Key Takeaways: Altea Hills Loop Cycling Route

Why Altea Hills Loop Is Perfect For Road Cyclists

Altea sits right between Benidorm and Calpe, and its become one of those places where cyclists just keep coming back. The weather stays pretty good all year – hot summers and winters that dont freeze you off your bike. What makes this place special isnt just one thing, its how everything comes together.

The coastal loop from Calpe to Denia gives you a taste of what this area offers, but the Altea Hills Loop takes it up a notch. You get proper climbs without having to travel hours into the mountains. The local government actually cares about cyclists here – they’ve put in dedicated cycle lanes and marked routes properly. You wont spend half your ride trying to figure out where you’re supposed to go.

Most people who ride here say the same thing – its the mix that works. You can do a gentle coastal ride one day, then tackle something that makes your legs burn the next. The infrastructure means you’re not constantly worried about traffic, and the views? Well, they make those tough climbs feel worth it when you stop to catch your breath.

Getting To Know The Altea Hills Terrain

The Panorámica Altea climb stretches about 1.9 miles with an 8.1% average gradient. That might not sound like much on paper, but when you’re actually riding it, you’ll feel every percent. Some sections near Altea Hills hit 11.6% maximum gradient over 1 kilometer – those bits will have you out of the saddle.

What catches people off guard is how the gradient changes. You’ll get a bit of relief, think “okay, this isn’t so bad,” then hit another steep section. The road surface is generally good though, so you can focus on your effort rather than dodging potholes.

Key terrain features:

• Switchbacks that require good bike handling
• Steep sections mixed with moderate climbs
• Generally well-maintained road surface
• Limited shade in summer months
• Coastal winds can affect your ride

The climb starts from sea level, which means you’re working against gravity from the start. Unlike some mountain climbs where you warm up gradually, this one gets serious pretty quick. If you’re coming from bike rental services in the area, make sure you get a bike with gearing that suits climbing.

Planning Your Altea Hills Loop Ride

You cant just show up and wing it – well, you can, but you’ll have a better time if you plan a bit. The loop works best if you start early, especially in summer. By 10am, the sun’s already pretty strong, and those exposed sections get hot.

Water is crucial. There’s not many places to refill once you’re on the climb, so carry more than you think you’ll need. I learned this the hard way on a July ride when I ran out halfway up and had to ration what was left. Not fun when you’re already struggling.

Pre-ride checklist:

• Check weather forecast (wind direction matters)
• Carry 2-3 bottles of water minimum
• Pack energy gels or bars
• Bring basic repair kit
• Download route to GPS device
• Tell someone your planned route
• Check bike gears work smoothly

The route connects well with other cycling routes in Costa Blanca, so you can extend your ride if you’re feeling strong. Some people combine it with the coastal route back to make a full day of it. Just remember – what goes up must come down, and you’ll need energy for the descent too.

What Makes This Climb Different From Others

Sierra de Bernia gets talked about more, but Altea Hills has its own character. The views hit different here – you’re climbing but the sea stays visible most of the way. That Mediterranean blue keeps you company as you grind up the gradient.

The switchbacks aren’t as tight as some mountain climbs, which is good if you’re not super confident with technical descending. You can carry more speed through the corners without feeling like you’re gonna fly off the edge. The road width is decent too – if a car needs to pass, there’s usually room without things getting sketchy.

What surprised me first time I rode it was how quiet it gets. You’d think being close to tourist towns it’d be busy, but once you’re properly into the climb, traffic drops off. You get this weird peaceful feeling, just you, your bike, and that burning in your legs.

Compared to the Jalon Valley scenic loop, Altea Hills is shorter but punchier. Jalon gives you rolling terrain, while this is more of a sustained effort. Both are great, just different challenges.

Training Tips For Tackling The Gradient

An 8.1% average gradient isn’t a joke if you’re not used to climbing. Your flat-land fitness wont translate directly. You need to train your body for sustained power output while your heart rate stays high.

