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Please leave your luggage in the hotel reception each morning (by 9am at the latest) so that it can be transferred to your next hotel. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labelled with the nametag provided.
Our local partners will pick you up on Monday, April 7th at 9:30am from Hotel Silken Puerta de Valencia for your bike fitting and transfer to the start of your first bike route. In case of any issue please contact Santi on +34 629 522 300
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Valencia is often referred to as the “Orchard of Spain” (La Huerta de España) due to its vast and fertile agricultural lands, particularly its “Huerta Valenciana”, a region famous for producing high-quality fruits and vegetables. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and an extensive irrigation system (some of which dates back to Moorish times) has made Valencia one of the most productive agricultural regions in Spain.
Locally-grown products such as oranges, rice, chufas (tiger nuts) and olives come together in Valencia’s fabulous and diverse gastronomy.
Don’s miss the opportunity to try a real Valencian paella – the pride and joy of Spanish cuisine! The “authentic” paella is passionately defended by Valencians, who insist that it should be made only with rabbit and chicken. However, a wide range of combinations are available, although it’s probably safer to refer to them under the umbrella term of arroces (rice dishes)! In Valencia city, you can find many arrocerías along the beach, and in the city centre we recommend La Cigrona and El Forcat.
Other popular variations on the paella include arròs a banda – rice cooked in fish broth, usually served with aioli – and fideuà – a seafood dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Another local favourite is horchata: a milkshake-like drink made from tiger nuts (chufas), often combined with fartons: sweet pastries. Stop for breakfast at Orxateria de Santa Catalina and try this classic combo for yourself!
Reward yourself after all that cycling with a typical Valencian cocktail: Agua de Valencia! This deceptively strong combination is made with freshly-squeezed orange juice, cava and gin, and one of the most popular places to enjoy is is the whimsical Café de Las Horas.
Heading inland to Castellón, we find meat dishes such as olla de la plana – a traditional winter stew with meat, vegetables, and legumes – and caragols en salsa – snails cooked in a rich, slightly spicy tomato sauce.
Another good option for carb-loading between bike rides is ximo de Castellón: a fried sandwich filled with tuna, egg, and tomato.
Castellón is also well-known for its pastries, or cocas de Castellón: savoury or sweet pastry, similar to a flatbread. A popular sweet option is pastissets de boniato: sweet pastries filled with a delicious sweet potato paste.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Many places will offer a menú del día: a set menu with 2/3 options for each course, usually including a drink, bread and dessert or coffee. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Click here for our packing suggestions for a self-guided bike tour.
Click here for our recommendations for cycling safely and legally in Spain.
Click here for our recommendations on what to do if you experience mechanical issues with your bike during your tour.
Sunday, 6th April: Valencia
Arrival day
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Puerta de Valencia
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Welcome to Valencia, and to your self-guided cycling tour!
Valencia is the third-biggest city in Spain, and the most bike-friendly! A charming old town contrasts with futuristic cultural centres, while golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea are just a stone’s throw away.
Enjoy some free time exploring Valencia, and sampling the local cuisine.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Valencia.
Valencia is the third-biggest city in Spain, and the most bike-friendly! A charming old town contrasts with futuristic cultural centres, while golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea are just a stone’s throw away.
In the old quarter, you can visit Valencia’s Gothic Cathedral (open Mon – Fri 10:30am – 6:30pm, Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm and Sun 2pm – 5:30pm), which dates back to the 13th century and is said to house the Holy Grail! We recommend climbing the Miguelete belltower for fantastic views over the city.
Nearby is the extravagant Silk Exchange (open Mon – Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 2pm), once the hub of Valencian commerce and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Take a stroll in Jardí del Túria, Spain’s largest urban park, built over the dry riverbed of the now-diverted River Turia. The park was almost replaced with a motorway during the final years of the Franco dictatorship, but the plan was scrapped thanks to the protests of local residents.
Near the park, you’ll find the imposing Torres de Serranos, part of the original city wall.
A little outside the city centre, you’ll find the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (open daily from 10am – 7pm), designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Featuring Europe’s biggest aquarium, an enormous 3D cinema and museums dedicated to arts and science, this enormous complex is worth a whole day in itself!
Don’t miss the opportunity to try a real Valencian paella – the pride and joy of Spanish cuisine! Another local favourite is horchata: a milkshake-like drink made from tiger nuts.
Mercado Central (open Mon – Sat 7:30am – 3pm) For an authentic local experience, enjoy some drinks and snacks at Valencia’s largest market.
Grab a traditional breakfast of horchata and fartons at Horchatería Santa Catalina (open daily 8:15am – 9:30pm)
Vuelve Carolina (open Mon – Sat 1:30pm – 5pm/8:30pm -12am) Quirky fusion food by triple Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta.
