Road cycling route from Altea
Cycling to Guadalest
The perfect first ride of a trip: 50 km from Altea through the Algar valley to the castle village of Guadalest and its turquoise reservoir, with a long, fast descent home through Polop.
49.7 km
The full loop from Altea and back
957 m
Total climbing, most of it in one steady climb
6 km
The main climb up from the Algar valley, at around 5%
682 m
The high point, on the ridge above Guadalest
The route at a glance
- Distance 49.7 km
- Climbing 957 m
- Highest point 682 m
- Time 2 – 3 h
Inland from Altea to Polop and down to Callosa d'en Sarrià, then along the quiet Algar valley and up the long, steady climb to Guadalest. Carry on through Benimantell and over the ridge, then enjoy one of the best descents in the area, back down to Polop and home to Altea.
- Easy to moderate
- Reservoir views
- Café at Guadalest
- Ideal first ride
The climb
Up the Algar valley to Guadalest
After Callosa the road runs almost flat along the Algar valley, past the turning for the Fonts de l'Algar waterfalls. Then it starts to climb, about 6 km at around 5%, with the reservoir appearing below you as you get higher. Nothing here is steep: it is a climb to find your legs on, not one to suffer on.
Guadalest itself is one of the most visited villages in the region: a castle and bell tower on a rock above a turquoise reservoir. Stop for a coffee before carrying on through Benimantell to the high point of the day, at about 680 m.
The way home
A long descent to Polop
From the ridge above Guadalest the road drops about 450 m in 8 km to Polop: wide, well surfaced and flowing. It is one of the most enjoyable descents near Altea. Take it steadily the first time, because a few of the bends tighten more than you expect.
From Polop it is gently downhill through La Nucía and back to the coast, so the last part of the ride is an easy roll home.
Route notes
Kilometre by kilometre
Distances are taken from the GPX file and rounded. Use them to plan food and water stops, not as turn-by-turn directions.
- km 0 Start at Hotel Cap Negret in Altea and head inland.
- km 0 – 8 A gentle climb away from the coast towards Polop, to about 230 m.
- km 8 – 14 Roll down to Callosa d'en Sarrià, the last town before the valley. Cafés and a supermarket.
- km 14 – 20 Along the Algar valley, nearly flat at around 260 m, past the turning for the Fonts de l'Algar waterfalls.
- km 20 – 26 The main climb: about 6 km at around 5%, with the reservoir coming into view below.
- km 26 Guadalest. Castle village, viewpoints and plenty of cafés.
- km 26 – 30 Through Benimantell and over the ridge to the high point of the ride, at about 680 m.
- km 30 – 38 A long, flowing descent of about 450 m to Polop.
- km 38 – 50 Gently downhill through La Nucía and back to the coast at Altea.
Before you go
Tips for riding it
Start early
Guadalest is a big draw for day trips, and from late morning the village and the road below it get busy. Leave Altea early and you will have the climb mostly to yourself.
Food and water
Callosa d'en Sarrià before the valley, and Guadalest at the top. On a ride this short, two bottles are plenty outside summer.
Make it longer
Feeling good at Guadalest? The Aitana route continues up through Confrides into the high mountains.
Ride it on a proper bike
Which bike for Guadalest?
Any of our bikes suits this ride. The SuperSix EVO 2 is the all-rounder most riders choose for a week here. On the Synapse Neo e-road bike, couples and groups of mixed fitness can ride the climb together. If you want the lightest bike for the climbs, take the SuperSix EVO LAB71 SL.
Next rides
Where to go next
Once you have your legs, the classic next step is the Coll de Rates loop: 74 km over the climb the professional teams use for testing. For a day by the sea, ride the coast to Calp, Benissa and Moraira. Or see all six routes from Altea.
This route was generated by a cycling router along real roads, and the distance, climbing and profile are measured from that line. Treat it as a planning guide: road works, closures and café opening times change with the season. Maps © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Ride to Guadalest
Start your trip with the right bike
Tell us your dates and your height. We will set the bike up to your position and have it ready at Hotel Cap Negret, or delivered to where you are staying.