Spain : Valencia

Cycling Valencia and the Orange Blossom Coast

Trip code: C07VA 4.5 (8 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

15.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Explore the fascinating and vibrant city of Valencia, a real mix of historic and modern architecture, visit the iconic City of Arts and Science.
  • Cycle through the Albufera wetlands Natural Park, along quiet country roads, discover picturesque typical villages and bathe in the hot springs of Montenejos.
  • Follow the River Millars to the Orange Blossom Coast with fantastic views of the azure waters of the Mediterranean and stay in the seaside walled town of Peniscola.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Cycling transfers on day 3 and 5
  • Email briefing pack

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Located on the Mediterranean coast the Valencian region offers the delights of a modern yet fascinating historic city and both inland and coastal scenery. Inland you discover typically Spanish villages and the Mediterranean coast is a delight to explore with wild beaches and ecologically important and diverse Nature Parks. This 7 night holiday takes in all that the region has to offer, starting with 2 nights in the wonderful city of Valencia, explore the Albufera wetlands to the south of the city where rice was first grown in Europe and the famous 'paella' dish so typical of Spain was created. Make sure you take plenty of time to explore the city of Valencia itself; the modern City of Arts and Sciences is a must and its contemporary buildings were built on the former riverbed of the River Turia. The historic old town area of the city holds the cathedral with a beautiful mixture of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles, for a perfect view of the city, climb the 207 steps to the top of the Miguelete tower and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city. The gothic building of 'La Longa', the Silk Exchange is well worth a visit and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996.

After a short transfer inland you explore the off the beaten track inland valleys with pretty Spanish villages, some with their buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th century. Take a dip in the thermal spas of Montanejos where the crystal clear mineral waters are renowned for their rejuvenating qualities before following the river back towards the coast. The gentle coastal cycling takes you past secluded beaches and through the Sierra de Irta Marine Park where you can enjoy the natural environment at its best, before reaching your final destination in Peniscola, a charming town with a Templar castle and medieval walls surrounded by the sea with plenty of cobbled streets to explore.

You will find a range of hotels during your stay in the Valencia region, from the modern hotels of Valencia to the more traditional hotels inland and perfectly located seaside hotels, either on or just moments from the seafront.

Terrain

This trip includes cycles on dedicated cycle tracks, dirt tracks and tarmac roads.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive Valencia

Explore the fascinating city of Valencia where you will stay for two nights, it is a city of contrast with its beautiful historic centre and the reknowned modern City of Arts and Science.

You stay at Hotel NH Las Ciencias.

hotel details

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Hotel NH Las Ciencias, Valencia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The NH Valencia Las Ciencias hotel, formerly known as NH Las Artes II, is located in a prime location for visiting Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, a vast architectural complex where you’ll find everything from an aquarium to an opera house. There is a bus service which takes approximately 10 minutes to take you into the centre of Valencia. The rooms are comfortable and modern.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Circular route to the Albufera Natural Park (44km/27.3mi)

Collect your bikes and taking cycle lanes to leave the city behind you will explore the renowned Albufera wetlands. Rice was first grown in Europe in this area and it is still surrounded by paddy fields, no wonder paella originated here. The freshwater lagoon is home to over 300 species of birds and there are plenty of opportunities to discover the fauna and flora. Cycle along the coast along the edge of the lagoon enjoying the wild beaches in this area.

elevation

You stay at Hotel NH Las Ciencias.

hotel details



Hotel NH Las Ciencias, Valencia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The NH Valencia Las Ciencias hotel, formerly known as NH Las Artes II, is located in a prime location for visiting Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, a vast architectural complex where you’ll find everything from an aquarium to an opera house. There is a bus service which takes approximately 10 minutes to take you into the centre of Valencia. The rooms are comfortable and modern.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Barracas to Mora de Rubielos (37km/23.0mi)

A short transfer inland for you and your bikes today before cycling along the tracks of the Via Verde, a previous rail track. Continue along amongst beautiful landscapes and quiet country lanes before reaching the charming Mora de Rubielos where many of its monuments date back to the 14th century.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Trufa Negra.

hotel details



Hotel La Trufa Negra , Mora de Rubielos

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


The Hotel La Trufa Negra, the 'Black Truffle' is located in the mountains near Valdelinares ski station and is situated in the heart of the Sierra de Gúdar. It has an excellent restaurant, with a relaxing spa area complete with a hydrotherapy pool and modern and contemporary rooms.

Day 4: Mora de Rubielos to Montanejos (40km/24.9mi)

An easy cycle today through the pretty, winding country lanes following the course of a river to finish in to the spa town of Montenejos with its delightful thermal waters. Take a dip in the crystal clear turquoise mineral waters known for their rejuvenating and skin cleansing qualities before exploring the town with its 13th century building built by the Arabic King Abu-Ceit

elevation

You stay at Hotel Xauen.

hotel details



Hotel Xauen, Montanejos

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
Hairdryer
TV
Aircon
Safe


The Xauen Hotel is perfectly located just in front of the Mijares River, which the medicinal waters arise in the Fuente de Baños spring flow, at a constant temperature of 25ºC. The air conditioned rooms have views of the mountains and the town and the hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine and also a spa with indoor pool.

