SpainVALENCIA CYCLING HOLIDAY
Self-Guided
SpainValencia Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,440 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday explores the diverse region of Valencia in Eastern Spain. Ride through natural parks and incredible scenery on this tour, while discovering the history, gastronomy and culture of the region.
Beginning in the charming Medieval town of Mora de Rubielos, you will also stay in the spa town of Montanejos, beautiful Segorbe and enchanting Valencia - Spain's third largest city.
You will visit stunning Medieval castles, thermal springs and some of the most significant ancient remains in the world, and you can enjoy the fine gastronomy in this part of the world. You will also discover the beautiful landscapes of the area. Ride through olive and orange groves, rice fields, fragrant pine forests and colorful cherry orchards as you descend from the inland mountains all the way down to the Mediterranean coast.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels and follows quiet roads and cycling greenways. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Mora de Rubielos
We pick you up from Valencia airport or train station and transfer you to the small town of Mora de Rubielos, situated high in the mountains that straddle the border between the regions of Valencia and Aragon.
Mora is dominated by its large Medieval castle and compact old town which is a lot of fun to explore, and is testament to the town's former role as a frontier garrison. Mora is also famous for the truffles harvested in the surrounding countryside and production of the local Teruel Ham. We highly recommend sampling some of these at one of the excellent restaurants in the town.
Mora is dominated by its large Medieval castle and compact old town which is a lot of fun to explore, and is testament to the town's former role as a frontier garrison. Mora is also famous for the truffles harvested in the surrounding countryside and production of the local Teruel Ham. We highly recommend sampling some of these at one of the excellent restaurants in the town.
Medieval town of Mora de Rubielos
Day 2 - Montanejos
The route today crosses from the region of Aragon into the province of Valencia, following a spectacular gorge for much of the day. The ride follows extremely quiet roads with a mixture of mountain and forest scenery.
The ride ends in the small town of Montanejos which is home to excellent thermal springs. The natural baths came to prominence in the Medieval period, when the town was part of the Muslim caliphate of Al-Andalus. They are free to visit and are situated close to the hotel, so make for a very relaxing afternoon and early evening!
The old town of Montanejos is also worth exploring, as it is home to some great tapas bars and charming cafes.
Shorter Route: 38km / 400m Elevation
(24 miles / 1300 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 900m Elevation
(41 miles / 3000 ft)
The ride ends in the small town of Montanejos which is home to excellent thermal springs. The natural baths came to prominence in the Medieval period, when the town was part of the Muslim caliphate of Al-Andalus. They are free to visit and are situated close to the hotel, so make for a very relaxing afternoon and early evening!
The old town of Montanejos is also worth exploring, as it is home to some great tapas bars and charming cafes.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 38km / 400m Elevation
(24 miles / 1300 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 900m Elevation
(41 miles / 3000 ft)
Arenos Reservoir
Day 3 - Jerica & Segorbe
From Montanejos the route continues heading slowly eastwards towards the Mediterranean coast. The first part of the ride follows an undulating road through picturesque open scenery, with fantastic views looking down through the open valleys.
You then join an off-road cycling greenway which continues gently downhill through the Sierra Espadán Natural Park. The route passes through the historic town of Jérica before arriving in Navajas - home to several spectacular waterfalls.
The day finishes in the nearby town of Segorbe. An important town since Roman times, Segorbe is another town with a charming historic center dominated by its hilltop castle and Medieval wall.
Shorter Route: 37km / 500m Elevation
(23 miles / 1750 ft)
Longer Route: 61km / 1000m Elevation
(38 miles / 3300 ft)
You then join an off-road cycling greenway which continues gently downhill through the Sierra Espadán Natural Park. The route passes through the historic town of Jérica before arriving in Navajas - home to several spectacular waterfalls.
The day finishes in the nearby town of Segorbe. An important town since Roman times, Segorbe is another town with a charming historic center dominated by its hilltop castle and Medieval wall.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 37km / 500m Elevation
(23 miles / 1750 ft)
Longer Route: 61km / 1000m Elevation
(38 miles / 3300 ft)
Medieval walls of Segorbe
Day 4 - Sierra Espadán Natural Park
The circular ride today follows a picturesque loop through the Sierra Espadán Natural Park. The shorter route follows gently rolling roads
through beautiful scenery, including pine forests, cherry orchards and almond trees.
Highlights include passing several castles, including the impressive Almonecir fortress, which was built by a group of warriors in the 12th century, when the region was part of a larger Muslim emirate.
The longer route includes some longer climbs which head into the heart of the Natural Park, here you can ride along some of the roads used in recent editions of the Vuelta a España cycling race.
