EuroVelo 8 Spain by bike from Elche to Valencia
Departing from the arid landscapes of Elche and the Alicante region, you head north towards Valencia. Gradually, the colors become greener until you reach Albufera Valencia Natural Park with its marshes and rice fields. On this route which is greatly inspired by EuroVelo 8 in Spain, you visit towns with remarkable heritage (Elche, Alicante, Alcoy, Valencia) and cycle through varied landscapes (palm groves, orange groves, valleys, pine forests, rice fields, Mediterranean coast...) and magnificent. Between culture, heritage and nature, this sunny circuit will put a smile on your face!
Day 1: arrival in Elche
With many UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city of Elche is a good introduction to this cycling trip in Spain. Take the time to visit the palm grove or stroll along the banks of the Vinalopo (river).
Day 2: from Elche to Alicante - 40 km / + 150 m
Today's route presents no difficulty and is very pleasant. Perfect for getting into your legs! The landscape is remarkable although one of the driest in Europe. Palm groves and orchards accompany you. In Alicante we recommend that you visit the Santa Barbara Castle, perched high and offering a lovely view of the surrounding area. Positguet beach, at the foot of the castle, and the port are also worth a short walk.
Day 3: from Alicante to Castalla - 50 km / + 800 m
This is the most difficult stage of this circuit on the EuroVelo 8. We depart from the coast to reach Castalla following the Maigmó greenway, which links Alicante to Alcoy. Pine trees are gradually replacing palm trees. The route will take you to two magnificent viaducts: Forn del Vidre (140 m) and Palomaret (200 m).
Day 4: from Castalla to Alcoy - 35 km / +200 m
Today, the course is kinder to your calves. A short stage with 4 times less elevation gain than the day before. The opportunity to really enjoy the Font Roja Natural Park and its very Mediterranean landscapes.
Day 5: from Alcoy to Gandía - 55 km / + 150 m
Today's stage allows you to see the sea again. Your race ends in Gandía, a seaside resort with vast sandy beaches. We advise you to taste Fideuá, the delicious, emblematic local specialty. It is through the Serpis valley that you arrive at Gandía. The route also follows a railway line to Villalongo.
Day 6: from Gandía to Cullera - 35 km / + 50 m
Follow the route through marshes, orange groves and other orchards until you reach the first rice fields of the Albufera Natural Park. It is an enormous rock that welcomes you to Cullera, where a castle is perched. At the foot, immense and pretty beaches stretch out to their full length.
Day 7: from Cullera to Valencia - 60 km / + 100 m
This last day of cycling takes place along the Mediterranean coast, between marshes and rice fields. A little further, it is along the best beaches of the Province of Valencia that you ride in the heart of the natural park, with its dunes. The entry into Valencia is done in a beautiful way, through the City of Arts and Sciences, an emblematic building of the city.
Day 8: Valencia
End of the tour after breakfast.