Training approach:

1. Build base endurance first (long, steady rides)
2. Add hill repeats once a week
3. Practice seated climbing (saves energy)
4. Work on cadence control (don’t mash gears)
5. Include some threshold intervals
6. Practice eating while riding uphill

The biggest mistake people make is going too hard too early. You see the gradient, feel fresh, and attack it. Then halfway up you’re cooked and crawling. Better to start conservative, find your rhythm, then push harder if you’ve got energy left.

Your gearing matters more than you think. If you’re spinning out or grinding, you’re wasting energy. A compact chainset (50/34) with an 11-32 cassette works for most people. Don’t let pride keep you in harder gears – spin to win on climbs like this.

Recovery between efforts is important too. If you’re planning multiple days of riding around Costa Blanca, don’t hammer yourself into the ground on day one. The mountain biking trails nearby offer good active recovery options if you want to stay on the bike but take it easier.

Best Times Of Year To Ride Altea Hills

The Mediterranean climate means you can ride year-round, but some months are definitely better than others. Spring (March-May) is probably peak time – temperatures sit around 18-24°C, perfect for climbing. You’re warm enough that your muscles work properly, but not so hot that you’re melting.

Summer (June-August) gets properly hot. We’re talking 30°C+ regularly. If you’re riding then, start at sunrise. By 7am you can be halfway up before the real heat kicks in. Carry extra water and don’t be a hero – if you feel dizzy or sick, turn around.

Seasonal breakdown:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild, 12-16°C, occasional rain, fewer tourists
• Spring (Mar-May): Perfect conditions, 18-24°C, busy with cycling groups
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, 28-35°C, early morning rides essential
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Good conditions return, 20-26°C, still busy

Autumn rivals spring for conditions. September can still be warm, but by October things cool down nicely. You get that sweet spot where its comfortable to climb but not cold on descents. Plus, the summer crowds have gone home, so roads are quieter.

Winter isn’t bad either, especially if you’re from northern Europe. What locals call “cold” is still warmer than most places. Just watch for rain – when it comes, it can make descents sketchy. The roads don’t have great drainage everywhere.

Connecting With Other Costa Blanca Routes

The beauty of Altea Hills is how it connects to other rides. You’re not stuck doing the same loop over and over. From the top, you can head inland toward Callosa or drop down to the coast and cruise to Calpe.

If you want a longer day, combine it with the Benidorm to Guadalest scenic ride. That adds serious distance and climbing, but the views up at Guadalest reservoir are worth it. Just make sure you’ve got the legs for it – that’s a proper full day in the saddle.

Popular route combinations:

• Altea Hills + coastal return to Calpe (50-60km)
• Altea Hills + Guadalest loop (100km+)
• Altea Hills + Callosa inland route (70km)
• Multiple laps of Altea Hills (for training)

The Villajoyosa to Relleu route is another good option if you want variety. It’s a different kind of climbing – more gradual but longer. Some days you want punchy climbs, other days you want sustained efforts. Having options keeps training interesting.

For something completely different, the long distance ride from Alicante to Calpe takes you through Altea. You could use the Hills loop as a detour or save it for another day. Point is, you wont get bored of riding around here.

What You’ll See Along The Way

The views are part of why people love this climb. You start down near sea level, old Altea town sitting pretty with its blue-domed church. As you climb, the perspective changes – suddenly you’re looking down on the town, the marina, the whole coastline stretching away.

The architecture changes too. Down in town its traditional Spanish buildings, whitewashed walls, narrow streets. Up in the hills you get modern villas, fancy houses with infinity pools. It’s interesting to see how the area’s developed, even if some of the new buildings aren’t exactly pretty.

On clear days (which is most days), you can see Benidorm’s skyscrapers to the south and Calpe’s Penon de Ifach rock to the north. The sea stays this incredible blue-green color that photographs never quite capture properly. You’ll want to stop for photos, but pick your spots – some corners don’t have much shoulder.

