Calpe/Madrid(Toledo) Route recommendations

[SoliD]

I've tried to do a search, but well PH search is hopeless, but off out to Spain for a couple of weeks on 4th October, spending a week down in Calpe and then a week up in Toledo south of Madrid, pretty sure a few here have been to Calpe before, so if anyone has any route recommendations with the best climbs in the area it would be appreciated. Same for Toledo, although won't be doing as much riding that week.

This will be on a road bike!

[SoliD]

Bit of a bump on this.

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

I’ve stayed and ridden in the area several times and recommend these routes

https://www.strava.com/routes/7020612

https://www.strava.com/routes/8255046

There’s also a great road named CV-749 which runs west from Benissa and round to Xalo/Jalon. You can’t go wrong with roads heading into the mountains they’re all incredibly scenic, quiet and smooth.

[SoliD]

Nice one thank you! got a few routes planned using Strava/ridewithgps but good to have some recommendations.

[The jiffle king]

Outside of cycling, enjoy the "walk" up Penon de Ifach

Lets just say that when you get through the tunnel you'll see why you put on a decent pair of shoes and not flip flops that day

[SoliD]

we'll be heading over that way, might make my missus run up it for her training!

[The jiffle king]

SoliD said:

we'll be heading over that way, might make my missus run up it for her training!

I ran to the end of the tunnel..... anyone running past that is a mountaineer.... There is a strava segment from the bottom and it's a ridiculous time

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

Have you visited the area before, OP? If not I can give you a few pointers for places to go off the bike.

[SoliD]

When I was about 11 25 years ago, so yeah any advice is welcome! Thanks

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

There’s a lovely walk that goes from the northern end of Calpe beach along the coast to Cala de la Fustera, including Cala des Bassetes where there’s a nice restaurant. La Fustera beach is my favourite one in the area and has another good restaurant by it.

Moraira and Javea are well worth a visit and Altea old town up on the hill is fantastic in the evening especially at the weekend as there’s lots of eateries and shops to mooch around.

I’ve just remembered about a bh of a climb you should include in a ride if possible - it’s up to the masts at the top of Cumbre del Sol south of Benitachell

[SoliD]

Much appreciated, if you have any specific restaurant recommendations you have recent experience of, would be good. Plenty to do now anyway!

Thanks

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

Mandala Beach at Fustera https://m.facebook.com/MandalaBeachBar/?locale2=en...

El Castell in Altea old town https://www.elcastellaltea.com/

Bassetes https://www.facebook.com/rte.coralbeach/

Campomanes/Greenwich marina between Altea and Calpe is nice to wander around and has some good restaurants

This is a nice little beach bar https://www.elcranc.com/menu

[Gareth1974]

I went to Guadalest last year, and come back down on a road I thought looked great for cycling, passed what looked like a pro team training on it.

I think this is it:

https://www.cyclinglocations.com/guadalest-climb-c...

Guadalest would also be a good place for a cafe break.

Edited by Gareth1974 on Thursday 7th October 16:06

Edited by Gareth1974 on Friday 8th October 08:49

[SoliD]

Had a good few days so far, thanks for the recommendations, had to put up with a few of spains brililant road closures where the road just stops! one of which was the road to Xalo you recommended... Descent off Col De Rates was great as were the views up the top. Will have a look at Guadalest for tomorrow. Riding to Villena on Sunday and my wife is going to pick me up from there which looks like a proper day of climbing. As you said once you get out of the towns all the roads are great. Just busy around Calpe obviously. Walked up Olta yesterday afternoon which was fantastic and if you like a challenge well worth it for an off the bike adventure.

https://www.strava.com/activities/6066462780

https://www.strava.com/activities/6072355168

https://www.strava.com/activities/6077885365

[okgo]

Worth riding up Cumbre Del Sol, not easy, but great view, and has been used in Vuelta. Also Tudons climb is good over in Aitana.