Valencia and Castellón: Mediterranean bike tour

The tour begins with a private transfer to the town of Segorbe, set deep in the Castellón countryside, for your bike fitting and welcome briefing.

Depending on how much time you have available,  you can do an optional warm-up ride into Segorbe (36km/22.4 miles, +724m/+2375ft).

The historic city of Segorbe is the capital of the fertile Palancia river valley, and has been inhabited since ancient times. We highly rcommend exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage: the 13th century Cathedral, the Fort of the Star and the medieval city walls.

We recommend a stop in the small town of Jérica, famous for its Moorish-era architecture, although it has been occupied by many different civilizations since ancient times.

From here, you’ll cycle to the town of Viver where you can visit the local farm and sample some of their organic  learn  about the organic products they offer: wine, oil, beans and nuts. A descent into the valley takes you through Novaliches, past the Regalejo reservoir and into Navajas, a small town famous for the nearby  “waterfall of the bride”, a spectacular natural waterfall some 60m in height.

Leaving Segorbe behind, you’ll reach the town of Geldo, where you can admire the Palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, a fine example of civil Gothic architecture.

From here, your route leads through the cork forests of the Sierra de Espadán, passing hidden mountain villages crowned by medieval castles and offering superb views over the Palancia River Valley, before a relaxed descent into Vall d’Uixó.

In Vall d’Uixó, you may choose to take a boat ride along the Caves of San Josep, home to Europe’s longest navigable underground river. We also recommend visiting the Ibero-Roman archaeological site, the town’s two aqueducts, and the old quarter, where medieval farmhouses sit alongside elegant Belle Époque mansions.

From Vall d’Uixó, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, flat ride through fragrant orange groves all the way to Xilxes on the coast. From here, 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 continuing with an easy seaside ride to your hotel in Canet.

In Canet, stroll south along quiet beaches framed by dunes and orange groves, and take time to enjoy the sea and the hotel pool.

Today’s cycle ride takes you out of Canet and along the Via Augusta through the towns of Puçol and El Puig. The latter is famous for the majestic Royal Monastery of Santa María, which houses an original Byzantine altarpiece dating back to the 7th century.

From here, you’ll cycle through Valencia’s huerta (orchard): a fertile plain dotted with orange groves, rice paddies, vineyards, and many of the ingredients that define Valencian cuisine.

You’ll reach Valencia’s urban beach of La Patacona, and from here you can follow cycle paths into the centre of one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain.

Arrival/departure airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) or Valencia (VLC)

Direct flights to Barcelona are widely available from many international destinations, and direct flights to Valencia are available from a number of destinations within Europe.

From Madrid, you can travel  by high-speed train to Valencia. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, and direct connections are available throughout the day.

Please consult with your Bike Spain Tours travel coordinator if you wish to book extra nights in Madrid before or after the tour. Some of our favourite hotels are:

• Ocean Drive Madrid****: Elegant, modern option with a rooftop pool.
• Petit Palace Posada del Peine****: Charming historic option, in operation for over 400 years.