and restaurants throughout the area where lunch and coffees can be purchased. There are several supermarkets in Cocentaina should you wish to buy provisions. Cycling clothes and other small items will be washed and dried each day.
Travel and transfers:-
Transfers will be arranged as soon as we know numbers and arrival/departure times. If your inward flight is delayed, we will endeavour to collect you when we can, but you may have to wait at the airport.
Weather and clothing:-
It could be warm at this time of year, but could be cool or even quite cold. If you carry clothing suitable for a typical British spring, that should suffice. It is compulsory to wear a hi-viz jacket in poor visibility, and helmets are compulsory in Spain.
Navigation:-
The rides will be accompanied. We will provide GPS files on request however. The group will always meet up at coffee stops, points of interest etc. If you wish to have your own map, the Michelin Zoom Series, number 123, Costa Blanca is usually available at W.H.Smiths etc. in the UK.
Bicycle and equipment:-
If you bring your own bike ensure that your bicycle is in good condition, especially tyres and brakes. You should carry spares, a pump and a simple tool kit to cope with punctures and minor repairs. A mountain bike or gravel bike bike will be most suitable for this holiday although could be done on a light tourer or hybrid with at least 35mm tyres.
Health and insurance:-
As well as an EHIC (or new GHIC) card, you must have travel insurance. It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance on booking your holiday, so that if you need to cancel, you may be able to claim the cancellation charges.
Passports:-
N.B. Since Brexit passport requirements have changed. Please read the following carefully. Your passport must have at least three months to run after the last day of your holiday, excluding extensions, i.e. no more than 9 and 9 months since issue. Ensure that you apply for a new passport, if necessary, in good time.
Brexit:-
If you are a frequent traveller please be aware that UK citizens are now restricted to 90 days in a rolling 180 period in Schengen Zone countries, which includes Spain. Make sure that your visit does not exceed this limit as the penalties can be severe - a fine, deportation or even a ban from entering a Schengen country again! UK passports are now being stamped on the way in and out, or scanned to record your entry and exit dates. The EES and ETIAS may be up and running by the start of this trip.