La Cigrona (open Wed – Sat 1:30pm – 4pm/8:30pm – 11pm, Sun 1:30pm – 4pm) Popular local paella spot. Prior booking highly recommended.
El Forcat (open daily 1pm – 5pm/8pm – 11:30pm) High-quality paella in the city centre.
Café de Las Horas (open daily 10am – 1:30am) Whimsically decorated cocktail bar famous for Agua de Valencia. If you can’t get a seat, soak up some of the local atmosphere at one of the bars surrounding the nearby Plaza del Negrito.
Monday, 7th April: Segorbe
Route: 36.3 km/22.6 miles
Elevation: +724m/2376 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Martín el Humano
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, spa, laundry
9:30am: Our local partners will pick you up from Hotel Silken Puerta de Valencia and transfer you to Serra for your bike fitting and welcome briefing. Make sure to take all your luggage with you so that it can be transferred to Segorbe!
Your first warm-up cycle route begins in Serra, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Serra de Calderona Natural Park. Cycle through beautiful natural landscapes of indigenous cork oak forests, dotted with historic watchtowers.
One of the oldest of these is Puntal dels Llops near Olocau, an Iberian fortress that dates back to the 5th century BC. In Olocau itself, you can visit a small museum, Casa de la Senyoria (open Wed – Sun, 9am – 3pm), which exhibits artefacts collected from the archaeological site.
From Olocau, you’ll follow the Barranc de Gátova river as it winds its way up into the mountains, catching glimpses of ruined castles and windmills on the hillside, until you reach tonight’s destination: Segorbe.
Bike Shops
Segorbe: CICLOESPAI Segorbe. Tel: (+34) 964 132 076. Open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 1:30pm/5pm – 8:30pm, Sat 9:30am – 1pm
Click here for our Google Maps recommendations in Segorbe.
Located in a fertile plain, Segorbe has been inhabited since ancient times and preserves many of its historic structures.
The Cathedral of Segorbe (open Tue – Sat 1pm-3pm) dates back to the 13th century and is one of the few remaining examples of Valencian Gothic style.
The current Castle of Segorbe, known as the Fort of La Estrella, is a 19th-century reconstruction built on the ruins of the medieval castle, which itself was constructed over earlier fortifications dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations through these historical layers make for a fascinating visit.
From the castle, you can explore the remains of Segorbe’s medieval walls, over one kilometer of which remain intact.
Segorbe is famous for the Entrada de Toros y Caballos bull running festival, which takes place in September. For a taste of the bull running atmosphere, visit the Centro de Interpretación (open Mon – Sat 9am-2pm/4pm-6pm, Sun 10am-2pm) dedicated to the festival, where you can experience a virtual reality recreation of the festival.
For a deeper understanding of local gastronomy, we recommend the Museo del Aceite, set inside a historic olive press (open daily 11am – 2pm), where you can buy locally-produced Belluga olive oil.
Those interested in learning more about local history can visit the excellent Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography (open Tue – to Thu and Sun from 11am – 1pm, and on Fri/Sat from 11am – 1pm/5pm – 7pm).
Segorbe’s traditional dish is is olla segorbina, a hearty stew made with white beans, pork, and potatoes. We recommend trying it at Restaurante Senda de la Brasa (open Thu – Tue 8:30pm – 11pm) or at Restaurante Ambigú (open Tue – Sat 9pm – 10:30pm).
Tuesday, 8th April: Segorbe loop
Route: 35.2 km/22 miles OR 49.3 km/30.6 miles
Elevation: +385m/1263 ft OR +706m/2316 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Martín el Humano
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, spa, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you’ll cycle part of the Ojos Negros bike path through the stunning mountain landscapes of the Sierra Calderona and Sierra Espadán Natural Parks.
You’ll follow the bike path out of Segorbe, passing through a short tunnel to come to a viewpoint with stunning views over the Regajo reservoir. From here, you’ll continue through apple orchards, past the small chapel of the Cruz Cubierta de Jérica, and on to the town of Jérica itself. We recommend a stop here to admire the numerous monuments, narrow Moorish-style streets and historic buildings.
Jérica is particularly famous for its Moorish-era architecture, although it has been occupied by many different civilizations since ancient times. Don’t miss the castle, famously conquered from the Moors by legendary Spanish hero El Cid, and the Mudéjar belltower, considered to be the emblem of the town. Fans of contemporary history should visit the Vegatilla trench, located just outside town, legacy of the town’s history as a battlefront during the Spanish Civil War.
Depending on time available, you might also like to cycle the Vuelta de la Hoz path, a short loop that takes you along the Palancia river canyon.
If you fancy a snack before resuming your bike ride, we recommend Pastelería Mesado (open daily 9:30am–2pm/5pm-8pm) to try a local pastel jericano cake: a pastry made with lemon and meringue cream, topped with chocolate.
