FAMILY FRIENDLY CYCLING
The pretty town of Denia with its hilltop castle, Montgo mountain and chic marina is a wonderful beach resort to explore by bicycle.
The town centre has plenty of cycle lanes so you can ride safely while exploring the 15 kilometres of beaches, the historic town centre or the Montgo mountain.
The landscape is mostly flat in and around Denia town centre and beaches so it’s easy cycling for everyone. Tougher terrains include the Montgo nature reserve - which is still do-able if you are fairly fit – or the mountains and valleys in and around Jalon.
We have chosen five cycling routes where you can see the natural beauty of Denia, which can be enjoyed all the year thanks to the temperate climate in the Alicante region of Spain.
A beautiful but flat and easy cycling route is through the green way (via verde) in Denia which travels along the old railway track cutting through orange groves and farms with views of the Montgo in the distance.
The train between Denia and Gandia was stopped more than 30 years ago, although there are constant campaigns to have it reinstated. Now, the track has been turned into a beautiful green way between Denia and El Vergel.
It’s a gravel track so suitable for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchair users. It’s a flat, comfortable path with orange groves on either side as well as palm trees and vines.
It’s a great ride either early morning or towards dusk, especially for bird watchers. There are picnic tables so you can have a rest while enjoying the solitude.
The path ends near Els Poblets and El Vergel but you can continue along the cycle lane to Pego to take a tour of the wetlands where the special Bomba rice is cultivated for making paella.
The path starts by the Natura garden centre in Camino de Pego and is six kilometres long. If you prefer, you can take side turnings to head to the beaches at Las Marinas in Denia instead of staying on the path.
Another flat and easy ride is along the beach at Las Marinas in Denia where you will find sand dunes, a pretty little park and a lighthouse.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars along this stretch of the beach or in El Portet on the way to the lighthouse so it’s great to have a pre-lunch ride to work up an appetite for a paella or seafood by the seaside.
You can start at the Bassetes park in Las Marinas, near Hostal Oasis, or the Plaza de Benidorm square, which is 1.5kms from Bassetes park.
It’s a short ride of between 3.3kms if you start at the park or 1.8kms from the square.
This is another lovely bike ride for all the family and is particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset with the sun going down behind the mountains.
There are wooden walkways along the beach which are suitable for cyclists to make for easy riding among the sand dunes before reaching Bassetes park.
The green area has picnic tables, swings, open-air keep-fit equipment and a bar.
Heading towards Denia town centre, the ride takes you to the El Portet area with fine yachts, restaurants and bars. You can watch the ferries heading between the resort and the Balearic islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Mallorca.
Past the ferry terminal is the north jetty leading to the lighthouse. The views from here looking back over Denia are fabulous, so don’t forget your camera for a lasting memento of your trip.
You have a magnificent view over the harbour, the Valencia coastline with its impressive mountain ranges, including the Montgo, as well as the impressive Denia castle.
Keeping by the magnificent Mediterranean, our third bike ride takes us to the rocky coastline of Denia’s Las Rotas.
You could do this ride at the same time as the ride from Las Marinas to the lighthouse.
Simply keep heading south along the coast, past the marina and you will get to the charming Marineta Cassiana beach.
Keep heading away from the town towards the Cabo de San Antonio cliffs. The 5km ride is right by the coast and is pedestrianised in many parts.
Once past Helios bar, the coastline has pretty little rocky bays which are ideal for snorkelling with clear waters to see shoals of little fish and other marine life.
There are several small micro reserves along the route with information boards pointing out the unique plants to be found here.
You can finish your ride towards the end of Las Rotas by Restaurante Mena, which is a lovely stop-off point for a paella or fish dish on the terrace overlooking the sea.
Otherwise you can head up to the Gerro watchtower, 130 metres above sea-level, to enjoy fine, far-reaching sea views.
Now it’s time to head away from the sea to take a closer look at the dramatic Montgo mountain separating Denia and Javea. It’s remarkable shape has been compared to a sleeping elephant.
A fairly gentle way to get to know the Montgo nature reserve is a 5.5km ride from the little Pare Pere chapel to the Gamell cave.
If you are starting in Denia, you will need to head to the Plaza Jaume I square and follow the Pou de la Montanyai road with a signpost to the Pare Pere chapel.
The chapel is where the Franciscan monk lived among nature in quiet contemplation and prayer.
The ride is along a mountain trail following a road used by farmers in years gone by. Now, it is a haven for hundreds of different species of flowers, herbs and trees.
It’s home to many wild birds including owls and eagles, and animals such as lizards, snakes, toads, foxes, dormice and badgers.
It’s worth the climb for the views alone as you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the coast and over Denia. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Ibiza.
Hardier cyclists can enjoy a challenging ride over the Montgo from Denia to Javea. You could cycle back or head into Javea port to catch the little boat back to Denia while you sit back to take in the spectacular coastline of cliffs, bays and sandy beaches.
Again, the ride starts in Plaza Jaume I square but initially takes you away from the Montgo. Instead it heads through the Torrecremada, where the Monday outdoor market is held, and through the roads, past the old cement works, and out towards open countryside.
You will see small farms with orchards filled with orange, olive and almond trees, which look particularly beautiful when the blossom is out in spring-time.
The route takes you along country lanes into La Xara, past the old riu rau building where raisins where dried, and past Jesus Pobre cemetery with its impressive cypress trees.
After 25kms, we reach Javea where you can head for the Port to catch the boat back or take a look at Javea’s historic old town or Arenal beach with its pretty promenade lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
This is a fairly long ride and is of a medium level. There are some flat stretches plus a few climbs to stretch you.
Don’t forget to take plenty of water with you, to wear a proper cycling helmet especially in traffic and to top up the sun cream.
If you don’t have your own bike, there are several rental companies or tourism firms offering excursions by bike. Denia tourist information office will have more information.