The best gravel rides around Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes

There are over 75 gravel bike routes in Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 20 moderate routes, and 51 difficult routes, offering a wide range of experiences from coastal paths to challenging mountain climbs.

The terrain in Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes is diverse, featuring mountainous landscapes with rugged summits, coastal paths, and sections of old railway lines like the Greenway between Benicàssim and Oropesa del Mar. Riders can expect a mix of hard-packed trails, loose stone sections, and dedicated bike lanes, often with demanding ascents and descents.

Yes, the park offers several challenging routes. For an epic experience with significant elevation, consider the climb to Pico Bartolo. A notable difficult route is the Via Verde Oropesa Benicassim – Torre Badum and Cala Argilaga loop from Benicàssim, which is 110 km long and combines coastal paths with Greenway sections. Another difficult option is the Bartolo Summit – Desert de les Palmes Pass loop from Residencial Alborán, featuring over 700 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, there are 20 moderate and 5 easy routes available. A popular moderate option that features significant climbs through the park's interior is the Desert de les Palmes Pass – Desert de les Palmes Pass loop from Benicàssim. Another moderate trail with varied terrain and viewpoints is the La Plana Alta Viewpoint – Via Verde Oropesa Benicassim loop from Benicàssim.

The park is renowned for its panoramic views. Peaks like El Bartolo (729m) and Mola del Morico (694m) offer spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coast. You can find specific viewpoints such as View of Castelló from El Bartolo and El Colomer Observatory – Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes. Even the parking area of the old convent provides fantastic views.

The park has a rich history. You can visit the vestiges of the old Carmelite convent, established in 1697, which gave the park its name. Other historical sites include Castell de Fadrell and Ermita de la Magdalena. The Hermitage of Saint Michael on Pico Bartolo is also a notable landmark.

The park is home to the European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), the only endemic palm tree in Europe. You'll also encounter typical Mediterranean trees and shrubs like maritime pine, Aleppo pine, strawberry trees, and rosemary. The geomorphology of the park features spectacular rocky formations, such as Santa Àgueda Needles Pass, and multiple natural springs.

While specific seasonal conditions are not detailed, the Mediterranean climate generally makes spring and autumn ideal for cycling, offering milder temperatures and pleasant conditions. Summers can be hot, and winters are typically mild but may have occasional rain.

The park offers a range of routes, including 5 easy and 20 moderate options, which could be suitable for families depending on their experience level. Routes that incorporate sections of the Greenway, like parts of the Via Verde Oropesa Benicassim – Tunnel de Capicorb loop from Benicàssim, might offer a more gentle experience. Always check the route difficulty and distance before heading out with family.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes are designed as loops. Examples include the Desert de les Palmes Pass – Desert de les Palmes Pass loop from Benicàssim and the La Plana Alta Viewpoint – Via Verde Oropesa Benicassim loop from Benicàssim, providing convenient circular journeys.

The gravel biking routes in Parc Natural del Desert de les Palmes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 600 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs, stunning coastal views, and diverse trail surfaces.