The best traffic-free bike rides around la Vall de Gallinera

The only crossing over the river. Suitable spot for a picnic. It's not far to Villalonga from here.

Everything close to the train station. The castle, which is worth seeing, towers above.

There are several tunnels on the route. 2 to 3 longer ones: you absolutely need light. Otherwise, it's pitch dark.

A beautiful hike through the Hell's Gorge. The actual route along the railway line, and probably the most interesting section between L'Orcha and Mare de Deu (Barranco del Infierno = Hell's Gorge), is unpaved and unpaved, in some parts very gravelly and rough. Five metal bridges are missing, two stone bridges remain, and six tunnels are traversed, all without lighting.

The ford was replaced by a "bridge".

Fageca, also known as Facheca in Valencian, is a small and charming mountain village in the El Comtat region of Alicante province. Nestled in the Vall de Seta, it is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges such as the Sierra de la Serrella and Sierra de Alfaro. With just over one hundred inhabitants, Fageca is a place where time moves slowly, and peace and nature take center stage. The village consists of a compact network of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs, and small squares. At its heart stands the Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción, a modest yet atmospheric church that dominates the village skyline. Traditional architecture is well preserved, with many houses featuring original wooden doors, stone thresholds, and balconies adorned with blooming geraniums. The surroundings of Fageca are a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Several walking routes start from the village, leading through almond groves, olive trees, terraced hillsides, and spectacular mountain scenery. In spring, the valley bursts into white and pink with almond blossoms; summers bring dry, sunny days, while autumn offers cooler air and crystal-clear views of the rocky peaks. The local economy still relies heavily on agriculture — almonds, olives, and grapes are the main crops — alongside small-scale rural tourism. A few country-style accommodations and eateries serve traditional dishes such as olleta de blat, borreta, and pericana, often prepared from family recipes passed down through generations. Fageca has a strong sense of community. Annual village festivals, dedicated to the local patron saint, bring music, dancing, and communal meals to the streets. These summer festivities attract not only residents but also former villagers and visitors from the surrounding areas. Although it is not part of the official Ruta 99, Fageca lies close to several Ruta 99 villages, including Famorca, Benimassot, and Tollos. This makes it an excellent starting point or stopover for anyone exploring the authentic inland of Alicante. In short, Fageca is a place where peace, nature, and tradition meet — an ideal destination for those looking to escape the busy coast and experience the true soul of Mediterranean mountain life.

On Grabel, it's advisable to keep your tire pressures correct. I recommend over-inflating rather than underinflating. There are some cobblestone areas.

Tollos is a peaceful mountain village along the Ruta 99, a scenic route connecting the smallest villages of the Valencian Community. It’s a perfect turnaround point for cyclists riding from Alcalalí or the Vall de Pop. The approach from Fageca offers a quiet, steady climb, mostly shaded in the morning. Tollos itself is small but charming, and cyclists love stopping here for a classic bocadillo at the local bar — simple, delicious and authentic. For those looking to add an extra challenge, you can continue from Tollos to the Muro de Tollos, a steep climb that rewards you with stunning views. From the top, you can descend towards Beniaia, opening up loop options through the Vall d’Alcalà.