Shorter Route: 33km / 500m Elevation
(21 miles / 1650 ft)
Longer Route: 46km / 1000m Elevation
(29 miles / 3300 ft)
Highlights include passing several castles, including the impressive Almonecir fortress, which was built by a group of warriors in the 12th century, when the region was part of a larger Muslim emirate.
The longer route includes some longer climbs which head into the heart of the Natural Park, here you can ride along some of the roads used in recent editions of the Vuelta a España cycling race.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 33km / 500m Elevation
(21 miles / 1650 ft)
Longer Route: 46km / 1000m Elevation
(29 miles / 3300 ft)
The impressive view from Almonecir Castle
Day 5 - Sagunto & Valencia
The cycling continues today following an off-road greenway. It heads mostly downhill towards the Mediterranean coast and the city of Sagunto.
An important town in the Ancient World, Sagunto played a key role in the development of history in the west. It was here that Hannibal besieged before taking his elephants across the Alps and entering into the Second Punic War with Rome. An event which changed the power balance of the Mediterranean world for seven centuries and led directly to Roman occupation of Spain.
The remains of the Roman citadel are the star attraction and are combined with a later Arabic castle built on the same hilltop. Elsewhere in the town the Roman theatre and Jewish quarter are also well worth visiting.
From Sagunto, the shorter route catches the local train into Valencia, with the option of doing an additional short ride along the beach front. The longer route ride through the fertile horta (orchard) region to the north of Valencia.
Both routes finish at the hotel in the historic heart of Valencia. It is situated just a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage listed silk exchange and the lively barrio of El Carmen.
Shorter Route: 38km / 240m Elevation
(24 miles / 800 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 350m Elevation
(41 miles / 1300 ft)
An important town in the Ancient World, Sagunto played a key role in the development of history in the west. It was here that Hannibal besieged before taking his elephants across the Alps and entering into the Second Punic War with Rome. An event which changed the power balance of the Mediterranean world for seven centuries and led directly to Roman occupation of Spain.
The remains of the Roman citadel are the star attraction and are combined with a later Arabic castle built on the same hilltop. Elsewhere in the town the Roman theatre and Jewish quarter are also well worth visiting.
From Sagunto, the shorter route catches the local train into Valencia, with the option of doing an additional short ride along the beach front. The longer route ride through the fertile horta (orchard) region to the north of Valencia.
Both routes finish at the hotel in the historic heart of Valencia. It is situated just a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage listed silk exchange and the lively barrio of El Carmen.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 38km / 240m Elevation
(24 miles / 800 ft)
Longer Route: 64km / 350m Elevation
(41 miles / 1300 ft)
Sagunto Citadel - The fortress that sparked an ancient World War!
Day 6 - Albufera Natural Park
For the final day in the saddle your route visits the Albufera Natural Park - a picturesque wetland area to the south of the Valencia. The day begins by riding through Valencia's
Turia Gardens, before visiting the city's beach and marina area.
You head out of the city on cycle lanes alongside the coast before reaching the Natural Park, which is home to a large lagoon. It's a popular spot with birdwatchers thanks to a high number of resident and migrating species that can be spotted there.
In the Albufera you ride through rice fields and El Palmar is a great place to stop for lunch. Restaurants in the village have the reputation of making the finest paellas in all of Spain.
After touring the Albufera, the route returns on cycle lanes back to the hotel in the center of Valencia.
Shorter Route: 44km / 100m Elevation
(27 miles / 330 ft)
Longer Route: 66km / 150m Elevation
(41 miles / 500 ft)
You head out of the city on cycle lanes alongside the coast before reaching the Natural Park, which is home to a large lagoon. It's a popular spot with birdwatchers thanks to a high number of resident and migrating species that can be spotted there.
In the Albufera you ride through rice fields and El Palmar is a great place to stop for lunch. Restaurants in the village have the reputation of making the finest paellas in all of Spain.
After touring the Albufera, the route returns on cycle lanes back to the hotel in the center of Valencia.
Cycle Routes
Shorter Route: 44km / 100m Elevation
(27 miles / 330 ft)
Longer Route: 66km / 150m Elevation
(41 miles / 500 ft)
Rice Fields of the Albufera Natural Park
Day 7 - Valencia
After breakfast, the cycling holiday comes to an end. We can help to arrange extra nights for you to stay in Valencia and discover more about one of Spain's finest cities.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Valencia's airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
If you prefer not to extend your stay, we will transfer you to Valencia's airport or train station in time for your onward journey.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Valencia's Silk Exchange
This multi-faceted tour is a great choice for fans of history, gastronomy and beautiful scenery. The Medieval centres of Mora de Rubielos and Segorbe take you back in time to a different world. While the castles of Almonecir and Sagunto played an active
role in some of the most important events in Mediterranean history.