Day 5: Montanejos to El Grao de Castellon (39km/24.2mi)

Another cycling day amongst mountains riding mostly downhill through the mountains today following the beautiful river Millars valley towards the coast to Onda. A short transfer to the coastal town of El Grao de Castellon where you can spend the afternoon on the beach and enjoy a seafood feast in its port!

elevation

You stay at Hotel Silken Turcosa.

hotel details



Hotel Silken Turcosa, El Grao de Castellon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


The Silken Turcosa hotel is excellently located overlooking the Mediterranean sea and Castellón's Real Club Náutico. Located in El Grao de Castellon, the beautiful beaches are a short walk away and there lots of bars and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are modern and comfortable.

Day 6: El Grao de Castellon to Alcossebre (49km/30.4mi)

Pedal past beautiful Mediterranean beaches on small coastal roads and paths, with plenty of chances to stop and enjoy the pretty Costa de Azahar (Orange Blossom coast). Don't forget to pack your suntan lotion and swimming things today!

elevation

You stay at Hotel Sancho III.

hotel details



Hotel Sancho III, Alcossebre

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Situated in a peacful location, close to Las Fuentes Beach, the Hotel Sancho III is a traditional hotel with a pool set in gardens overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy the sea view from the breakfast area overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean.

Day 7: Alcossebre to Peniscola (20km/12.4mi)

Today's route takes you through wild tracks, criss-crossing the Sierra de Irta Marine park which encompasses over 7000 hectares on land and over 2000 hectares of sea. Take your time, walk wherever you prefer, and enjoy the natural environment, the undisturbed virgin beaches and the breathtaking views of your destination; the wonderful and historic Peniscola, known as the city in the sea. Take time to visit the castle and wander through the steep, narrow, cobbled streets of its historic centre.

elevation

You stay at Hotel RH Portocristo.

hotel details



Hotel RH Portocristo, Peniscola

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Located in the centre of Peñíscola, the Hotel RH Boutique Portocristo is next to the seafront and very close to the Papa Luna Castle. Although right opposite the beach, the hotel has an excellent outdoor pool and perfect views of the castle and the sea from its terrace. The contemporary rooms are bright and spacious.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 8: Departure from Peniscola

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £199.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Valencia airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric bikes
  • Extra nights in Valencia and Peniscola available on request
  • Half Board option also available

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

The trip was very varied and had beautiful scenery. E-bikes made a big difference and were really good. Jesus was very responsive. The hotels were good on the whole and the staff helpful. Sometimes it was a challenge to find a restaurant without a recommendation but there was always a choice of places to eat within walking distance. We have been on many Headwater bike trips and we are now complete converts to E bikes! It allows us to do more of the more challenging routes and we are not exhausted at the end of the day!

Mr Allan, 11 Sep 2024

 

Start in Valencia was lovely. Cycling was tougher than expected due to heavy bikes but mountain and coastal scenery was varied and beautiful.

Roland Philibert, 30 Sep 2023

 

We had a great time..such a brilliant way of seeing new places.We just felt this time the bikes let us down.? Hadnt been serviced of late.Though no punctures....felt they were better suited for city travel only.

Anna Greenwood, 21 Sep 2023

 

Super trip around the Valencian coast, city and mountains with fabulous scenery, food and Spanish hospitality. Loved the diversity of this adventure and the whole experience more than lived up to our expectations. Would go back to Valencia for sure

Thanks Headwater

COLLINS, 15 May 2023

 

Thoroughly enjoyable cycling holiday! The phone app was superb - an excellent addition. By far and away the best days were on cycle tracks / Via Verdes away from the traffic / roads. Some of the towns along the way were simply stunning and we loved the fact that they were mostly off the tourist trail. Hotel Xauen was disappointing and I haven't completed the review for Hotel Sancho III as we didn't stay there! All in all, it was a great trip which I would be very happy to replicate in the future.

Ms Eversfield, 15 Oct 2022

 

Pleasant cycling on quiet roads through impressive mountain scenery

Ms Black, 20 Sep 2022

 

A pleasant holiday cycling in the mountains behind valencia and along the Orange Blossom coast with its magnificent beaches and nature spots. Holiday slightly tarnished by the very heavy bicycle i was given was unsuitable for the steep mountain climbs. The others had e-bikes and were fine. The mountain sections are pretty strenuous especially in the spanish heat and the heavy bike. So i would not recommend this holiday to the casual cycler unless they are quite fit or take e-bikes. Also the mountain sections are mainly on roads, which although not busy, you never felt like you were getting off the beaten track. Hotel accommodation was all very good apart from the hotel Xauen in Montanejos which was quite basic and had poor breakfast compared to the other hotels. Eating out was a pleasure with both food and wine very cheap compared to UK. We would have welcomed a few recommendations from Headwater on where to eat, as some restaurants were a lot better than others for a similar price.

Mr Laux, 9 Jun 2022

 

An enjoyable varied route. An excellent introduction to the region.

Dr Langtry, 1 May 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

15.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

7 nights from £1149

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199