The best road cycling routes around Calles

The region around Calles, nestled in the hilly interior of the Valencian Community, offers a diverse topography. You'll encounter challenging climbs and scenic descents through mountainous areas, quiet roads winding through pine forests, and picturesque routes along river valleys. Areas like the Sierra Calderona Natural Park are known for their rewarding ascents and smooth tarmac, while the Sierra de Utiel-Requena offers routes through vineyards and natural reserves.

There are over 50 road cycling routes around Calles, offering a wide range of options for cyclists. These routes vary in difficulty and length, ensuring there's something for every preference.

Yes, the routes around Calles cater to various abilities. While the majority are considered difficult (around 30 routes) or moderate (around 20 routes) due to the hilly terrain, there is also at least one easy route available, providing options for different fitness levels and preferences.

Road cycling routes around Calles offer access to stunning natural and historical landmarks. You can explore the ancient Roman Aqueduct Peña Cortada, which is carved directly into rock, or visit the Peña Cortada tunnels and galleries. Other natural highlights include the serene La Playeta de Chelva, the impressive Chorros de Barchel Waterfalls, and the scenic Charco Azul of Chulilla. You might also cross the Turia River Suspension Bridge.

Yes, there are several excellent circular road cycling routes. A popular choice is the Road ports of La Serranía — Circular from Calles, a challenging 40.5-mile (65.1 km) path that traverses mountainous terrain with rewarding climbs and descents. Another option is the Benagéber Reservoir – Unbelievable road into Titaguas loop from Calles, covering 75.5 km.

The road cycling experience in Calles is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes challenging mountain passes and scenic river valleys, as well as the quiet roads with good pavement that enhance the riding experience.

The Valencian Community generally enjoys a pleasant climate with many sunny days throughout the year, making it conducive for cycling in various seasons. Spring and autumn typically offer the most comfortable temperatures for road cycling, avoiding the peak heat of summer while still providing ample daylight.

Absolutely. The region is dotted with traditional Spanish villages that can be integrated into your rides. For example, the Christian Quarter of Ollerías – Andalusí Quarter of Benacacira loop from Chelva leads through historical quarters, offering a blend of cycling and cultural exploration. Towns like Chelva, close to Calles, provide opportunities for rest stops and experiencing local culture.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the El Remedio Pass Ascent – Puebla de San Miguel Village loop from Calles offer a substantial challenge, covering over 146 km with significant elevation gain. The varied terrain and network of roads in the wider Valencian interior allow for planning multi-day tours, connecting different villages and natural parks.

For experienced cyclists, routes like the Climb to the port of El Remedio — Circular from Chelva present a significant challenge, covering 53.5 km with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. The Road ports of La Serranía — Circular from Calles is another difficult option, featuring over 1300 meters of ascent over 65 km.

While Calles offers a rural cycling experience, Valencia City is relatively close and is a highly bike-friendly city. It boasts over 200 kilometers of cycle paths, including the scenic Turia Gardens and routes along Malvarrosa Beach. You could consider a day trip to Valencia to enjoy urban cycling and explore attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences. For more information on cycling in Valencia, you can visit visitvalencia.com.