The thermal baths at Montanejos and the natural scenery of the Calderona and Espadán Natural Parks are also breathtaking in their landscapes. As are the fruit orchards, pine forests and rice fields that provide the backdrop for much of the riding.
The gastronomy is also a real highlight. There is ample opportunity to taste the local specialities; including Teruel Ham, black truffles and, of course, the traditional Valencian paella.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
The thermal baths at Montanejos and the natural scenery of the Calderona and Espadán Natural Parks are also breathtaking in their landscapes. As are the fruit orchards, pine forests and rice fields that provide the backdrop for much of the riding.
The gastronomy is also a real highlight. There is ample opportunity to taste the local specialities; including Teruel Ham, black truffles and, of course, the traditional Valencian paella.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
Mora de Rubielos
This beautiful Medieval village is set dramatically in the mountains. Its largely intact wall and historic center makes for great exploring.
Stunning Scenery
The rides pass through no less than four Natural Parks.
Pine Forests
The landscapes change through the tour, from the pine forests of the interior, to the orange and rice fields near to the coast
Torres de Serranos - Valencia
This imposing gate was the historic entrance to the city of Valencia. It later served as a prison for members of the nobility who had fallen foul of the law.
Valencia Beach
The city is home to the largest city beach anywhere in Europe.
Valencian Gastronomy
Valencia has a thriving gastronomy scene. Paella remains the classic dish, but many restaurants now offer superb tasting menus.
Jérica
Cycling past the charming town of Jérica, where we stop for a coffee in the old town.
Off Road Cycling Route
A significant part of the route follows this spectacular off-road cycling route. Converted from an old railway line it's very gentle gradients and lack of taffic make for hugely enjoyable riding.
Segorbe
One of the most fascinating towns on the route, the center of Segorbe is packed with historic monuments. The city has been regarded as a key strategic location ever since it was founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago.
Thermal Springs - Montanejos
These naturally warm springs are a great place to relax at the end of the day. On this tour we spend a night in Montanejos, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the thermal waters.
Wood Fired Paellas
Experience paellas and other rice dishes cooked in the most traditional and authentic style.
Sierra Calderona
This optional ride from Segorbe enters the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. The area is popular with birdwatchers due to its large populations of different eagles.
Admiring the Scenery
Taking a break in Jérica.
Salto de la Novia - Navajas
This spectacular waterfall is one of several that we pass on the ride through this beautiful gorge.
Pleasant Riding
Impressive and colorful rock formations are a common sight.
Sagunto Citadel
This fortress sparked the ancient equivalent of a World War between Rome and Carthage.
Hannibal is at the Gates
In the year 219 BCE, the Carthaginian leader Hannibal Barca sieged Sagunto citadel and burnt it to the ground. When Rome responded by declaring war, Hannibal marched across the Alps with his elephants to take the fight to Italy!
Valencia Cathedral
The cathedral is in the heart of the city, right next door to the remains of the original Roman forum.
Quiet Lanes
When we are not following off-road cycle routes, we ride along quiet country lanes. We encounter very little traffic on the bike.
Orange Fields
Valencia is known for its oranges, which provide a colorful backdrop during some of the rides.
Albufera
The large Albufera lake and its surrounding rice paddies are the home of paella..
La Lonja - Valencia
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the historic Valencian silk exchange. Goods were imported here from Europe and beyond and it was a hub of activity during Spain's golden age in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Albufera Rice Fields
The Albufera Natural Park is Spain's main rice growing region.
Valencia Marina
In Valencia you ride through the impressive marina area, cycling along a section of the city's Formula 1 racetrack.
Included
- ✔ Six Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast each day at the hotel
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike*).
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival / departure point (Valencia - see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ GPS tracks and mobile app, so that you can follow the routes stress free
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions (optional extra)
- ❌ Train ticket from Sagunto to Valencia on Day 5 (shorter ride). We provide full details of how to purchase the ticket at the station and which trains you can catch. Ticket cost is around €3.70 EUR
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Hybrid bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday, we can also provide carbon road bikes and e-bikes for an extra supplement (€100 for the tour).
We generally recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes or e-bikes for this tour. However, if you prefer we can also provide road bikes, although the routes do change slightly for these to avoid a couple of gravel sections.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
We generally recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes or e-bikes for this tour. However, if you prefer we can also provide road bikes, although the routes do change slightly for these to avoid a couple of gravel sections.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as between easy and medium difficulty if you ride the shorter routes. The distances are quite long for an 'easy' tour, but we do start the route at well over 1000m (3300ft) altitude and finish at sea level, so there
is more downhill than up!
