Cycling Costa Blanca

Description

One of our brand-new trips for 2027 and EXCLUSIVE to Halcyon Cycling Holidays, is a series of road cycling trips, Cycling Costa Blanca, staying at Finca de la Pansa, expertly guided by local guide and passionate road cyclist Steven (see bio); who is also your host for the week!

The Costa Blanca is a premier European cycling destination, renowned for its smooth quiet roads, challenging mountain climbs, and a climate that offers over 300 days of sunshine annually. It is a preferred winter training base for professional World Tour teams like Ineos and Visim-Lease a Bike. Most cyclists base themselves in the northern part of the region, where the terrain transitions quickly from coastal flats to dramatic mountains and the region is famous for its “passess” often featured in the Vuelta a Espana. One of the passes is featured in this cycling holiday – the Coll de Rates, a challenging 6.5km climb at a 5.5% average. It is the region’s most famous benchmark climb; consistent and scenic.

Our base for our Cycling Costa Blanca trip is the traditional and charming town of Benissa, on the Costa Blanca, located in the Marina Alta region. It is one of the oldest towns on the coast and is uniquely positioned to offer both a medieval inland village experience and a stunning 4-kilometre coastline known as Benissa Costa. Key highlights include the old town features narrow cobbled street, heraldic shields and 17^th-century stately homes. The Basilica de la Purissima Xiqueta is a dominant neo-Gothic structure in the town centre, known for its impressive size and central dome. The beaches and covers like Cala Fustera, Cala Pinets and Cala Advicat is famous for crystal-clear waters and rocky coves. The region is also famous for outdoor activities such as walking and especially cycling, all year round, due to the temperate climate.

On our cycling holiday, we will be staying at Finca de la Pansa, a 5* reviewed accommodation, offering superb en-suite rooms, excellent customer service and a host of services. You can fully unwind at Finca de la Pansa, translated as 'farmhouse of the raisins'. Around 1900, this traditional riurau was used to dry grapes into raisins, a typical activity in the Marina Alta region where we are located. The rustic property has been completely rebuilt and renovated while preserving authentic elements. At Finca de la Pansa, you can enjoy tranquillity, a refreshing dip in the pool, or a good book and a glass of Moscatel in the large garden. But also, the more adventurous type will not be disappointed here: the region offers beautiful hiking trails and is a paradise for those who love cycling. All rooms are en-suite and the venue also offers bike storage.

Benissa and Finca de la Pansa are centrally located in the Marina Alta region, the northern part of the Costa Blanca. Whether you're looking for an active cycling holiday, culture and history, sea and beach, or a culinary retreat, it's all within reach.

This is cycling at its most welcoming: challenging, relaxed, scenic, and designed to be about making memories as much as physical exertion. Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to this trip, which are described in the itinerary. The owners of Finca de la Pansa are your hosts and cycle leader(s) for the week. They will share their passion for cycling and their love of the region, and this truly will be a cycling holiday to remember.

To join this holiday, you will meet us at Alicante airport at a pre-allocated time or you can drive straight to the accommodation. There is no designated flight(s) for this trip due to the choice of airlines and frequency of flights into Alicante airport. You will need to be in the arrivals hall at the airport in the afternoon. You will need to provide Halcyon Cycling Holidays with your arrival details such as flight number, arrival time and departure airport at time of booking or call us for more information.

Highlights

• Stay in a historic Finca
• Explore unspoilt rural Costa Blanca, with its hilltop villages and panoramas
• Visit Denia, a UNESCO city of Gastronomy
• Explore Javea with its pretty harbour
• Challenge yourself by cycling the Caps de Sant Antoni and de la Nau!
• Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, wine and gastronomic treats
• Cycle on world class road surfaces
• Enjoy Moraira with its world class and pristine beaches
• Ride world famous Coll de Rates
• Enjoy tranquil Calpe and Altea
• Hosted and rides led by the owners of Finca de la Pansa

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 8 day cycling trip, professionally guided by our Halcyon Cycling Holidays ride leader and guide in Benissa, Steven. Steven is also host/owner of Finca de la Pansa. As the founder of Antwerp Bike Tours, Steven is known for his endurance, discipline, planning and determination. As a former member of the Giro del Mondo cycling team, he regularly participated in long-distance rides and challenging cycling events. In recent years, Steven has also become familiar with the region around Benissa, Costa Blanca. With his passion for climbs, descents, and scenic roads, he knows how to uncover its hidden gems. Steven has meticulously planned and designed this weeks programme, and will be happy to welcome you as host in the Finca with his wife Kristien, and professionally guide and look after Halcyon guests for the week.

Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 – Sunday 21 February 2027

Arrival in Alicante and Benissa, Costa Blanca

Arrival at Alicante airport and transfer to Benissa and Finca de la Pansa. You must prebook your transfer at the booking stage. We can transfer bags, bikes and cyclists. Further detail is provided in the additional information section. Please note the transfer will be in the afternoon. Otherwise, if you drive to Finca de la Pansa your hosts will welcome you on the day. Ample car parking is available.

After settling into your accommodation, an evening meal is included at the Finca to welcome everyone on the trip.

Day 2 - Monday 22 February 2027

Ride to Denia, Costa Blanca (39 miles/63km, ascent 2700feet/823m)

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady to challenging, grade 3 to 4 and final destination is Denia.

Highlights of todays ride include the old town of Javea, fortress in harbour city of Denia use to be the center of transport of raisins(typical activity of Marina Altas until beginning of 19th century and the small village of Xálo hidden in the Vall de Pop valley. Coffee stop in Javea or Jalon and lunch stop in Denia. Denia is a stunning place and a premier, vibrant coastal town, in Spain's Costa Blanca, renowned as a UNESCO city of Gastronomy. It offers over 20km of diverse beaches, a historic 11th-century castle, and a bustling marina with ferries to Ibiza. Known for its mild climate, the city perfectly blends traditional fishing culture with modern, cosmopolitan amenities.

On our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 3 – Tuesday 23 February 2027

Ride to Sagra for Belgian pancakes! (40 miles/65km, ascent 2684feet/818m)

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady to challenging, grade 3 to 4 and final destination is Sagra.

Highlights: Murals in Benigembla, vineyards in the valley. Coffee stop in Beniarbeig, Parcent or Jalon. Lunch stop in Sagra, and Belgian pancakes! Benigembla is a tranquil, traditional village in the Pop valley, known for its stunning mountain scenery and agricultural heritage, it offers a "sleepy" and unhurried pace of life, making it a popular destination for cyclists and those seeking an authentic Spanish experience away from the busy coastal resorts. It's also a vibrant open air art museum, which fills its streets with striking murals. These murals feature, among many others, works by artists like Tardor Roselló and Juandrés Vera, connecting local history, nature, and social issues with art. Meanwhile, Sagra is a small village known for its local historical architecture such as the church of San Juan Bautista, and is a great place to get a Belgian pancakes, apparently!

On our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 4 – Wednesday 24 February 2027

Ride of the Two Caps (45 miles/72km, ascent 3307feet/1008m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady to challenging, grade 3 to 4 and final destination is Javea .

Highlights: Cap de Sant Antoni, Javea Harbour, El Arenal Beach, Cap de la Nau has scenic views of the whole ride!  Coffee stop in Javea, El Arenal or Cap de la Nau and lunch stop in Javea harbour.

Cap de Sant Antoni is a majestic headland and protected nature reserve on the northern tip of Javea' Situated between the towns of Jávea and Dénia, it forms part of the Montgo Natural Park and features dramatic 170-metre-high limestone cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile Cap de la Nau is a prominent headland and is one of the most iconic points on the Mediterranean coast, marking the southern limit of the Gulf of Valencia. Javea is a historical coastal town, situated in the shadow of Montgo Massif, and is often referred as the "Monaco of Spain", due to its upscale feel and popularity with celebrities and a welcome addition to today's ride, and an opportunity to soak up some local culture and celebrity watch!

On our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 5 – Thursday 25 February 2027 

Day off or half day ride (21 miles/33km, ascent 1670feet/515m)

You will have the opportunity to relax by the pool, go to the beach, visit Benissa or enjoy a half day ride with Steven.

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady, grade 3 and final destination is Moraira.