Leaving Jérica behind, you’ll cycle to the town of Viver where you can visit the local cooperative farm (open Mon – Fri 8am–2pm/4pm–7pm, Sat and Sun 8am – 2pm) and learn about the organic products they offer: wine, oil, beans and nuts. Modern history fans can pay a visit to the CIBAL (Battle of the Levante Interpretation Centre), which explores the town’s role in the Spanish Civil War.
Optionally, you can extend your route by approximately 13km/8 miles, climbing north through the forest before descending into the small town of Benafer, set in a spectacular location surrounded by moutains and bursting with historic charm.
A descent into the valley takes you through Novaliches, past the spectacular Regalejo reservoir and into the small town of Navajas.
Navajas is known for its stately homes, due to centuries of popularity among wealthy Valencian families, thanks to its a favorable climate and good water.
We highly recommend taking a short detour along the river to see the spectacular El Salto de la Novia (the “waterfall of the bride”), and visiting the Elm of Navajas, planted in 1636 as a symbol of unity between exisiting residents and new arrivals.
From Navajas, it’s an easy, flat ride back to Segorbe.
Bike Shops
Segorbe: CICLOESPAI Segorbe. Tel: (+34) 964 132 076. Open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 1:30pm/5pm – 8:30pm, Sat 9:30am – 1pm
Wednesday, 9th April: Segorbe – Vall D’Uixó
Route: 38.5 km/24 miles OR 45km/28 miles
Elevation: +396m/1300 ft OR +537m/1762 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Belcaire
Hotel services: Restaurant
Meals included: Breakfast
Please remember to leave your luggage with hotel reception by 9am each day so that it can be collected and delivered to your next hotel.
Leaving Segorbe behind, you’ll reach the town of Geldo, where you can admire the Palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, a fabulous example of civil Gothic architecture.
Your next stop is the stunning mountain town of Castellnovo, famous for its magnificent Rennaissance castle, built by the notorious Borgia family.
Optionally, you can extend your route by taking a 6.5km detour to the beautiful mountain village of Almedíjar, where you can purchase local artisan cheese from Quesería Artesana Los Corrales (open daily 9am – 2pm) and wash it down with local wine made at Bodega Alcovi (open Sat & Sun 11:30am – 2pm, wine available for purchase at local bars and restaurants).
From here, the route takes you through the cork forests of the Sierra de Espadán mountain range, discovering hidden mountain villages overlooked by medieval castles and enjoying fabulous views of the Palancia river valley before enjoying a relaxed descent into Vall D’Uixó.
Bike Shops
Vall D’Uixó: BicisKm. Tel: (+34) 964 667 343. Open Mon – Fri 9:30am – 1:45pm/5pm – 8:30pm, Sat 10am – 1:30pm
Vall D’Uixó: Bicicletas Manrubia. Tel: (+34) 964 667 035. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 2pm/5pm – 8pm, Sat 11am – 1:30pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Vall D’Uixó.
In Vall D’Uixó, the star attraction is the boat ride through the Caves of San Josep, which boast the longest navigable underground river in Europe (prior booking highly recommended, tickets available here).
We also recommend a visit to the nearby archaeological site of the Ibero-Roman settlement, which dates back to the 6th century BC.
Heading into the town centre, we recommend a visit to the town’s two aqueducts and a stroll around the old quarter, where the remains of medieval farmhouses rub shoulders with elegant Belle Epoque manors.
Your hotel has its own restaurant, which is open daily for lunch and dinner. If you would like to explore the town further, we recommend the following options:
Restaurante Bodega El Guano (open Tue – Sat until 5pm, Fri and Sat 9pm – 11:30pm)
Restaurante La Gruta (open Tue – Sun until 5pm, Fri and Sat 8pm – 11pm), a unique spot set in a natural cave.
Restaurant L’Horta (open daily 1:30pm-4pm, Fri – Sun 8pm – 11pm)
Thursday, 10th April: Vall D’Uixó – Canet
Route: 32.1 km/20 miles
Elevation: +33m/107 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Barú
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
From Vall D’Uxó, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, flat ride through fragrant orange groves all the way to Xilxes on the coast. From here, you’ll follow the beach into the nearby resort town of Casablanca, where you can take an optional detour around the Estanys de Almenara lagoon, a protected nature reserve, before enjoying an easy coastal ride to your hotel in Canet.
Bike shops
Puerto de Sagunto: Calderona Bike. Tel. (+34) 961 489 743. Open Mon – Fri 10am -1 :30pm, Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 5pm – 8pm
Puerto de Sagunto: Tribike. Tel. (+34) 961 183 573. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 1:30pm/5pm – 8:30pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Canet!
The charming seafront town of Canet offers visitors a beautiful promenade, as well as some of Spain’s very best beaches, with clear, shallow waters and fine sand.
