The best road cycling routes in Marjal De Pego-Oliva

And a lovely flattish bit of road!

Long port from Ebo, little shade, every curve is worth it

The road from Gata de Gorgos to Llíber is a quiet and picturesque ride through a narrow valley filled with vineyards and almond trees. It’s a route every cyclist can enjoy: almost no traffic, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. The asphalt is generally good, just a little bumpy here and there – as if a cheerful, slightly tipsy road worker laid it down. It adds a touch of character but is no problem at all for any type of bike, whether you’re on a road bike, gravel bike, or e-bike. Llíber is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a glass of local wine while taking in the views over the valley.

Just off the road between Sagra and Pego, the small turnoff toward Vall d’Ebo leads into one of the most beautiful and tranquil climbs in the Costa Blanca mountains. It may not be famous outside of cycling circles — but pros know it well: Tadej Pogačar holds the Strava KOM on this climb. From the Pego side, the ascent runs for about 8 km, gaining 400 metres at a steady average of 5%. The road is smooth, quiet, and beautifully engineered — with a flowing rhythm and wide, elegant curves. The landscape is peaceful and wild, with cliffs, pines, and far-reaching views. At the top, just before you descend into Vall d’Ebo, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view in both directions: looking back, the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea; looking ahead, the lush green valley of Vall d’Ebo, framed by rugged ridges and rocky outcrops. It’s a rare and stunning double panorama. If you continue past the village, you can create a magnificent loop via Pla de Petracos, riding through remote canyons and ancient rock formations before descending into Benigembla and back to the Vall de Pop. If you're riding from Vall d’Ebo toward Pego, the climb is shorter — about 3 km at 6% — but still very scenic, especially as you rise above the valley with dramatic views behind you. Vall d’Ebo may be quiet, but it’s world-class: pure road, total calm, and the kind of climb you’ll want to ride again and again.

If there’s one climb that defines cycling on the Costa Blanca, it’s Coll de Rates. Starting from the village of Parcent, this legendary ascent has become a must-ride for cyclists from around the world — from weekend warriors to Tour de France champions. The climb is just under 7 km long, with an average gradient of around 5%, making it both accessible and rhythmical. The road surface is excellent, the curves are elegant, and the views just keep getting better as you rise above the valley. This is no secret among the pros. Riders from Jumbo-Visma, INEOS, UAE Team Emirates and others regularly use Coll de Rates for winter training. Tadej Pogačar currently holds the Strava KOM, which says a lot about the kind of names that have tested themselves here. On clear days, the view from the top is simply breathtaking — stretching all the way across the coastline, and if you’re lucky, even Ibiza shimmers faintly on the horizon. There’s a café at the summit (seasonal), and the descent toward Tarbena or Castell de Castells is just as rewarding. With its mix of scenery, steady gradients and cycling history, Coll de Rates is one of the most climbed — and most loved — ascents in the world. If you ride only one climb in the region, make it this one.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic day out in nature, Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park is a hidden gem worth exploring. It’s a beautiful wetland area located between the towns of Pego and Oliva on the Costa Blanca, full of wildlife, rice fields, and freshwater springs. 🚶‍♂️ What to Do There • Walk or cycle the trails: There are several easy routes, including wooden boardwalks over the marsh, great for families or casual walkers. One of the most popular paths is the Ruta del Bullent, a circular walk that brings you close to rivers, rice fields, and the famous natural spring. • Swim in the Font Salada: This is a warm natural spring (about 21–24°C all year) where you can take a dip. The water is known for its skin-healing properties. • Birdwatching: The area is rich in biodiversity, with herons, ducks, and even rare fish and turtles. Bring binoculars if you can. • Enjoy the peaceful views: There are viewing platforms offering panoramic vistas of the marshes and surrounding mountains. 🧭 Tips for Your Visit • Follow the marked trails to protect the environment and avoid getting lost. • Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer. • Respect nature: take your trash with you, keep noise down, and don’t disturb animals or plants. • Avoid weekends in high season if you prefer quiet – it can get busy, especially at the spring. 🚗 Getting There & Parking Access is easy from the N-332 or the CV-700. If you’re visiting Font Salada, note that parking has recently been restricted. There’s a new small car park nearby (Racó del Fuster), and the spring is a short walk from there. It’s a perfect half-day trip, especially if you’re staying near Denia, Oliva, Jávea or inland in places like Pego or Alcalalí. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, families, or anyone needing a peaceful break in nature.

As you ride from Pedreguer toward Beniarbeig, take a moment to look up — the views of the Sierra de Segària and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. Especially in the morning light, the peaks rise above the orchards and farmland like a natural wall. It’s a tranquil stretch of road with panoramic scenery, perfect for spinning the legs and soaking in the Costa Blanca landscape.

The road from Pego to Sagra is a hidden gem for cyclists. With almost no traffic, it winds gently upward through shaded sections and rolling gradients — never too steep, but always engaging. Perfect for finding rhythm after the descent from Port de Sorell, this stretch offers a rare mix of quiet, flow, and relief from the sun on hot days.