Highlights: El Portet beach, Moraira, coastal roads. Coffee stop in El Portet or Moraira (one the most beautiful bays in the region). Moraira was once a small fishing village, it has evolved into a tranquial coastal town that avoids the high-rise development seen in nearby Benidorm, retaining its traditional Mediterranean charm with whitewashed houses and narrow streets.  Moraira also features pristine, with Blue Flag-certified beaches known for clear waters and scenic, relaxed surroundings. 

If you are on the ride and on our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 6 – Friday 26 February 2027 

Ride to Coll de Rates & Calpe (46 miles/74km, ascent 4389feet/1338m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is challenging, grade 4 and final destination is Calpe.

Highlights: Famous Coll de Rates for spotting famous or professional riders, mountain views, coastal town of Calpe.  Coffee stop in Parcent, Tarbena or Calpe possibly; lunch stop in Callosa d'en Sarria. 

The Coll de Rates is one of the most iconic climbs in Spain, located in the Marina Alta mountains, often called the "climb of the pros," it is a legendary training ground for professional teams during the winter months due to its steady gradients and excellent road surfaces. Calpe is a popular coastlal town, with two sandy beaches and its historic fishing port. It offers a blend of natural, historic and modern attractions, including Roman ruins and unique, brightly coloured architecture like La Muralla Roja.

On our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax (you will have earned it after today's ride), and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 7 – Saturday 27 February 2027

Final day ride to Altea (37 miles/60km, ascent 2467feet/752m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside the Finca for a ride briefing by Steven, ride leader and host. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady, grade 3 and final destination is Altea.

Highlights: Coastal road and Altea. Coffee stop in Altea centre or Albir.  Altea, known as the "dome of the Mediterranean," is a pictureqsque artistic town, featuring iconic white-washed houses, cobblestone streets, and the blue-domed Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church. Located on the Costa Blanca between Calpe and Benidorm, it offers a relaxed, romantic, and upscale atmosphere, and definetly worth a visit on our last day!

On our return to the Finca, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic final farewell evening meal.

Day 8 – Sunday 28 February 2027

Return home

After breakfast, we will all say our goodbyes and depart for home. If you have booked the transfer, cyclists, bags and bikes will be transfered to Alicante airport for the return home.

Accommodation

Accommodation for our trip Cycling Costa Blanca is Finca de la Pansa, Benissa, Costa Blanca. Finca de la Pansa is a small hotel in Benissa with an enviable reputation. It is a 5* reviewed accommodation, with alot of facilities. All rooms ensuite and the price of your holiday is based on half board, which includes breakfast and evening meal. For more information about the accommodation check out https://finca-de-la-pansa.com/en/.

There is ample bike storage and charging points for e-bikes at the accommodation.

The Cycling

The cycling for the week is grade 3 to 4, steady to challenging. This trip is suitable for road bikes, hybrids and e-bikes. If you are hiring a bike, see additional information section for more details.

Group size: 6-8 people.

Dates & Prices

Dates 21-28 February 2027. Price for a double ensuite or twin share room ensuite is £995. Double ensuite room for sole occupancy supplement is £150. Please note this trip is based on a half board basis which includes breakfast and evening meal.

Bike hire rates on request and is payable locally.

The price stated is per person.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation is in double or twin ensuite or double for sole occupancy based on a half board basis and includes breakfast and evening meal.
• Services of a ride leader and host. 
• Support vehicle and bike mechanic
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• Return transfer from Alicante Airport for bikes, bags and cyclists to accommodation if pre-booked
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representation for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions) 
• Use of facilities including swimming pool etc

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets 
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals other than breakfast and dinner
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
• Transfer costs such as local taxis, minibuses to take you to meals booked at local pubs and restaurants

Transfer Information

To join this holiday, you will meet us at Alicante airport at a pre-allocated time or you can drive straight to the accommodation. There is no designated flight(s) for this trip due to the choice of airlines and frequency of flights into Alicante airport. You will need to be in the arrivals hall at the airport in the afternoon. You will need to provide Halcyon Cycling Holidays with your arrival details such as flight number, arrival time and departure airport at time of booking or call us for more information.

Bike Hire

We work with a local bike hire supplier in the Benissa area. There is a selection of bikes available for hire. Prices and availability on request. On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.

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