There are some climbs on the holiday, but they are not too long and have gentle gradients so it's possible to get into a nice rhythm and spin up them at your own pace.
The routes follow a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The cycle ways are mostly paved but have some short (non-technical) gravel sections. We hate riding alongside cars so avoid it as much as possible!
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
There are some climbs on the holiday, but they are not too long and have gentle gradients so it's possible to get into a nice rhythm and spin up them at your own pace.
The routes follow a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The cycle ways are mostly paved but have some short (non-technical) gravel sections. We hate riding alongside cars so avoid it as much as possible!
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival and departure points are the city of Valencia. Valencia has a large international airport serving many destinations.
If you can not find a direct flight to Valencia, Alicante is nearest large airport, which is just two hours from Valencia by train or bus. Madrid is another option, with regular high speed trains running between Valencia and Madrid, taking just 90 minutes.
We will pick you up from anywhere in Valencia (e.g. airport, train station, a hotel) and transfer you to Mora de Rubielos at the start of the tour. And we will transfer you back to Valencia airport or train station at the end of the holiday. Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Valencia.
If you can not find a direct flight to Valencia, Alicante is nearest large airport, which is just two hours from Valencia by train or bus. Madrid is another option, with regular high speed trains running between Valencia and Madrid, taking just 90 minutes.
We will pick you up from anywhere in Valencia (e.g. airport, train station, a hotel) and transfer you to Mora de Rubielos at the start of the tour. And we will transfer you back to Valencia airport or train station at the end of the holiday. Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Valencia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Should I do the longer or shorter routes?
This depends entirely on you! The longer and shorter routes all start and finish at the same place, and so you can decide on any given day which you would prefer to do. There is no need to commit until the day of the ride itself.
On the longer routes you see more and are able to visit more places, while the shorter routes are more relaxing and ideal if you like to take your time and go at a slower pace.
If you would like to visit the extra towns and monuments on the longer routes, but are worried about the distances, then we recommend hiring an e-bike, which will give you more flexibility.
What is the weather like?
This region is mostly dry and sunny, with little rain. The best months for cycling are from March to June and September to November when the temperatures are warm
and pleasant for riding, without being too hot.
During spring and fall (autumn), daytime temperatures tend to be between 20°C (60°F) and 25°C (77°F), which we believe is pretty much perfect cycling weather!
In winter it is possible to do this tour, but be aware that the first couple of days in the mountains can be quite chilly, particularly in the monrings, so it is important to come prepared for such weather.
It is also possible to do this tour in July and August, but you should bear in mind that it can get hot during the middle of the day, so fairly early starts are recommended.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Valencia.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit Madrid,
Barcelona, the Costa Blanca or any other destination in Spain.
Why does this tour not visit more of the coast?
Simply because we believe that inland Valencia is more scenic and enjoyable for cycling than the coast. The coast is quite built up and industrial, and
the scenery is a bit boring compared with the hills and picturesque villages of the interior.
If you would like to alter the itinerary to include some riding along the coast then we would be happy to arrange this. But we generally recommend visiting
towns such as Peñiscola or Denia before or after the cycling holiday, rather than trying to ride to them.
Can I do this as a guided tour?
Yes. For more details, please check out our Guided version of this holiday.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our page on Valencia
And we also have some more indpeth articles looking at the fascinating history and culture of the regions of Valencia and Aragon:
La Trufa Negra
In Mora de Rubielos you stay in a delightful 4-star spa hotel situated near to the imposing castle.
The hotel is also the best restaurant in the town, offering a gourmet tasting menu which specializes in the local black truffles. The name of the hotel itself literally translates as The Black Truffle!
The hotel is also the best restaurant in the town, offering a gourmet tasting menu which specializes in the local black truffles. The name of the hotel itself literally translates as The Black Truffle!
Hotel Rosaleda de Mijares
In Montanejos you stay in a small, charming 3-star boutique hotel situated in a prime location overlooking the Mijares river.
It is just a short walk from the town's main attraction: its thermal springs.
Hotel Spa Martin el Humano
In Segorbe, you stay for two nights in a beautiful 4-star spa hotel that is situated in a restored 18th century convent. It is set around a large courtyard and has spa facitlies. It is located in the historic center,
next to the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter and the castle.
Hotel Melia Plaza
In Valencia you stay for two nights in this excellent 4-star hotel situated in the heart of the old town. It is beautifully decorated and is less than a five minute walk to the cathedral and La Lonja - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Starting Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Round | €1,440 EUR | €490 EUR | Hybrid Bicycles Included
Road / E-bikes: €120 EUR |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
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