Valencia, Color and Contrasts

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 17 / 20 / 29 mi. (27 / 32 / 46 km)
Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 9 - 19 mi. (15 - 30 km)
Day 4: Ontinyent, 0 - 25 mi. (0 - 40 km)
Day 5: Ontinyent - Xativa, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Xativa - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Cullera - Valencia, 29 / 35 mi. (46 / 56 km)
Day 8: Valencia

Approx. 137 - 168 mi.  (220 - 270 km) by bike

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
You arrive in Biar, a city rich in heritage, highlighted by its 12th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes. It is suggested to simply stroll around the old quarter with its maze of narrow streets, and discover the quaint squares, churches, and so much more. 

Sample accommodation:  Hotel rural la Façana

Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 17 / 20 / 29 mi. (27 / 32 / 46 km)
Welcome meeting and bike delivery at your hotel. The meeting can be arranged from 8 am until 10 am.  Your route will follow a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages, approaching Banyeres de Mariola where you can choose between three routes:

Route 1: This option is quite flat, bordering the natural enclave known as Paraje Natural de la Serra de Mariola, then on to Bocairent.
Route 2: This route enters directly into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, leading to higher ground. You will marvel at the stunning views and abundance of flora and fauna. You then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent for your overnight. Not to be missed is a stroll in its old quarter. 

Sample accommodation:  3-star, Hotel Agora

Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 9 - 19 mi. (15 - 30 km)
After a healthy and hearty breakfast, You’ll set off and pedal towards Ontinyent, the district capital with an interesting historic heart in terms of architecture. You’ll find a whole host of cafés and restaurants where you’ll be able to enjoy an array of local gastronomic delights.

There are two options: 
Route 1: The shortest option where in just a few kilometers you’ll be in Ontinyent, enabling us to spend more time in a leisurely visit to the stunning medieval town of Bocairent.
Route 2: You take the green route that will take us to La Valleta d’ Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as we pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola. You’ll go through villages like Alfafara and Agres, marked by their own distinctive characters.

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Hotel Kazar 

Day 4: Ontinyent, 0 - 25 mi. (0 - 40 km)
You have two options to choose from:

Route 1: You can decide to visit the city of Ontinyent or relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Route 2: Do a circular route: you ride down a quiet road past placid fields sown with grain crops as well as olive groves and vineyards. You’ll see some stately edifices perfectly nestled into the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins; there you’ll visit one of the former noblemen’s houses now converted into wine cellars and visit some specialty shops that offer artisan-produced delicacies and craftwork.  Wine tasting available. 

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Hotel Kazar 

Day 5: Ontinyent - Xàtiva, 22 mi. (35 km)
You’ll start the day pedaling past verdant fields and fertile groves of almond, olive, and apricot trees, all making a patchwork with persimmon plantations and old vineyards. You’ll go through Albaida with its interesting fortified palace commanding its historic heart. You’ll come across small villages and hamlets as we head to the shores of the Bellús dam. The area around the dam is of great scenic and ecological value. You’ll come across a number of cultural artifacts such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams), and elements of irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You’ll take a path bordering the gorge of the Albaida River, (in spring/summer we can take a dip in its waters to cool off). You will then head to the noble town of Xàtiva, a place steeped in history and crowned by an imposing castle

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Casa Aldomar Guest House

Day 6: Xàtiva - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
You depart from the city of Xàtiva and delve deeply into the hinterland of València with its verdant market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for its quality oranges which is blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. The route leads on quiet roads and paths that weave their way through the rich green tapestry along the floor of the valley.  You will ride alongside the River Xúquer, which irrigates all these fields and groves.  Your goal today is the coastal city of Cullera with its beautiful sea views. Be sure to sample a few of the rice specialties of the area. Located amidst rice fields, the star ingredient of the cuisine is rice in all its varieties including Valencian paella, “arroz a banda” (rice with fish stock), “arroz negro” (rice with octopus ink), rice with lobster, seafood rice, etc. Enjoy!

Sample accommodation:  3-star, Hotel el Chalet

Day 7: Cullera -  Valencia, 29 / 35 mi. (46 / 56 km)
You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera,  one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes, and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna.

It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar.

Upon reaching Valencia, you’ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market – a cathedral of a market, indeed! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer so many kinds of cafés, bars, and restaurants. The lovers of good food will be pleased. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

Sample accommodation: 4-star, Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia

Day 8: Valencia
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay.

