The Best Road Cycling Routes in Calpe - Costa Blanca

From the name alone you know it is going to be a challenge. Every year Mathieu van der Poel invites his teammates and close riding friends for a ride that is long, hard, and unforgettable. Jasper Philipsen summed it up perfectly when he spoke about the route and the pace. He called it one to remember. This version of the route is slightly adjusted so it rolls out from Calpe.

This route delivers two beautiful climbs, starting with an easy roll out of Calpe through Callosa and Bolulla. The first test is the climb up Sa Creueta. After that, enjoy the long descent. You might want to stop for a coffee somewhere on this section. Continue towards Xaló, where the climb to the top of the Bernia begins. From the summit, soak in the coastal views before the smooth descent back into Calpe.

Before heading to Coll de Rates, this route follows the coast toward Xàbia and Dénia. The road rolls nicely here with a few short climbs to wake up the legs before turning inland. Once you do, the focus is clear as you ride toward Coll de Rates, the most famous climb in the area, then enjoy a mostly downhill run back to the coast.

The ride kicks off in Santa Pola and winds inland along peaceful farm lanes. The road rises gently as it heads toward Castalla, but we don't actually go into the town. Just before reaching it, we swing left and aim straight for the steep ramps of Xorret de Catí. This climb is tough, and you'll have to dig in, but the effort is absolutely worth it. After that, it's mostly downhill as the route rolls back through Elche and returns to Santa Pola.

From Calpe, the route rolls inland past views of the Peñón de Ifach before soft climbs lead to Jalón, where the main ascent begins. Puerto de Bernia is one of the iconic climbs of the Costa Blanca, a narrow road that twists up the ridge with stone guardrails, hairpins, and wide views. At the top, the landscape opens fully to the sea and the mountains behind. The descent through Pinos is smooth and quiet, dropping between terraces and limestone slopes before returning steadily to Benissa and back to the coast.