Cycling on the Costa Blanca: from easy cruising to serious climbs

I still remember my very first morning ride in Spain — struggling up a hill, sweat down my back, wrong gear, but a breathtaking view. Someone behind me called out “¡ánimo!”, and moments later a local flew past looking like he was just heading to the bakery. That’s when it clicked: cycling on the Costa Blanca is something else entirely. Not just physically, but mentally too. It’s movement with a view. Effort with reward. Silence carried on a breeze.

Taking it easy on the road

Not everyone wants to power up the mountain. Sometimes, you just want to take it slow, stop wherever you like, and discover things you’d never notice from a car. That’s where e-bikes are perfect. No sweat, just adventure. You get where you want to go — even if there’s a hill in between.

As Hans and Jolanda from Costa eBikes in Orihuela put it nicely: “Not everyone wants to push their limits on a road bike — sometimes you just want to enjoy the ride and take in more of the scenery. With an e-bike, you can handle the hills without breaking a sweat. Smart, if you ask us. Especially on the Costa Blanca, where the landscape keeps tempting you to go just a little further.”

The area around Orihuela, Torrevieja, and the inland salt lakes is especially beautiful to explore on an e-bike. No rush. No competition. Just you, the landscape, and the freedom to choose your own route.

Serious climbs for serious legs

At the other end of the spectrum: the road cyclists. The men (and women) in tight gear with calves that mean business. What I find fascinating — and I say this with respect — is that they often ride the same routes I do, just with different goals. Faster. Tougher. Tighter.

Elite Bikes in Jávea is one of those places where that world comes together. Their customers range from passionate locals to professional teams who come here to train. And for good reason. “Cycling on the Costa Blanca is truly something special. You’ve got sun almost all year round, and the routes are so varied — coastal roads, quiet backroads, tough mountain climbs — it’s all here. Think rolling hills near Jalón or classics like the Coll de Rates. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of riding behind you, this region is a paradise on two wheels. No wonder so many pros come here to log their winter miles. And honestly? We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

I take things a bit slower myself. My favorite route runs from Jávea to Vall de Laguar. You start with sea air and end with mountain views. And somewhere along the way, there’s always a place for coffee — which, let’s be honest, is just as important.

Riding with a view

What makes cycling here so special? It’s the landscape — it helps you put things in perspective. You clear your head with every pedal stroke, let your thoughts roll out with the road, and find your breath in the rhythm of your legs. That’s what it’s about for me. And whether you’re a serious cyclist or just want to enjoy the view without losing your breath, the Costa Blanca gives you space. For your body. For your mind. And everything in between.