Gandia
15 - 22 March:
Gandia: Following the success of our rides in Denia we are offering a week in Gandia, just up the coast, to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Fallas fiesta. Gandia is a popular resort with Spanish and French citizens. The fabulous beach is home to professional beach volleyball teams, with many courts set out for training and matches. The area is generally flat, with mountains inland. Our hotel is right on the 3km sandy beach, and there is an extensive promenade with shops and bars – a very pleasant afternoon stroll.
Gandia has a port, which was once far more active and important than today, being the start point for the Gandia/Alcoy railway, now disused, which forms part of our 4 Lost Railways of Spain rides. The port area is less than a mile away and, from there you can walk out on the harbour wall.
This ride is graded Easy, although there are a few stiff climbs, notably to the castle in Cullera and to the monastery at Simat de la Valldigna.
Click here for GPS files for this holiday.
Saturday
Transfer from Alicante or Valencia airport to arrive at your accommodation, check in and assemble your bike.
If your arrival time is early enough there will be time for a short ride to familiarise yourself with the area, and check for any problems with your bike.
Sunday
Cullera and castle visit.
Ride to
Cullera, along the coast from Gandia. Almost completely flat with a sting of a climb to the castle. Entry to the castle included. There are a lot of steps so cleated cycling shoes will not be suitable.
29 miles, 440ft of ascent.
Monday
Villalonga
We will follow the EV8 (Eurovelo 8 route) to Villalonga then along quiet lanes back to Gandia. 30 miles, 880ft ascent.
Tuesday
Font Salada
Through typical Spanish villages and the town of Oliva before arriving at the attractive Font Salada for coffee. Font Salada has a warm spring and people can be found swimming in it almost all year round. We will return along the former Denia to Gandia railway line. 25 miles, 280ft. ascent.
Wednesday
Simat de la Valldigna
A steady climb followed by a spectacular descent takes us to Simat de la Valldigna. We will visit the monastery, founded in 1297 by James II of Aragon. From the beginning, it was one of the most important monasteries of the Cistercian order. 28 miles, 1360ft ascent. .
Thursday
Sueca
Through typical Spanish villages to Sueca, a bustling town with many interesting buildings. 36 miles, 300ft ascent. .
Friday
Rio Mar
Rio Mar. We thread our way along the coast to a beachside café/bar in a lovely spot, for coffee. This is a great beach for a paddle or a swim if it is warm enough. Back through quiet lanes to our hotel. 30 miles, 160ft ascent.
Saturday
Holiday ends
Holiday ends after breakfast. Transfer to Alicante or Valencia airport.