The town also boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the lighthouse, the 19th century Saavedra Palace and the Church of St Peter.
Briza cocina mediterránea (open daily 11am – 6pm) for a well-deserved paella by the sea!
La Siesta Salines Restaurant (open daily from 8pm)
Friday, 11th April: Canet – Valencia
Route: 45.5km/28.3 miles
Elevation: +130m/427 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Silken Puerta de Valencia
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s cycle ride takes you out of Canet and along the Via Augusta Roman road. Your first stop is Sagunto, and ancient town which still boasts an impressive number of Roman-era monuments. Chief among these is the Espacio arqueológico Vía del Pórtico (open daily, 10am – 3pm), where you can see the remains of an original Roman road and villa, and the Roman theatre. Nearby, you can visit the medieval castle, built over the remains of the Roman forum. Sagunto also boasts a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, whose characteristic narrow cobbled streets are well worth taking the time to explore.
The route continues through the towns of Puzol and El Puig. The latter is famous for the majestic Royal Monastery of Santa María (open Tue – Sat, 10am – 1pm/4pm – 6pm), which houses an original Byzantine altarpiece dating back to the 7th century. For the best views in town, cycle up to the ruined castle, which was once occupied by El Cid. If you fancy stopping here for lunch, we recommend a traditional paella in a spectacular setting, we recommend Restaurante Huerto de Santa María (open Tue – Sun, 1:30pm – 3:30pm).
From here, you’ll cycle through Valencia’s huerta (orchard): a fertile plain replete with orange groves, rice paddies, vineyards and all the other ingredients of the fabulous Valencian cuisine.
You’ll reach Valencia’s urban beach of La Patacona, and from here follow the cycle paths into the centre of one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain. If you’d like to treat yourself to a paella by the sea before heading into the city, there are plenty of fantastic options on the beachfront!
When you arrive at your hotel in Valencia, please leave your bikes with reception for later collection.
Bike shops
Puerto de Sagunto: Calderona Bike. Tel. (+34) 961 489 743. Open Mon – Fri 10am -1 :30pm, Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 5pm – 8pm
Puerto de Sagunto: Tribike. Tel. (+34) 961 183 573. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 1:30pm/5pm – 8:30pm
Sagunto: Manrubia Bikes. Tel. (+34) 961 187 591. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 1:30pm/4:30pm – 8pm
La Pobla de Farnals: Bicicletes Lluch. Tel (+34) 961 451 957. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 2pm/4:30pm – 8:30pm
Alboraya: Cloot Bikes. Tel (+34) 963 468 500. Open Mon – Fri 9am – 6:30pm
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Valencia.
In the old quarter, you can visit Valencia’s Gothic Cathedral (open Mon – Fri 10:30am – 6:30pm, Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm and Sun 2pm – 5:30pm), which dates back to the 13th century and is said to house the Holy Grail! We recommend climbing the Miguelete belltower for fantastic views over the city.
Nearby is the extravagant Silk Exchange (open Mon – Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 2pm), once the hub of Valencian commerce and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.
Take a stroll in Jardí del Túria, Spain’s largest urban park, built over the dry riverbed of the now-diverted River Turia. The park was almost replaced with a motorway during the final years of the Franco dictatorship, but the plan was scrapped thanks to the protests of local residents.
Near the park, you’ll find the imposing Torres de Serranos, part of the original city wall.
A little outside the city centre, you’ll find the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (open daily from 10am – 7pm), designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Featuring Europe’s biggest aquarium, an enormous 3D cinema and museums dedicated to arts and science, this enormous complex is worth a whole day in itself!
Don’t miss the opportunity to try a real Valencian paella – the pride and joy of Spanish cuisine! Another local favourite is horchata: a milkshake-like drink made from tiger nuts.
Mercado Central (open Mon – Sat 7:30am – 3pm) For an authentic local experience, enjoy some drinks and snacks at Valencia’s largest market.
Grab a traditional breakfast of horchata and fartons at Horchatería Santa Catalina (open daily 8:15am – 9:30pm)
Vuelve Carolina (open Mon – Sat 1:30pm – 5pm/8:30pm -12am) Quirky fusion food by triple Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta.
La Cigrona (open Wed – Sat 1:30pm – 4pm/8:30pm – 11pm, Sun 1:30pm – 4pm) Popular local paella spot. Prior booking highly recommended.
El Forcat (open daily 1pm – 5pm/8pm – 11:30pm) High-quality paella in the city centre.
Café de Las Horas (open daily 10am – 1:30am) Whimsically decorated cocktail bar famous for Agua de Valencia. If you can’t get a seat, soak up some of the local atmosphere at one of the bars surrounding the nearby Plaza del Negrito.
Saturday, 12th April
Departure day
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our services come to an end. We hope that you enjoyed discovering the Comunidad Valenciana with us!