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15 / 20 / 29 mi. (24 / 32 / 46 km)
Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Ontinyent - Salem, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Salem - Xativa, 21 - 25 mi. (33 - 40 km)
Day 6: Xativa - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Cullera - Valencia, 29 / 35 mi. (46 / 56 km)
Day 8: Valencia

Approx. 109 - 162 mi. (175 - 260 km) by bike 

Day 1: Arrival in Biar
You arrive in Biar, a city rich in heritage, highlighted by its 12th Century castle that has witnessed many historic episodes. It is suggested to simply stroll around the old quarter with its maze of narrow streets, and discover the quaint squares, churches, and so much more. 

Sample accommodation:  Hotel rural la Façana

Day 2: Biar - Bocairent, 15 / 20 / 29 mi. (24 / 32 / 46 km)
Welcome meeting and bike delivery at your hotel. The meeting can be arranged from 8 am until 10 am.  Your route will follow a former railway that goes parallel to the River Vinalopó. You’ll pass fruit-tree orchards and many small villages, approaching Banyeres de Mariola where you can choose between two routes:

Route 1: This option is quite flat, bordering the natural enclave known as Paraje Natural de la Serra de Mariola, cycling to higher ground towards Bocairent.
Route 2: This route enters directly into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, leading to higher ground. You will marvel at the stunning views and abundance of flora and fauna. You then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent for your overnight. Not to be missed is a stroll in its old quarter. 

Sample accommodation:  3-star, Hotel Agora

Day 3: Bocairent - Ontinyent, 19 mi. (30 km)
After a healthy and hearty breakfast, You’ll set off and pedal towards Ontinyent, the district capital with an interesting historic heart in terms of architecture. You’ll find a whole host of cafés and restaurants where you’ll be able to enjoy an array of local gastronomic delights. The route will take us to La Valleta d’ Agres, conducive to a serene frame of mind as we pedal past groves of fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive mountain range known as Serra de Mariola. You’ll go through villages like Alfafara and Agres, marked by their own distinctive characters.

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Hotel Kazar 

Day 4: Ontinyent - Salem, 19 mi. (30 km)
You will cycle along a peaceful lane past a variety of quiet fields sown with cereals, olive groves, and vineyards.  You will experience magnificent views and history as you explore the small villages of the Benicadell area.  There are interesting, historical, man-made features such as the pits built to catch and store snow.  There are remnants of an irrigations ustem started by the Romans and perfected by the Arabs later.  The area has much to offer with its archaeological excavations, castles, palaces, ancient fountains, and caves. 

Sample accommodation:  3-star, Hotel Granja San Miguel 

Day 5: Salem - Xàtiva, 21 - 25 mi. (33 - 40 km)
You’ll come across small villages and hamlets as we head to the shores of the Bellús dam.  You will see some of the best preserved architectural heritage in the region and marvelat at traditional handicrafts.  Enjoy the locally-produced cuisine. The area around the dam is of great scenic and ecological value. You’ll come across a number of cultural artifacts such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams), and elements of irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful.   You can choose between two routes:

Route 1:  The shorter route, where you will go straight to the shores of the Bellús dam.
Route 2:  The longer route in which you end by visiting the towns of the Benicadell Valley and can visit the shores of the Bellús dam after, if you choose.    

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Casa Aldomar Guest House

Day 6: Xàtiva - Cullera, 34 mi. (55 km)
You depart from the city of Xàtiva and delve deeply into the hinterland of València with its verdant market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for its quality oranges which is blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. The route leads on quiet roads and paths that weave their way through the rich green tapestry along the floor of the valley and includes following part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries. There is an opportunity to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Your goal today is the coastal city of Cullera with its beautiful sea views. Be sure to sample a few of the rice specialties of the area. Located amidst rice fields, the star ingredient of the cuisine is rice in all its varieties including Valencian paella, “arroz a banda” (rice with fish stock), “arroz negro” (rice with octopus ink), rice with lobster, seafood rice, etc. Enjoy!

Sample accommodation:  3-star, Hotel el Chalet

Day 7: Cullera -  Valencia, 29 / 35 mi. (46 / 56 km)
If you choose the longer option for your last day:  You will start off along the banks of the River Xúquer.  These waters irrigate the multiple fields and groves of the entire district. 

You venture into the natural reserve known as Parque Natural de la Albufera,  one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to marvel at different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes, and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna.

It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. You can go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar.

Upon reaching Valencia, you’ll explore the formidable old quarter with its cathedral and central market – a cathedral of a market, indeed! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer so many kinds of cafés, bars, and restaurants. The lovers of good food will be pleased. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

Sample accommodation:  4-star, Hotel Silken Puerta Valencia

Day 8: Valencia
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay.

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