Gravel rides

The simple truth is that the Moraira - Calpe area is known as road cycling destination and especially on the coastal area there is not much gravel to be found. However, a bit further from the coast, say behind the provincial road (N-332) there are sections to be found that can be explored on the gravel bike. We, as mountain bikers offering guide tours since 2015, we know these sections like the back of our hand and have know bundled these in a series of rides that could attract interest from either road riders that want to leave the busy roads behind or mountain bikers who are looking for a bit more accessible, easier off-road rides. Also, we added a number of gravel rides that are not in the immediate Moraira area but are worth about a half hour´s drive by car.

Gravel rides in the Moraira area

Several routes:

  1. Moraira - Calpe
  2. Moraira - Jalón
  3. Moraira - Denia

From Moraira, there are several options for gravel rides. We can head towards Calpe, Jalón, Jávea, Gata de Gorgos or Denia. Rides will typically be a combination of back roads (appr. 60%) and gravel sections (some 40%). Don´t expect groomed "champagne" tracks but these rides will certainly provide an alternative if you are looking for the roads less traveled on this side of the Costa Blanca.

  • Distance: 55 - 75 Km. (approximately).
  • Climbing: 750 - 1.100 m.
  • Duration: about 5 hours.
  • Price: from € 39,50 p.p. (bike excluded)

Get an impression of our local gravel rides

Gravel ride Jalon
Gravel ride Denia
Gravel ride Calpe
Gravel ride Moraira

Rides some 15 - 45 minutes drive from Moraira

For some longer rides with good gravel we take the car and drive between 15 minutues up to max. 1 hour from Moraira.

Gravel Parc Natural Marjal de Pego

Route: Gata de Gorgos - La Marjal - Pedreguer - Gata de Gorgos

This ride offers a fantastic mix of coastal views and inland gravel tracks. Starting from Gata de Gorgos, we venture onto less-traveled paths that hug the dramatic coastline before heading slightly inland to explore the Valencian rice fields that lie in de Marjal natural park. The route includes only one punchy climbs to keep things interesting and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the area. Good to know: after the climb it´s a short descent straight to lunch. It's a truly diverse ride that showcases the best of the Costa Blanca's natural beauty, perfect for those who enjoy varied terrain.

  • Distance: 70 Km. (approximately).
  • Climbing: 350 m.
  • Duration: about 5 hours.
  • Price: from € 45,00 p.p. (bike excluded)

Gravel Camins del Riu Xúquer

Route: Xeraco - Alzira - Xeraco

For this ride we head north, to Xeraco which is some 45 minutes drive from Moraira. Shortly after leaving Xeraco following a gravel track alongside the Vaca river we hit two punchy climbs with great views. Later on we again join a river, this time the Xuquer that ultimately leads us to Alzira where we break for lunch. When leave Alzira we follow the Camino Natural l'Antic Trenet which is a stunning gravel road offering great views to the surrounding mountain ranges. In the last 20 km we pass through Simat de la Valldigna, a village famous for its monastry.

  • Distance: 93 Km. (approximately).
  • Climbing: 600 m.
  • Duration: 5 - 6 hours.
  • Price: from € 50,00 p.p. (bike excluded)

Sierra Aixorta

Route: Benigembla - Castell de Castells - Benigembla

This is a pretty demanding and spectacular ride characterized by significant elevation, dramatic mountain views, and diverse tracks ranging from concrete back roads to chunky terrain. The combination of steep and mountainous roads combined with some rocky fire roads paved with chunky gravel makes this a demanding experience but once completed the rider wil be left with a sense of adventure and pride having completed the ride

  • Distance: 50 Km. (approximately).
  • Climbing: 1.600 m.
  • Duration: 5 - 6 hours.
  • Price: from € 50,00 p.p. (bike excluded)

Impressions

See these videos to get a better understanding of what to expect from our gravel rides:

Our approach to gravel riding

One of the first rules of gravel riding is "Do not define gravel riding". We plan to honour this rule and believe everyone has his or her personal approach to gravel riding. But it might be good to explain our approach in selecting these rides:

  • rides should be a least 25 - 35 % off road;
  • when including asphalted roads it should mostly be back roads and if possible roads you would avoid on a road bike;
  • we rather choose a rocky gravel section over a busy road, even it means a short hike-a-bike.

Did you know:

The Costa Blanca is home to some A class gravel events:

  • Iron Gravel. A self-supported, bikepacking and gravel cycling event held in Alicante, Spain. Distances range from spanning 100, 200, 360, and even 720 km. See for more information here.
  • GRAVAL. This is a an extreme ultracycling and bikepacking event starting in Valencia. More information here.