The vegetation is typical Mediterranean – pine trees, scrub, the occasional palm. Not lush like northern Europe, but it has its own beauty. In spring, wildflowers add splashes of color. By summer everything’s dried out and brown, but that’s part of the landscape’s character.

Practical Stuff: Where To Start And Finish

Most people start from Altea town itself. There’s parking near the old town, though it fills up quick in summer. Get there early or you’ll be circling looking for a spot. Some of the bike rental shops in town let you park if you’re renting from them, which is handy.

Starting point options:

• Altea old town (main option, parking available)
• Altea la Vella (quieter, less parking)
• Altea Hills itself (if staying nearby)
• Calpe (for longer loop version)

If you’re staying in Benidorm or Calpe, you can ride to the start. Adds distance but means no parking hassles. The coast road from Calpe is pretty straightforward – cycle lane most of the way, though watch for pedestrians near the beaches.

For food after, Altea old town has loads of cafes and restaurants. The climb finishes you’ll probably be hungry. There’s a few places up in Altea Hills too, though they’re pricier than down in town. Nothing beats a cold drink and some food after a hard ride though.

Toilets are available in town before you start. Once you’re on the climb, you’re on your own until you get back down. Plan accordingly – there’s not many discrete spots to stop if you need to.

Safety Considerations For The Descent

What goes up must come down, and the descent needs respect. That 11.6% maximum gradient works both ways – you can pick up serious speed if you’re not careful. The corners are generally safe if you take them right, but grab too much brake mid-corner and things can get interesting.

Descent safety tips:

• Check brakes before starting down
• Brake before corners, not in them
• Watch for gravel or debris
• Don’t cross center line on blind corners
• Keep weight back on steep sections
• Don’t follow too close to other riders

The road surface is mostly good, but there’s occasional rough patches. At speed, hitting a pothole can be nasty. Keep your eyes up, scan ahead, don’t fixate on your front wheel. If you see something sketchy, slow down before you reach it.

Traffic is usually light, but assume every corner has a car coming the other way. Some drivers take these roads quick, and they’re not always expecting cyclists. Bright clothing helps – you want to be seen from as far away as possible.

If you’re not confident descending, there’s no shame in taking it easy. You’ll still get down, just slower. Better that than crashing because you pushed beyond your skill level. The bike support services in the area are good, but you don’t want to need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Altea Hills Loop for a beginner cyclist? It’s challenging for beginners due to the sustained 8.1% gradient and steep sections up to 11.6%. If you’re new to cycling, build up your fitness with flatter routes first. The coastal routes offer easier alternatives to start with.

What kind of bike do I need for this route? A road bike with climbing gears works best. A compact chainset (50/34) and 11-32 cassette will make the steep sections manageable. Most bike rental shops in Calpe and Benidorm stock suitable bikes.

How long does the Altea Hills Loop take to complete? Depending on fitness and route variation, expect 1.5-3 hours. The main climb takes 15-30 minutes depending on your pace. Add time for the approach, descent, and any stops for photos or rest.

Is the route safe for solo cycling? Yes, its generally safe with good road conditions and light traffic. Tell someone your plans, carry a phone, and ride during daylight hours. The area has good mobile coverage if you need help.

What should I carry for this ride? Bring 2-3 water bottles, energy food, basic repair kit (spare tube, pump, tire levers), phone, and some cash. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential in summer. A lightweight jacket is useful for the descent even on warm days.

Are there places to stop for food and water along the route? Options are limited once you’re on the climb itself. Stock up in Altea town before starting. There are some cafes in Altea Hills, but don’t rely on them being open. Carry everything you need.

Can I ride the Altea Hills Loop year-round? Yes, the Mediterranean climate allows year-round cycling. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions. Summer requires early starts to avoid extreme heat. Winter is mild but watch for occasional rain making descents slippery.

What’s the best direction to ride the loop? Most riders go clockwise, climbing from Altea town up to Altea Hills. This puts the main climb early in your ride when you’re fresh. The descent back is fast and fun as a reward for the hard work.